Kia Carnival KV (1999-2006)

Faulty engines – We have a 05 carnival and after paying out over $6000 to have the engine replaced after doing the heads, we are now looking to have it replaced again. Not worth the trouble or the money and kia motors are unwilling to help. Show details

A perfect family car – after being told time after time oh those cars are hopeless engine always blow up my car beat the odds and now after having it for 10 yrs from brand new and apart from a few minor repairs this car has done well is comfortable fits our family of six plus pets sometimes best buy i ever made.  Show details

I must have been lucky – I purchased a 2004 Kia Carnival after it had blown a head gasket at 35k. I was informed that the inlet valves had been enlarged. Since then the car has completed 300k plus km, and other than air conditioning failing due to a hole under the dash, this car has been lucky to have had up to $1000 dollars worth of parts spent on it. If its serviced on time, belts are done on time, then its been a fantastic car throughout my family growing up.  Show details

I really love my Carnival – Yes I did buy a 2000 Carnival..yes it had a blown motor, but not due to bad design or head gasket failure...more likely due to an LPG conversion. As this fuel runs hotter than petrol the vehicle is probably not really suited to using gas. Adding the conversion to a careless owner simply resulted in a melted piston. Any mechanic would know… Read more ·  1

that a wet sleeve fitted to an engine block must stand slightly proud or leakage will certainly occur. The public distain for the 2.5L Kia helped me secure a $10,000 vehicle for a tenth of that price....

for that I am more than grateful for all the bitching and whining. A few hundred bucks and a little sweat resulted in a vehicle that's now a pleasure to drive, has a motor that purrs and equipped with everything that opens and shuts.

I can only thank all those who canned this vehicle simply through a lack of mechanical knowledge about how an engine works or how it should be assembled...it's not your fault as we can't all be mechanics. I love it so much I want to purchase a second Carnival, I think they are a top vehicle...and I really love it. Drivabilty, sweet little motor, front and rear air, five speaker stereo, excellent ride quality.

NEVER AGAIN WILL I OWN A KIA – After Spending $2000 to get timing belts, oil pressure gauge, switch, all gaskets and complete new brakes in the rear (New Drums, the lot) 7 weeks down the road I have complete engine failure with a minimum price to fix of $13,000, not including towing etc. It would be cheaper to buy another car (not that that is even possible). Not something we needed or can really afford just after Christmas and with a bub on the way.  Show details

2x Engines later – My 2005 Kia Carnival has just blown its second motor.... I paid $5500 in 2009 for a new engine after a bolt snapped and dropped my engine whilst driving.... No help from Kia. Now the head gasket has blown and I have water in my oil.... maybe we should all start a law suit against Kia ????  Show details

Kia carnival2006 – Brought this car as second in 2008 has had over 7000 doll spent on it over the years. Really is great car for families we are family 5 love all the room.. does use bit petrol on local drives but does well on long Sliding doors handy in car parks Lots of seating space,walk through isle, sliding doors, Uses bit of petrol on short trips, Show details

Love it – Best car I ever owned loved it spacious classy smooth running over all sooooo happy with it I'd buy another any day of the week DVD player was a bonus kids loved it and had so much room boot was big enough for a double pram and a stroller A+++++++  Show details

Buy the 2005 model (or later) only – I got my Kia brand new during a factory special deal - $29,999 on the road. It was a bog standard 4 sp auto, dual zone climate control, and with a DVD player! I asked the dealer regarding the poor reputation of the motor.. he assured me, that this issue was remedied with this model onwards, (manufactured March 2005, and compliance July 2005).… Read more ·  1

True, I've driven 125,000 km without any problems apart from new MAF (mass air flow sensor a year ago), and two new CV joints last week. The battery lasted over 7 years! I'm so happy with this car, that I will replace it with another Kia or Hyundai, when / if it ever gives up!

Two trips to Bundaberg, twice along the Great Ocean Road, once around Tassie, and many trips to Melbourne and Gold Coast, my Carnival has never let me down. Not light on petrol though, even with judicial use of the go pedal.

dont buy – would not trust these cars am up for a new motor on my 2005 kia carnival looking at $3000 not happy its only done 150,000kms i would not trust these cars They may be gr8 people movers but everything else is a bust i would avoid at all cost if you don't wanna keep handing over money to repair nothing motor

Stay away from the Kia Carnival! – Like so many other people the engine on our 2004 LS Carnival has just died. Quoted $6000 to fix it, that's after finding a mechanic that would actually do it! Contacted the dealership where we bought it and they have contacted Kia on our behalf but are 99% sure they won't do anything because the car is 10 years old and anything can happen in that… Read more

time. They also told me that the engine problems were rectified by 2002. That's funny because I have read a LOT of stories today from people with newer model cars than that with the same problem. I was fully prepared to purchase another Kia in the future but NEVER AGAIN! I wish we had paid a bit more and bought something else! The space so the kids have room between them. Engine problems costing $6000 to repair.

