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Kia · Van · 2006–2013

Kia Carens UN

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 2 engine variants

Generations

Engine Overview

The Kia Carens UN is available with 2 engine variants — from 111 to 140 hp.

2.0 CRDi · Diesel· 136–140 PS
2006 2013
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
1.6 CVVT · Benziner· 126 PS
2006 2013
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The Kia 2.0 CRDi (Diesel, 136–140 PS) has the D4EA (2.0L CRDi (VGT)) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.

The Kia 1.6 CVVT (Benziner, 126 PS) has the G4FC (1.6L CVVT (Gamma)) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!Manual gearbox: defective tapered roller bearings in 2nd gear

On the Carens UN, defective tapered roller bearings in the manual gearbox are a known issue, making it difficult or impossible to engage second gear. Clutch hydraulics can cause problems from around 60,000 km.

Symptoms: Second gear stiff or impossible to engage, noises when shifting, clutch pedal feels heavier.
from 120,000 km
Ad gearbox Kia Carens UNKia Carens manual gearbox repairclutch Kia Carens 2006 2007 2008
 High
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below Average
297 complaints · 2006–2013
Airbags
50 ⚠ 21
Steering
50 ⚠ 2
Engine
42 ⚠ 1
Brakes
41 ⚠ 4
Electrical
31 ⚠ 3

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Airbags (50 complaints)
⚠ Steering (50 complaints)
⚠ Engine (42 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 17 weaknesses have been documented for the Kia Carens UN (2006–2013) — 9 engine-related and 8 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Gearbox, HVAC, Electronics, Rust.

Carens (D4EA, 2006–2013) — Be Careful: Premature timing chain stretch, Timing belt snaps without warning, Injector failure due to poor fuel quality. Power: 136–140 PS.

Carens (G4FC, 2006–2013) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretches prematurely, Timing chain stretch from warm-up phase, Valve stem seals wear at higher mileages. Power: 126 PS.

What to watch out for with the Kia Carens? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Kia Carens UN have? +
The Kia Carens UN has 9 known engine weaknesses and 8 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Kia Carens UN? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: G4FC (1.6L CVVT (Gamma)), D4EA (2.0L CRDi (VGT)). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the D4EA (2.0L CRDi (VGT)).
Which Kia Carens UN engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Kia Carens UN — rated: "Not Really". {description} 140 hp in the Carens van is adequate for the family task; driving enjoyment is deliberately not on the agenda here.
Is the Kia Carens UN worth buying used? +
The Kia Carens UN requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Kia Carens UN? +
The Kia Carens UN is available with engine variants from 111 to 140 hp. Petrol: G4FC (1.6L CVVT (Gamma)). Diesel: D4EA (2.0L CRDi (VGT)).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee