Used Hyundai iLoad review

Exterior:

• Some owners have reported challenges with opening and closing the sliding doors, often attributed to dirt in the door track. However, this issue is generally preventable with regular maintenance.
• Minor rust problems may occur, particularly in iLoad vehicles exposed to excessive salt, such as those driven on snow-covered roads or near the ocean.

Interior:

• Unlike some European competitors that may develop electronic issues with age and mileage, the iLoad typically does not suffer from similar problems.
• The factory speakers are considered subpar, and replacing them is advisable for an improved audio experience.
• Early models with Bluetooth connectivity may have a microphone quality issue, leading to suboptimal sound during calls.

Mechanically – Petrol engines:

• The petrol variants feature the family Theta engines, known for a reputation of unexpected failures. However, unlike in other regions where eligible owners may benefit from a class action lawsuit for free engine replacement, Australian iLoads are not included in this program.
• Reasons for engine failure include knock sensor calibration, oil pressure issues, manufacturing defects, and overall poor design.
• Catalytic converter issues are common, leading to power loss and potential long-term engine damage. Repairing these engines is often impractical, resulting in scarce and costly second-hand replacements.

Mechanically – Diesel engines:

• Potential issues with diesel engines include blocked oil pick-up lines, sludge buildup in the manifold (referred to as the black death), turbo failures due to blocked feed lines, and concerns with EGR valves and coolers.
• Head gasket problems may arise in earlier or poorly maintained examples, while intercooler splits are also reported. Installing a catch can and regular servicing are highly recommended to prevent issues.

Transmission:

• Transmissions and differentials generally perform well, with regular servicing recommended to mitigate potential problems.
• Dual mass flywheels tend to fail before clutches, making regular inspection and maintenance essential.

Recalls:

• March 2010 – Faulty batch of throttle cables delivered to production line without polymer sleeve affecting 539 units of Hyundai iLoad and iMax models, leading to increased pedal effort and vehicle malfunction.
• December 2018 – Hyundai iMAX & iLOAD vehicles manufactured in 2018, involving 1,173 units, have a faulty rear sliding door locking mechanism that can fail.