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2SsangYong Korando

SsangYong Korando

 Verified
2SsangYong Korando
3.5

69 reviews

Positive vs Negative
72%8%20%
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Build Quality
3.8
Value for Money
3.2
Noise Level
3.5
Ernie F.
Ernie F.4 posts
  C200

I have this question regarding the Rear Differential of the 2014 Korando Auto AWD D20DT C200. Is the Rear Differential the same as in the 2011 AWD Korando C200. So to say are they interchangable ? Show details

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Jay G.
Jay G.6 posts
  C300

Ssangyong Korando 2019 - Extremely Disappointing Experience – I purchased a used 2019 Ssangyong Korando from a recognized Ssangyong used dealer under a year ago, with a few years left on the warranty. Since day one, the car has been nothing but problematic. It has repeatedly shown error codes, including same if the following: P0571: OBD Cruise Control Brake Switch Circuit P2101: Throttle Actuator Control… Read more

Motor Circuit Range/Performance P02E8: Diesel Intake Air Flow Control Circuit Low Despite multiple visits to the service center over the past year, the issues remain unresolved. I’ve wasted significant time and energy chasing them for updates, with minimal progress. According to advice from the CAV and ACCC, under the warranty agreement, they should replace the vehicle due to the recurring faults. Yet, their customer service has been shockingly unresponsive. I’ve been informed that they’ll only replace the car if the fault is deemed “major” — but having dealt with constant, unresolved issues, it’s clear that this vehicle is far from reliable.

The lack of proper communication and unwillingness to resolve the situation has been frustrating, to say the least. I expected far better customer support and responsibility from a brand like Ssangyong. I strongly advise caution to anyone considering purchasing a Ssangyong vehicle, even from their recognized dealers. My experience has been disappointing and frustrating, with no end in sight to the issues plaguing this vehicle.

Jay G.
Jay G.   

I’m feeling incredibly frustrated and let down. At the end of 2023, I purchased a used 2019… Read more

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Rahele
RaheleQLD4 posts
  Verified C300

Our SsangYong Korando Almost Killed Us-Petrol Leaked Over the Engine! On the evening of April 17, 2025, while driving home, I was suddenly overwhelmed by an intense petrol smell inside my SsangYong Korando. Within moments, it became difficult to breathe. The situation escalated so quickly that we had to pull over immediately. When we opened the… Read more

boot, we were stunned to find petrol visibly splashed across the engine area.

We documented the scene with photos, and the fuel level had dropped significantly—far more than expected. The leak was substantial. Roadside assistance was called right away, and even the attending technician appeared shocked by what he saw. He contacted the service center, but due to the public holiday, we were told nothing they can do untill Tuesday. So we are waiting!

Since then, we’ve been left with a deep sense of unease. The vehicle remains stationary. We could have been killed. We spoke to other mechanics, and they said we were lucky that nothing worse happened—thankfully, we were spared.

This isn’t the first time I’ve had serious concerns about this vehicle. The car was purchased brand new and is only three years old. Yet since shortly after purchase, there have been recurring engine issues, including multiple CO2 sensor replacements and a previously identified fuel leak. I have always kept up with scheduled servicing—including a recent one where I was assured everything was functioning properly.

I even told the staff at the service center during my last visit (the conversation should be on record) that I was concerned about the frequency of issues and was considering raising it with the factory. I was reassured at the time that the car was in good condition.

Now, after this terrifying incident, my confidence in the vehicle’s safety has been severely shaken. I find it extremely difficult to understand how such a situation could occur in a vehicle that has been regularly serviced and maintained by the official network.

This isn’t just a mechanical issue—it’s a basic safety red line. Incidents like this should be a matter of immediate concern at the factory level.

I am posting this review because I believe this matter demands immediate and serious attention. I invite SsangYong to review this case and reach out to me directly.

