The Hyundai i10 is a small city car that was first introduced in 2007 and is still in continuous production. It replaced the outgoing Hyundai Altos as the entry-level Hyundai car and has since spawned three different generations. It seems like Hyundai is slowly phasing out the i10 which means that we will not be seeing the 4th generation at all.
According to most reliability surveys and charts, the i10 seems to be a really reliable car. This comes as no surprise because the i10 is Hyundai’s entry-level car and thus isn’t as complex as some higher-end models. Given the fact that Hyundai makes reliable cars as a whole, this combination has proven to work quite well with the i10.
Be that as it may, no car is without fault, and we are going to mention common problems with Hyundai i10 in this article. These range from transmission-related issues, electrical issues, issues with the brakes, issues with the A/C, and issues with the suspension.
The good news is that the i10 is a fairly cheap car to own which means that it is not going to break the bank when it comes to maintenance time. All in all, the i10 is a fairly trouble-free car, but you ought to take proper care of it, otherwise, it is going to fail eventually.
Hyundai i10 – Transmission issues
If you are looking at buying a manual i10, you need to be aware that these often come with problematic clutches. These are known to wear out faster when compared to most cars out there which will require you to replace the entire clutch. The clutch pads are simply not on par with the rest of the system and are thus prone to excessive wear and tear.
Many owners have also reported issues with engaging reverse gear as the shifter often refuses to engage reverse gear, especially on start-up. To make matters worse, the clutch itself isn’t the only potential issue as there are many other miscellaneous transmission components that can also fail often.
Hyundai i10 – Electrical issues
Virtually all Hyundai models suffer from some form of electrical trouble and the i10 is no different. i10 models made between 2015 and 2018 are prone to failing headlight adjustment switches which ultimately disable you from adjusting your headlight positioning which can be a problem at often times.
The steering motor can also fail and will need replacing if you want your steering to always be smooth and light. Other electrical issues include problems with certain interior switches and buttons, sensor-related issues, and potentially even more serious issues with wiring and the alternator/battery.
Hyundai i10 – Brakes issues
Issues with the brakes aren’t all that common on most Hyundai models these days, but the i10 seems to be suffering from rear brake pads sticking onto the caliper. This can be an extremely dangerous occurrence if your i10 decides it wants to continue braking. Some owners have reported this happening at highway speeds which is a huge safety risk.
As such, be sure to go through your rear pads whenever you service the car. You should take your car to a Hyundai dealership so an experienced mechanic can take a look at your rear brakes. It is never a good idea to ignore any brake-associated issues as your brakes are your main safety mechanism.
Hyundai i10 – A/C issues
The air conditioning system is also a relatively common nuisance on many Hyundai models and it seems like the i10 is one of those models. The most common A/C problems are related to damaged condenser units, clogged A/C pipes, dirty sponge filters, and sometimes even the A/C flow. The best thing you can do is to service your A/C system every year.
If you don’t do that, there is a great deal of chance that these issues are going to add up, and eventually you will need to replace the entire system which can cost thousands of dollars.
Hyundai i10 – Suspension issues
Higher mileage i10 models tend to experience various suspension issues that range from damaged shocks all the way up to more serious issues such as sagging or component damage. If you hear any weird knocking or thumping noises coming from the wheel well, be sure to take your i10 to a dealership as soon as possible.
Suspension-related issues such as these can severely impact your overall driving experience and affect your on-road safety.
FAQ Section
Should I buy a Hyundai i10?
If you are after a relatively affordable, cheap to run, and easy to live with city hatchback, the i10 should definitely be on your radar. It is a small, nippy, well-equipped car that can do everything you want it to without any issue. It is cheap to run, cheap to fuel up, cheap to insure, and cheap to repair if something goes wrong.
However, if you are coming from a luxury car or you don’t like really small cars, you are better off skipping the i10 and going for something else. This is not a car intended to transport rear passengers all the time which means that you should upgrade to something larger.
Which cars rival the Hyundai i10?
The current auto industry offers dozens upon dozens of small city cars such as the VW Polo, Kia Picanto, Ford Fiesta, Toyota Aygo, Citroen C1, and the Peugeot 108. These cars are incredibly popular in tight city centers, especially in Europe where the streets are often narrow and filled with cars, bicycles, and pedestrians.
Is the Hyundai i10 a good used car?
The Hyundai i10 can be a really good used car, especially for those who are only starting to learn how to drive. The main benefit of the i10 is that it is not going to break the bank in any way imaginable. However, it still manages to be reasonably comfortable and able to do long-distance journeys without any issues.
If you go for a higher-end model, you should be satisfied with the equipment levels as well. It is a reliable car that is likely going to serve you for years to come and that is why it is so successful all around the world.
