🇩🇪 Deutsch
Kia · Micro Car · 2004–2011

Kia Picanto SA

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

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

Generations

Engine Overview

The Kia Picanto SA is available with 2 engine variants — from 61 to 65 hp.

1.0 · Benziner· 61–63 PS
2004 2011
Be Careful 3 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
1.1 · Benziner· 65 PS
2004 2011
Be Careful 4 weaknesses

The Kia 1.0 (Benziner, 61–63 PS) has the G4HE (1.0L (Epsilon)) — rated: "Be Careful", 3 known weaknesses.

The Kia 1.1 (Benziner, 65 PS) has the G4HG (1.1L (Epsilon)) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
●Above-average brake disc wear

Brake discs and pads on the Picanto SA wear 30% more frequently than on other city cars according to MOT reports. Rear brake calipers corrode and jam the parking brake.

Symptoms: Brakes squeal or grind, parking brake won't release or doesn't hold, uneven pedal pressure point.
from 70,000 km
Ad brake disc Kia Picanto SAbrake caliper rear Kia Picanto BA
 Low

Alternatives

Same Segment

Mitsubishi i-MiEV HA

Kleinstwagen (2009–2020)

Same Segment

Suzuki Alto VII

Kleinstwagen (2009–2014)

Same Segment

Hyundai i10 PA

Kleinstwagen (2008–2013)

Same Segment

Smart ForTwo 451

Kleinstwagen (2007–2014)

Same Segment

Toyota Aygo AB10

Kleinstwagen (2005–2014)

Same Segment

Hyundai Atos Prime MX

Kleinstwagen (1999–2008)

Known Problems and Issues

A total of 15 weaknesses have been documented for the Kia Picanto SA (2004–2011) — 7 engine-related and 8 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Brakes, Suspension, Rust, Electronics.

Picanto (G4HE, 2004–2011) — Be Careful: Crankshaft bolt too short from the factory, Camshaft and crankshaft position sensor defective, Overheating tendency with poor cooling maintenance. Power: 61–63 PS.

Picanto (G4HG, 2004–2011) — Be Careful: Crankshaft bolt too short from the factory, Camshaft position sensor fails frequently (P0340), Increased oil consumption from piston ring wear. Power: 65 PS.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Kia Picanto SA have? +
The Kia Picanto SA has 7 known engine weaknesses and 8 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Kia Picanto SA? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: G4HE (1.0L (Epsilon)), G4HG (1.1L (Epsilon)). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the G4HG (1.1L (Epsilon)).
Which Kia Picanto SA engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Kia Picanto SA — rated: "Not Really". {description} 65 hp in a city car of the early 2000s — enough for the shops, nothing for corner-carving. More sense than pleasure.
Is the Kia Picanto SA worth buying used? +
The Kia Picanto SA requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Kia Picanto SA? +
The Kia Picanto SA is available with engine variants from 61 to 65 hp. Petrol: G4HE (1.0L (Epsilon)), G4HG (1.1L (Epsilon)).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee