Many compatriots were very happy to see a line of cars from the Korean SsangYong on the Russian market. Of course: you can buy an off-road SUV “for a million” in full mince, with a factory warranty, and other reflections of gloss that obscure the eye. The reality turned out to be a little less rosy, and the owners’ attitude towards these Korean cars, in general, is ambiguous. And not everything in them is treated directly by service and service stations - let's figure out why.
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This is not an SUV
The Korean model range - and this is Kyron, Rexton, Aktion and the exotic Nomad and Stavik - with their appearance they tell us: “look, I’m a big off-road car.” Just a “part-time jeep.” This is wrong. Not at all like that. The entire range is in basic condition - at best, city and family cars.
All Koreans SY do not have such a large power output from the engine. Driving on the highway at more than 90 km/h becomes a problem: the dynamics do not allow for convincing overtaking, acceleration to 110-120 and beyond occurs reluctantly. We don’t recommend driving at speeds of 130-140 at all, which will be discussed below.
An attempt to use the SY as a real SUV will very quickly end before it even begins: there is no mechanical strength in the components of this car. The base and turning radius are not for rough terrain at all. Off-road dynamics leave much to be desired, and the cost of subsequent repairs will finally convince the owner that the idea was so-so.
You can drive onto a curb or dig yourself out of the snow. But don't expect more from them.
Half of the problems and unjustified expectations arise from the discrepancy between external appearance and internal capabilities. But not only. Let's go through the list.
Common faults
Weak suspension
Every second owner complains about the Korean suspension. In short, it is too hard and rough to control, and too soft to break through. This is due to the design features of the bridges and construction; nothing can be done about it. On models of recent years, the manufacturer (having made conclusions about the repair) installs reinforced components, but this does not fundamentally change the sensations.
Optics
Almost every SY from the salon is blind. But here everything is simple, the lamps are replaced with normal ones, some things can be “tweaked”. If you don’t think about it in advance, at dusk, birth blindness can be an unpleasant surprise.
Directional stability
The sore spot of all the first generations of Koreans SY. This is partly due to weight distribution - their center of mass is higher than we are used to, and partly due to the properties of the suspension. SsangYong has problems here in bulk.
Every second review on forums in 2010-2013 looked like this: “I’m driving along the highway, not touching anyone, oops! - and the car flies away somewhere.”
The manufacturer drew conclusions as best he could. But the sediment remained. The car behaves strangely and illogically. According to the owners, the situation could be corrected by all-wheel drive, but at highway speeds it does not work. The tendency for fasteners to fail only adds to the ambiguity.
The fact that height and weight distribution are to blame is evidenced by the fact that the updated Rexton - which is lower and squat - has almost gotten rid of these generic problems.
For long trips on the highway, the cars are not very suitable in terms of comfort. The car does not allow you to relax; there is no cruise control. Not a UAZ, of course, but the experience is not for everyone.
Winter
Koreans have a bad time with winter. At temperatures less than -10, get ready to run around with anti-freeze, find out why it won’t start, and go to the service station on a tow truck.
Ball joints
The unsuccessful design element of the first generations of SY also did not add positive emotions to the owners. Ball joints flew out of their mounts while driving, for no apparent reason, the car was in a ditch, it’s good if people are alive.
This is a factory defect, a replacement under warranty, but the replacement was carried out somewhat sluggishly: there are still a lot of Koreans on the secondary market, where no one changed anything, and the SsangYong problems remain.
The load-bearing parts of SY vehicles also have problems with other mechanical fastenings. Either the dynamic loads were poorly calculated, or simply the quality of the welding. But there is a risk that some necessary part will fall off at the wrong moment. Gentlemen, but this is not a UAZ, really.
Injectors
If a Korean's injectors are leaking, then they are leaking with all their heart, completely and with all their money.
Solved by replacing the injectors. Appears after 30-35 thousand kilometers. Failures are not recognized as factory defects, they are simply the way they are. Some configurations are lucky and all is well. No pattern has yet been identified.
Automatic transmission
The Chirons are diagnosed with a factory defect with the control board in the automatic transmission. Replaced under warranty. But there is quite a lot of fuss. It usually appears after 40 thousand, in recent generations they promised to fix it.
Suspension again
Things didn't work out for the manufacturer with the rear axles. Especially if the owner considered his car an SUV, and after 40-45 thousand. And everything would be fine, but there are absolutely not enough new assembled bridges for the whole of Russia, and you have to wait for months for a spare part, telling friends and neighbors that the Koreans are so-so when it comes to repairs.
Fatal 50 thousand
Let's face it. By their 50,000 mileage, the Koreans begin to fall apart, in significant parts, and at risk for the owner.
On the other hand, the Korean’s price tag is such that it allows you to buy a new SsangYong instead of a used Japanese one. And “sell by 50.” The only problem is that everyone who has lived to the point of death is trying to sell.
To take or not to take?
If we are talking about new car- why not. If you understand the limitations of the Korean line, and do not demand the impossible from the car. In fact, this is a city and family car, sometimes a country car, which occasionally - occasionally! – can prove itself as an SUV.
If we are talking about secondary market, then think twice. Possible problems that did not appear in the previous owner and are waiting for you, this car is not at all cosmetic. SsangYong repair it's not a cheap thing. At the same time, the Korean is not repaired with a “sledgehammer and a plaster” like the UAZ or the old Japanese, and you risk collecting patch repairs from the car with all possible uncertainty.
If you have already have a KoreanS.Y.– now you know the possible places of “generic” problems. This, by the way, does not mean that everything else will not fall apart. But at the service station, pay attention to these nodes. If your vehicle has not had the defective units replaced, consider replacing it as soon as possible.
Among the Actyon New there are also front-wheel drive cars, but there are still more all-wheel drive cars on the secondary market. And this is not surprising, because cross-country ability was one of the advantages of this model over its classmates.
Front-wheel drive cars do not have any too serious problems with the transmission. But there are a lot of not serious ones.
The service life of CV joints is offensively short - they often have to be replaced with mileages of up to one hundred thousand. If everything is tightened as it should, and the car does not constantly drive through mud, then there will be no other problems with them. But if you use Aktion as an SUV, then there will be more problems. For example, the splines on the drive shafts may rot.
The angular gearbox of all-wheel drive vehicles requires regular replacement and monitoring of the oil level. If the level is periodically missed, by 150-200 thousand mileage the bearings may begin to howl, the seals will almost certainly become stiff, and the shafts will be worn out.
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SsangYong Actyon "2013–present"
The clutch often leaks oil, and sometimes produces vibrations. If you put up with periodic blocking and sticking, you can “kill” the rear gearbox and shafts. Any bumps and pokes at the start and in turns are a reason to urgently start repairs. The clutch is simple, with an electromagnet, but the oil seal of the electromagnet rods tends to leak oil at the slightest wear.
The quality and settings of the couplings may vary depending on the production time of the machine. Early couplings are more prone to leaks, but “grip” better, providing better cross-country ability, while later designs leak less often, but have less traction on the rear wheels.
The oil level in the reverse gear should also be checked regularly. It's good that everything there can be repaired quite simply. Seals are easy to select from catalogs, and there are no wear parts other than standard bearings and seals. Even clutches usually last a very long time.
Six-speed manual transmissions begin to make noise closer to two hundred thousand kilometers, but they can leak after one hundred thousand. The gearbox drive becomes loose, and the original oil freezes in winter so that it is difficult to move the lever, and the engine may stall when the clutch is released. So the oil needs to be changed, and it would be better immediately, to a normal, frost-resistant one. This kind of incident does not occur on domestically assembled machines.
A dual-mass flywheel can fall apart even after driving literally 60-80 thousand kilometers. Knocks and impacts, excess vibrations at start-up and especially while driving are clear indicators for replacement. It costs 38-50 thousand rubles, there are no non-original parts, and in case of serious wear there is usually nothing left to repair. It is interesting that the service life of flywheels on gasoline engines, oddly enough, is shorter. With diesel engines they often travel more than 150 thousand kilometers, but with gasoline flywheels they rarely travel that much.
SsangYong Korando "2011–13 The automatic transmission, unfortunately, often makes Actyon New owners seriously sad. The seemingly modern box BTR DSI-6 M11, which was installed on the car from the very beginning of production, pleased us with a full set of childhood illnesses, complicated by the poor quality of a number of components. In general, a good idea to make something better based on the Hyundai design failed. Specialists from the DSI design bureau from Australia tried to preserve the layout of Hyundai six-speed gearboxes, but at the same time use new sets of solenoids. Attempts were even made to increase the threshold of transmitted torque of the mechanical part of the gearbox. We used components from BorgWarner and GM, and tried not to skimp on weight and dimensions. But it turned out... how it happened.
The automatic transmission solenoids turned out to be heavily loaded. They are inexpensive, but they need to be changed on time: the linear pressure control solenoid that fails first will easily lead to a whole bunch of troubles in the mechanics of the box. And the first victim of the increased pressure is the piston rod of the brake band servo drive and the band itself. The box begins to shift harshly, the shocks are especially noticeable when shifting “down” in 4-3-2 gears. Moreover, the rod also breaks the seat in the body. Repair with the installation of a bronze bushing solves the problem, but the design, in principle, is not very well made.
In the rear planetary gear, the bearing often falls apart, and the bushing is “welded” to the housing. Bearing breakdown products can damage the differential, oil pump and valve body. They are magnetic, so such a breakdown is clearly visible from the condition of the magnets. True, steel discs are easily worn out here, and with aggressive driving, the magnets will become dirty and wear out.
Due to oil contamination and shaft vibrations, Teflon seal rings suffer, which is why oil pressure can drop significantly over runs of up to one hundred thousand kilometers. The rings are not expensive, but the box needs to be disassembled to repair it.
The oil pump suffers from oil leaks and contamination. For those who do not change the oil or change it less than once every 60 thousand, already after 100-150 thousand mileage the condition of the oil pump is very sad. Often jerks when switching are associated precisely with a lack of pressure.
During the production process, the box was actively modified. There are three series of automatic transmissions. The two early versions (before 2011 and 2011-2013) are the most unsuccessful, with a low resource of all their nodes. The latest version of the box (after 2013) works more or less reliably. If you don’t drive the car, then there will be no problems with the planetary gear and the rod, and the oil will not become contaminated so intensely, draining the life of the valve body solenoids. When changing the oil every 50-60 thousand, such boxes sometimes cover more than 200-250 thousand mileage.
Fortunately, the 186 Nm of torque from the gasoline engine is not enough to seriously damage the planetary gear and brake band and quickly wear out the Teflon seals due to vibrations. The slightly increased wear of the gas turbine engine blocking linings is not critical for this design, so with gasoline engines at least some positive forecast can be given. But with diesel engines, the service life of the box is very short, and for cars produced before 2014, problems often began with mileages of up to 60 thousand kilometers. And they were massive enough to give the car a bad reputation.
When installing a good cooling system and an external oil filter, the box becomes more viable, and the low price of valve body components greatly facilitates repairs. Although planetary gears and shafts are expensive, it is not worth starting the situation until they are damaged.
Many services recommend “intermediate repair” of this box for mileages of about one hundred thousand. This allows you to save a lot on repairs in the near future. First of all, “for prevention,” seals are changed, including Teflon rings, an internal filter, rubber-coated pistons, the brake band servo piston and the band itself (on diesel cars). The condition of the rear planetary gear bearing and the condition of the oil pump must be checked. And for control, it is highly recommended to install thermal stickers on gas turbine engines and check their condition at each maintenance. If the temperature exceeds 140 degrees, immediate repair of the box is required.
Motors
The Actyon New essentially has two engines: the gasoline G20D of its own design and the diesel engines D20F/D22F, which are descended from the Mercedes OM662 diesel engines. Diesels, by and large, can be considered their own development - there is not much left of the Germans there. But the 2.2-liter diesel engine was not installed on Russian cars: the power range of supercharged diesel engines was already generous, up to 175 hp. The power of the gasoline engine is lower, only 149 hp, and the torque there is only 186 Nm (197 Nm) versus 360 Nm for the diesel engine. But controlling the traction of a gasoline engine is noticeably more convenient: a highly boosted diesel engine has a very narrow operating range, from only 2,000 to 3,200 rpm. Below - it doesn’t pull, above - it “suffocates”. Even the automatic transmission, which has to switch very often, does not help. With a manual transmission, driving is completely reminiscent of the work of a truck driver: change gear, change gear and... shift again. In general, quite expectedly, many chose the gasoline engine, especially since in conjunction with an automatic transmission it turned out to be quite reliable and very economical. However, first things first.
The engines do not have any general problems. Weak supports, not very durable radiators and wiring should not be surprising: this is, in fact, more Chinese than Korean car. Plus it's cheap.
The gasoline engine is economical, compact, quite easy to repair and simple. The components are assembled from pine wood: thermostats, circuits and much more are clearly “creatively borrowed” from somewhere. Even valves and similar elements in the hands of motorists often raise questions like “wouldn’t a Honda, Mercedes or Hyundai fit?”
Radiator
price for original
15,674 rubles
The piston group is strong, not prone to scuffing, does not lift camshafts, there are no problems with lubrication, and the phase regulators are exemplary. It leaks a little through the gaskets and seals under high loads, but the intake becomes actively dirty due to poor operation of the oil separator. And even the ignition coils from ZMZ are quite suitable here, you just need to change the “leg” itself to a Korean one.