Reviews with attachments

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Andrew
AndrewVictoria8 posts
  C300

Overlooked gem waiting to be discovered in the mid-size SUV mine – After 20 years in the motoring industry and being provided a company car a change in employment put me in the market for a privately-owned mid-sized SUV. Disclaimer upfront: I worked for SsangYong for 9 months and was part of the team that relaunched the product into Australia in 2018. Covid-19 led my wife and I to rethink our garage. Working from… Read more

home meant we no longer needed two cars, and we started our search for a vehicle that met the majority of our needs. Now in our 50s, we didn't want a hard-riding sports car. My work included regular (weekly) trips to dairy farms and my wife's medical condition and reduced mobility made an SUV the ideal choice. With no kids, we didn't need a full-size SUV, but found small SUVs a little cramped and lacking in the diesel engine we wanted to accommodate our regular highway hauls. In the mid-size field we evaluated several vehicles - the Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Ford Escape and Mazda CX-5. They were all terrific cars to drive, but when it came to value the SsangYong Korando streeted them all. For around $6-$9,000 less we had a vehicle that offered all the features we wanted, 5-star safety, Korean reliability and a seven-year warranty. The issue with ownership of the company and its current financial strife was a factor, but we remain confident a new buyer will be found. Four months and 6000 km later, we are very happy with our decision. The car drives beautifully, returns great economy (6.6l/100km) and hasn't missed a beat. What upgrades would I like? Two: HID headlamps and DAB+ radio. While streaming from the smartphone alleviates the latter, I will be investing in an LED light bar to rectify the former. The halogen lamps are ordinary for country driving. Those gripes aside, we couldn't be happier. The Korando is a gem waiting for savvy mid-size SUV buyers to mine.

Positive reviews

April
AprilNSW5 posts
  C300

We love out korando ultimate deisel – We bought a new korando in july to replace our 10 year old MB b200cdi. Our requirement was a new family car to occasionally carry tall adults and normal daily drive but occasional need as a tow car for a Swift Caravan. Was nervous about the smaller motor but proved to be unnecessecary it pulls the van fine its comfortable and cruises happily… Read more

and quietly at 100klm with 1400 kg behind. The comfort is fantastic, it's not a sports car but the diesel has great fuel.economy. in fact I think ssangyang should plug the diesel more its so much cheaper to run better mpg more pulling power with fuel cheaper per litre.

Tiago C.
Tiago C.NSW8 posts
  Fair Incentive C200
Build Quality
Value for Money
Noise Level

The car is simply well build! – Amazing car with lots of extras that we seemed to find everyday. Protection for the neck when crashing, automatic hazard lights when braking hard. The noise of the engine might be a problem for some people, it really didn't bother us and we travelled from Western Australia with a big trailer on the back (5500km). Show details

Don
Don23 posts
  C200

It is a good honest car – On long trips we get 7 to8 lt per 100k. The acceleration for a small diesel is good the suspension is the only thing that needs some work as there are no after market shocks the two rextons that we had were fitted koni shocks and were very good vehicles to drive. Show details

Negative reviews

Andrew M
Andrew M7 posts
  C200

Gearbox flaring – I have a 2014 SX auto Diesel AWD. Absolutely loved it until around 60k gear flare between 3rd and 4th appeared??? Out of warranty unfortunately so still stuck with it now at 109k. Dealership totally brain dead about what is causing it. All other gears are fine and still drives beautifully on the open highway. Has anyone else experienced this problem. I have replaced clutch plates and valve body to no avail Show details

Brad
Brad7 posts
  Verified C300

An overlooked gem at a great price...get one before others realise it – . SCAM alert. Servicing overcharges....KGM claim their service pricing is 'indicative' only and dealers are free to Over-charge whatever they like - in my case nearly 50% more for a standard service for a low km vehicle. Show details

Rahele
RaheleQLD4 posts
  C300

Disappointing Company service! Sick of getting car to dealership in only one year! Never buy – We bought brand new Korando last March. Now close to almost 1 year cannot count how many times got the car to check the “engine check “ alarm ,so many times, still could not find the reason. last time I was told they had emailed to company, so nothing as always. Every time take the car to setvice centre have to take leave from work as they do not… Read more

do that weekdays. Have to pay for Uber as they say hire car need to be booked weeks in advance(ridicules) and still pay for that. Now something new has cone up, the Radar has stoped working. Totally unsatisfied and disappointing with Ssangyong costumer service. We payed almost 40000 for full option car now here we are not even one year after our purchase.I see it absolutely company fault. I am Happy with staff in service centre . The product is awful!!!!Looking for some way to complain.

