IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2013 Kia Carens

The third-generation Carens (RP) arrived in May 2013, built on a shared Ceed platform with sleek cab-forward styling, standard seven seats, 1.6 GDi petrol, and 1.7 CRDi diesel engines.

What changed for 2013

  • •Sleek modern MPV exterior styling by Peter Schreyer on an all-new high-rigidity unibody platform
  • •Standard seven-seat configuration across UK range with fold-flat second and third-row seating
  • •Introduction of 1.7-litre CRDi diesel in 114bhp and 134bhp states of tune alongside 1.6 GDi petrol

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Front coil spring breakage near lower spring cup from salt and moisture pooling
  • !Worn steering column intermediate shaft joints causing MOT steering play warnings
  • !Rear brake disc corrosion and sticky parking brake motor actuators
2
Known Issues
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Serious
1
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

1.7 CRDi Dual-Mass Flywheel (DMF) and Clutch Wear

SeriousGearbox & Transmission

The 1.7-litre CRDi diesel engine produces substantial low-end torque (up to 340Nm), which places considerable rotational stress on the dual-mass flywheel and clutch assembly. In stop-start school run driving or when towing caravans, the internal damping springs within the flywheel weaken and develop excessive rotational play. This causes severe shudder through the clutch pedal when biting, metallic rattling at idle that disappears when depressing the clutch, and eventual clutch slip under load. Replacement requires dropping the front subframe and gearbox, making it a substantial maintenance expense.

Est. Repair Cost: £750–£1,350
Warning Signs:

Loud metallic rattling or chattering noise from the bellhousing at idle, which quietens when the clutch is depressed, Severe shudder and judder through the car when pulling away gently in first gear, Clutch slipping and engine revs flaring without an increase in road speed when accelerating uphill in 4th or 5th gear

What to Inspect:
  • Idle the car in neutral and listen carefully for metallic knocking; press the clutch pedal to the floor to verify if the noise alters or silences
  • Perform a hill start or accelerate in fourth gear from 40 mph up a gradient to detect any clutch slippage
  • Check maintenance invoices to see whether the clutch and flywheel have been renewed with genuine or OE-quality components
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Front Suspension Lower Ball Joint and Bush Deterioration

ModerateSuspension & Chassis

Given the Carens kerb weight and seven-seat passenger payload, front lower wishbone rear bushes and lower swivel ball joints endure heavy pounding on UK road surfaces. Over time, the bonded rubber bushes tear and grease seals on the ball joints perish, allowing moisture and grit to enter. The resulting play leads to vague, wandering steering at motorway speeds, uneven inner front tyre wear, and metallic knocking over speed humps, regularly resulting in MOT test refusals.

Est. Repair Cost: £180–£400
Warning Signs:

Dull thudding or knocking sound from the front suspension over potholes and road seams, Car pulls to one side or wanders on uneven motorway lane surfaces, Premature feathering or inner shoulder wear on the front tyres

What to Inspect:
  • Inspect front tyres across their tread width for uneven inside edge wear indicating misaligned geometry
  • Drive at 30 to 40 mph over broken tarmac and listen for suspension clonking or rattles
  • Review previous MOT advisories for suspension arm pin or bush wear on the front axle
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Buying Tips for 2013 Kia Carens

  • Ensure the 1.7 CRDi pulls cleanly without turbo whistle or hesitation between 1,500 and 2,500 rpm
  • Verify that all three individual second-row seats slide, recline, and fold flat smoothly
  • Check all four electric windows and power-folding door mirrors for smooth electrical operation
2007–20122014–2019
Check a 2013 Kia Carens by Registration