IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2020 Hyundai i10 (Gen 3)

The third-generation i10 arrived as a 2020 model with fresher square-edged styling, a bigger cabin and the 1.2 MPI and 1.0 T-GDi petrol engines; it remained Hyundai's UK entry car until production at Hyundai Motor Turkey ended in November 2025.

What changed for 2020

  • •New platform sharing with the Kia Rio-era small cars, wider and roomier than Gen 2
  • •1.2-litre 82hp and 1.0 T-GDi 100hp petrol engines replaced the old three-cylinder units
  • •Digital cluster and larger touchscreen introduced on upper trims

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Front suspension arm bush and drop link wear
  • !Daytime running lamp module failures
  • !Brake pipe corrosion on salted-road cars
2
Known Issues
0
Serious
2
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

Daytime Running Lamp (DRL) Failure

ModerateElectrics & Electronics

Individual LEDs in the DRL units can fail, which is an automatic MOT failure in the UK.

Est. Repair Cost: £150–£350
Warning Signs:

Dim or flickering DRL, One side not working

What to Inspect:
  • Visual inspection of all light signatures
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Brake pipe and front suspension arm corrosion

ModerateBrakes

UK MOT data shows brake pipe corrosion is the single most common failure on i10s, with nearly 30,000 recorded instances. Front suspension arm ball joints also wear excessively, often appearing as advisories well before the car reaches high mileage.

Est. Repair Cost: £150–£400
Warning Signs:

Heavy surface rust on brake pipes underneath, MOT advisories for corrosion or ball-joint play, Front-end clonk over bumps

What to Inspect:
  • Inspect brake-pipe condition along the floorpan
  • Check front suspension arm ball-joint dust covers
  • Review MOT history for repeated suspension or brake advisories
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Buying Tips for 2020 Hyundai i10 (Gen 3)

  • Treat the final 2025 cars as the last of the line; values will follow the used market
  • Check the clutch for judder, a recurring theme on city-run i10s
  • Compare the 1.0 T-GDi against the 1.2 only if you do motorways; it is rarely worth the premium
2021–2022
Check a 2020 Hyundai i10 (Gen 3) by Registration