Real Lemon – I bought new Kia Carnival in 2001. It was good for about a 1,000km before the front brakes and engine mounts needed replacing. Then everything started to fall to pieces. Interior panels, spark plug leads amongst other things needed replacing. Even the gear shift transmission cable had problems. Then the fun started. Over the next 4 years the… Read more

engine needed replacing 3 times. When the engine blow up a 4th time it was traded in for a ridiculous sum. Just to get rid of it. Anyway I will never buy another Kia again. Once bitten twice shy. Nothing Everything.

A Wolf in Sheeps Clothing – The economic climate today dictate that motoring needs to be as cheap as possible. The 2000 Carnival is without doubt the cheapest genuine seven seater on the road, while it's running well. The standard appointments, including effective built in audible alarm, and spacious comfort outclasses family sedans of the same period. It should be noted… Read more

that the 2000 model has a rear three seater folding bench seat, whereas later models up to 2007 are equipped with two split seats and three seatbelts. The 2.5lt V6 generates sufficient power without being too thirsty.

Unfortunately, that's where it stops. I bought my Carnival just eighteen months ago. the odometer read that the car had travelled only 85,000 km and the cosmetic appearance, the state of the interior and the tightness of handling spoke the same. The three timing belts were replaced at 90,000km as per the factory recommendation. I have since spent $2000 ensuring the car was maintained in peak mechanical condition and running gear and tyres were safe. Recently, the harmonic balancer came adrift necessitating the replacement of a belt, crank gear and the balancer, at cost of over $1300. At 108,000km, just 2500km more, a timing belt broke and my worst fears were realized. The repair was going to cost a minimum of $5000.

As much as I enjoyed the ride and the versatility of the Kia Carnival, I have severed my ties with it. This cheap vehicle has been the most expensive experience of my life as a motorist. Comfort, appointments, reliability (never failed to start) engine problem which is well documented

Good car pity about the motor issues – We bought this car x demo , it had 12thou on the clock . we went thru 3 new stereos all replaced under warrenty . when out of warrenty bought aftermarket job and had installed . then we only had minor issues with some rubber seals , on sway bar and rear strutts .and then a major engine gasket went just before the major service was due .that was… Read more

expensive to repair , and then we had a sensor unit behind the dash go , and some electrics would work and some wouldn't .

that cost 500 to repair . but really apart from these the car has been good . now the radiator has been lossing water only small amounts , but after reading the other posts , it doesn't take an brainsurgien to relise what the next issue will be . so we are saving and trading in the car very soon . oh and i forgot to talk about the auto , in the mornings i drive very slowly along the back roads for a min or two and then it will change from 2nd gear , it sticks there untill it warms up , iv just got used to it lol Comfort arm rest highdrive position easy access for family Bad auto bad engine issues . costly repairs

Hand Grenade waiting to explode – We purchased a 2004 Kia Carnival for 8000.00 dollars in June 2012 and was told by the Salesman " it is a terrific car and you will have no problems with the car". One month later major compression problems, No warranty on car over ten years of age. National Warranty Company says it's a manufacturing fault so knocked our claim back. Kia says not… Read more

a fault of there's anymore. Unfortunately like thousands of other people we now have had to scrap the car because neither my daughter or myself can afford the 10 thousand repair job and as a single mum with 4 children, where 2 who are disabled, this has been a financial disaster. A shame we did not go onto the 'Kia Carnival engine problems' website before buying the car. Beware, although Kia say the problems were rectified in 2002 this is not correct as my understanding is the same problems are still occuring and this vehicle is a hand grenade waiting to go off in any unsuspecting motorists face without warning. The inside layout was ideal for the 4 children. Major engine manufacturing fault, known to Kia, unknown to general public purchasing these vehicles

Avoid Kia at all costs! – We purchased a brand-new KIA Carnival LS 2005 model for $29,995 in late 2005. We looked after the car well, and had all servicing done by our trusted, registered family mechanic (who we've been using and recommending for more than 20 years). 3 weeks ago (in November 2012) I sold our Kia Carnival to a wrecker for $400. It had 152,000 km on it, … Read more

It was a friend of ours that sold the car to us; he managed the local dealership. His wife told me 3 years ago (in 2009) to trade-in the car because they had had dinner with the manager of Kia Australia one night, and he advised all the staff at their table to 'quickly get rid' of any Kia's they owned.

