IsItAGoodCar

Common Problems with the
2008–2010 Hyundai i10 (Gen 1)

We've identified 3 known issues that can affect the 2008–2010 Hyundai i10 (Gen 1). None are considered critical, but they're worth knowing about before you buy.

3
Known Issues
0
Serious
2
Moderate
1
Minor

The 2008–2010 period has 2 more issues than the Hyundai i10 (Gen 1) average across all year periods.

All Known Issues

Premature clutch wear

ModerateGearbox & Transmission

Small clutches and heavy town use mean many i10s need a clutch earlier than buyers expect, especially ex-driving-school or multi-owner cars.

Most affected: 1.1 petrol, 1.2 petrol

Estimated cost: £300–£500Affects: 2008–2013Often appears around: 35,000–70,000 miles

Typical symptoms

  • •High bite point
  • •Judder pulling away
  • •Slip when accelerating in a high gear

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Hill start without excessive revs
  • ✓Pedal weight and smoothness
  • ✓Evidence of recent clutch replacement

Rear brake binding and handbrake-cable seizure

ModerateBrakes

Rear drums or calipers can stick if the car is used mostly for short trips, causing drag, hot wheels and MOT brake-imbalance failures.

Most affected: All Gen 1 i10 models

Estimated cost: £120–£280Affects: 2008–2013Often appears around: 30,000–80,000 miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Car feels reluctant to roll
  • •Hot rear wheel after a short drive
  • •Handbrake travel changes
  • •Rear brake imbalance on MOT

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Wheel temperature after test drive
  • ✓Service history for rear-brake overhaul
  • ✓Whether the handbrake returns fully

Front lower-arm bush and drop-link wear

MinorSuspension & Chassis

Not a serious flaw, but UK potholes wear the front lower-arm bushes and anti-roll-bar links quickly, leading to the usual supermini clonk and loose steering feel.

Most affected: All Gen 1 i10 models

Estimated cost: £90–£220Affects: 2008–2013Often appears around: 40,000–90,000 miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Clonk over potholes
  • •Vague straight-line tracking
  • •Uneven front tyre wear

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Drive over speed bumps with windows down
  • ✓Inspect front inner tyre edges
  • ✓Look for repeat MOT advisories on links or bushes

Buying Tips for the 2008 Hyundai i10 (Gen 1)

  • ✓A city-only life is hard on these, so treat learner-car wear, kerbed wheels and tired clutches as warning signs
  • ✓Check the rear brakes are not binding after a drive and that the handbrake releases cleanly
  • ✓Front lower arms and drop links are common MOT items; listen for knocks at low speed
  • ✓Verify the air conditioning gets cold because condensers sit low and catch stone damage
2011 Hyundai i10 (Gen 1)

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Other Hyundai i10 (Gen 1) Year Periods

2008–201020112012–2013

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