2008 Hyundai i10: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2008 Hyundai i10?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2008 Hyundai i10 than on all cars registered in 2008.

• Coil springs2× usual
  Hyundai i10

  24.2% All 2008 cars

  12.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 3.9% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Ball joint dust cover3× usual
  Hyundai i10

  14.6% All 2008 cars

  4.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.7%, against 2% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Front strut mounts and bushes8.4× usual
  Hyundai i10

  7.6% All 2008 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.1% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Track rod ends2.2× usual
  Hyundai i10

  12.2% All 2008 cars

  5.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.5%, against 2.5% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Steering rack inner joints2.6× usual
  Hyundai i10

  7.4% All 2008 cars

  2.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

Common 2008 Hyundai i10 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2008 Hyundai i10 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  55% 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 electrics
  41% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Brakes
  39% 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.

• Tyres
  34% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  17% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  13% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Known faults on the 2008 Hyundai i10

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Cambelt due (1.1)

  1.1 petrol

  The 1.1 needs a cambelt every seven years or 72,000 miles. The other engines use a chain.

  At the viewing: Ask for an invoice if it’s due.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Hyundai i10 buying guide (2008-2014)

• Clutch judder

  Manual gearbox

  Clutch judder is a common complaint. Hyundai has a fix.

  At the viewing: Pull away gently and feel for shuddering.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Hyundai i10 buying guide (2008-2014)

• Fast-wearing brake pads (early cars)

  Early cars

  Early cars can wear through brake pads quickly.

  At the viewing: Look at the pads and discs.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Hyundai i10 buying guide (2008-2014)

• Buzzing headlight levelling switch

  All engines

  The headlight levelling switch can fail and buzz.

  At the viewing: Try the levelling switch.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Hyundai i10 buying guide (2008-2014)

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2008 Hyundai i10

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Has the cambelt been changed, and is there an invoice?
2. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2008 Hyundai i10 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 3× as often on the 2008 Hyundai i10 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the front strut mounts and bushes? (Flagged at MOT 8.4× as often on the 2008 Hyundai i10 as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?