SsangYong (KGM) KGM Torres Common Problems & Reliability
The KGM Torres is a mid-sized D-segment family SUV that marks the beginning of KG Mobility's new brand era in the United Kingdom following the corporate rebrand from SsangYong in late 2023. Positioned between the mid-sized Korando and the full-sized Rexton, the Torres combines distinctive, angular retro-rugged styling—complete with bonnet tie-down handles and a simulated rear spare wheel carrier—with competitive family value. Available initially with a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine in front- or all-wheel-drive, the range was swiftly expanded to include the pure-electric Torres EVX featuring BYD-engineered LFP Blade battery technology, followed by a full self-charging hybrid. While praised for its cavernous passenger accommodation, generous 703-litre boot, and comprehensive equipment roster, early petrol models exhibit noticeable gearbox hesitation, unrefined damping on uneven UK tarmac, and overly sensitive driver-assist warnings.
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Detailed fault breakdown, symptoms, and estimated repair bills by production year.
Most Common SsangYong (KGM) KGM Torres Faults & Repair Costs
Touchscreen Infotainment and Climate Control Latency
The Torres integrates heating and ventilation controls into the lower edge of the central 12.3-inch touchscreen rather than providing dedicated physical buttons. Early UK models suffer from slow microprocessor initialization, latency between tapping screen icons and fan speed response, and intermittent Bluetooth pairing drops. In cold weather, adjusting demisting or heated seats during initial departure can be distracting due to screen sluggishness, though subsequent KGM firmware updates have progressively improved operational responsiveness.
Delayed response when tapping climate control icons on the central touchscreen, Occasional system freezing or screen blackouts during smartphone mirroring startup, Intermittent Bluetooth disconnection and audio streaming stutter
- Operate climate controls immediately upon ignition to test touchscreen responsiveness before the system fully warms up
- Verify that Apple CarPlay or Android Auto connects smoothly via USB and does not crash the display
- Check dealership service paperwork for recorded infotainment software firmware flashes
Aisin Automatic Gearbox Hesitation and Rev Flare
On 1.5-litre T-GDI petrol models, the Aisin six-speed torque-converter automatic transmission can exhibit uncoordinated shift logic. When drivers demand sudden kickdown for motorway overtakes or ascending steep hills, the transmission frequently pauses momentarily before dropping ratios, which causes an audible engine rev flare before settling into gear. In stop-start urban traffic, it can also produce minor low-speed driveline shudders when coasting down to a halt.
Noticeable throttle hesitation before downshifting under kickdown, Engine revs spiking with loud exhaust roar prior to gear engagement, Slight clunk or hesitation when slowing down to junction crawling speeds
- Test kickdown response from 40mph on an open road to evaluate shift delay
- Check for transmission control module (TCM) software update records in the vehicle service logbook
- Assess low-speed creeping behaviour in reverse and forward drive for smoothness
Overly Intrusive ADAS and Lane-Keep Assistance Chimes
To meet modern European and UK GSR2 safety regulations, the Torres is equipped with camera-based Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA) and Lane Keeping Assistance (LKA). In UK driving conditions, the speed-limit recognition camera frequently misreads subsidiary signs on slip roads or 20mph limits on parallel access roads, triggering repetitive warning beeps. The lane-centring system can also tug the steering wheel abruptly on narrow, unlined country roads, requiring drivers to navigate sub-menus to disable the aids upon every start-up.
Frequent false speed-limit warning chimes on rural roads and slip roads, Unwanted steering wheel tugs when passing cyclists or road edge repairs, Driver fatigue warning triggering prematurely on straight motorway routes
- Verify how easy it is to configure driver assistance shortcut profiles on the steering wheel and screen
- Inspect the forward-facing camera area at the top of the windscreen for chips or smearing
- Ask whether recent ADAS software updates have been flashed by a franchised KGM dealer
Buying a used SsangYong (KGM) KGM Torres? Always check for hidden finance and write-off history.
Mechanical problems are only half the battle. Over 1 in 3 UK used cars checked have unpaid finance or accident write-off records that could cause you to lose the car or thousands in value.