Weak points of the small CRDi diesels (U family) from Hyundai and Kia

Engine / equipment

1.1, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6 and 1.7 CRDi diesels (U family): Rio, Venga, Soul, Stonic, Cee'd, Carens, Optima, i20, ix20, i30, i40, ix35, Tucson, Accent, Matrix

Period mentioned

Approx. 2005 onwards

Symptoms

At high mileage or with short trips: carbon in injectors and EGR, a clogged particulate filter, dual-mass flywheel and turbo; isolated cases of a stretched chain (1.7) and cracked heads (early 1.6); a clutch that wears early; on some cars, a cracked silencer (1.1) or the brake-servo vacuum pump (1.7 campaign).

Possible cause described

German guides rate these engines as robust if maintained: the faults are the typical wear of a modern diesel. Specific points: a stretched chain on some 1.7s (ix35), cracked heads cited by the TÜV on the i30 I, the 1.1 silencer (Rio III), diesel clutches at 60,000–100,000 km (Cee'd I) and a recall of the 1.7 CRDi vacuum pump (5/10/2010–30/4/2011).

Check for the garage

Drive long trips to regenerate the filter; listen to the chain when cold; test injectors and EGR; check the vacuum-pump campaign by VIN on the 1.7.

Cost cited in the source

No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database