SsangYong (KGM) SsangYong Korando (Mk2)
The second-generation SsangYong Korando (KJ series) is a compact, retro-styled three-door short-wheelbase 4x4 sold in the United Kingdom between 1997 and 2006. Penned by British designer Ken Greenley, its distinctive exterior blended neo-classical Willys Jeep styling cues—such as twin circular headlamps and prominent separate front wings—with a modern, boxy rear. Built on a shortened ladder-frame chassis shared with the Musso, the Korando offered serious off-road credibility, a tight turning circle, and generous ground clearance. Powertrains were sourced under licence from Mercedes-Benz, comprising a 2.3-litre four-cylinder petrol (M111, 140bhp) and the renowned 2.9-litre five-cylinder turbodiesel (OM662, 120bhp), paired with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission and BorgWarner part-time 4WD. Rebadged as the Daewoo Korando between 1999 and 2002, it proved a durable, left-field alternative to the Jeep Wrangler and Land Rover Freelander, though vacuum hub failure, chassis rust, and handbrake wear are common.
Check a specific car?
Got a registration for a SsangYong Korando (Mk2)? Get an instant MOT and history report.
Common Faults & Reliability
These are the most common documented problems for the SsangYong (KGM) SsangYong Korando (Mk2), sorted by their typical impact and frequency.
Front Vacuum Hub Lock Failure on Shift-on-the-Fly 4WD
medium severityThe Korando's part-time 4WD system uses engine vacuum delivered through flexible rubber pipes to automatically lock the front wheel hubs when shifting from 2H to 4H. With age, exposure to road salt, and off-road grit, the rubber vacuum pipes crack and the hub seals perish. Vacuum pressure leaks away, leaving the front hubs disengaged even though the 4WD dashboard light illuminates, leaving the vehicle stuck in rear-wheel drive.
Chassis Outrigger and Wheelarch Corrosion
high severityThe compact ladder-frame chassis and steel bodywork are vulnerable to aggressive mud and road-salt traps beneath the vehicle. Defective or punctured plastic splash liners allow wet mud and grit to accumulate around the sills, rear spring hangers, and body mount outriggers. Without factory internal cavity wax, severe perforating corrosion develops, leading to MOT structural failure.
Handbrake Cable Stretch and Rear Caliper Seizure
medium severityThe Korando uses rear disc brakes with a drum-in-hat parking brake setup. Because of the heavy 1.8-tonne kerb weight, handbrake cables stretch over time, causing excessive lever travel and failing to meet the MOT minimum 16% braking efficiency requirement. Road salt and damp ingress also cause the rear parking brake shoes and expander linkages to stick and drag on the drums.
Browse by Production Year
Select a specific year to view detailed registration directory lookup and annual MOT history reports for the SsangYong (KGM) SsangYong Korando (Mk2).