Because there was a fault in the engines that caused them to seize with no apparent warning. We did not heed her warning, because we could not believe that a car company, in this day and age, could continue to be in business by selling known faulty cars.

After our car seized I called Kia Australia only to be told that my car was out of warranty (the warranty is 100,000k's) and apparently we had no recourse. I visited the dealership and they told me that it was not their problem... and would I like to buy another car?!

Ordinarily I would have fought the Kia company to my last breath; because a well maintained car should not up-and-die after only 7 years! But too many recent family tragedies have taken its toll on us and we simply have no fight left. It was comfortable to drive. Google "Kia Carnival Engine Seize" and see for yourself - tens of thousands of Australians who've lost their cars, their money and more because of this unscrupulous company and its terrible faulty products.

Do not touch any KIA product – It is a pity that consumer protection bodies here in Australia either don’t have real teeth or are compromised politically or otherwise. We purchased a new KIA Carnival LS 2003 model in January 2004. We maintained it with timely services and still experienced our fair share of costly repairs until the engined suddenly ceased without warning at… Read more

162,000 kms.

We wrote to KIA Australia seeking authenticity and leadership with regards to known factory defaults with Carnival engines. KIA’s response was pathetic. There are a lot of indignant and disenfranchised KIA owners in Australia and the world in general. In this particular time when the automotive industry is facing critical challenges you would be excused for believing that VOC was crucial to their business. KIA’s Net Promoter Score based on customer feedback must be telling to for a dubious sustainable future. Do not touch any KIA product. Design/shape of the vehicle, space Terrible engine problems, very poor customer service from KIA and dealers

The money pit! – My husband and I bought a second hand 2004 model carnival in April 2011, we liked the look and wanted a reliable people mover as we were considering extending our family. We paid $12 000, and also purchased a extended 3 yr warranty for $1500 from the dealer, as the car had only just clocked over 55 000 km. We drove it for 4 months and on… Read more

returning from a weekend break in August, I noticed that it was making a funny noise and then it started to stall at times, it had just clocked

60 000 so I took it in for it's service where it was discovers that it had an oil leak and was only firing on five cylinders. I was told by the Kia dealers mechanic that just to open the engine up was going to cost thousands and that was without parts, but I thought that our extended warranty would cover it, but it didn't, a new engine was quoted for $5200 and luckily the dealers warranty covered $2000. It was all so discovered that the clutch was burnt out and that was an extra $500, so we were out of pocket another $3700. On top of all that when I agreed to order the brand new engine I was told there were none in Australia and that the Kia warehouse in Sydney was expecting a shipment from Korea in the next 3-4 months. So I got my car back 4 months later in Dec 2011. Since then we have had to replace a cooling sensor for $370 in September 2012 and today 24/10/12 The radiator has died and we are again without a car and waiting on the next ridiculous quote. I would recommend strongly for people to stay away from this car, and I'm wishing that I had just spent the $20 000 on a Toyota kluger in the first place because in the end my cheaper people mover has cost me my savings anyway. I liked the space inside the vehicle, the children had there own areas.

Built for comfort, not speed – Bought a 2000 model in late 2004 with 80,000 km on the clock. Minor problems with it including spark plugs, some of the fittings, wheel trims rattling, power steering hose leak, warped discs. I believe that the motor had been replaced before we bought it. We have done 100,000Km, including long distance touring and lots of city driving, and a trip… Read more

to the Northern Flinders Ranges (lots of dirt roads) and really had no major problems. Had the timing belts replaced at 155,000.

