USED Hyundai iLoad review - Is it worth the risk of engine failure!? | ReDriven

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The internet is awash with reports of engine failures in the Hyundai iLoad, but there's still plenty to love. Plus, they're hugely popular. So is it worth the risk of buying one used, or is it best to look at the competition?
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Skip ahead:
00:00​​​​​​​ - Intro
00:10 - What is it?
02:40 - Tech & features?
05:37 - What's it like to drive?
06:43 - Safety
07:14 - What goes wrong?
12:20 - Should you buy it?
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Used car buyer's guide here 👉 • ULTIMATE used car buye...
Cheat Sheet here 👉 redriven.com/cheat-sheets/use...
#hyundai #hyundaiiload #iload #hyundaireview #van #vanreview #vanlife #carreview #carexpert
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[@ReDriven]

Need finance for your next car? Get personalised deals and pre-approval in MINUTES! PLUS, get a $150 fuel voucher when you settle your loan bit.ly/3EX7yh7

[@DMan-it5tq]

Cop here. We flog these van's to an inch within their life. They are awesome! And very rarely do they need mechanical repairs.

[@B1Gboz]

Out of 3 iLoad’s I know of, all 3 have done an engine.

[@apachelives]

Courier here. I have a 2016 (newer engine revision) diesel. I do 300-500km a day, 10 hours a day, sometimes i am carrying a full 1 ton of weight, city traffic, highway all of it, all year. Original engine, original turbo, original transmission, currently at 255k kms and servicing every 15k kms. Issues? Apart from an oil leak that took the dealers several goes to correct (valve cover gasket, it was like they were avoiding doing it) and a coolant hose failure (softened from the oil leak), a dead battery and an a/c relay nothing has gone wrong. Down sides? Apple carplay / Android auto is useless, road noise, and mechanics who don't want to touch it because its a van. Otherwise a solid unit.

[@shawsie5780]

Do you have the golden ticket

[@hypnosismeditation7518]

3 years ago in a video titled "Top 5 'VANLIFE' vans under $20,000" you gave the iLoad #1 spot and praised it for reliability. Please explain...

[@ReDriven]

It’s in those few years since then that the reports of engine failures have been developing more significantly

[@realvibephotography9706]

Kia and Hyundai engines ... particularly petrol are beginning to turn into a war zone as time is marching on. First the gdi now even later mpi engines are failing in 'notable' numbers

[@Thorold63]

Work at a Hyundai dealership, out of all the Hyundai models, rarely see issues with these things, seriously. Keep the services up and we have seen with 400,000 kms plus on them.

[@ppppw2]

Friend had one of these, it did in fact blow up at 280,000kms

[@peterlattimore6013]

They run bearings ... before I even listen to the video.

[@dalesmith4985]

not a bad mileage for any Hyundai

[@NeedsmoreCowbell72]

That's a good run, was it a manual or an auto?

[@ppppw2]

@@NeedsmoreCowbell72 auto, delivery van

[@mq46312]

For some reason the name "iLoad" sounds "dirty" to me 😂

[@d15z1sux]

Calm down, don't blow your iLoad... 😂😂😂

[@Andronicus2007]

At least its not called Cum-load!

[@dalesmith4985]

Reminds me of a washing machine

[@richiesworld1]

​@@dalesmith4985 spin cycle has entered chat 👁️👄👁️

[@SuperLloyd84]

Careful, you'll cop an iFull.

[@michaelhart5886]

Most of the failures are simply due to lack of servicing by tradies who own these. 15-20,000kms betweens servicing is common as muck for owners of these and wonder why things go south. Change the oil at 7500 kms with the correct oil and generally they work fine. Mobile mechanic here of 20 years who also happens to run an iload with only minor egr valve issues which were easy fixes. 180,000kms later and shes fine along with a heap of customers with them

[@Djr67]

Do the egr's need to cleaned or replaced? My work van is diesel and has done 255,000 ks and hasn't got the power it use to.

[@ChrisBull-jy6lh]

I had an iLoad from 2010 until 2022. 12 1/2 years of trouble free motoring. The most reliable vehicle I’ve ever had.

[@lancegraham7722]

Used one of these for 2 years, everything you have said is spot on.

[@68404]

The diesels are a weapon. They are quick! I have driven one from Sydney to Broken Hill and back with no comfort issues and it never felt underpowered.

[@dancummins147]

Except they blow up.

[@AvenirRacing]

The petrols on the other hand... miserable to drive. Ridiculously underpowered, with a zippy first gear and then no kick at all once they shift up. I couldn't wait to get out of the thing last time I drove one.

[@jamesmcgowen1769]

I drive a 2017 iLoad which clocked up 169k’s today. The front end is awesome! The most car like sspension I’ve ever felt in a van. I’ve driven this unit from SYD to BNE many times, topping up at Tweed, or Coffs depending on the direction. The van is diesel auto and cruises on the highway effortlesly. The passenger front seat is adjustable for recline and fore/aft and also has a storeage bin under it. The auto needed new solenoids in the box to allow it to start in Park, otherwise you have to turn on the ignition, put your foot on the brake and shift into neutral before you start it ($1000) And the rocker cover gasket needed replacing, plus rotors and brake pads Having said that, it’s good on tyres and is a joy to drive!

[@anthonywalsh2164]

Agree about the front end, surprisingly good. Here is a short of an imax on the Nurburgring. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGm5lYOVjr6jmdEsi=gXpiBR5JHu2wHC6N

[@enclave3908]

Before even watching this, I just want to say my dads 09 iload has been the most bulletproof car weve ever had. Its done 750’000klm and has never once let us down. It was the manual petrol, and the only thing weve ever had to fix was the catalytic converter at 650’000ks because only THEN did the original spark plugs die. I couldnt believe it lol. Been an absolutely awesome work horse and never missed a beat, and still drives great today, though shes getting a bit tired, shes only ever had regular scheduled servicing. In the last 200’000 shes starting to drink more oil though, but for what the old girls been through, fair enough.

[@kingkire1556]

Regular scheduled sevicing usually includes spark plugs. How did the original plugs die at 650k?

[@dalesmith4985]

Wow that must be record mileage for a Hyundai

[@enclave3908]

@@kingkire1556 because he serviced it himself. I think its only been to a mechanic 3 times over the years

[@StephenDeTomasi]

​@@dalesmith4985not really, they can make some solid engines. Just need to pick em

[@lukeclifton4392]

@@kingkire1556iridium plugs??

[@MasterYoshiCamps]

I truly love this van despite the turbo and injector seals busting at the same moment leaving us totally stranded in ballogie, Qld. Brilliant camper conversion, front engine means your not sitting over a boiling tea pot and it handles great with huge distances between diesel refills.

[@UncleJoeLITE]

Quite the discreet _/subversive_ double entendre with that thumbnail, gentlemen. Love it. 🤣

[@Djr67]

I have driven a few of these with work, they are awesome to drive and powerful, i love them

[@catmoo84]

I work as a builder and work for a decently sized company of just over 200 people and we have nothing but iLoads in our fleet and they're all great! only complaints about these is the road noise, the stereos crapping out or not working or hard to see in the newer ones. we have also found the seats seem to deteriorate in the side from getting in and out. Other than that these are great vans and would get one for personal use if I was in the market for one.

[@mr.knight1359]

my dad still owns his 2007 sonata and i think it has the theta 1 engine in it. its done 155000 so far and thankfully no problems with the engine at all. but the transmission broke at 150k

[@mik12121212]

88,000km so far on my 2020 iload with a boost controller maxing out the little stock turbo, never missed a beat. Your right about it feeling like an SUV, you forget your in a van until you step outside

[@bestestusername]

I worked in a transport company where the subbies had these and all of them blew up at some time as did the renaults, the transits and LDV vans were quite good. Even the hiaces had their fair share of niggles but mainly due to abuse by drivers who didn't service them.

