Kia Carens: common problems and what you need to know about them

The Kia Carens is a spacious family car with seven seats, but like every car this model has specific technical weak points that owners regularly encounter. From electrical faults to wear in the suspension and engine problems, the Carens has a number of well-known points of attention. If you know about these, you are better prepared and can avoid expensive repairs.

Kia’s reliability and where the Carens stands

Kia is known for its long seven-year or 150,000-kilometre warranty, with the first three years even offering unlimited mileage. That extensive warranty inspires confidence in buyers. The Carens, produced between 2013 and 2019, shares much of its technology with other Kia and Hyundai models. This makes parts easy to obtain and repairs relatively affordable.

Even so, every model has its flaws. It’s sensible to be aware of the common car problems with Kia. That way you know what to look out for during maintenance or when buying a used car. In its class the Carens has a reasonable reputation, but owners do report technical issues that crop up regularly.

What technical problems are common in the Kia Carens?

The most frequently reported faults on the Carens concern the engine, gearbox, electronic systems and running gear. Some issues are caused by normal wear. Others point to design choices that are more prone to faults. If you recognise the warning signs, you can act quickly and prevent more serious damage.

The following components require extra attention from Kia Carens owners:

• Engine and turbo on diesel versions
• Automatic gearbox at higher mileage
• Sensors and electrical wiring
• Suspension and ball joints
• Brakes and brake discs
• Bodywork and rust-prone areas

Engine problems on petrol and diesel

The petrol versions of the Carens are fitted with a 1.6 GDI or 2.0 GDI engine. With the 1.6 GDI, owners sometimes report issues with the timing belt, which needs replacing after 100,000 kilometres. If you skip this service, you run the risk of serious engine damage.

On the 1.7 CRDi diesel, the following problems occur regularly:

• Turbo that wears prematurely under heavy use
• Blocked diesel particulate filter if the car is mainly used for short trips
• Leaks at the fuel injectors

Symptoms include loss of power, black smoke from the exhaust and a flashing engine warning light. Arrange a visit to a garage straight away if you notice these signs.

Transmission and clutch letting you down

The Carens’ six-speed manual gearbox has a reputation for being reliable. On high‑mileage cars, however, the clutch is often worn out already at around 120,000 kilometres. You’ll notice this from slipping when changing gear or a high biting point of the clutch pedal.

The automatic transmission requires regular checks of the oil and its operation. Some owners report jerky gear changes or delayed response when pulling away. Common causes are:

• Contaminated transmission oil that has not been changed in time
• Defective solenoids in the gearbox
• Wear on the clutch plates in the automatic transmission

Have the transmission oil in the automatic gearbox changed every 60,000 kilometres. Changing the transmission oil in good time significantly extends its service life.

Electrical faults and failing sensors

The Carens uses various sensors to control the engine, brakes and driver assistance systems. Owners regularly report problems with the following components:

• Mass air flow sensor generating fault codes
• ABS sensors that get dirty and trigger warnings
• Parking sensors that go off for no reason
• Multimedia system that freezes or responds slowly

A warning message on the dashboard sometimes has a simple cause. Cleaning or replacing a sensor is often enough to clear the fault. Have fault codes read at a garage to avoid replacing expensive parts unnecessarily.

Suspension and running gear showing wear

The Kia Carens is a relatively heavy car that has to carry a lot of weight. This increases wear on the suspension and running gear, especially when all seven seats are occupied. The following parts should be checked:

• Ball joints that develop play and cause knocking noises
• Shock absorbers that leak and worsen the handling
• Anti-roll bar links with worn bushes
• Control arm bushes that crack

You’ll notice these problems through uneven tyre wear, knocking noises over bumps or slow steering response. Schedule a thorough inspection of the running gear every year to prevent more serious damage.

Brakes require timely maintenance

The Carens is relatively heavy. As a result, brake discs and pads wear faster than on lighter cars. Check the thickness of the brake pads every 20,000 kilometres. Symptoms of worn brakes include:

• Squeaking or grinding noises when braking
• Vibration in the braking system at higher speeds
• Longer stopping distance than normal

Always replace brake discs and pads per axle to avoid uneven braking performance. Have the brake fluid replaced every two years, even if it still looks clear. Old brake fluid can absorb moisture and reduce the effectiveness of the braking system.

Rust and bodywork issues on older models

Some Carens models from the 2013 to 2016 production years show rust in specific areas. When buying or maintaining one, pay attention to the following weak spots:

• Underside and wheel arches where spray and road salt take their toll
• Seams around the doors and tailgate
• Mounting points for the exhaust

Apply a protective coating to the underside after about three to four years of use. Regularly check for paint damage and repair it quickly to prevent rust from spreading.

Prevention and smart maintenance extend the lifespan

You can prevent or limit most problems on the Kia Carens with regular maintenance. Follow these tips to minimise technical issues:

• Change oil and filters according to the manufacturer’s recommendations
• Have the timing belt on petrol models replaced in good time
• Keep the diesel particulate filter clean by regularly driving longer distances on the motorway
• Check fluid levels every month
• Rinse the underside of the car regularly to remove salt and dirt
• Have brakes and suspension tested annually during a garage service

Keep maintenance records carefully. A complete service history increases the resale value. It also helps prevent disputes over warranty claims.

What should you look out for when buying used?

Thinking about buying a used Kia Carens? Check the following points before you decide:

• Complete service history with stamps and invoices
• Condition of engine and transmission via a test drive on the motorway and in town
• Condition of the suspension by listening for noises over bumps
• Rust on wheel arches, underside and doors
• Operation of all electrical systems and sensors
• Condition of brakes and tyres

Ask the seller about known repairs. Also ask whether any parts have been replaced recently. If you’re unsure, have an independent garage carry out an inspection. The cost of an inspection is nothing compared to a later bill for hidden defects.

Despite the problems, is the Kia Carens a sensible choice?

The Kia Carens offers practical space for seven people at an attractive price. The long warranty provides peace of mind for the first few years. However, the car does have specific weak points that you should have checked regularly. With regular maintenance and conscious checks for the most common problems, the Carens remains a reliable family car.

Ideally, choose a car with a complete service history and low to average mileage. Test all systems thoroughly and pay extra attention to the engine, transmission and running gear. This way you make an informed choice and avoid unpleasant surprises after purchase.