The whole picture is spoiled by two points: the floating quality and the extremely poor design of the chain and timing tensioner. There are minor complaints like knocking of the pistons after starting and not very high-quality engine electrics, but given the positioning of the machine, the price of spare parts and the fairly simple and convenient repair of attachments, you can forget about them. But failures in the timing drive often lead to serious consequences in the form of major repairs, engine replacements, or trips by tow truck to a service center to replace the timing belt.
There are two problems with the timing drive: the thin plate chain and the size of the sprockets. The latter are clearly too small and wear out quickly. But the main timing problem lies in the chain tensioner.
SsangYong Korando "2011–13 It is hydraulic, but not fixed. The Koreans repeated the mistake that VW made with the engines of the EA111 and EA888 series. During starts and cold cranks, the chain easily jumps. Fortunately, usually when starting, the chain jumps by one tooth, and the engine simply does not start. In this case, the valves remain intact. But for stubborn owners, even a cold start that lasts too long can result in valves and pistons meeting. For those who ignore both the knocking of the chain at start and the clanging after warming up, this is usually how it all ends. And a simple chain break with a mileage of 60 thousand is not so rare. To do this, it is enough to stubbornly ignore its rattling for 10-20 thousand kilometers.
When the chain is worn to the limit, its breakage is inevitable: the axes of the links wear out very intensively.
It’s interesting that instead of Korean-Chinese products, they also put domestic chains here. And the tensioner they select is not original. For example, chains from ZMZ 409 motors fit like original ones. Two CZ or Akmash chains are perfectly riveted into one for SsangYong (chain number CZ 40904100604011). Pros - price and longer service life, cons - wear of the stars in this case is quite intense. If signs of wear appear on the upper sprockets, which can be seen when replacing with a “broach,” you must immediately change the timing belt with complete removal and replacement of the crankshaft sprocket. At the same time, it may already begin to lose teeth, since it wears out twice as quickly with a domestic chain. And the original tensioner, which has weak tension and can even flare, is replaced with IVECO 5801617802 or with Mercedes diesel engines, with them the life of the chains is noticeably more stable, damages the dampers less often and the risk of jumping is practically eliminated, they are equipped with a mechanical offset lock. With them, the 17mm reach limitation is no longer as relevant as for the original. And here they put an additional “nozzle” for chain lubrication, in fact, a spout that pours oil from the line directly onto the chain, but this is already a fierce collective farm.
Timing chain 2.0 G20D
price for original
18,179 / 16,261 (detachable) rubles
The oil pump chain is somewhat more reliable than the timing chain and can travel 150-200 thousand kilometers. The trouble is that it doesn’t rattle, and when replacing it with a “broach” they simply forget about it. And it can also tear during cold starts and runs under 200 thousand kilometers. Especially if the oil is thick and the frost is below -30.
Of course, experienced owners listen to the engine in the morning, and the chains are changed more often than belts are changed on other engines. The 50 thousand kilometers limit for original and Chinese chains is quite justified; domestic ones from ZMZ run longer. Judging by the reviews, they can last a hundred thousand, but often the next time they are replaced, the sprockets also need to be changed. They also “gnaw” the sedatives more strongly than the original ones. But they skip less often. True, the motor is a little noisier with them.
Diesel engines do not lag behind in terms of the total number of problems, but their problems are of a completely different nature. First of all, Delphi fuel equipment, which our services do not like, and which does not treat dirty diesel fuel well. And the filtration on Actyon New is insufficient.
The injectors stuck to the cylinder head went to the SsangYong engine from Mercedes. The reason is the seal design. Experts recommend removing the nozzles and cleaning the wells every year or two. And do not wet it with liquid, but clean off the deposits with a cutter.
Pouring injectors, dirty intake and faulty EGR are already classics of the diesel industry. For D20F engines, all this leads to burnt out pistons, cracks in the cylinder head and sometimes scuffing of the crankshafts. Problems with liners are generally typical for cars with diesel engines and manual transmissions, whose owners like to drive on highways at minimum speeds. Yes, this turns out to be extremely economical, but the oil pressure (especially SAE30) is not enough.
Oil pump 2.0
price for original
10,123 rubles
There are especially many complaints about diesel engines before restyling. Later, the bulk of the problems with the fuel equipment were solved, and the amount of negativity decreased significantly. But until 2013-2014, diesel engine breakdowns due to fuel equipment happened so often that gasoline engines with their wonderful chain were considered a more reliable option.
A certain amount of negativity was caused by the turbine, which in diesel engines usually lasts almost forever. But on Actyon everything is different. Already after one hundred thousand mileage it can “eat” oil and howl. Not everyone encountered such a problem, but there were enough casualties that organized groups of owners began to select non-original turbines for replacement.
