Hyundai ix35: all problems

The Hyundai ix35 is a compact SUV that was on the market between 2009 and 2015 and is still popular on the used car market. Unfortunately, this model suffers from various reliability issues that often only appear after 50,000 to 100,000 kilometres. From engine problems on diesel versions to wear in the suspension and electrical faults: the ix35 requires proper maintenance and attention. By identifying the known weak spots in time, you can prevent unexpected repairs and keep the car in good condition for longer. In this guide you can read exactly what to look out for.

For owners of Hyundai models, it is useful to have a broad overview of the most common technical issues. So also have a look at Hyundai car problems for more information about brand-specific issues.

Why the Hyundai ix35 is (and was) so popular

The Hyundai ix35 was the predecessor of the Tucson. The model offers buyers a spacious, practical SUV with a modern look at an affordable price. It was available with several engines. You could choose from 2.0 and 2.4 litre petrol versions, and 1.7 and 2.0 CRDi (Common Rail Diesel Injection) diesels. The ix35 was available with front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive and came with both manual and automatic transmissions.

Thanks to its competitive price level and the standard extended warranty, Hyundai attracted many buyers. The interior provided enough space for families and the boot was large enough for daily use. The technical performance turns out to be mixed in the longer term. Many owners report problems. These issues often appear outside the warranty period.

Overall reliability and points of attention

The reliability of the ix35 scores from mediocre to mixed. This depends on the engine type and drivetrain. Diesel engines suffer more frequently from faults than the petrol versions. The 4WD versions (Four Wheel Drive, four-wheel drive) have more sensitive components. Examples include the viscous coupling and driveshafts. These parts wear out faster or fail.

Most problems are concentrated in four main areas:

• Engine and fuel system, especially on diesel versions
• Transmission and drivetrain, particularly with four-wheel drive
• Suspension and steering due to accelerated wear of components
• Electronics and sensors that are prone to faults

Owners who mainly use the ix35 in town notice problems with the particulate filter more quickly. In pre-2012 models, mechanical components in the drivetrain are often weaker than in later production years.

The most frequently reported engine problems on the ix35

Diesel engines are sensitive to several faults. This applies especially to the 1.7 and 2.0 CRDi (Common Rail Diesel Injection). The preheating relay and the boost sensor regularly fail. This causes starting problems or loss of power. The glow plug relay sometimes breaks. The engine then starts poorly in cold weather. The turbo sensor can trigger a check engine light even when there is no major problem.

The particulate filter (DPF, Diesel Particulate Filter) becomes clogged when the car is regularly used for short urban trips. Diesel then mixes with the engine oil. This accelerates wear of internal engine components. This problem occurs less often in cars that regularly cover longer distances on the motorway, because the filter can then regenerate more effectively.

On the 2.0 and 2.4 litre petrol engines, the primary oil filter can become blocked between 30,000 and 50,000 kilometres. This is often due to poor fuel quality. It increases the risk of engine damage due to oil starvation.

Diesel versions from 2011 sometimes suffer fuel leaks due to a defective hose. You will notice this from a smell of diesel or a sudden loss of power. An official recall has been issued for this problem.

Prevent DPF problems by driving on the motorway for at least an hour once every three to four weeks. Use original engine oil and shorten the service interval to 10,000 kilometres if you use non-original oil. Regularly check for leaks under the car.

Transmission troubles: what to expect

On the automatic transmission, problems can occur with the cooling hose, for which a recall has been issued. Oil leakage from the centre coupling leads to total failure if it is not repaired in time. This issue mainly affects older models.

The manual transmission suffers from clutch issues. The clutch smells burnt, the pedal goes soft and gear changes become difficult. The master cylinder is often defective. This problem occurs on all engine versions with a manual transmission.

On four-wheel drive versions, driveshafts and bearings are prone to corrosion and wear. The splines rust together and the intermediate shaft bearing often fails after 50,000 kilometres on pre-2011 models, or after 120,000 to 150,000 kilometres on later versions. You will then hear a whining noise while driving.

The viscous coupling (VCU, Viscous Coupling Unit) can leak oil or fail electrically. The VCU is the component that controls the distribution of power between the front and rear axles in four-wheel drive. This part is expensive to replace and is more common on ix35 models that have been used off-road or in heavy-duty conditions.

Check whether the original driveshaft support bearing is still fitted. If so, replace this bearing as a preventive measure. On 4WD models, regularly inspect the underside for corrosion and oil leaks. Avoid off-road driving without first checking for mud build-up and rust.

Chassis and suspension: rattles and wear

The rear suspension of the ix35 has a number of weak points. The bushes in the floating control arms wear out after 60,000 to 70,000 kilometres. Torsion bars and links wear after 40,000 to 50,000 kilometres. Strut rods usually fail between 80,000 and 100,000 kilometres. Wear in these components causes rattling noises, especially on uneven road surfaces.

The steering system suffers from wear in the bearings in the steering rack (the so-called rack bearings, the internal bearings of the steering system) after 80,000 to 100,000 kilometres. This causes knocking noises when steering. The electric power steering is described by owners as unreliable, although concrete complaints occur less frequently.

