IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2007 SsangYong (KGM) SsangYong Kyron

A comprehensive facelift in 2007 refreshed the Kyron's front and rear styling, revised the cabin ergonomics, and improved sound insulation.

What changed for 2007

  • •Major styling refresh with conventional front grille and horizontal tail-lamp assemblies
  • •Enhanced cabin refinement with new dashboard lighting, updated steering wheel, and improved materials
  • •Five-year / 250,000-mile warranty introduced across the UK model range from April 2009

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Handbrake cable stretch and uneven rear drum-in-disc parking brake operation
  • !Corrosion on rear suspension arms and subframe mounting plates
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 2007 SsangYong (KGM) SsangYong Kyron

  • The post-2007 facelifted model is much easier on the eye and has a better interior finish
  • Ensure that previous owners have regularly serviced the five-speed automatic gearbox
20062008–2011
Check a 2007 SsangYong (KGM) SsangYong Kyron by Registration