IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
1997 SsangYong (KGM) SsangYong Korando (Mk2)

The second-generation Korando (KJ) arrived in the UK in 1997 offering retro Jeep-inspired styling and robust Mercedes-derived 2.3 petrol and 2.9 diesel engines.

What changed for 1997

  • •UK launch of the Korando KJ three-door 4x4 with 2.3 petrol (140bhp) and 2.9 diesel (98bhp)
  • •Ladder-frame chassis with coil-sprung rear live axle and double-wishbone front suspension
  • •Introduction of the 2.9-litre turbodiesel (120bhp) in 1998 offering significantly improved torque
  • •Daewoo rebadging from 1999 to 2002 with price cuts and upgraded interior equipment before reverting to SsangYong

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Chassis rail and outrigger rust perforation
  • !Vacuum front hub failure preventing four-wheel drive engagement
  • !Handbrake cable stretch and rear drum-in-hat brake imbalance
3
Known Issues
1
Serious
2
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

Chassis Outrigger and Wheelarch Corrosion

SeriousSuspension & Chassis

The 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.

Est. Repair Cost: £400–£1,200
Warning Signs:

Perforating rust holes and flaking metal around the chassis outriggers and body mounts, Bubbling and surface corrosion along the lower sill seams and wheelarch lips, Cracking noises from the cabin mounts when flexing over uneven ground

What to Inspect:
  • Inspect all four body mounting outriggers with a torch and hammer for rot
  • Check behind the plastic wheelarch liners for trapped mud and severe rust
  • Examine the rear suspension coil spring perches on the chassis frame for thinning metal
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Front Vacuum Hub Lock Failure on Shift-on-the-Fly 4WD

ModerateGearbox & Transmission

The 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.

Est. Repair Cost: £160–£420
Warning Signs:

4WD indicator illuminates on the dashboard but front wheels fail to pull on slippery ground, Hissing air leak audible from the front wheel arches when 4WD is switched on, Front driveshafts spin but wheels do not lock to the hubs

What to Inspect:
  • Jack up the front axle and engage 4WD; attempt to spin the front wheels to check if hubs lock
  • Inspect the rubber vacuum lines running to the steering knuckles for dry rot or splits
  • Check whether manual locking aftermarket hubs have been installed to replace the vacuum system
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Handbrake Cable Stretch and Rear Caliper Seizure

ModerateBrakes

The 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.

Est. Repair Cost: £140–£350
Warning Signs:

Handbrake lever pulls up almost to the vertical stop without holding the vehicle securely, Vehicle rolls on hills despite the handbrake being fully applied, Hot rear wheel hubs and burning brake smell after driving

What to Inspect:
  • Test handbrake holding power on a steep incline with the vehicle in neutral
  • Count how many clicks the handbrake lever travels before holding firmly (should be 5–7 clicks)
  • Check rear brake cables for split outer sheaths and internal corrosion
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Buying Tips for 1997 SsangYong (KGM) SsangYong Korando (Mk2)

  • The 2.9 turbodiesel is the pick of the range for towing and off-road driving
  • Look for vehicles fitted with aftermarket manual front hubs to avoid vacuum leak headaches
1998–2006
Check a 1997 SsangYong (KGM) SsangYong Korando (Mk2) by Registration