Rust (rear arches, sills, subframe)
usually 100,000–300,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Bubbling paint
Fix: Rust repair
€200–800
Common faults, service intervals and costs
Kia Carens III
2006–2012 · Kia Carens 3
4
engines covered
15
known faults
3,406
roadworthiness tests in the statistics
3
official recalls
Enter your VIN and mileage and get a plan built for your exact engine and gearbox.
The Kia Carens III was built from 2006 to 2012.
For this generation we cover 4 engines and 15 known faults, each with the mileage range where it usually appears.
The most expensive known risk is Oil consumption (piston rings, GDi): it usually appears at 100,000–180,000 km and costs €500–3,000 to fix.
In UK roadworthiness tests in 2024, at 150–200 thousand km this model most often failed on: lights, wipers and visibility (30.0 %), brakes (23.1 %), suspension (22.8 %). It fails more often than an average car of the same age and mileage on: brakes, steering, tyres and wheels. It fails less often than average on: body and corrosion.
Engines
| Engine | Fuel | Timing drive | Oil |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 / 2.2 CRDi (Hyundai-Kia D4EA / D4EB) | Diesel | Belt · 90,000 km / every 60 mo | 5W-30 · ACEA B4 · ~5.9 L · every 15,000 km |
| 1.1 / 1.5 / 1.6 CRDi (Hyundai-Kia U, 2005–2010) | Diesel | Chain | 5W-30 · ACEA C3 / B4 · ~5.3 L · every 15,000 km |
| 1.6 / 1.8 / 2.0 16v (Hyundai-Kia Beta) | Petrol | Belt · 90,000 km / every 60 mo | 5W-30 / 10W-40 · API SL · ~4.0 L · every 15,000 km |
| 1.4 / 1.6 MPi / GDi (Hyundai-Kia Gamma, naturally aspirated) | Petrol | Chain | 5W-30 / 0W-30 · API SN / ACEA A5 · ~3.6 L · every 15,000 km |
Faults typical of this model
Front suspension drop links / bushes
usually 60,000–160,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Knocks
Fix: Replace parts
€60–200
Faults by engine
2.0 / 2.2 CRDi (Hyundai-Kia D4EA / D4EB)
Balance-shaft belt
usually 80,000–100,000 km · High risk
engine codes: D4EA
Signs: Separate belt — failure can take out the timing belt
Fix: Replace with the timing belt
€100–250
Injectors / injector seals
usually 120,000–220,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Smoke, knocking
Fix: Replace
€400–1,200
Turbo / VGT actuator
usually 120,000–220,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Low power, whistle
Fix: Service or replace the turbo
€400–1,200
1.1 / 1.5 / 1.6 CRDi (Hyundai-Kia U, 2005–2010)
Injector copper washers leaking
usually 100,000–200,000 km · High risk
Signs: 'Chuffing' noise, soot around injectors
Fix: Replace washers early
€150–600
Injectors / pressure regulator
usually 150,000–250,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Hard start, stalling
Fix: Test and replace
€500–1,400
EGR valve
usually 100,000–200,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Rough idle
Fix: Clean
€100–300
1.6 / 1.8 / 2.0 16v (Hyundai-Kia Beta)
Timing belt / tensioner
usually 60,000–90,000 km · High risk
Signs: Interference engine — belt failure bends valves
Fix: Replace kit on time
€250–500
Ignition coils / throttle body
usually 100,000–180,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Misfire, idle hunting
Fix: Replace coils, clean throttle
€100–300
1.4 / 1.6 MPi / GDi (Hyundai-Kia Gamma, naturally aspirated)
Carbon build-up (GDi direct injection)
usually 100,000–180,000 km · Medium risk
engine codes: G4FD, G4FT
Signs: Rough idle
Fix: Valve cleaning
€300–600
Oil consumption (piston rings, GDi)
usually 100,000–180,000 km · Medium risk
engine codes: G4FD
Signs: Low oil warning
Fix: Monitor; repair
€500–3,000
Gearboxes
Manual
Clutch wear
usually 120,000–200,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Slipping, high bite point
Fix: Replace clutch kit
€500–900
Dual-mass flywheel
usually 150,000–220,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Rattle at idle, vibration pulling away
Fix: Replace with clutch
€700–1,400
Automatic 4-speed
Solenoids / pressure regulator (limp mode)
usually 100,000–200,000 km · High risk
Signs: Harsh shifts, stuck in 3rd, gearbox warning
Fix: Fluid change, solenoid / valve body repair
€300–1,500
Scheduled service
Intervals and typical prices for the 2.0 / 2.2 CRDi (Hyundai-Kia D4EA / D4EB) engine. Other engines differ in oil, timing drive and some filters; the app gives the exact plan.
