IsItAGoodCar

Common Problems with the
2011–2014 Kia Picanto (Gen 2)

We've identified 3 known issues that can affect the 2011–2014 Kia Picanto (Gen 2). None are considered critical, but they're worth knowing about before you buy.

3
Known Issues
0
Serious
1
Moderate
2
Minor

The 2011–2014 period has 2 more issues than the Kia Picanto (Gen 2) average across all year periods.

All Known Issues

Clutch cable or clutch wear

ModerateGearbox & Transmission

The clutch can wear quickly in purely urban use, and stretched cables make the pedal feel awkward even before the clutch actually starts slipping.

Most affected: 1.0 petrol, 1.25 petrol

Estimated cost: £180–£420Affects: 2011–2017Often appears around: 35,000–75,000 miles

Typical symptoms

  • •High bite point
  • •Judder when moving off
  • •Difficulty engaging first or reverse

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Hill start from cold
  • ✓Pedal travel consistency
  • ✓Recent clutch or cable history

Air-conditioning condenser leaks

MinorCooling System

The condenser is exposed at the front of the car and can leak after stone damage, leaving the AC ineffective even though the rest of the car feels mechanically sound.

Most affected: Models with air conditioning

Estimated cost: £220–£360Affects: 2011–2017Often appears around: Any age; more common on motorway-used cars

Typical symptoms

  • •Weak or warm AC
  • •Recent regas that did not last
  • •Visible corrosion or oily residue on condenser

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓AC performance under load
  • ✓Condenser fins and pipe unions
  • ✓Evidence of prior leak testing

Rear brake caliper or handbrake seizure

MinorBrakes

Like its Hyundai cousin, the rear brakes can stick if the car spends most of its life on short runs, creating drag and uneven braking.

Estimated cost: £140–£260Affects: 2011–2017

Typical symptoms

  • •Poor coast-down
  • •Hot rear wheel
  • •Handbrake does not release cleanly

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Wheel temperatures after test drive
  • ✓Service history for rear brake work
  • ✓Condition of discs or drums at the rear

Buying Tips for the 2011 Kia Picanto (Gen 2)

  • ✓Check the clutch pedal travel — it should not bite right at the top or feel notchy
  • ✓Inspect front brake discs and rear brakes for drag because low-mileage town cars often seize rather than wear evenly
  • ✓Test the air conditioning to ensure it blows cold and does not just make compressor noise
  • ✓Listen for front-end knocks from springs, top mounts or drop links on rough roads
2015 Kia Picanto (Gen 2)

Browse 2011–2014 Kia Picanto (Gen 2) in our Directory

View MOT history, registration data, and reliability scores for 2011–2014 Kia Picanto (Gen 2) vehicles.

View 2011–2014 Directory

Other Kia Picanto (Gen 2) Year Periods

2011–201420152016–2017

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