IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2012 Kia Carens

We've identified 2 known issues that can affect the 2012 Kia Carens. None are considered critical, but they're worth knowing about before you buy.

2
Known Issues
0
Serious
2
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

Brake Light Switch Contact Carbonisation and Circuit Malfunction

ModerateElectrics & Electronics

Across second-generation (UN) Carens models, carbon deposits build up on the internal electrical contacts of the brake pedal stop lamp switch. This degradation causes the rear brake lights to either fail to illuminate when braking or stick permanently illuminated once the pedal is released. The malfunctioning switch also disrupts the cruise control and triggers spurious Electronic Stability Control (ESC) dashboard warnings, creating an immediate MOT test failure and rear-end collision hazard that led to UK DVSA safety recalls.

Est. Repair Cost: £45–£130
Warning Signs:

Rear brake lights sticking permanently on or failing to illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) warning lamp illuminating intermittently on the instrument cluster, Cruise control failing to set or disengaging unexpectedly while cruising

What to Inspect:
  • Have an assistant observe the rear brake lamps and high-level third brake light while pressing and releasing the brake pedal repeatedly
  • Test cruise control engagement on a dual carriageway to ensure the system does not trip out over road seams
  • Check the DVSA recall database or dealer history to confirm recall R/2013/055 or R/2009/092 was completed with an upgraded switch
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated
Official Recalls & Reference Documents:

2.0 CRDi Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and EGR Soot Accumulation

ModerateExhaust & Emissions

On 2.0-litre CRDi diesel models used predominantly for short urban school runs and local commuting, the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve and diesel particulate filter (DPF) fail to achieve passive regeneration temperatures. Soot and sticky oil vapour cake the EGR valve spindle and choke the honeycomb ceramic filter matrix. This triggers limp home mode, sluggish acceleration, excessive tailpipe smoke, and exhaust emissions failures during annual MOT testing.

Est. Repair Cost: £220–£950
Warning Signs:

DPF or check engine malfunction warning lamp illuminated on the dashboard, Noticeable loss of power and engine entering limp home mode restricting engine speed above 2,500 rpm, Black or grey smoke pouring from the exhaust under moderate acceleration

What to Inspect:
  • Take the car on a fast dual carriageway run to confirm the engine revs cleanly past 3,000 rpm without hesitation or limp mode engagement
  • Inspect the tailpipe for heavy oily soot deposits and check the MOT history for previous smoke meter / particulate advisories
  • Inquire about the previous owner's driving cycle and look for invoices for EGR ultrasonic cleaning or forced DPF regeneration
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Buying Tips for 2012 Kia Carens

  • On 1.7 CRDi manual models, test for clutch slip and pedal vibration under hard acceleration in high gear, as towing and city driving accelerate clutch plate and dual-mass flywheel wear
  • Operate all six passenger seats through their sliding, folding, and tumbling mechanisms to ensure release latches and floor hinge locks engage securely
  • Check the operation of the electronic parking brake switch and confirm there is no screeching or sticking from the rear calipers
  • Inspect the rear suspension trailing arm bushes and rear coil springs for corrosion or sagging under passenger load
  • Test the air conditioning and dual-zone climate control outputs, as stone perforations to the lower air condenser are frequent on motorway-driven examples
Check a 2012 Kia Carens by Registration