| Item | Interval | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| DPF health check (soot / ash load)Emissions | every 20,000 km | €0–60 |
| Engine oil + oil filterEngine | every 15,000 km or every 12 months | €70–150 |
| Cabin (pollen) filterClimate | every 15,000 km or every 12 months | €15–40 |
| Brake fluidBrakes | every 24 months | €50–95 |
| A/C service (regas + desiccant)Climate | every 24 months | €70–150 |
| Air filterEngine | every 30,000 km or every 24 months | €15–45 |
| Fuel filterFuel | every 30,000 km or every 24 months | €40–110 |
| Timing belt kit + water pumpEngine | every 90,000 km or every 60 months | €450–900 |
| Glow plugsEngine | every 100,000 km | €120–300 |
| Auxiliary (serpentine) beltEngine | every 120,000 km | €70–180 |
| Coolant replacementCooling | every 150,000 km or every 96 months | €70–150 |
| Manual gearbox oilTransmission | every 150,000 km | €60–130 |
| Front brake padsBrakes | usually at 30,000–60,000 km | €60–150 |
| Front brake discs + padsBrakes | usually at 60,000–120,000 km | €150–320 |
| Rear brake padsBrakes | usually at 50,000–90,000 km | €50–130 |
| Tyres (set of 4)Wheels | usually at 40,000–60,000 km | €320–700 |
| Wiper bladesBody | checked at service | €20–50 |
| 12V batteryElectrical | checked at service | €100–220 |
Roadworthiness tests by mileage
Share of tests in the United Kingdom (DVSA MOT, 2024) that this model failed because of each system. Bold red means more often and green less often than an average car of the same age and mileage. Sample: 3,406 tests.
| thousand km | 100–150 | 150–200 | 200–250 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 20.3 % | 23.1 % | 26.8 % |
| Suspension | 19.3 % | 22.8 % | 22.6 % |
| Steering | 4.9 % | 6.0 % | 7.1 % |
| Tyres and wheels | 9.7 % | 12.4 % | 11.2 % |
| Lights, wipers and visibility | 27.3 % | 30.0 % | 34.0 % |
| Body and corrosion | 5.8 % | 4.9 % | 6.0 % |
| Exhaust, emissions and leaks | 6.1 % | 8.1 % | 10.0 % |
Roadworthiness tests in the Netherlands by age
Share of this model's Dutch fleet that had a defect in each system at a roadworthiness test (APK) in 2025. Bold red means more often and green less often than an average car of the same age and fuel. Sample: 1,952 cars.
| age (years) | 15–19 |
|---|---|
| Brakes | 13.7 % |
| Suspension | 7.2 % |
| Steering | 4.7 % |
| Tyres and wheels | 17.4 % |
| Lights, wipers and visibility | 33.0 % |
| Body and corrosion | 1.5 % |
| Exhaust, emissions and leaks | 2.6 % |
Most common engine versions in the EU
New cars of this generation registered in the EU, Iceland and Norway 2010–2025: 4,329, of which 0 in Croatia. The share shows how common each version is.
