IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2012 SsangYong (KGM) SsangYong Rodius

We've identified 3 known issues that can affect the 2012 SsangYong (KGM) SsangYong Rodius. 1 of these are serious faults that could be expensive to repair.

3
Known Issues
1
Serious
2
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

Fuel Injector Copper Washer Leakage Black Death

SeriousEngine

The Mercedes-Benz-derived 2.7-litre five-cylinder OM612 common-rail diesel engine suffers from combustion gas blow-by past fatigued copper injector seal washers. Escaping diesel combustion gasses bake into a rock-hard black carbon crust around the cylinder head and injector bodies. If left unchecked, the injectors seize into the aluminium head, leading to misfires, diesel fumes in the cabin, and multi-thousand-pound extraction bills.

Est. Repair Cost: £350–£1,800
Warning Signs:

Pungent diesel exhaust or burning fuel smell permeating the passenger cabin, Rhythmic chuffing or puffing sound from the top of the engine during idle, Hard, tar-like black carbon deposits accumulated around the fuel injector bases

What to Inspect:
  • Unclip the plastic acoustic engine cover and inspect the injector wells with a torch
  • Listen for an audible chuffing noise around the rocker cover while the engine is idling
  • Check service invoices to see if copper washers have ever been replaced or injectors re-seated
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Front Suspension Wishbone Bush and Ball Joint Premature Wear

ModerateSuspension & Chassis

With an unladen mass exceeding 2,100kg and gross vehicle weight over 2,750kg, the Rodius puts immense stress on its front double-wishbone suspension. The front lower control arm bushes, lower ball joints, and anti-roll bar drop links deteriorate prematurely on bumpy UK roads. Wear causes severe steering vagueness, tramlining in motorway ruts, clunking over speed bumps, and heavy inner shoulder tyre wear that frequently causes UK MOT test failure.

Est. Repair Cost: £220–£550
Warning Signs:

Loud metallic clunking or knocking when driving over speed cushions and potholes, Vague, wandering steering on straight dual carriageways requiring constant correction, Heavy and uneven wear on the inside edges of the front tyres

What to Inspect:
  • Inspect front lower ball joint dust gaiters for splits and check for play using a pry bar
  • Examine front tyre tread depth across the full width of the tyre for inner edge wear
  • Review MOT history certificates for repeat suspension component advisories
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Parking Brake Cable Stretch and Rear Brake Binding

ModerateBrakes

The Rodius utilizes a secondary drum-in-hat parking brake mechanism integrated inside the rear disc rotors. Holding a 2.2-tonne unladen vehicle causes the long twin handbrake operating cables to stretch over time, resulting in excessive pedal or lever travel and insufficient holding force. Furthermore, moisture and road grime penetrate the unsealed rear brake shoe compensator mechanism, causing the shoes to stick and overheat the rear discs during motorway cruising.

Est. Repair Cost: £150–£380
Warning Signs:

Parking brake pedal or lever pulls all the way to its mechanical travel stop without holding firmly, Vehicle creeping on moderate inclines despite parking brake being fully applied, Burning brake smell and excessive heat radiating from rear alloy wheel hubs after driving

What to Inspect:
  • Apply the handbrake on an incline and check whether the vehicle stays stationary in neutral
  • Touch rear wheel centres after a test drive to check for excessive friction heat from binding shoes
  • Inspect the condition and tension of the exposed parking brake cables beneath the rear axle
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Buying Tips for 2012 SsangYong (KGM) SsangYong Rodius

  • Remove the plastic engine beauty cover and closely inspect the fuel injector wells for black carbon tar buildup ("Black Death").
  • Test the parking brake thoroughly on a steep hill; the foot-operated cable mechanism stretches easily and often causes MOT failure.
  • Listen for knocking or clonking noises from the front suspension over speed cushions, indicating worn ball joints or wishbone bushes.
  • On 4WD models, verify that the dashboard 4WD selector button engages and disengages low and high range smoothly without warning lights.
  • Check for signs of intensive private hire or taxi use, such as heavily worn seat bolsters, luggage scuffs on the tailgate sill, and missing service records.
Check a 2012 SsangYong (KGM) SsangYong Rodius by Registration