Hyundai Getz Common Problems

The Getz is Hyundai's TB light hatch, sold here from 2002 to 2011 in three-door and five-door form. Series I cars (2002 to 2005) have a 1.5 or 1.3 petrol. From late 2005 the range moved to a 1.4 and a 1.6 petrol, carried into the final S and SX models from 2007. Every Getz has a 5-speed manual or a conventional 4-speed automatic, not a CVT, and stability control is listed for the SX from the October 2008 update. The Getz has a good name as simple, cheap transport that keeps going when serviced. The youngest cars are now about 15 years old, so wear and neglect matter more than design faults.

Timing belt neglect (all petrol engines, 2002 to 2011)

Getz engines use a rubber timing belt, and owners recommend changing it about every 90,000 km, so check the interval in the service book too. Many cheap Getz have passed through several owners and the belt history is often lost. A snapped belt stops the engine at once and can cause serious internal damage, which on a car this old usually means scrapping it. A belt and tensioner change at an independent workshop should cost roughly $400 to $800.

Clutch, gearbox and CV joint wear (manual, 2002 to 2011)

Manual cars see heavy use as first cars and city runabouts. Some owners report clutch and flywheel replacements on high-kilometre cars, and a few report gearbox or CV shaft failures. Hard-to-select reverse can be a clutch that is not fully releasing. A clutch kit is a moderate job, while a gearbox failure can cost more than the car is worth, so a tested used gearbox from a wrecker is a common fix.

Hunting and clunky automatic shifts (4-speed auto, 2002 to 2011)

Some owners describe the automatic as hunting for gears, clunky and slow to respond, especially on hills. A faulty transmission temperature sensor can bring on an intermittent check-engine light. Overfilling the fluid can also upset shifting. Start with a fluid level check and a scan for fault codes. A rebuild or replacement auto is rarely worth it on an old Getz.

Oil leaks and oil use (high-kilometre engines, 2002 to 2011)

A leaking rocker cover gasket is a common source of oil leaks, with oil running down the back of the engine onto the gearbox or pooling around the spark plugs. Some owners of high-kilometre cars also report rising oil use. A rocker cover gasket is a cheap repair, roughly $150 to $350. Heavy oil burning on a tired engine is not worth fixing.

Cold-start surging and no-start faults (all engines, 2002 to 2011)

Some cars surge or run roughly after a cold start, and the fix can be an engine computer update. Some owners also report hard starting, smoke at start-up and cars that will not start on very hot days. If the engine cranks but will not fire, the immobiliser antenna around the ignition barrel may need replacing. Jerky acceleration often comes down to worn spark plugs, a dirty throttle body or a vacuum leak, all cheap fixes.

Brake light switch and ABS faults (2002 to 2011)

The brake light switch on the pedal is a wear item that can fail on or off, leaving brake lights that stay lit or never come on. It is a cheap part but a roadworthy failure. Early cars built from August 2002 to September 2003 were recalled because water could get into the ABS module connector and disable ABS. Some owners of higher-kilometre cars also report replacing the ABS module.

Recalls and safety

The main known Getz recall covers cars built from August 2002 to September 2003, where water could corrode the ABS control module connector, switch off ABS and light the ABS warning. Have a Hyundai dealer check the VIN for any open recalls and see our recalls page. Stability control is listed for the SX from the October 2008 update, so check whether the car you are looking at has it.

Buying a used Hyundai Getz? What to check

• Timing belt: Ask for a receipt for the last belt change. With no proof, budget for one straight away.
• Clutch and gears: Check the clutch bites smoothly, does not slip in third gear uphill, and that every gear including reverse selects cleanly.
• Automatic: Drive up a hill and through traffic, and feel for hunting, flare or harsh changes.
• Oil leaks: Look around the rocker cover and on the gearbox for fresh oil, and check the dipstick level.
• Cold start: Start the car from cold and watch for smoke, rough running or surging.
• Warning lights: Make sure the ABS, airbag and engine lights go out after start-up.
• Brake lights: Have a helper confirm the brake lights come on and go off with the pedal.
• Tyres and suspension: Check the front tyres for uneven or fast wear, and listen for knocks over bumps from worn shocks.
• Electrics and trim: Test every window, the central locking and the remote, and look for flaking paint and broken interior trim.

Run a PPSR check before you hand over cash, then use our Hyundai Getz buying checklist when you inspect the car.

The verdict

Buy the newest, best-kept Getz you can find rather than chasing a particular year. The 1.4 and 1.6 cars from late 2005 on are the better buys, and a 2009 to 2011 SX should add stability control (confirm it on the car). A manual is simpler and cheaper to keep than the 4-speed auto. Walk away from cars with no timing belt history unless the price covers a belt change, and from any with a slipping clutch, smoky start or heavy oil leaks.