I have found it to be way underpowered when loaded (2A 4kids+ holiday stuff) and it takes a long time to get up to speed, forget about speeding fines on the highway, especially going up hill or with a headwind. The kids love it for the little bits like the pop-out cup holders, armrests reading lights and the rear air -con controls. wife loves it, I don't know why. I don't like it, but that is because I just don't like the "People Mover" thing (I wanted a "proper" station wagon) Driving position feels like driving a bus. CD player is [censored word removed], it jumps and pauses even going over the smallest bump, but when it works it is surprisingly good. About to trade it on a 2010 model, so, yes I would buy another one (but not a pre-2005). Big and roomy with 6 on board, seven is a bit of a squeeze in the back. Drives well, smooth on the road, good upright seating for the driver goves a good view ahead, slightly higher than "normal"station wagons. Rear seat folds up to make a huge cargo baywhile still seating four. Trim is poor quality, panels are thin and easily dented, side-door rollers jam and it can take a lot of jiggling to get them to shut, Auto trans hunts up and down gears when trying to accelerate hard, thirsty around town, rear door rattles

Engine problems – Much as I love the size of the car and enjoy driving it - I have poured too much money into this car. I should have realised immediately as the brakes failed on the way home from buying it. At 83000knx head gasket went, paid $3000 to replace, then 3 wks later block cracked. Made the bad decision to have a reconditioned engine installed which… Read more

after being quoted about $8000 blew up to $11800. Only offered 1 yr warranty. That was 16 months ago. Guess what - head gasket gone again last week .....Please...think carefully and read up on kia carnivals before you buy....

Endless engine problems, costly to repair and many mechanics won't touch them

Very good minivan, I like it – I have 2005 model, bought it new. Carnival in Europe <==> Sedona in North America. Now it has almost 130,000Km. 30% of it have done on highways cross country. It's stylish, good looking vehicle - both interior and exterior. Engine is powerful enough and torque is good. There is no delay between you accelerate it and it actually goes (I had… Read more

such bad experience with Dodge minivans) - KIA reacts immediately, I love how it acts. Good on winter roads.

One of the best thing - very easy handling on highspeed and very comfortable for long drive (I used to drive up to 1400Km at one shot and have said many thanks to KIA for so comfortable for long drive vehicle). Also it very stable on high speed on a road of any kind.

RPM at 100Km - 1900-2000; at 110 - around 2200, not more; at 115 - 2200-2300;

Model 2005 has problem with power-steering system & low temperature. It was confirmed to me by dealers as well. Under low temp. (I am from Canada) system gets frozen and one has to replace a hose. Have done it twice in 5 years under warranty.

In 6 years except powersteering issue mentioned above I had:

- one time minor connector issue at the door. (under warranty)

- Air Conditioner had to be fixed on time. (under warranty)

Another cons - fuel consumption. Higher than average. 15.5-16.5/100Km at summer time in the city. (however not that bad on highway - no more than 9.5-10 with driving speed 110-115-120. I know that new models starting from 2006 do not have this issue. New models looks too plastic, not stylish interior. 2005 models much better in this term than newer ones (similar trims). I took away one star for this.

I like this minivan very much, that's why I bought it back after lease ended. I think this is the best recommendations.

I would recommend such vehicle if somebody is going to buy used one, however - not for city driving due high fuel consumption in the city.

Everyone - have a good day and safe driving! Highway handling, Torque, Driver chair and all environment comfort for long trips, good handling and powerfull engine. Fuel Consumtion in the city above average - 15.5+/100Km; Power steering cannot handle low temperature

Engine has life expectancy of only 80 to 90,000ks – Very nice interior and body, engine do not buy unless a mechanic. Mate bought one and head gasket blew and cooked the engine at 90,000 he bought it from a dealer at 89,500. STAY AWAY !!!!!!!!!!!! unless you like spending money on pointless crap. Money better invested in a toyota or something more reliable. Cheap and leather interior Every thing mechanical Show details

Engine blow up problems – On November 22nd, 2011 we purchased Kia Carnival 2004 second hand. We wanted a car that would be very reliable, safe and roadworthy. Unfortunately, while my husband checked positive reviews for this car, he did not explore any reviews indicating possible problems with the car. If only! We could not afford a brand new car so chose our Kia Carnival… Read more

because of the relative newness of the model (12-04) and low mileage 69,015 km, and the above positive reviews. We paid $12,999 dollars for the car. The car yard gave us a 3 month or 5000 kilometre warranty (whichever comes first) upon purchase of the car.