| Version | Share | Years | CO₂ | Fuel use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 / 2.2 CRDi (Hyundai-Kia D4EA / D4EB)2.0 (1,991 cm³) · Diesel | 52.2 % | 2010–2012 | — | — |
| 1.1 / 1.5 / 1.6 CRDi (Hyundai-Kia U, 2005–2010)1.6 (1,582 cm³) · Diesel | 26.4 % | 2010–2012 | — | — |
| 1.6 / 1.8 / 2.0 16v (Hyundai-Kia Beta)2.0 (1,998 cm³) · Petrol | 9.7 % | 2010–2011 | — | — |
| 1.6 / 1.8 / 2.0 16v (Hyundai-Kia Beta)1.6 (1,591 cm³) · Petrol | 6.5 % | 2010–2012 | — | — |
| 2.0 / 2.2 CRDi (Hyundai-Kia D4EA / D4EB)2.0 (1,991 cm³) · 85 kW (116 hp) · Diesel | 1.4 % | 2011–2011 | — | — |
| 2.0 / 2.2 CRDi (Hyundai-Kia D4EA / D4EB)2.0 (1,991 cm³) · 103 kW (140 hp) · Diesel | 1.3 % | 2011–2012 | — | — |
Source: European Environment Agency (EEA), monitoring of CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars, CC BY 4.0. CO₂ and fuel use are official type-approval values (WLTP from 2021), not real-world consumption.
Official recalls
Recalls the manufacturer published in the United Kingdom for this model (3). The same recalls usually apply across Europe. Ask an authorised dealer to check by VIN whether your car is affected and whether the work has been done.
- Fire risk Kia HECU Fuse Replacement05/12/2024 · R/2024/465
- Brakes / ABS / ESP Brake lights may malfunction01/06/2013 · R/2013/055
- Brakes / ABS / ESP Brake light may not operate09/11/2009 · R/2009/092
Common questions
Does the Kia Carens III have a timing chain or a timing belt?
2.0 / 2.2 CRDi (Hyundai-Kia D4EA / D4EB): belt · 90,000 km / every 60 mo; 1.1 / 1.5 / 1.6 CRDi (Hyundai-Kia U, 2005–2010): chain; 1.6 / 1.8 / 2.0 16v (Hyundai-Kia Beta): belt · 90,000 km / every 60 mo; 1.4 / 1.6 MPi / GDi (Hyundai-Kia Gamma, naturally aspirated): chain.
What are the known problems with the Kia Carens III?
The faults with the highest risk: solenoids / pressure regulator (limp mode) (100,000–200,000 km, €300–1,500); injector copper washers leaking (100,000–200,000 km, €150–600); timing belt / tensioner (60,000–90,000 km, €250–500); balance-shaft belt (80,000–100,000 km, €100–250). The full list by engine is on this page.
What does the Kia Carens III most often fail its roadworthiness test on?
In UK roadworthiness tests in 2024, at 150–200 thousand km this model most often failed on: lights, wipers and visibility (30.0 %), brakes (23.1 %), suspension (22.8 %). It fails more often than an average car of the same age and mileage on: brakes, steering, tyres and wheels. It fails less often than average on: body and corrosion.
What should you check when buying a used Kia Carens III?
Before you buy, ask an authorised dealer to check by VIN that the recalls have been done (3 have been published for this model). If the engine has a timing belt, ask for the invoice for its replacement: with no proof, assume it has not been done. On the test drive, watch for these signs: harsh shifts, stuck in 3rd, gearbox warning; 'Chuffing' noise, soot around injectors. The full checklist is in the guide to buying a used car.
Other generations
Models with the same engines
These models share engines with this car, so they share some of its faults too.
Kia Cee'd / ProCeed I 2006–2012Hyundai i20 I 2008–2014Kia Venga 2009–2019Hyundai i30 (FD) 2007–2012Kia Cerato 2004–2013Hyundai ix20 2010–2019Kia Sportage II 2004–2010Kia Rio II 2005–2011
Other Kia models
Kia Picanto I 2004–2011Kia Soul I 2008–2013Kia Sorento II 2009–2014Kia Optima (TF) 2010–2015Kia Sorento I 2002–2009Kia Sportage (SL) 2010–2015Kia Picanto II 2011–2017Kia Rio III 2011–2017Kia Cee'd / ProCeed II 2012–2018
Sources and notes
Faults, intervals and prices are indicative and collected from public sources and owner experience; always rely on the service book and a qualified workshop. Test statistics: DVSA – Anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0. Dutch tests: RDW Open Data (CC0). Engine versions: EEA, monitoring of CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars (CC BY 4.0, DG CLIMA). Owner complaints: NHTSA ODI (public domain). Recalls: DVSA Vehicle Safety Branch Recalls Database, OGL v3.0. Brand and model names are trademarks of their owners and are used only to describe the vehicles.
Updated 08/10/2026