[@sheldonlea]

I own a 2015 iLoad bought with 60 000kms, serviced meticulously with oil changes every 10-12k. Have 300 000 kms (many of those highway kms) and it is flawless. However... I used additives to the engine, transmission, diff, and gearbox. I also prefer Premium Diesel if available. Amazing van and have driven it from Mackay to Melbourne. Fantastic driving position. I recommend lambswool for the bum as the seats can get a bit hard after 12 hrs in the driver's seat. Also, fitting a rear sway bar is a MUST!. Serious omission by Hyundai. Otherwise very enjoyable to drive. Highly recommend Michelin tyres for this van. Long kms, (140 000kms) quiet and great in the wet. Fuel economy from 7.9L-8.8L/100kms mainly mix of highway/urban driving. Key is to keep up the maintenance.

[@mvnorsel6354]

Always thought they would make a great camper van or these days a house.

[@Altair885]

The only issue with these engines is due to leaking injector seat washers. If leaking over time a sludge can begin to form in the crankcase and sump, this can then begin to block up the engine breather system leading to EGR faults. It can also start to choke off the oil pump pick up pipe which initially can lead to unexplained turbo failures, however as the problem gets worse it is possible to reach a situation where the crank actually welds itself into one or more main bearing journals causing the crankshaft to actually break. This is very easily avoided though with routine servicing and paying close attention to the condition of the engine. The injector seat washers are very inexpensive and easy enough to change periodically anyway if doing high mileages.

[@NeedsmoreCowbell72]

We have had these at work for a number of years now. 2008 - 2011, this has the A1 series engine. The fuel injector seals need to be done every 60k. The manual gearbox version will last longer as it has a lower engine output and is not over stressed. I have never seen an Auto one do more than 200k without shitting an engine. A1 engines for the auto are not available 2nd hand. 2011 - 2018, A2 series engine, fuel injector seals need to be done every 90k. Intercoolers always split but can be repaired. Plastics in the induction system always breakdown with time. Barn door versions are very rare.

[@80nodrog]

I had an early H1 Manual Turbo Diesel and it did blow up, but i want another one. Theyre great van.

[@TheRguru1]

Loving the lawn mowing background noise

[@ReDriven]

We submitted paperwork to have all of Sydney vacated for our shoot, but we didn't hear anything back.

[@bonjovi1354]

man u guys r addictive !!!🍷

[@TwistedDonners]

This is one that I'd be in 2 minds about buying if i was after one. Main reasons being while they're practical and simpler than the their competitors the fact of their thist for fuel and oil and the fact that the engines are a potentially a game of Russian roulette is not a risk I want to take. Somehow I think you're mate's had to drive one of these for his boss some how Adam 😂. From what Hullsy was saying it sounds like the diesel is the most likely to shit the bed out of the engines but I could be misinterpreting that. Great job guys and as always have a good one, keep up the good work and look forward to next week's videos as per usual 👍

[@TheKnobCalledTone.]

It's a pity the iLoad is so hit and miss, because it feels just like an oversized Getz, which is the easiest car in the world to drive.

[@Rockbottomsurf]

Thanks heaps for getting around to doing a van. 👍

[@charlvandermerwe5883]

Have mine for 12 years now. Serviced every 10 000km. Had no problem whatsoever besides a turbo that got stuck due to bad diesel. Passenger door central locking broke...still not fixed.

[@semyon74]

Since we change our fleet to Iloads (40+ units), we have saved $30,000 per month on repairs and maintenance. They have been more reliable than the Fords, Renaults, Volkswagens, we used in the past (Toyotas didn’t have the required payload).

[@RUXT0N]

Hired a petrol iload people mover in the gold coast a few years ago. Had absolutely no power, assumed it was because full car, turns out it was about to suffer catastrophic engine failure. There was a BANG and a nice hole in the block.