On the front suspension, ball joints, anti-roll bar links and rubbers wear faster than average. You will notice this as a wobbly feeling at higher speeds or an uneven tyre tread pattern.

When buying a used ix35, check the bushes (rubber damping rings) and links (connecting rods between suspension components). Also inspect the shock absorbers thoroughly. Replace shock absorbers in good time to prevent damage to other components. Check the wheel suspension for loose bolts on all wheels.

Electrical faults and electronic quirks

The instrument cluster can fail while driving. Gauges and warning lights then flicker or stop working altogether. This often requires a software update or complete replacement of the cluster.

The body computer can cause problems. Several functions then fail at the same time: heating, door locking and lighting. The cause is often corrosion on earth points or battery terminals. Clean these regularly to prevent faults.

The reversing camera oxidises in winter, causing a poor image. Parking sensors sometimes fail without an obvious cause. The keyless start system hesitates for some owners and then requires a reset or replacement of the start button.

Tyre pressure sensors break easily if tyres are changed roughly. Handle the sensor valves carefully during fitting to prevent failure.

When buying, check all electronics thoroughly. Test the infotainment system (the audio, navigation and multimedia display). Also check the air conditioning, windows, mirrors and lights. Test the camera and sensors in a quiet location. Clean earth points and terminals as a preventive measure to avoid future problems.

Brakes and wear: a key component

The ix35’s brakes do not show any specific structural defects, but wear can progress faster than expected, especially on four-wheel drive models. The extra mass and weight of the drivetrain place higher demands on the braking system.

Rear brake discs and pads wear unevenly if the handbrake is regularly used in cold or wet conditions. Corrosion on the brake discs can cause vibrations when braking.

Check the thickness of the brake discs at every service. Pay attention to misalignment of the brake callipers. Misalignment causes uneven wear. Clean the brakes regularly to remove corrosion and dirt, especially after winter.

Interior and bodywork: minor annoyances

On red ix35 models, paint regularly flakes off the bumpers and bonnet. The paint peels away in thin layers, often without a clear cause. This is a known problem with this colour.

Seats wear quickly with intensive use, especially in family situations. The upholstery frays or fades after a few years. This is not a mechanical defect, but it does affect the appearance of the interior.

Door locks can stick, especially on the rear doors. Sometimes a door can no longer be opened from the outside, or conversely not from the inside. This is usually due to wear of the mechanical components in the lock.

Alloy wheels are vulnerable to kerbs and crack more quickly than average. When buying, carefully inspect the wheels for hairline cracks and deformation.

Rust is less common, but still check the wheel arches and the underside of the doors. On 4WD models that have been used off-road (away from paved roads), mud can remain trapped. This happens in hard-to-reach places. That mud causes rust.

Preventive maintenance: staying ahead of problems

Shorten the service interval to 10,000 kilometres instead of the standard 15,000 kilometres, especially on diesel engines. Preferably use original engine oil or an alternative of comparable quality.

Plan a longer motorway journey every three to four weeks to allow the particulate filter to regenerate properly. This prevents clogging and extends the life of the engine.

Inspect the underside of the car every six months. Look for leaks, corrosion and loose components. Pay particular attention to the driveshafts. Also check the transmission and suspension. Clean earth points and battery terminals annually to prevent electrical faults.

Replace bushes and shock absorbers preventively at around 60,000 to 80,000 kilometres. This is especially important if you regularly drive on bumpy roads. Preventive replacement avoids further damage to the chassis.

At every service, have the body computer software checked. Updates sometimes fix known issues before they appear.

What to look out for when buying a used ix35

Ask for the full service history. Check that all recalls have been carried out. Known recalls concern the seat belt tensioner (2011–2012), airbag nut, transmission cooling and fuel or oil leaks.

Take a thorough test drive and listen for unusual noises. You may hear whining from the drivetrain. The suspension may also rattle or the brakes may grind. Test starting several times, especially on diesel models. Check all electronics: instrument cluster, infotainment, camera, sensors and lighting.

Have the car inspected on a ramp or lift. Check for corrosion on the underside, oil or coolant leaks, and the condition of the driveshafts and transmission. Look for traces of mud or damage that indicate off-road use.

For diesel models, prefer cars that have regularly done long journeys. Check whether the particulate filter has ever been replaced or cleaned. On 4WD versions, check the VCU and intermediate shaft in particular detail.

Avoid pre-2011 4WD models with high mileage, unless recent work has been carried out on the drivetrain and suspension. On red cars, check the condition of the paint on the bumpers and bonnet.

Keeping your Hyundai ix35 in top condition

The Hyundai ix35 offers many practical advantages, but it does require consistent maintenance and attention to known weak spots. Diesel engines need extra care for the particulate filter and fuel system. Four-wheel drive means higher maintenance costs due to sensitive driveshafts and couplings. The suspension wears faster than average and the electronics can be prone to faults.

Through preventive maintenance, regular checks and timely replacement of wear-sensitive components, you avoid unexpected repairs. Budget for chassis and transmission maintenance after 100,000 kilometres. With the right attention and an understanding of the most common issues, you can keep the ix35 reliable and usable for many more kilometres.