Over the past 4 and a half months the car has only been driven an additional 3,847 kilometres (it has now clocked only 73,057km) as I work in the city and often use public transport for work purposes. Of course, we now find ourselves just outside the dealer warranty period, and issues with the warranty itself, as it does not cover for complete engine replacement and has limited cover only for all parts (something the dealer failed to declare to us)

When driving from Canberra to Bega the engine of the car broke down with no compression, while I was driving with my daughter and granddaughter on an isolated country road. There was no indication from the car indicator panel that the temperature of the car was high or any oil problems or anything! In fact the fluid levels and timing belts were fine. Within under 0.2km the car began to make a whirring type of sound, and immediately lost power, a smell of burning and then smoke from under the bonnet. I pulled over to the side of the road. Fortunately there were no cars behind us which could have resulted in an accident due to the engine failure; and we were lucky that the car broke down where it was, and not further along which would have brought us to driving down a winding mountainside road.

We are now up for the cost of a replacement engine (anywhere between $5,000 - $8,000) and other associated costs (towing, trucking to Sydney, fitting of engine).

A Kia representative, while sympathetic, has told us, that for any support to come from Kia, then the car must have all services completed and recorded in the log book by registered Kia mechanics. A warning for buying a second hand Kia Carnival as we did.

This has definitely been a learning lesson on what NOT to buy, and what must be carefully checked before buying – our fault for not being careful enough prior to purchasing the car. Kia cars have not earnt our ringing endorsement, and the whole experience (now having to replace an engine so early in the ownership, with no support from Kia Australia or the dealer) has left a sour taste.

Grandmother.

Sydney

Faulty engine - There was no indication from the car indicator panel that the temperature of the car was high or any oil problems or anything! In fact the fluid levels and timing belts were fine. Within under 0.2km the car began to make a whirring type of sound, and immediately lost power, a smell of burning and then smoke from under the bonnet.

Bad – Model Year: 2004. Major engine work at 17,000k's due to coolant entering the oil through the head gasket. Religously changed the oil and filter every 10,000k's. 175,000k's: blown head gasket. Coolant disappeared into the engine to mix with the oil and now the engine is toast. Quotes to fix it range from "we won't touch it" to $5,000+. It's… Read more

not just the early years that suffer from the engine problems. Nice windscreen wipers... Not much power unless you rev the hell out of it.

Worst car I ever bought in my entire life – Bought the Kia Carnival in 2002. The first engine died in 2004 and Kia replaced it as it was still under warranty. The second engine came with a 6 month warranty or 20,000km. That engine died after 8 months ( 30000km) Kia refused to help and, as it was obvious it had similiar problems to the first engine, I couldn't afford the $16,000 to replace… Read more

it!! I was devastated and left broke. Worst still, nobody at Kia returned my calls, e-mails or letters. They didn't want to know me.

Thw warranty etc.

So easy to drive – I learnt to drive in my parents Kia Carnival and I found it so easy! With power steering, air conditioning, 7 seats (the back row of seats able to fold away or be removed). I am currently looking for one myself. It has four anchor hooks for car seats or to hold your groceries. The air conditioner is able to be adjusted from the middle row of… Read more

seats. Fold out trays for the middle row of seats, with cup holders in the front seat and in the trays. Reliable, efficient, and easy to drive Nothing I can think of?

Great car – We have a 2004 carnival. It's great. Heaps of power. We even tow an 18' caravan with no probs! Gear box is a bit clunky on the changes. We have a 2004 carnival. It's great. Heaps of power. We even tow an 18' caravan with no probs! Gear box is a bit clunky on the changes. Room! And a willing donkey. No problems Gearbox is very clunky on the changes Show details ·  1

Excellent – Nice car for a family, comfortable to drive and ride in. Great looking car with all modern features. The whole family can enjoy riding in this one a good choice for a family car. Great car for the medium size family (like mine). Comfortable to drive and ride in. Easy to park and get in and out of tight spots. Nothing bad

Good – I needed a people mover and for price this was by far my best option. At first I was not keen on Kia at all but it has won me over. Room for the twin pram, 5 kids, 4 child seat, 2 adults and luagge for a week. So it does a great job for what its for. I have the extra air bags fitted too. There is a couple of blind spots you need to be aware… Read more

of but once use to them its very easy to drive. It fits 5 children - 4 still in child seats really well. We had a DVD installed and its fantastic for driving with the kids. Seat arrangement is very flexible. We have the delux model so the leather seats are easy to keep clean. The motor isn't as purring as previous cars but it is a people mover and for what it is I have been pleasantly surprised a numnber of times. The climate control is hard to work - in fact I still have no idea how to control it in the back. The Air con always turns on with certain functions. Can't fault the motor though.