Recent reviews

Marcus777
Marcus777VIC75 posts
  C200

Woeful Transmission Warranty – I have an aesthetically 'showroom condition' 2012 SsangYong Korando SPR with a failed transmission that was seen by three authorised multi-franchise dealer's service departments during the original warranty period (first notification of TX issue was in 2016 @ 32,700 km). On each occasion I reported the significant hesitation from either standstill… Read more

or acceleration plus excessive fuel consumption. I also advised the respective service managers that this was most likely a transmission issue, not a turbo problem. Each time I was ignored, despite robustly pleading with them to fix it. In 2019, and obviously out of new car warranty, the transmission failed completely and the vehicle can only be driven in "limp" mode. In addition to the three ignored attempts within the five year warranty period, this current unsuccessful attempt is my third at pursuing a warranty claim for the transmission. The first was submitted by the service manager at my local SsangYong dealer. The other two were submitted by me directly to SsangYong Australia's Warranty and Customer Experience Executive, who has directed me to contact ATECO (the initial importer). After reading posts from the many disenfranchised owners with similar warranty issues, I am now collating the data. Any further information you can provide by editing your posts or commenting on mine is appreciated. Please ensure your post reads correctly before submitting. Watch this space!

Marcus777
Marcus777   

I collated information from posts on this site relating, either directly or indirectly, to issues… Read more

Bruce
BruceNSW5 posts
  C200

Bad Six Speed Transmissions – I purchased a 2014 - 2015 MY ssangyong Korando C200 with 105,000 Km on it two months ago and have had transmission problems with the vehicle from day one and after the dealer I purchased it from sent it to a Transmission Specialist for a full service. Eventually found out that the car has had warranty claims on the transmission a few times by the… Read more

original owner, myself being the second owner. I wondered why Ssangyong have never bothered answered my emails after I sent them the Vin number and it's always on time service records. Customer Service who never get back to you, Rubbish transmission, painfully slow of the mark, winter mode engaging on it's own, weak sound system and auto wipers that turn themselves on when it's not raining. Ssangyong a big thumbs down from me and commiserations to the next owner as I have traded the vehicle.

Nelly33
Nelly33
  Korando

So many problems – First year car was great. Then timing belt had to be replaced, which was done in about 2 weeks. Then check engine light came on, was told I needed a new battery, cost $370. Next day check engine light on again took 4hrs to diagnose that i now need a sensor which is about $250 + labour. OMG when will it end. Show details

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Sal
SalQLD2 posts
  C200

Timing chain went and done the head – Engine light came on - timing chain stretched and done the head. Over 6 weeks and still haven't got parts. Had to pay for hire car as car can't be driven. Loved the car until now - Sangyong need to have parts available if selling these vehicles in Australia. Problem not with the local service department. Problem is Sangyong!!! Show details

Maria B
Maria B3 posts
  C200

Bad Ssangyong experience – I bought my car in 2014 brand new within 15 months the timing chain went and had to wait 6 weeks before I could get it fixed and have had a few other small problems but I can live with that. The last few weeks the car started making the same noise that I had experienced before. Today I took my car back to the dealership that I bought from to o… Read more

have the car checked out just to be told again that the timing chain has stretched and needed to be replaced but this time they have know idea how long before this can be done as Ssangyong is not replying to the dealership I can still drive the car but it could just stop running at anytime and i could be stuck where ever so they can't even give me a rough idea how long before this could happen NOT HAPPY JANE. This shouldn't happen to a brand new car TWICE i did love this car but not now.

Carolyn L
Carolyn L3 posts
  C200

Bad Ssangyong experience – I brought my Ssangyong in 2014 with 15000kms still holds new car warranty was running really great couldn't fault anything in late June2018 l hopped in my car to go to work and it wouldn't start my mechanic looked at the car which was parked in my driveway and said found the problem of slip timing chaining so then l took car to dealership they… Read more

replaced timing chain and now saying my car might have blown head gasket but car had never over heated

Now I'm starting to think Ssangyong are trash car my advise never buy Korean car Ssangyong dealerships are fools and will try to get out of fixing there dodgie engine they built

Bert
Bert2 posts
  C200

Great car – Korando S 2.0 petrol love the car I purchased 2 nd hand with26000km 2015 still under new car warranty it. Has been back to dealer for. Noise issues which were water pump making a grinding noise and noise in rear bearing of alternator both replaced and car runs brilliantly averages 8.5 l per 100 km  Show details

JD1
JD1
  C200

Great car – Diesel engine has plenty of power Handles very well Tows camper trailer effortlessly Auto headlights,wipers and rear vision mirror work brilliantly Very reliable 30000ks not one problem Averages 7.5 litres per 100 km Engine noise isn’t bad a bit noisier than the petrol engine I would recommend this car to anyone.  Show details

Sevy Serena
Sevy Serena13 posts
  C200

Yes it is no bad car. BUUUUUTTTT, if you consider to tow a trailer, the transmission is not good. Ac – There is nothing wrong with room, interiors, running costs, what it is wrong, there are not Ssangyong reliable points where you can go for service. After 85,000km, the transmission of my serviced car, gave up. Cost? above 7,300.oo dollars. Still in warranty, and Ssangyong didn't want to pay for the transmission repairs. After 2 or 3 thousand km… Read more

from transmission repair, had to change the brakes completely worn out. $ 1,350 about.

Now after about 5,000 km from the 7,300.oo dollars spent to repair the transmission, if I go in neutral while waiting at the traffic light, still the

transmission slips. So I learned if I leave the car with engaged the D for driving I go without problems. But for how long that's the dilemma?

Conclusion, when I have the money to buy a second one, (NOT SSANGYONG) will put My Ssangyong Korando in a pile of wood, spill some diesel, and send a match to light a fire and post to the internet not others may be thinking, to buy a Ssangyong. It's a very bad car not worth the money spent and with irrilevant secondhand value.

By the way, what told me the most expert specialist in automatic transmissions in the area of Capalaba Brisbane, WAS: "Remove the tow bar if you want to run for a little while." So don't tow anything. I bought a 4 X 4 to tow something. A trailer, a Boat or else. Why we have not a

Federal law to protect buyers from LEMONS? He did look inside the transmission and understood is not to tow and defective since factory.

Singh
Singh2 posts
  C200

Excellent service from staff of Takanini Ssangyong – My korando drives quite well but the 2.0 litre engine lacks the punch when taking off. Steering response is bit slow and handling on motorway speed needs extra caution. Seats are very comfortable. Enterior feels modern and soft touch areas makes the enterior more comfortable. Leg room at the back row with flat floor is an excellent point.  Show details

Brett
Brett8 posts
  C200

Ssangyong korando 2013 – I love my ssangyong korando 2013. 115,000 kms. Having trouble starting it via ignition. I push start it. It starts immediately. Runs perfect. Top gear. Put your foot down and engine light comes on. I have replaced fuel pump/filter and injectors. Winds over but no start. Does anybody have solutions  Show details

Middlo
Middlo8 posts
  C200

Good car for the price. Vibration 85-95 kmh – Had mine for 5 years and travelled 60000km. Great car, good level of power and pulls a load well. Fuel economy is no where near stated but it does improve a bit once fully run inc city 8.5 - 9.2 l/100km - Highway 7.5 - 8.5 //100km, 10.8 l/100km when towing a load. The interior is a bit cheap and prone to squeaking and rattling if the road is not… Read more

smooth but what can you expect for a budjet priced car..

I have noted several people online mentioning the AWD having a vibration or shimmy in the drive line at around 90-100kmh. I have this issue it seems more pronounced when the car is cold or does not have a load in the back.. I have reported this to the dealer at every service but they can never find the issue. I guess tie will tell.

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Chris
Chris38 posts
  C200

2012 2WD Diesel is a beauty but – It took me a while to buy one but I'm sure glad I did. It drives really really nicely and has every feature under the sun that the big boys have....however The fuel consumption is 580kms from a tank of fuel (57 litres). Not entirely happy about this considering it is driven carefully and it's diesel. Is anyone else getting better economy ?  Show details

john
johnQLD7 posts
  C200

Great value – Hi I am a ssangyong lover. I bought a 2007 actyon 5 door diesel. Best car ever. Never any issues.. done 235000 klm now. So decided to sell because of mileage. Bought a korando diesel, manual 2011 2wd Only has done 50000 klm. I noticed that the car has a slight shake/vibration between 90-100 km p hour. Took it back to second hand dealer, and… Read more

they replaced the sagged engine mount. At least that's what they thought.

Car is still under warranty...

This did not fix the problem.

They dont think it is the tailshaft.

Perhaps the harmonic balancer?

The dealers mechanic, mentioned that it may be inside the motor?

Any ideas

Mat Wade
Mat WadeQLD3 posts
  C200

Value for price range – The 2WD Korando manual provides space, great fuel economy for the weight of the car and drives well. You can't expect much for this price. Although would buy again, I've had my Korando since new and have had a few bugs but all covered by warranty without question. Maintains a 7.2L average. If you want a reliable, SUV with most of the mod cons,… Read more

comfort and safety features, the Korando presents outstanding value that won't break the bank. Be aware of few listed SsangYong repairers in Brisbane

Marlin
Marlin
  C200

For the price, excellent value, economy and space – For $21,990 the 2WD Korando provides space, excellent fuel economy for the weight of the car and drives well. You can't expect blistering performance for this price point. I've had my Korando for 18 months and I love it. City cycle getting about 8L and highway about 6.9L. Running costs are excellent, great height for getting in and out of and… Read more

it has a full size spare. If you want a reliable, SUV with most of the mod cons and safety features, the Korando presents outstanding value that won't break you wallet and just keep it till its paid off or till the 5 year warranty ends.

Brick
Brick5 posts
  C200

Great Suv. Real Value For Money – Our 2013 Korando AWD Diesel is great. We have done 78,000 kms (yes, we live in the bush) and it hasn't missed a beat. We drive on gravel, dirt, and sealed roads. We have owned 5 Kias (3 Sportages, an Optima and a Cerato) and the Korando is as good as any of them. It is comfortable on all road surfaces, handles extremely well and we are very happy with the economy. We bought ours from Carworks in Ballarat.  Show details

Graham Wilkinson
Graham Wilkinson8 posts
  C200

Impressed – We have recently bought a demo 2014 AWD diesel auto. We are very impressed with its capabilities, we wanted a diesel vehicle that would tow 2 tonnes and with a towball weight of 200 kgs and with car like day to day driving (ease of parking etc). We have tried it with our 1.5 tonne caravan in a variety of situations (long steep hills, strong head… Read more

winds) and it towed it with no problems. The economy is as expected as well. I did a lot of online research and also spoke to Ssangyong owners but I was still surprised at the abilities and the finish. The nearest competitor is at least $8000 to $12000 dearer. We have had it about 3 months and so far so good, I will report any change to our opinion, if any, later. Buying was a pleasure with Alan at New Spot motors although very busy with staff shortages through illness was very friendly attentive, patient and helpful. A real asset to the company! UPDATE (5/10/2016} no change to our opinion after completing a 7000 Km trip towing our caravan up to QLD and Northern NSW over all sorts of terrain including winding mountain roads. The Korando performed faultlessly. The only problem was when a large rock fell from a truck heading in the opposite direction and put a large chip in the windscreen, a Ssangyong genuine part was replaced by Windscreens O'Brien within a few days.

Rod N
Rod N9 posts
  Verified C200

Problem EGR valve diesel motor – Have a 2011 model Diesel since new. Always had a problem with lumpy auto change when cold, small hesitation when accelerating from time to time and poor fuel economy compared to advertised values. After 2 years egr valve failed and car had to be transported back to dealer. Since a new egr valve installed and computer reset all problems have… Read more

completely disappeared and car is a pleasure to drive. Have not had time to check fuel consumption yet for a long trip.Now been on a long trip and fuel economy has improved.

