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Kia · Compact · 2008–2013 Custom Search

Kia Cerato TD

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 1 engine variants · How we rate

Body Variants

The Kia Cerato TD is available as Sedan and Hatchback — choose your body type for specific insurance data:

Generations

Engine Overview

The Kia Cerato TD is available with one engine variant at 141 hp.

2.0 CVVT · Petrol· 143 PS
2008 2013

Proven four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine with timing belt drive and variable valve timing. Good reliability with consistent service intervals — replace the timing belt on time.

  • !! Timing belt: replacement mandatory every 90,000–120,000 km from 100,000 km

    The Beta II engine G4GC 2.0 CVVT in the Sportage KM2, Cerato and Magentis uses a timing belt. If it snaps, valve contact causes engine damage. The water pump should be replaced at the same time.

    Symptoms: Before snap: unusual noises from the timing belt area. After snap: sudden engine failure, no restart possible.
    600–1,100 $
    Ad timing belt G4GC Kia Sportage 2.0 CVVTtiming belt kit Kia Cerato TD 2.0timing belt Kia Magentis MG 2.0
  • !! Timing chain stretch at high mileage from 150,000 km

    The G4GC 2.0 CVVT shares the timing chain issue with the G4ED. Chain stretch typically occurs from around 150,000 km, particularly when oil change intervals have not been maintained.

    Symptoms: Cold start rattle, camshaft fault codes, poor running after extended inactivity
    500–1,400 $
    Ad timing chain G4GC 2.0 CVVTtiming chain Kia Sportage JE
  • !! Oil consumption at higher mileages from 150,000 km

    The G4GC 2.0 CVVT shows increased oil consumption from approx. 150,000 km through piston ring and valve stem seal wear, as is typical of Beta engines of this era.

    Symptoms: Bluish exhaust smoke on cold start and overrun, dropping oil level between service intervals.
    600–2,000 $
    Ad piston rings G4GC Kia Sportage KM2 2.0valve stem seals Kia Cerato 2.0 CVVT

+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!MDPS electric motor failure (motor-driven power steering)

The MDPS (Motor Driven Power Steering) system on the Cerato TD is susceptible to failure of a rubber component inside the steering motor. This issue also affects identical Hyundai models and can cause a complete loss of steering assistance.

Symptoms: Steering suddenly becomes very heavy, power assistance cuts out unexpectedly, power steering warning light on, clicking noises when steering.
from 80,000 km
Ad MDPS Kia Cerato TDpower steeringsmotor Kia Cerato 2010Lenkmotor Kia Forte TD
 Medium

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Known Problems and Issues +

A total of 10 weaknesses have been documented for the Kia Cerato TD (2008–2013) — 4 engine-related and 6 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Steering, Suspension, Electronics, Rust.

Cerato (G4GC, 2008–2013) — Be Careful: Timing belt: replacement mandatory every 90,000–120,000 km, Timing chain stretch at high mileage, Oil consumption at higher mileages. Power: 143 PS.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Kia Cerato TD have? +
The Kia Cerato TD has 4 known engine weaknesses and 6 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Kia Cerato TD? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: G4GC (2.0L CVVT (Beta II)). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the G4GC (2.0L CVVT (Beta II)).
Which Kia Cerato TD engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Kia Cerato TD — rated: "Decent". {description} 143 hp 2.0 CVVT in the Cerato TD — pleasant to drive, without sporting ambitions. Honest family car of the old school.
Is the Kia Cerato TD worth buying used? +
The Kia Cerato TD requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Kia Cerato TD? +
The Kia Cerato TD is available with engine variants from 141 to 143 hp. Petrol: G4GC (2.0L CVVT (Beta II)).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee