Hyundai ix35 I facelift (LM) (2013 – 2015)

Reliability score : 7.8/10

The Hyundai ix35 (Generation I - Type LM), marketed under the name Tucson in other markets (North America, Korea), received a facelift at the end of 2013. This mid-cycle refresh brought LED daytime running lights, new taillights, improved interior materials, and, above all, suspension adjustments to compensate for the excessive firmness of phase 1. Mechanically, the petrol range evolved with the introduction of direct injection (GDI) and the gradual replacement of the aging 2.0 Theta II block by the new 'Nu' engine family. It is a compact SUV with an assertive design (Fluidic Sculpture), offering an excellent price/equipment ratio. Its overall reliability is good, although the direct injection petrol engines require rigorous maintenance.

✅ Strengths

Very competitive price/equipment ratio on the used market
Generous roominess and trunk volume (465 liters)
Overall reliability of the 2.0 CRDi diesel and 1.6 GDI petrol engines
Design that ages well (especially with the facelift's LED lights)
Original 5-year manufacturer warranty (guarantee of good initial dealer maintenance)

⚠️ Weaknesses

Suspension comfort still a bit firm despite the facelift improvements
Hard interior plastics that scratch easily
Electric power steering lacking feel and precision
Soundproofing could be improved on the highway (wind and road noise)
Naturally aspirated petrol engines lacking low-end torque compared to turbocharged competitors

🎯 Verdict

The facelifted Hyundai ix35 (2013-2015) is a rational and reassuring used choice. When targeting a petrol engine, the 1.6 GDI 135 hp is the most relevant choice for Europe: it is reliable, quiet, and economical to maintain (timing chain), provided that the valve fouling linked to direct injection is monitored. The 2.0 GDI offers more reach but consumes significantly more. It is imperative to check that the safety recalls (especially the ABS module) have been performed at a dealership. Avoid imported versions equipped with the 2.4 Theta II, known for its serious connecting rod weaknesses.

Common issues

Encrassement des soupapes d'admission (moteurs GDI) Medium

🔧 80 000 – 150 000 km

💶 400 – 800 €

Utiliser du carburant de qualité et envisager un décalaminage préventif.

Défaillance des capteurs d'oxygène (Sondes Lambda) Medium

🔧 100 000 – 180 000 km

💶 150 – 350 € par sonde

Surveiller la consommation de carburant et le voyant moteur.

Usure des roulements de roue Medium

🔧 80 000 – 150 000 km

💶 250 – 450 € par roue

Écouter attentivement les bruits de ronronnement ou de frottement.

Usure prématurée des silent-blocs de suspension/barre stabilisatrice Low

🔧 60 000 – 120 000 km

💶 150 – 400 €

Faire vérifier lors des entretiens si des bruits de claquement apparaissent.

Usure de l'embrayage (boîte manuelle) High

🔧 80 000 – 150 000 km

💶 900 – 1 600 €

Tester l'embrayage (patinage, point de friction) lors de l'essai routier.

Estimated maintenance costs

Oil change	£70 – 130
Timing chain	£650 – 1 200 (si remplacement nécessaire)
Clutch	£750 – 1 400
Complete brakes	£220 – 480
Estimated annual budget	£550 – 1 100

Indicative estimates (independent garage, UK market). Prices vary by region and year.