Kia Carens III (2013–2019)

4.8/5
Reliability score Good
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Model and generation reliability insights from verified owners. Variants are selected when adding reviews.

12 Verified owner reports

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Most reported affected parts

View all parts
1
Power steering
1 reports
2
Electronics
1 reports
3
Gearbox
1 reports
4
Starter motor
1 reports
5
Suspension / shock absorbers
1 reports

Engine reliability summary

Petrol

Engine Score Reports Common issues
1.6 16V GDI (135 Hp) (G4FD) 5.0 3 Power steering, Electronics, Gearbox
1.6 GDI (135 Hp) (G4FD) No reports 0 No issues reported
1.6 GDI (135 Hp) 7 Seat (G4FD) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.0 16V GDI (166 Hp) (G4NC) No reports 0 No issues reported
Show 3 more engines
2.0 16V GDI (166 Hp) Automatic (G4NC) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.0 GDI (166 Hp) Automatic (G4NC) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.0 GDI (166 Hp) Automatic 7 Seat (G4NC) No reports 0 No issues reported

Diesel

Engine Score Reports Common issues
1.7 16V CRDi (115 Hp) ISG (U II / D4FD) No reports 0 No issues reported
1.7 16V CRDi (115 Hp) ISG 7 Seat (U II / D4FD) No reports 0 No issues reported
1.7 16V CRDi (136 Hp) HPE (U II / D4FD) No reports 0 No issues reported
1.7 16V CRDi (136 Hp) HPE Automatic (U II / D4FD) No reports 0 No issues reported
Show 4 more engines
1.7 CRDI (141 Hp) Automatic ISG (U II / D4FD) No reports 0 No issues reported
1.7 CRDI (141 Hp) Automatic ISG 7 Seat (U II / D4FD) No reports 0 No issues reported
1.7 CRDI (141 Hp) ISG (U II / D4FD) No reports 0 No issues reported
1.7 CRDI (141 Hp) ISG 7 Seat (U II / D4FD) No reports 0 No issues reported

Owner reviews

Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

Carens IV: A Practical Choice for Families

I've only had the car for a short time, but my initial impressions are positive. I bought it because my three kids couldn't fit in our previous car, and despite my reservations about minivans, it proved to be the most sensible option. The Carens stood out for its competitive price and, unlike many cars in its segment, it doesn't have the typical minivan look.

Pros: Excellent value for money, Spacious interior for families, Unconventional minivan styling
Cons: Limited long-term test data
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

Kia Carens IV

I bought the car because my family was growing (twins). I was looking for a minivan with a flat rear floor, a large trunk, independent rear seats, and ISOFIX. Competitors like the Opel Zafira, Ford Grand C-Max, and possibly Renault Grand Scenic were considered. Peugeots and Citroens were out of the question; their showrooms were disheartening. An ideal choice would have been the Ford S-Max, but the price was too high. Having had good experience with Hyundai, I decided on the Kia Carens in the L version. To fit everything, I had to...

Pros: Spacious for growing family, Large trunk, Independent rear seats, ISOFIX, Good value compared to some competitors
Cons: Some rivals had higher perceived quality
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

Carens IV: Agile & Comfortable

Very agile car. Precise steering offers good road feel, making the car's mass unnoticeable. Comfortable yet responsive suspension. The 2.0 GDI 6 AT version is very comfortable for daily use and quiet on the road. The automatic transmission is worth the price, shifting smoothly and quickly, greatly enhancing city driving comfort. At 150 km/h (2970 rpm), the car is exceptionally quiet – conversations are as easy as in a living room. Large and spacious trunk + sliding rear seats.

Pros: Agile handling, Precise steering with good road feel, Comfortable and responsive suspension, Smooth and quick automatic transmission, Impressively quiet cabin at speed, Spacious trunk
Cons: Sliding rear seats mentioned but not elaborated on
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

Kia Carens IV Review

I bought this car with some suspicion, not because of the brand, having previously owned two Ceeds and a 2015 Sportage, but due to the type of vehicle - this is my first minivan. With two children, it's the perfect car for both short and long trips. The Business Line trim has everything you need. It's the 5-seater version, which means large storage compartments under the boot floor, ideal for carrying things like shoes that didn't fit in the suitcases. Three separate rear seats, and the middle one can be turned into a table.

Pros: Ideal for families with children, Spacious storage compartments, Versatile rear seating
Cons: Initial reservations about minivan type
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

Carens IV Review

I bought this car with family holidays and various trips throughout the year in mind. I must say I have no complaints about the Kia. While I use a scooter for commuting in the summer and the Kia stays in the garage, it's my daily driver throughout winter. The cabin is very spacious, offering plenty of room, making it a great car for summer getaways and all sorts of excursions. I bought a used car, bought from the first owner, in the top trim level, and honestly...