[@-sandman4605]

My neighbour has the 2012 turbo diesel 284,000 km and sh has had nothing but problems with the turbo shiting its self / 3 of them now & the injectors second set & the head gasket but she keeps fixing it, i keep telling her it's because of all the short distance driving she does and never takes it on a long run and yeah the bloody thing uses oil badly. She loves it and keeps fixing 😂😂😂

[@Thevictor79]

I've got a 2011, turbo diesel manual, I bought it second hand, it had 140k, I've put on another 100k, I drive it like a race car, and only issue I had, was the valve cover gasket leak, twice, but I blame it on my driving, the Van is super reliable

[@francistaylor1822]

You know you are in for a show when the 'what goes wrong' section is almost half the video

[@tng2057]

The other popular delivery van is the LDV. After looking at so many falling apart on the streets, I think it will be a fun program if one is to be made.

[@apachelives]

I would take the LDV Deliver 9 over a Renault Master, those things are complete garbage.

[@ffnbbq]

Part of the reason why the LDV van are coming apart (other than being cheap crap) is most of them were sold during the pandemic, when Auspost contractors and other delivery/courier drivers were working 16-18 hours a day, 6-7 days a week. That takes a toll on any vehicle. The problem everyone discovered afterwards was there weren't remotely enough spare parts available in Australia, so there are lightly crashed LDVs in delivery depots with damage from a year ago.

[@jamesstock7882]

I've seen alot D9 ldv on tow truck also lmao most of them are campers

[@totalcranker]

What wheels are on that i load? Are they the ford ranger wheels?

[@ultimablackmage]

The van the guys on the Garbage Time channel(a Dankpods channel, also Aussie!) that they nicknamed the Donkey Van is a much better choice. It some kind of Mitsubishi, but I can't remember which one. The fact theirs still runs is amazing. It's also immune to shoes & chairs!

[@ffnbbq]

It's a Mitsubishi Delica/Express, which was discontinued in 2013 due to being very unsafe in a crash. Last we heard that thing has repeatedly broken down or been put out of action in some way, probably because Dank forces his mechanic friend to service it badly and abuses it for content-making purposes. If he needed a reliable van to regularly use without it being a source of content itself, he would have bought a used Toyota HiAce. They're pricey, but he apparently made millions during the crypto boom, so he can afford it.

[@davidkirk6249]

H1 owner here in NZ. 2010 manual with 397,000 km's. Yep, turbo and oil cooler replaced but apart from the usual serviceable items, pretty damned good. Oil and filter change every couple of months and returns between 8.5-9 litres per 100 km's

[@TheHiredSword]

Can you review the Renault Master 2014? would it be a more reliable van?

[@jim_jam_dseries]

Could you do a review of a pre 2005 HiAce please? I love driving mine even if you feel like you're doing about 140 when you're only doing 90 with the interesting handling dynamics. 😂

[@68404]

Ancient history mate, especially for a van.

[@edgarchudoba3441]

I've always thought they're 2nd most reliable vans after Hiace. Looks like I was wrong. What's the alternative for Hiace?

[@yangzhao-mx9tg]

I load or hiace or express, or manual traffic, or old MD Vito? Good old days😂

[@heypresto2056]

Test drove a diesel version once, turbo went wthin in 3khm, called the owner to pick it up and walked away. Until this video i didnt realise they had this issue, lucky for me i found out i suppose...

[@richarm66]

The 'what goes wrong' segment really had me worried until Jim said he's seen them last 150K (or maybe more!!) That's right... some last even longer ;)

[@dougparker-barnes1229]

I bought a diesel one with 100k on it and sold it with over 300k on it, timing chains and egr valve were the big issues with mine

[@musavirk4354]

Why does the list of problems on the diesel version sound like the same common problems that the ford superduty 6.0 powerstroke and the 6.4 powerstroke diesels had.

[@MrThegrimsleys]

We had a petrol to 390k. Great car 2008

[@combitech8169]

Can the mechanic tell me is there a alternative donor hyundai engine to replace the diesel 🤔

[@Shrizer19]

Would love to see the Toyota bB!

[@berndd5278]

If people would service them as per service book (read the part where it says, service more often if running under extreme conditions) at a proper workshop that keeps an eye on the oil specifications, the engines will last 250tkm+!

[@Lagggerengineering]

I don't get it. Why is the safety so bad? Especially if they get the traction control as standard after 2011?

[@ffnbbq]

So, yeah, there's a reason why Toyota HiAces retain their used resell value. The commonly-seen H200 (2004-2019) is still in production for other markets, so spare parts should be plentiful for a while, too.

[@Boboo5]

I almost bought one last year, so glad i didnt after watching this. Thanks Adam

[@juki6377]

same got a v6 tarago instead, it really is the aussie version it drinks way too much

[@eyecontrol4900]

no reason to ever buy this over a Hiace

[@screamsattreesleague9654]

I ran a fleet of 8 of these, 10 total over the time ranging from 2011-2019. The engines consistently died at 300,000km with regular servicing. We ended up with 2 donor vehicles for spare parts from accidents. If they were still making the iload I would still be buying them. I would not buy one in isolation though.

[@68404]

So sell them at 280K km..

[@yangzhao-mx9tg]

The transmission was very active. But the diesel was loud, and the interior smell of the gas.

[@petewitt2867]

Drive a transporter for wort and a multi van for the kids. Only ever had regular maintenance. VAG ftw

[@theheartofitall]

Have 2 of the diesel auto H1s in our work fleet. One is a 2016 and engine siezed at 60,000km and was a nightmare to warranty, didnt have it back for nearly 18 months. The 2011 one has been reliable only needing the top end gaskets replaced engine wise but the build quality is dog sh_t. Replace sliding door handles every 6 months or so and the windscreen moulds flew off down the freeway. Paint fade on plastics and surface rust around windows. I drove one from Hervey Bay Qld to Melbourne Vic and yeah, wouldn't do it again. My chiropractor loved it. Nice and big for us tradies though, plenty of space but yeah I wouldn't buy another.

[@terrificspokesman7416]

The MPV versions are known as the i800 in the UK

[@maxmackinlay618]

How does the Vito compare?

[@bigchief2331]

It's much better. Vito is one of the most reliable vans on the market and also one of the best to drive.

[@richardzedman1160]

So the million dollar question is Do the new staria load vans have same engine or different other wise its going to be a watse of time buying a new one

[@juanlawrie3666]

Different engine. Completely different vehicle

[@reckherdkek5685]

The R series in the Staria is actually good. Been used for 10 years in the Santa Fe. Detuned for the van so should last even longer.

[@thebests3153]

I used to drive a Suzuki APV for Australia Post while my colleagues used iloads or Hiaces. They had so many issues both mechanically and electronically. My Suzuki was immensely more reliable. One of the iloads had to have the gearbox replaced under warranty, and others were in the garage regularly! Don’t buy one!

[@charliecasey550]

Can you do the VW Multivan?

[@eponymous7910]

You sadist!

[@allan2k195]

Can you guys do one on a Megane 4RS? And maybe the Hyundai i30n?

[@ReDriven]

Done! kzbin.info/www/bejne/hniUdYSYe9WUosUsi=b7RHKE23rp1J08M3

[@allan2k195]

@@ReDriven ah yes what am i on about, ofcourse i have seen this video already🤭

[@bigchief2331]

If you are going to get a used van, get a Mercedes Vito. By far the most reliable, and built much better than the others.

[@simonmears1726]

Sprinter better vitos fall apart and leak oil like a arab kebab house 😮

[@AlbionTarkhan]

😂

[@UncleJoeLITE]

After all that, looks like a pass on these. A review of another competitor [insert random brand] up soon would be great. Thanks!

[@somesh7784]

please do a jaguar fpace and volvo s90

[@simonmears1726]

Have a 2014 260ooo kays original starter motor and turbocharger needed injector s at 200ooo not cheap had oil leak i do oil changes and filter s air and fuel slight oil leak now from oil pan not to hard a job no gasket just hi temp silicone The early ones had turbo issues do to blocked dpfs and lack of oil changes i wish they did a 2tonne version would of sold heaps not a fanof new shape look small and fwd 50 kay to much

[@johnchang3807]

It seems the korean fail engineering finally catching up on those early models of their cars. Hopefuly the later models improve significantly for future 2nd hand markets.

[@TheHayabusa09]

Hired one of these (diesel) the other day to shift a full load of furniture/white goods. Stunned at the performance on offer and drove it back empty, like I stole it. Very impressive!

[@mammon8915]

Damn, rather liked these.

[@ardyaprilianta9732]

I see that the words "Blows up" is a common theme in this vehicle...

[@CathodeRayNipplez]

Good backyard storage unit but don't try to move it. Sad rare case where Chinese landfill looks good by comparison. 🙄

[@johnphaceas7434]

How can that be a work van? There's not a single choc milk carton on the floor.

[@garycusack9247]

sounds like a mechanicel nightmare and avoid like the plague

[@lesklower7281]

No to much of a gamble rather have a Hiace

[@jjjnout6778]

Lol its got the gypsy bull bullbars on it 😂

[@nazul9597]

Review a Subaru XV next please!!

[@ReDriven]

Here you go! kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZ7UfIlue9V-h8ksi=dMzaSlSdxje7lyFy

[@nazul9597]

@@ReDriven nah the newer ones like 2018+

[@ReDriven]

Just need to find someone to lend us one

[@lesilestivany7839]

Ok then🤔 sounds like it's the same guy that designed the Navara D40 engine's as well 😳

[@trevormorgan8423]

The drivers seat bolster on literally EVERY iload i looked at looked like it had been eaten by a dog.

[@mrlover4310]

Those who buy vans I would assume they want reliability. This doesn't sound like a reliable van.

[@RobErt-vi3pd]

ILOAD BACKPACKERS hahaha

[@realvibephotography9706]

Damn you Hyundai/ Kia... you build such great vehicles with s$!t engines Why would you go to such an effort to engineer everything really well except the thing which makes it go... iload, Sportage...

[@interceptor7905]

Jim from Redriven:Everything with I Load is a common issue 😂

[@murrieteacher]

get the Toyota

[@tba3900]

As a mechanic , we refuse to work on these iXplode . Way too often the customers haven’t got 2 cents to rub together and authorise all the repairs but can’t cough up a dollar.

[@paulmcb9070]

What sort of potato exactly? AFAF

[@eponymous7910]

As a general rule; Asian petrols good, Asian diesels bad

[@reckherdkek5685]

For Japanese makes this is true. Korean, the opposite.

[@twisterli9177]

​@@reckherdkek5685so korean diesel is better than petrol?

[@reckherdkek5685]

@@twisterli9177 Generally

[@giraffecatcher]

If you REALLY tried, just a little bit harder. ... You could talk even faster! Are you in some kind of race, we are all unaware of?

[@ReDriven]

My apologies, I am trying to slow down. - AK

[@technicalthug]

I found the pace perfectly fine.

[@georgepappas4628]

The Theta engine's have a terrible reputation. Like was mentioned there is a massive class action on these things.

[@reckherdkek5685]

Theta I (in the early models) is good. Theta IIs are the problem and those with the recall.

[@georgepappas4628]

@@reckherdkek5685 I'm pretty sure the Theta I suffered from piston slap and engine knocking.

[@reckherdkek5685]

@@georgepappas4628 Maybe but they can reach high mileage if serviced on time. The same is not true of the Theta II.

[@AlbionTarkhan]

Mine is a 2017 and I’ve put 260 thousand kms on it. And it’s been flogged for work for most of that time. The only thing that has gone wrong is the shit apple car play unit.

[@DefinitelyNotAdolfHitler]

you forgot to mention the turning radius, it's insane