Kia 1.7 CRDi
Evolved diesel with slightly more displacement for better pulling power. Smoother than the 1.6 — DPF problems on short trips possible.
Diesel comfort for the family
141 hp diesel in the Carens — the sensible family drivetrain with good torque.
Engine Weaknesses 7
The electronically controlled EGR valve of the D4FD becomes packed with soot deposits and sticks. Cleaning the valve and intake tract is routinely due at around 80,000–100,000 km.
Symptoms: Judder at low load, engine warning light EGR fault, poor performance in the lower rev range
Bosch direct injectors of the D4FD can be damaged by poor fuel quality. Copper sealing washers must be renewed every 100,000–150,000 km, otherwise combustion gases escape into the cylinder head.
Symptoms: Hard starting, uneven running, increased fuel consumption, smoke on start-up
From around 150,000 km the D4FD's DPF becomes problematic: blockage causes regeneration failures and oil dilution in the crankcase from fuel injected during forced regeneration.
Symptoms: DPF warning light, engine power reduction, increased fuel consumption, oil level rises (diesel mixes into oil)
The Garrett turbo of the D4FD can cause boost loss through a faulty variable vane mechanism or a seized vacuum actuator. The vacuum valve (part no. 35120-2A400) is a known wear item.
Symptoms: Loss of boost pressure, power loss under load, fault code P0299 (turbo underboost), occasional overboost flutter
The 1.7 CRDi suffers severely from DPF problems in predominantly short-trip use. Documented in Polish forums: regeneration every 50–80 km instead of the normal 250–300 km, oil level rises from fuel dilution.
Symptoms: Very frequent DPF regeneration, oil level rising due to fuel dilution, power drop, DPF warning light, limp-home mode.
The D4FD's EGR valve tends to carbon up, leading to power loss and increased fuel consumption. Typical issue of the 1.7 CRDi unit, frequently occurring alongside DPF problems.
Symptoms: Power loss, judder under partial load, fault code P0401/P0404, limp-home mode.
The 1.7 CRDi is prone to premature DMF fatigue like the other U-series diesels. The DMF wears quickly particularly in constant urban use or with an aggressive clutch style.
Symptoms: Vibration and rattling on pull-away and cold start, jerky gear changes.
Vehicle Weaknesses 8
The optional 6-speed DCT in the Carens RP tends to judder when pulling away and produces delayed gearshifts. In extreme cases the entire gearbox including the mechatronic unit fails at higher mileage.
The Carens RP's air-con compressor wears out prematurely at higher mileage. Leaking refrigerant lines and defective condensers are further typical weak points of the climate system.
Front-axle wheel bearings on the Carens RP become noisy at higher mileage and need replacement. The issue appeared at around 88,000 km during the Auto Bild long-term test.
The rear brake calipers on the Carens RP tend to seize because the rear brakes are inherently lightly loaded. This leads to uneven pad wear and warped brake discs.
Faulty cable pass-throughs in the doors cause failures of the electric window regulators and central locking. Fuses repeatedly blow.
The front parking sensors on the Carens RP trigger false alarms or beep continuously without any obstacle. During the Auto Bild long-term test the sensors were replaced twice.
Shock absorbers on the Carens RP wear at higher mileage, resulting in uncomfortable ride quality on rough roads. Knocking and cracking over bumps indicates worn top mounts.
Plastic clips and trim panels inside the Carens RP loosen over time. The Auto Bild long-term test found loose clips on the engine bay and underbody cladding.