Hyundai has tasted a lot of success with the i10 hatchback ever since its introduction in 2007. The hatchback was popular from the get-go and its big-screen debut in the Shah Rukh Khan movie Rab ne Bana di Jodi further boosted its popularity. But to really understand the dent it created in the compact hatchback segment, one should look back to 2018 when it won the prestigious Indian Car Of The Year award (ICOTY). The i10 was a smart hatchback that delivered on all of its promises, both on paper and on road.
Currently, the 2023 Grand i10 Nios has taken its spot in the market and the older generations of the i10 are now reserved to the used car market where it is still a popular buy. However, like every other car on the market, the i10 is also subject to some common issues which creep up over the years especially since the model is now around 10 years old on average. So below are 4 common problems that you can expect in an old Hyundai i10 and how to fix these:
Clutch
A relatively familiar issue that plagues used Hyundai cars is the clutch. As you know, the clutch is a wear-and-tear component that requires a replacement at regular intervals. However, the i10 does suffer from a premature clutch failure where a clutch replacement is the only fix. Riding the clutch, that is, keeping your foot in the clutch can be the primary cause of this problem, followed by a toll on the clutch components due to unforgiving stop-and-go traffic. Common symptoms of a worn-out clutch include juddering, grinding gears, hard clutch pedal, and loss of power.
Gear Issues
Another issue that is commonly reported among Hyundai i10 owners is related to the gearbox. Difficulty to engage the reverse gear is a common issue. A quick fix to this is to wait three seconds after you depress the clutch to engage the reverse gear. This is more common during cold starts and is not a major issue that will require attention. Another issue with the gearbox of the i10 is the first-gear sticking issue, which can be traced to a faulty shift solenoid that might need a replacement. Serious or recurrent gearbox issues might need a closer look and even worse, a complete gearbox overhaul.
Suspension Noise
Just like the clutch, the suspension parts are also prone to failure over time with use. The sad state of our roads is a major reason for this. Used i10 cars suffer from suspension issues such as noise, vibration, or alignment issues. That said, it is fairly easy to diagnose the issue and one has to drive over bad roads and keep an ear out for any unusual noises from the suspension. Common issues include worn-out bushes, ball joints, and tie-rod ends. More serious issues include drive shafts, shock absorbers and control arms or lower arms.
Starting/Electrical Problems
Electrical gremlins are the worst nightmare in a car as they are usually challenging to diagnose. Old i10 models suffer from electrical issues such as a faulty headlight adjustment control and the electric power steering motor going kaput. Both of these need a replacement or a refurbishment if gone wrong. The i10 is also reported to suffer from starting issues and the major cause for that can be an issue with the immobilizer where it cannot communicate with the car’s key or a more usual starter motor issue. An electrical workshop can sort this out by reprogramming the keys and the immobilizer.
Sell your car securely with SellRight by Spinny
Despite the high quality and reliability of an old Hyundai i10, these small issues can become quite the headache over many years of ownership. If you’ve been living with these issues, it might be time to upgrade your old i10 and drive a more modern car, may be even a newer Grand i10 NIOS! With SellRight by Spinny, you can conveniently and securely sell your old i10 for the best price.
