2010 Hyundai i20: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2010 Hyundai i20s, from 8,820 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2010 Hyundai i20s than on all cars registered in 2010.
- Rigid brake pipes2.7× usualHyundai i2018.5% All 2010 cars6.8%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 1.1% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£400 our estimateAt the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.
- Front strut mounts and bushes8.6× usualHyundai i206.9% All 2010 cars0.8%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.7%, against 0.1% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £120–£400 our estimateAt the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Braking performance2× usualHyundai i2012% All 2010 cars5.9%
Failed outright at MOT: 4.6%, against 2.2% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£350 our estimateAt the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.
- Steering rack inner joints2.9× usualHyundai i207.7% All 2010 cars2.7%
Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£450 our estimateAt the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
- Steering rack4.5× usualHyundai i204.9% All 2010 cars1.1%
Failed outright at MOT: 1.6%, against 0.5% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£450 our estimateAt the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
Suspension arm bushes and joints: 2.7% here, against 11% of all 2010 cars. Exhaust system: 2.6% here, against 7.6% of all 2010 cars.
By area
The share of 2010 Hyundai i20 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Brakes45% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Suspension38% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Lights and electrics34% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Tyres31% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors12% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Steering12% of testsRough price £100–£450
At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 4,409 | Tyres 20% |
| 2021 | 3,794 | Tyres 22% |
| 2020 | 4,034 | Tyres 26% |
| 2019 | 7,397 | Tyres 28% |
| 2018 | 8,678 | Tyres 28% |
| 2017 | 11,709 | Tyres 28% |
| 2016 | 13,780 | Tyres 28% |
| 2015 | 12,739 | Tyres 28% |
| 2014 | 12,870 | Brakes 32% |
| 2013 | 12,239 | Brakes 36% |
| 2012 | 9,308 | Brakes 39% |
| 2011 | 9,062 | Brakes 46% |
| 2009 | 8,391 | Brakes 43% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2010 Hyundai i20s registered in 2010. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score