Wedgie
WedgieNSW18 posts
  C200

Great Car – Mine was purchased at Parramatta in Western Sydney with 5000km on it. I have now travelled 60000km and it is a fantastic car. The diesel engine is quite powerful for it's size, (I have had 2 diesel cars previously) and the torque is like a small V8. Hint! Always use the correct oil and change it in between services as I have. Everyone who rides… Read more

in it is pleasantly surprised. It's a shame I have to sell it as I need a larger vehicle for business.

LillicoBarb
LillicoBarb10 posts
  C200

I love my little 'Zoe' – A great little SUV with 2 tonne towing capacity. I bought it from Blue Ribbon Motors in Ipswich Qland. Great service. It had 795kms on the clock. I drove it back to Vic through rain, mud & shine. She didn't miss a beat, I've recently had it's 5000km service done by my own mechanic, as the nearest dealer is over an hour away. He's very impressed… Read more

with it. He had roadworthied it for Vic registration when I brought it down, so has seen it before. I had tinted windows & tow bar added as I want to tow our caravan.

I have few complaints, I'm still finding my way around the dashboard controls to radio, but the blue tooth connection to iPod and iPhone alleviates that problem.

The 6 speed gear change is very smooth ( better than my Subaru Heritage that I had before). I like the multiple choice features on the trip meter. There's nothing like the instant fuel consumption feature for a while to "pull one's head in" & resist the temptation to drive aggressively.

I'm in the process of having an electronic brake controller installed for towing the van. At the same time I'm going to put in wireless reversing cameras and 7'' monitor. There are already rear sensors inbuilt.

At the moment, the fuel consumption has come down to 9.6 av. It's slowly coming down. That said, my husbands 2wd turbo diesel manual Holden Rodeo (2001 model) has had better fuel economy as it's got older. He's now done over 550,000 kms on it. I look forward to doing that in the Korando.

It is a very comfortable car, with good rake on the seats, electric 6 way control driver's seat. heated front seats. The Perforated leather seats in a lovely dark beige. The mirrors have demisters that come on when the rear window demister is operating. They fold in when the car is locked. The doors automatically lock when the motor is running. The back seats fold flat, & also can be slightly reclined. The floor is flat, giving more room for the rear centre passenger. Adults can sit in the rear. There are 3 anchor points for child seats on the back of the split fold rear seats. There are also isofix points for all rear seats when the new regs come in. comfortable, easy to enter and exit, easy to drive. fuel efficient. Plenty of grunt when you need it. smooth gear change. no reversing camera. large blind spot on rear corners. Not many service shops, however, any competent mechanic with modern equipment can fix it.

Whitebait
WhitebaitNew South Wales3 posts
  C200

Korando 2012 2.0L diesel SPR – Great car to drive. Like it a lot. BUT....Turbo lag is chronic off idle and could even possibly cause a crash if needing to get out of somewhere in a hurry. Good fuel consumption . Good stereo. Back seats are hard. Front seats are brilliant. Great power for size of the engine. Open road driving a pleasure. Pity about the turbo lag off idle… Read more

though , only really shows up when applying full throttle at intersections etc, when blending into traffic flow. Stereo, brakes, handling , room for passengers . Turbo lag.

Graham and Lynne Whitby
Graham and Lynne Whitby4 posts
  C200

Our first brand new car and simply love it – we looked at many cars similar in size but again and again we came back for another look at the Korando and in the end it came down to the only car that ticked all the boxes for us and as others have said great little car with a lions heart ! we just towed our Jayco caravan out to lightning ridge and back and it was very comfortable towing the van… Read more

uphill and down no problems at all, a small oil leak has developed around the engine and its going In Monday morning for them to check it out Harrigan ford and SsangYong was the dealer we got our car from and have been very happy with sales and service and will be very happy to recommend both to anyone considering a SsangYong vehicle everything about it is just brillliant the only thing we have had is a window motor replaced and a small oil leak around the engine that has developed and is going in to be fixed

Kay J
Kay JWA3 posts
  C300

Love the car. Solid on the road. Moves off effortlessly and is comfortable to drive in. Show details

DLaw
DLaw21 posts
  C200

Versatile vehicle – Fantastic deign. Clever, sharp and goes anyway with ease. And comfortable. Roomy. A very good all round vehicle. Tows anything with ease. Show details

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