Pros: Very spacious cabin, Ample room for passengers and luggage, Good for family holidays and trips
Cons: Not specified in the original text
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

Carens IV: Three Years In

This is my second review of this car - after three years of use. It's an incredibly good car, despite some shortcomings that can be attributed to it. In any case, I've been thinking about something new for a while and I can't really find a sensible alternative. The desire to buy a new car stems more from gadget enthusiasm and love for new things, rather than dissatisfaction with the Carens. I'm tempted to buy something with a hybrid drive (but rather of the 'mild' kind) and an automatic transmission. And something more...

Pros: Incredibly good car overall, No genuine dissatisfaction
Cons: Minor shortcomings
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

Carens IV: Family-Friendly MPV

A car truly for the family, with ample space in every row, even the 7-seater (though the trunk is smaller with seats up). Large boot, generally reliable. Drives very well. City fuel consumption 7.5 L of gasoline. Battery replaced after 7 years. Shock absorbers replaced after 40,000 km, a modest cost of about 300 PLN. Rear hatch microswitch replaced after 8 years. Apart from that, no other issues. If the Carens were still produced, I'd buy a new one after 8 years, just with more horsepower. Super.

Pros: Spacious interior, even in 7-seater., Large boot capacity., Generally reliable and problem-free., Good driving dynamics., Low city fuel consumption (7.5 L/100km petrol).
Cons: Smaller boot space when 7 seats are deployed., Occasional component replacements (battery, shocks, hatch switch) over time.
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

Carens IV: A Solid Family Choice

I've been using this car for a year, having switched from a 2012 Mazda 5. The Kia is in no way inferior to the Mazda. The car is very solidly built, with well-fitted components. Ergonomics are flawless. Very good quality materials. Fuel consumption in the city during winter doesn't exceed 7 liters. On the road, with calm driving, 5.5 liters is achievable. A spacious trunk despite 7 seats. It drives very well. Comfortable seats with good support. If you're looking for a spacious, well-built, and attractive car, this is it.

Pros: Solid build quality, Excellent ergonomics, Good interior materials, Low fuel consumption, Spacious trunk, Comfortable, supportive seats
Cons: None explicitly mentioned, implied value for money
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

Kia Carens IV: A Loved MPV

My review might not be objective, as this is the best car I've ever owned. Bought new from a Polish dealership, it's the 7-seater L version. After nine years of ownership, it's hard to let go. There are few signs of wear. It carried me and my family (5 people total) on winter ski trips and summer holidays to Greece, Italy, and Spain – it never let us down. They don't make cars like this anymore. Not only is it reliable, but it has useful features that are hard to find in modern cars; these are practical amenities, not unnecessary gimmicks. Besides the obvious (sensors...

Pros: Excellent reliability over nine years, Spacious interior, perfect for family trips, Practical and useful features
Cons: Limited signs of wear, but still showing age, Discontinued model, difficult to replace
Verified owner Verified
Kia Carens III 1.6 16V GDI (135 Hp) MPV 6,800 km

Excellent - Carens III

Visual aspect is good. However, the engine is weak with poor fuel economy. Speed control fails on inclines, leading to slow progress behind trucks. Driving pleasure is minimal, especially on the highway where maintaining 130 km/h is impossible, dropping to 110 km/h uphill and 145 km/h downhill (resulting in speeding tickets).

Pros: Visual aspect
Cons: Lack of power and high fuel consumption, Cruise control failure on inclines, Poor driving pleasure on highways
Verified owner Verified
Kia Carens III 1.6 16V GDI (135 Hp) MPV Mileage unknown

Issue: Power Steering

Spacious, well-equipped. Vague steering borderline dangerous, but where is the engine?? No acceleration. However, very very thirsty. Anorexic after-sales service following an issue with the Perpignan garage... Nothing can be done, it's a franchisee... Thanks Kia. The first and last Kia we will buy. Cruise control cuts out on ascents, GPS doesn't take some route modifications (roundabouts), .. and that's just the beginning...

Pros: Spacious, well-equipped
Cons: Vague steering borderline dangerous, but where is the engine?? No acceleration. Very very thirsty., Anorexic after-sales service following an issue with the Perpignan garage... Nothing can be done, it's a franchisee... Thanks Kia. The first and last Kia we will buy., Cruise control cuts out on ascents, GPS doesn't take some route modifications (roundabouts), .. and that's just the beginning...
Verified owner Verified
Kia Carens III 1.6 16V GDI (135 Hp) MPV 7,000 km

Problem: Electronics

The car's electronic systems have some issues. The night detection system activates a bit late (2-3 seconds), and there's no spare tire despite space for one under the trunk. The amber light adjustment is missing, and the trunk remote button is useless for most users.

Pros: Good front-end handling in dry and wet conditions, Very comfortable, Silent engine
Cons: Significant blind spot with the driver's side pillar, Rear suspension too soft, avoids small bumps in corners, Night detection activates a bit late (2-3 seconds), No spare tire despite space under the trunk, Missing amber light adjustment, Useless trunk remote button

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