KNOWN FAULTS · Kia

Known faults for the Kia Cee'd (I).

2006–2012 · Petrol / Diesel

Sources are not verified in real time and no entry confirms that your car is affected.

4 known faults with sources

Engines: 1.4 / 1.6 / 2.0 (Petrol)

Applies if: Only the 1.4 and 1.6 petrol (Gamma).

Timing 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.

Engines: 1.4 / 1.6 / 2.0 (Petrol) · 1.6 / 2.0 CRDi (Diesel)

Applies if: Weak points of this model from inspections, breakdown statistics and recalls; anything specific to one engine is stated in the sheet.

Battery, fuel pump, axles and recalls on the Cee'd IKnown weak points

Engine / equipment: Kia Cee'd I (ED), petrol and diesel
Period mentioned: 2006–2012
Symptoms: In the ADAC statistics: battery (2008–2013), alternator (up to 2009), fuel pump (2008–2010), crankshaft sensor and immobiliser (2008–2009) and ignition. At the roadworthiness test: axle mounts and drive shafts failing early, tie-rod ends, dipped and rear lights out and weak brakes with worn discs.
Possible cause described: On the diesels, injectors and turbo are the classic weak points; the 1.4 has a chain and the 2.0 petrol a belt. Recalls: fuel-tank straps that rust through (up to 2010; replaced) and a possible failure of the primary brake circuit on cars with ESP.
Check for the garage: Check outstanding recalls by VIN (manufacturer, KBA or ADAC website) and have a garage inspect the points listed before buying or 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.

Engines: 1.6 / 2.0 CRDi (Diesel)

Applies if: Same R-family CRDi diesel (D4HA/D4HB) as the Sorento II, where the German guide documents the chain and fuel filter.

Timing 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.

Engines: 1.6 / 2.0 CRDi (Diesel)

Applies if: Only the 1.6 CRDi (U family); the 2.0 CRDi is a different engine.

Weak points of the small CRDi diesels (U family) from Hyundai and KiaInjection / turbo

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.