Excellent – Mine one is MY04. Auto. After 1 week I purchased (only 130km on clock ). I drove it from Melb to Qld and return in 2 weeks time. Over 5000kms. It was 4 yrs ago. The car still like new with no problem at all. A/c and heater are excellent. Thought it only done 36000kms. Comfortable. We get what we pay for. The DVD player has no sound. (either the infra red headset or the DVD itself).Really thirsty in petrol.

Good – you would need to be extremely careful when purchasing a pre 2005 model, the 7 seater is definately better than 8 seater, allowing to walk through to back row. and the long wheel base in the 8 seater with the seats that fold into the floor are amazing!!! the kids love it, i love it, having 2 couples travel comfortably on holidays and removing the… Read more

back row of seats to hold luggage is great! love the seperate air cons too. I wouldn't drive another car, we have 3 children, but even with only 2, i'd drive it just for the convenience of having the extra room for friends and unexpected school pick ups. a must for any family, big or small. love the room, that i can walk up the back to check seat belts and secure children. i love the cabin seats in the middle row, the mirrors in the visar, the cup holders in the back row with two sizes, fits the tupperware drink bottles perfectly! i know there has been alot of negative feedback for the pre2003 models, i have a 2001, i bought it seconhand, it had a new engine put in by Kia for the previous owner and in the 2 years i haven't had a single thing wrong with it. I find it easier to park than our magna, and i can see more of the road being higher up, manual great on fuel with 550 - 575km per tank light to medium traffic.

DON'T even TOUCH IT!!!!!! JUST RUN!!!!! – Unfortunately I had to give it one star. It just kinda looks good. And that's about it!!! The fact that the engine keeps blowing up is a disaster. It should never happen these days. As stated from other peoples experiences many other headaches to come. Sad thing is, I can't sell it privately knowing it will be a nightmare for someone else. Kia… Read more

should be shot for this. Seats come out & replace real easy. not much else really. Engine of Mass Destrucion! I've only had it for 4 months and got stuck on the freeway about midnight. Head gasket went and gave no indication of overheating until it was too late. It;s gonna cost too much to fix and I know that it will just happen again, and again, and again. If you value the money you have earned, then stay away from Kia.This car is rubbish and can become your worst nightmare. You have been warned....

Excellent – Great value for money family car. Loads of room. Just as fuel efficient today as when new. Comfortable and not noisy like some people movers or vans. Love the dual sliding doors - makes loading and unloading easier (whether it be people or cargo). Reliable. Does not cost a fortune to run/maintain. Fits 7 people comfortable. Inexpensive to… Read more

service. Fuel efficient. Has never broken down. Have had it since 2001 (2001 model) from new and is still going strong. Value for money. Spacious and drives like a car (anyone who has owned or driven a van will know what I am talking about). The seats in this model are not completely removable like they are in current models. Middle windows are fixed (this bugs my husband but at least any young kids sitting in the middle can't play with the windows) Rear windows are not electric. I believe in NEW Carnivals all are electric.

Terrible – Read the Kia complaints corner before you even look at these cars!! Do yourself and your family a favour and stay away from these cars. Thought we would be able to rely on this car for more than 18 months!! Overcooked engine. Common problem in Kia carnvals of this era although Kia will try to deny it. Do not buy a carnval or anything in the kia… Read more

range. Have joined the hundreds of unhappy Kia Carnival owners with dead kia in the garage that no one wants to touch!!

Terrible – I bought this car as I needed a 7 seater and this was the most affordable for this age. 3 days after I bought it It broke down quite dramatically with smoke bellowing from under the bonnet. After 2 weeks I got it back with a new engine, this time it lasted a week before the temperature went through the roof and it stalled and would not start. I… Read more

was told it need new hoses.

It then went for about 3 weeks when exactly the same thing happened. This time I was told it needed a new radiator cap as it was low on water so must have a leek.

When I got it back I was scared to drive it for several weeks, when I finally did it lasted less then a week before breaking down again. It has just spent a month back at the mechanics getting the engine rebuilt because another new engine could not be found. I got it back yesterday, today it wouldn't start because it had a flat battery.

This is a 2005 model and had only done 80 000k I would never recommend or buy a kia again. The kids love the room and all the dials and extras (ie cup holders in the back) I've owned it for 4 months in that time it has broken down 4 times even with a "new" engine.