TESTIGO'S OWN DATABASE
Faults and recalls.
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44 entries · page 1 of 3
Coolant leak from the loose electric water pump hose on the Niro EVCooling
- Engine / equipment
- Niro EV (II) electric
- Period mentioned
- 2022–2024
- Symptoms
- A "refill coolant" message on the dashboard and a heater that warms less and less; sometimes drops of fluid under the front.
- Possible cause described
- The hose from the electric water pump to the high-voltage battery comes loose at its connector, because the retainer clip was fitted horizontally, and leaks coolant under the bulkhead. Kia fits an improved hose with the clip rotated 90° (bulletin ELE332, April 2024, for Niro EVs built from 11/7/2022 to 24/1/2024).
- Check for the garage
- Do not open the coolant reservoir when hot. It is a high-voltage car: at a qualified garage, have them check the electric water pump hose connector.
- 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
View full entryDriver assistance that switches off at times because of an internal front camera faultElectrical and electronic systems
- Engine / equipment
- Sportage (IV) and Niro (I) with the driver-assistance front camera
- Period mentioned
- 2015–2020
- Symptoms
- The emergency braking light and the general warning triangle come on at times, and adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning or lane keeping assist stop working. Then they come back on their own.
- Possible cause described
- An internal control chip in the front camera (the one behind the interior mirror) fails and stores codes C1604-49 (hardware) or C1606-49 (software). Kia says to replace the camera (bulletin ELE231, April 2021, for Sportages built from May 2015 to September 2020 and Niros from April 2016 to September 2020).
- Check for the garage
- Clean the windscreen in front of the camera and note when it happens. At the garage, have them read the camera codes: with C1604-49 or C1606-49 the bulletin says to replace and calibrate it.
- 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
View full entryConnecting-rod bearings on the Theta II 2.0 and 2.4 petrol enginesEngine
- Engine / equipment
- 2.0 and 2.4 Theta II (MPI and GDI): Hyundai Sonata, Santa Fe and ix35; Kia Sorento, Sportage and Optima
- Period mentioned
- 2009–2019
- Symptoms
- Metallic engine knock that rises with revs, oil-pressure warning, loss of power and, in the worst case, a broken connecting rod with an oil leak and fire risk.
- Possible cause described
- The connecting-rod bearings wear prematurely (in the first cases because of crankshaft machining debris). In the US there were recalls and a settlement that fits the KSDS system free of charge; it monitors vibration and puts the engine into protection mode. In Germany (KBA 013054) Kia recalled the Sorento 2.4 MPI built from 11/1/2011 to 17/6/2015 and the Optima 2.0 GDI hybrid.
- Check for the garage
- Ask Hyundai or Kia by VIN about a campaign or KSDS update; with knocking or the oil warning, stop and do not keep driving; check the oil level often.
- Cost cited in the source
- Inspection and, if damaged, a new engine free of charge under the campaigns.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.
Sources from the original database
NHTSA: recall report 20V-746 (KSDS system)Kia America: Kia America and Hyundai Motor America resolve engine litigationGebrauchtwagenberater: Kia recall over faulty connecting-rod bearings
View full entryConnecting rods and pistons on the 1.6 GDI (Gamma)Engine
- Engine / equipment
- 1.6 GDI Gamma: Kia Soul II and Carens IV, Hyundai Veloster, i40 and ix35
- Period mentioned
- 2012–2016
- Symptoms
- Engine knock, oil-pressure warning and loss of power; with an overheated catalytic converter, abnormal combustion that damages the pistons.
- Possible cause described
- Two defects documented in the US: on the 2012–2016 Kia Soul, high exhaust temperatures could damage the catalytic converter and, with it, pistons and connecting rods (recall 19V-120, new protection software); on the 2015–2016 Veloster, the connecting-rod bearings wore early (recall 20V-746, KSDS software).
- Check for the garage
- Ask by VIN about an outstanding campaign; with knocking or the oil warning, stop. Check the catalytic converter if there is hesitation or loss of power.
- 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
View full entryIntegrated charging control unit (ICCU) that stops charging the 12 V batteryElectrical and electronic systems
- Engine / equipment
- E-GMP electric cars: Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6, Kia EV6
- Period mentioned
- 2021–2025
- Symptoms
- Fault warnings, the car goes into limp mode and can lose drive power while moving; the 12 V battery runs flat.
- Possible cause described
- The ICCU, which charges the 12 V battery from the high-voltage one, can be damaged by voltage spikes and thermal cycling. In the US more than 200,000 cars were recalled: the ICCU and its fuse are checked and replaced if needed and new software is installed; some cars that had already been updated failed again.
- Check for the garage
- Check the ICCU campaigns and software by VIN; if the warning appears, find a safe place to stop and call for assistance.
- Cost cited in the source
- Free under the recall.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.
Sources from the original database
InsideEVs: Hyundai, Kia recall over 200,000 EVs because they might lose power while drivingInsideEVs: the Hyundai, Kia and Genesis ICCU failure
View full entryTiming chain on the 1.4 and 1.6 Gamma petrol enginesTiming system
- Engine / equipment
- 1.4 and 1.6 CVVT (Gamma): Hyundai i30, i20 and ix20; Kia Cee'd, Venga, Soul and Rio
- Period mentioned
- Approx. 2006–2013
- Symptoms
- Chain rattle on cold start or under load, engine warning light and, in the worst case, the chain jumping with serious engine damage.
- Possible cause described
- The ADAC lists the timing chain as a typical defect of the i30 I and Cee'd I (especially 2009–2010 model years); on the Rio III the 1.4 CVVT could stretch its chain early. The wrong oil or late changes make it worse.
- Check for the garage
- Listen on a cold start; read the camshaft–crankshaft correlation codes; replace chain, tensioner and guides if it rattles; keep to the oil-change intervals.
- 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
Gebrauchtwagenberater: Hyundai i30 I, typical problemsGebrauchtwagenberater: Kia Cee'd I, typical problemsGebrauchtwagenberater: Kia Rio III, typical problems
View full entryFlaking fuel tank and timing chain on the Sorento I 2.5 CRDiFuel system
- Engine / equipment
- Kia Sorento I 2.5 CRDi
- Period mentioned
- 2002–2009
- Symptoms
- The engine suddenly stops because of a blocked filter and lines; chain rattle on start-up; hesitation and smoke from sooted injectors and EGR.
- Possible cause described
- The tank’s inner coating can come off over the years and block the filter and lines; Kia often contributes to the cost if the dealer history is complete. The chain can stretch early with late oil changes and many short trips, risking serious damage. The injectors’ copper washers lose their seal with age.
- Check for the garage
- Check the fuel filter for flakes, listen on a cold start and check the injector washers; also check the transfer case and underbody rust.
- 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
Gebrauchtwagenberater: Kia Sorento I (2002–2009), typical problemsCarWiki: known problems of the Kia Sorento
View full entryCarbon on the injectors and intake of the T-GDi petrol enginesInjection / turbo
- Engine / equipment
- Hyundai and Kia 1.0 and 1.6 T-GDi direct-injection turbo petrol engines
- Period mentioned
- 2015 onwards
- Symptoms
- Loss of power, higher consumption, hesitation or rough idle, usually at high mileage.
- Possible cause described
- With direct injection, petrol does not wash the intake valves and carbon builds up on the injectors and intake. German guides mention it for the i20 III, Tucson IV and Picanto III (dirty injectors).
- Check for the garage
- Read misfire and fuel-trim codes; inspect the injectors and valves with a borescope; clean the intake if there are deposits.
- 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
Gebrauchtwagenberater: Hyundai i20 III, typical problemsGebrauchtwagenberater: Hyundai Tucson IV, typical problemsCarWiki: known problems of the Kia Picanto
View full entryTurbodiesel, springs and rust on the first-generation SportageKnown weak points
- Engine / equipment
- Kia Sportage I (2.0 petrol and 2.0 TD)
- Period mentioned
- 1994–2004
- Symptoms
- On the turbodiesel, unstable revs, strong judder and oil leaks; broken springs, steering play and a rusty exhaust.
- Possible cause described
- The turbodiesel suffers crankshaft and cylinder-head damage and electronic injection-pump faults. Springs break after rusting. There was a recall (KBA) for a fan wheel that could crack on about 600 cars built in 2002.
- Check for the garage
- Check oil leaks, how the engine runs when cold and the condition of springs, exhaust and steering.
- 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
View full entryGlow plugs, timing belt and suspension on the second-generation SportageKnown weak points
- Engine / equipment
- Kia Sportage II (2.0 and 2.7 V6 petrol, 2.0 CRDi)
- Period mentioned
- 2004–2010
- Symptoms
- On the diesel, several attempts to start when cold and rough running; steering play, worn bushings, rusty or broken springs, oil leaks and water in the cabin.
