Used Kia Cerato review

Exterior:

• One of the most common issues reported by Kia Cerato owners involves the headlights, particularly cases of delamination of the outer protective coating. This issue typically results in cloudy or peeling headlights, but the good news is that owners who experienced this problem had their headlights replaced under Kia’s warranty without much hassle.
• In regions with extremely hot climates, a few owners reported problems with the window rubbers, which can peel or deform due to the intense heat. Thankfully, Kia also addressed these issues under warranty, ensuring that the affected parts were replaced at no extra cost.
• For those opting for the hatchback model, there have been some reports of rattles in the tailgate area. Sedans seem to avoid this issue, but hatchback owners have noted these rattles over time. According to some experts, the solution can be as simple as applying lubrication or noise reduction tape to the rubber stops or plastic guides. In some cases, having the tailgate perfectly aligned can relieve the pressure on these guides and solve the issue. Many owners have mentioned that Kia handled these concerns under warranty as well.

Interior:

• A delaminating infotainment screen is one of the most common interior issues reported by Cerato owners. The outer layer of the screen can start to peel or bubble over time, especially in harsh weather conditions. Fortunately, most owners have had this problem resolved under warranty, though experiences can vary depending on the dealership.
• While many Kia dealerships have been praised for quickly addressing even minor concerns, some owners have had negative experiences with particular dealers. It’s highly recommended to do your homework, join owners’ groups, and identify the more reliable dealerships in your area to avoid potential frustrations.
• In terms of interior wear, some owners have reported that the black plastic trim around the gear selector and the steering wheel buttons can wear out relatively quickly. It’s a good idea to check these areas closely when inspecting a used Cerato to ensure that everything is still in good condition.
• On a more positive note, the leather interiors have been widely praised for their durability. Many owners have found the overall resilience of the interior materials to be excellent. One owner mentioned that, despite her children being less than gentle with the interior since 2019, a thorough clean made it look as good as new, which speaks to the quality of the materials Kia used in the cabin.

Mechanical Overview:

Kia’s 4-cylinder engines have historically faced significant reliability concerns, particularly in earlier models (2012–2017). These engines developed a reputation for catastrophic failures due to poor design and manufacturing defects. However, the good news is that the engines in the later Cerato (BD from 2018 onward) have seen substantial improvements in reliability and performance compared to their predecessors.

That said, there are still a few mechanical issues to be aware of when considering the Cerato, especially regarding engine longevity and maintenance.

2.0L Naturally Aspirated Engine:

The 2.0L naturally aspirated engine, which powers most Cerato models (S, Sport, and Sport+), has been a workhorse for Kia but isn’t without its concerns:

• Oil Consumption:
  One recurring issue with this engine is excessive oil consumption. While not universally experienced, some owners have reported the need to top up oil between service intervals, which can indicate early signs of engine wear or other underlying issues.
• Timing Chain Rattles:
  There are reports of premature timing chain rattles, typically more noticeable during cold starts. This noise may indicate early wear in the timing chain system and, if not addressed, could lead to more serious engine issues over time.
• Carbon Build-up:
  Like many modern direct-injection engines, this 2.0L unit can suffer from carbon build-up on the intake valvesand clogged inlet ports at higher mileages. This build-up can negatively affect performance and fuel efficiency. Luckily, it can be resolved with chemical cleaning or walnut blasting to restore engine health.
• Oil Leaks:
  Valve cover oil leaks are common once the engine exceeds 100,000 km. While this isn’t an overly expensive repair, it’s something to watch for when buying a used model. However, the more serious concern is the rear main oil seal, which is also prone to leaking. This repair is costly because it requires removing the transmission to access and replace the seal.

1.6L Turbocharged Engine:

The 1.6L turbocharged engine, found in the GT model, shares many of the same issues as the naturally aspirated 2.0L engine, but with a few additional concerns related to its turbocharger system:

• Turbocharger Issues:
  While not exceedingly common, the turbocharger can experience problems over time. One notable issue is the internal seal, which can leak, potentially leading to oil loss and eventual turbo failure. Additionally, oil-supply restrictions caused by carbon deposits or debris can result in premature turbo failure. Regular oil changes and good maintenance practices are essential to prevent this.
• Wastegate Failures:
  Occasionally, the turbo’s wastegate can malfunction, which results in a loss of boost pressure and reduced engine performance. This issue is more intermittent but should still be checked during a test drive, especially if the car feels underpowered.
• Oil Consumption and Servicing:
  Just like the 2.0L engine, the 1.6L turbo is prone to oil consumption. For both engine types, frequent oil changes (every 10,000 km) are strongly recommended to avoid engine wear and reduce the likelihood of major failures. When purchasing a used model, ensuring the vehicle has a flawless service history is crucial, as skipping or delaying maintenance can exacerbate these issues and lead to costly repairs down the line.

By maintaining a regular service schedule and addressing any warning signs early, many of these potential issues can be avoided. However, when buying a used Kia Cerato, especially the GT or higher-mileage variants, it’s important to thoroughly inspect the engine and ensure the car has been well-maintained.

Driving:

• When it comes to driving the Kia Cerato, the biggest point of contention revolves around the dual-clutch transmission (DCT), which is primarily found in the GT models. Many owners have experienced issues with these transmissions, ranging from minor annoyances to more serious failures.
• On the lesser end, the DCT can sometimes be slow to respond, jerky, or even slip at slow speeds. These issues can make stop-and-go traffic particularly frustrating. However, at its worst, the transmission can completely fail, leading to significant repair costs if out of warranty. If you’re considering a GT model and encounter any hesitation or lack of smoothness in the gear changes during a test drive, it’s wise to walk away. A well-functioning DCT should provide crisp, accurate gear changes, and any sign of trouble could be a red flag for future problems.
• For those opting for the non-GT models, which come with a traditional 6-speed automatic, these transmission issues are far less common, providing a smoother and more reliable driving experience for daily commuting.