Hyundai I30 2011 Problems

You’re in luck here, Tony, because both the petrol and diesel engines fitted to this generation of the i30 used timing chains rather than rubber toothed timing belts. As such, the chain should be good for the life of the engine, rather than requiring scheduled replacement like a timing belt.

For the record, most manufacturers say a rubber timing-belt should be changed (roughly) at 100,000km or 10-year intervals. That said, some carmakers recommend much shorter intervals, so it’s worth knowing this stuff. A failed timing belt will often destroy the rest of the engine, but so can a timing chain if it fails. It’s just that a chain is much less likely to fail in service.

This sounds awfully like a sensor problem of some sort. Electronic sensors really do control every aspect of a modern car, from the engine to the dashboard and everything in between. So, it’s conceivable that your problem is the fault of a single sensor that is throwing multiple things out of kilter and causing the problems.

But why the engine and dashboard at the same time? Because a car’s computer will often take its cues from a variety of sources. Without a properly functioning dashboard (and the information on road-speed the speedometer supplies to the computer) some engines won’t even run at all. The rough running and hard starting could be another symptom of this.

But don’t rule out something simple like a battery or charging system that is not pulling its weight. Low battery voltage can do strange and random things to a modern, electronically-controlled car.

On the surface it does seem unreasonable that the new transmission is not covered by the warranty. I would press Hyundai for an explanation of the problem, and an answer as to why the replacement transmission isn’t covered. If that doesn’t get a satisfactory response I would contact the Consumer Affairs people in Victoria and enlist their help.

Clutches do wear out and need to be replaced, and you will need to do that in the future when yours wears out. The mileage you quote is within the normal range.

It's probably easier to eliminate those that don't stack up, those being the VW Golf, Holden Cruze and Ford Focus.

All have transmission questions over them.

The best options would be the Mazda 3 and the Hyundai i30.

I've been in touch with Hyundai and they will sort your problem. They have encountered this before and it's a relatively easy fix.

It's under warranty, so take it back to the dealer and have them deal with it. It could be that a cut and polish would sort it out. If you'd like an independent assessment check your local motor trades association and have them refer you to a paint specialist.

We contacted Hyundai on Mark Pearson’s behalf and we received the following from a company spokesman:

“Fuel consumption figures displayed in accordance with ADR 81/02 are based on a static laboratory combined city and highway cycle test. They are not tested on the road. As a result, actual fuel consumption will vary. This is due to a combination of driving conditions, driving style as well as the condition of the vehicle. (e.g. air-conditioning, fuel type/quality used, weight, tyre pressures, wind, average speed, etc.).

These figures are therefore most useful to compare the relative performance of different vehicles – they all undergo the same test. The average motorist will experience consumption of approx 15-35 percent higher than what is stated on the fuel label due to the conditions that the laboratory test cannot simulate. Mr. Pearson’s vehicle is just over one month old, optimal fuel consumption figures are not likely to be achieved until the vehicle has travelled 10-15,000 km.”

If you apply the maximum variation Hyundai quotes you would get fuel consumption of a little over 6 L/100 km, which is about what he gets.