- Possible cause described
- Faulty glow plugs cause the diesel’s poor starting. The timing belt must be replaced after 6 years or 90,000 km. Inspections flag bushings, steering, springs, brakes and fuel lines; the EGR also fails.
- Check for the garage
- Measure the glow plugs, confirm the belt change and check suspension, springs and door drains.
- 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
View full entryEngine failures on the Sportage III 2.0 CRDi before April 2012Engine
- Engine / equipment
- Kia Sportage III 2.0 CRDi
- Period mentioned
- 2010–2012
- Symptoms
- Engine noises and vibration, loss of power and, in serious cases, a seized engine or damaged head gasket.
- Possible cause described
- Before April 2012 serious diesel failures (seized piston, connecting-rod bearings and head gasket) were more common; later engines were tougher. Many short trips also clog the particulate filter.
- Check for the garage
- Check the build date, listen for noises and vibration and check the history; if it makes noise, go to the garage straight away.
- 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
Gebrauchtwagenberater: Kia Sportage III (2010–2015), typical problemsCarWiki: known problems of the Kia Sportage
View full entryTiming chain, fuel filter and clutch on the Sorento II 2.2 CRDiTiming system
- Engine / equipment
- Kia Sorento II 2.2 CRDi
- Period mentioned
- 2009–2014
- Symptoms
- Chain noise at high mileage, hesitation or loss of power from a clogged fuel filter, turbo whistle and a worn clutch when towing; on automatics, harsh shifts.
- Possible cause described
- The guide recommends replacing the chain at around 100,000 km to stop it breaking. The fuel filter often clogs and the clutch wears out before 60,000 km when towing. On the automatic, changing and flushing the oil helps.
- Check for the garage
- Listen to the chain when cold, change the fuel filter on time and test the clutch under load; on automatics, check the gearbox oil.
- 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
View full entryCrankshaft pulley and sensors on the first-generation PicantoEngine
- Engine / equipment
- Kia Picanto I (1.0 and 1.1 petrol, 1.1 CRDi)
- Period mentioned
- 2004–2011
- Symptoms
- Noises from the front pulley and, in serious cases, engine failure; the engine stalls or will not start because of the crankshaft or camshaft sensors (P0340); a clutch that wears quickly in town and gears that are hard to engage.
- Possible cause described
- The crankshaft-pulley bolts were too short and caused some engine failures; Kia ran a free service action with improved parts. The crankshaft and camshaft sensors fail often.
- Check for the garage
- Ask Kia by VIN whether the pulley action was done; read codes if the engine stalls; test the clutch and every gear.
- 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
View full entrySteering joints, lights, handbrake and campaigns on the second-generation PicantoKnown weak points
- Engine / equipment
- Kia Picanto II (1.0 and 1.25 petrol)
- Period mentioned
- 2011–2017
- Symptoms
- Steering play, failing dipped beams, a weak handbrake and oil leaks at the first roadworthiness test; wheel-bearing noise; a handbrake that does not fully release on campaign cars.
- Possible cause described
- Steering joints wear after a few years and are a frequent reason to fail the test. There were two recalls: corroded rear brake calipers (built 2011 to March 2012) and fuel filler and vent hoses whose outer coating wore, with a risk of leaks and fire (1/2/2011 to 30/6/2012).
- Check for the garage
- Check both recalls by VIN; check steering, lights, handbrake and leaks before the roadworthiness test.
- 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
View full entry12 V battery running flat on the Ioniq and NiroElectrical and electronic systems
- Engine / equipment
- Hyundai Ioniq and first-generation Kia Niro (hybrid, plug-in and electric)
- Period mentioned
- 2016–2022
- Symptoms
- In the morning the car will not start or switch on because the 12 V battery is flat, sometimes even after charging overnight. On the electric versions, the charge port sometimes does not lock and charging is impossible.
- Possible cause described
- Hidden consumers (charge management, door contacts, infotainment) drain the auxiliary battery; the exact cause is not confirmed and software and hardware updates are mentioned. On the electric Ioniq before the 2019 facelift, the small motor that locks the charging connector jams.
- Check for the garage
- Measure the 12 V battery and its standby drain; ask about software updates; if the connector does not lock, use the emergency release and replace the lock motor.
- 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.