IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2005 SsangYong (KGM) SsangYong Kyron

The Kyron launched in the UK in late 2005 as a rugged, body-on-frame mid-size SUV with Mercedes-derived 2.0-litre diesel power and part-time 4WD.

What changed for 2005

  • •UK launch of the Kyron with 2.0-litre XDi 200 turbodiesel engine (139bhp / 310Nm)
  • •Distinctive exterior design with angular nose and shield-shaped rear light clusters
  • •Choice of rear-wheel-drive or BorgWarner selectable part-time 4WD with hill descent control

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Front lower ball joint play and anti-roll bar link deterioration
  • !Excessive exhaust particulate smoke emissions on high-mileage diesel models
3
Known Issues
1
Serious
2
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

Delphi Diesel Injector Leak-Off and Hard Cold Starting

SeriousFuel System

The Mercedes-derived 2.0-litre XDi four-cylinder diesel engine utilizes Delphi common-rail fuel injection. With mileage and fuel contamination, the injector internal control valves wear, allowing excessive fuel to leak back into the return line rather than maintaining rail pressure during cranking. This causes extended cold cranking times, rough uneven idle, black smoke under hard acceleration, and eventual engine cutout under high fuel demand.

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

Engine cranks for many seconds before firing, especially on cold mornings, Lumpy, shaking idle when the engine is first started, Engine cut-out or limp-home mode triggered during hard acceleration up hills

What to Inspect:
  • Start the engine from dead cold and monitor how quickly fuel pressure builds
  • Perform an injector leak-off test if rough idling or starting hesitation is noted
  • Check service history for fuel filter replacement intervals using genuine OEM filters
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Front Lower Suspension Ball Joint Play and Knocking

ModerateSuspension & Chassis

The heavy ladder-frame construction of the Kyron puts substantial strain on the front independent double-wishbone suspension. Water, salt, and mud wash out grease from the lower ball joint rubber boots, causing metal-on-metal wear. Worn ball joints lead to knocking noises over potholes, imprecise steering feel, and immediate UK MOT failure.

Est. Repair Cost: £180–£420
Warning Signs:

Loud clunking or knocking from the front wheels over rough roads and speed bumps, Vague steering that drifts slightly and requires continual wheel correction, Rapid wear on the inside edge of the front tyres

What to Inspect:
  • Inspect the lower ball joint rubber gaiters for splits or oil contamination
  • Lever the lower control arms with the front wheels off the ground to check for play
  • Check past MOT test history records for suspension arm or ball joint advisories
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Electronic 4WD Transfer Case Actuator Seizure

ModerateGearbox & Transmission

The BorgWarner part-time four-wheel-drive transfer case uses an electronic motor mounted on the underside of the transmission casing to toggle between 2H, 4H, and 4L. If the 4WD system is not exercised regularly, corrosion and road dirt seize the motor gears and corrode the electrical connector, causing the 4WD warning light to flash and leaving the vehicle stuck in rear-wheel drive.

Est. Repair Cost: £220–£500
Warning Signs:

4WD warning light stays permanently illuminated or flashes on the instrument cluster, Failure of front wheels to engage when switching from 2H to 4H, Electric shift motor clicking repeatedly beneath the vehicle without engaging drive

What to Inspect:
  • Rotate the 4WD dashboard selector through 2H, 4H, and 4L while parked and during low-speed rolling
  • Listen for the mechanical clunk of the transfer case engaging low range
  • Inspect the wiring harness and actuator plug beneath the centre of the chassis for corrosion
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Buying Tips for 2005 SsangYong (KGM) SsangYong Kyron

  • Test cold start behaviour; weak glow plugs or leaking injector seals cause hard cold starts
  • Check for transmission fluid leaks around the transfer box output seals
2006
Check a 2005 SsangYong (KGM) SsangYong Kyron by Registration