Timing chains on diesel engines rarely fail, but camshafts break. Sometimes there are problems with the hydraulic chain tensioner, which is expressed in loud noise at start-up and “staggering” of the phases.
conclusions
Behind the beautiful appearance, good technical characteristics and attractive price lies an abyss of various shortcomings. Almost all cars manufactured before 2013-2014 are still a “bomb” in terms of technology. Considering the small number of specialized services and a unique set of units, any breakdown can become a problem. This is not the kind of car that is bought with the last of the money, then driven for a couple of years and sold, without investing during this time in repairs and quality maintenance. In the case of Ssang Yong, this is hardly possible at all.
If you like this car so much that you are ready to endure its abuse, then we recommend the following. If you need a passable crossover with a diesel engine, take an all-wheel drive car with a manual transmission from later years. Maintenance, although not expensive, will be quite troublesome. But early cars can only be purchased with a gasoline engine and, better yet, with a manual transmission; automatic transmissions are too capricious. And never forget about the chain and its tensioner.
Expert opinion
When it comes to the SsangYong New Actyon, a ruthless and merciless holiwar begins. Even Volkswagen with its DSG and TFSI does not cause such fierce controversy among owners. And all because some vehemently praise the invulnerability of the car: it does not rot, does not rust, and stories about breakdowns are a provocation and an order. Others are hysterical and claim that everything can break here - from a light bulb to a gearbox. And even though most of the breakdowns are within adequate price ranges, their total number can infuriate even the most inveterate phlegmatic person.
The SUV has not been updated since 2013, but thanks to the budget price and the successful combination of a diesel engine and automatic transmission, the demand for it is consistently high. Diesel 2.0-liter versions with automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are most often found aftermarket. A little less often you come across offers with 2.0 petrol engines.
I advise you to choose both modifications with particular passion. As our practice has shown, there is a high probability of stumbling upon a dying machine gun. The cost of its repair reaches 150 thousand rubles, so do not waste time and money on additional diagnostics. Be sure to test the box when it's hot. And if you decide to take an Actyon with a gasoline engine, then check the chain tension at the same time and find out what kind of tensioner it is. The chain here has to be changed every 30-40 thousand kilometers, and some handy owners farm it in order to save money.
And finally, about budget and budgeting. In terms of price, this compact crossover has virtually no competitors. The popular diesel Aktion of 2012 will cost an average of 600 thousand rubles. For comparison, a classmate Nissan Qashqai of the same year with a 2-liter gasoline engine and a CVT will cost significantly more - 670 thousand rubles.
SsangYong Korando "2011–13 
How do you like the reliability of Aktion? Would you take one for yourself?
SangYong New Aktion is a compact crossover from the Korean automaker. In its homeland and outside Russia, New Actyon is known as Korando. The production version of the model was presented in May 2010, and the first copies went on sale in February 2011. New Aktion for the Russian market was assembled in Vladivostok, at the Sollers - Far East enterprise. Production was carried out using the large-unit assembly method: the body, suspension and power unit assembled with the box were assembled on a conveyor belt.
Engines
The SsangYong Actyon was offered with two types of 2-liter power units: gasoline and diesel - 149 hp each. every. Initially, the diesel engine was offered in two variations - 149 hp. and 175 hp
The gasoline engine immediately received a number of complaints. Many owners began to notice a rattling, clanging or short “roar” when starting a cold engine. Extraneous sounds were not “born” every time the engine was started and could occur both on new cars and those that had already been in use for some time. There were two reasons: the valve timing regulator and a stretched timing chain. The problem worsens at 100,000 km. You will have to pay about 12,000 rubles for a new regulator, and about 15-25 thousand rubles for a timing drive kit. It is worth noting that many cars have traveled more than 100-120 thousand km without these ailments.
Another drawback is “winter starting”: the speed fluctuates and the engine stalls immediately after starting or after some time. The manufacturer tried to solve the problem by adjusting the engine control program. But this method did not help everyone. Some auto mechanics suggested that the cause of the troubles lay in the incorrect installation angle of the fuel rail: air leaks and “sweating” near the injectors were noticed. The “folk method” is to bend the ramp and change the O-rings. According to the owners who carried out such modifications, the engine ran smoother, and the speed stopped floating.
A diesel engine periodically causes inconvenience due to the short life of the exhaust gas temperature sensor on the turbocharger: the “Check” lights up, the thrust drops, and the cruise control does not turn on. The service life of the sensor is 20-40 thousand km, although there are many owners who have traveled more than 50,000 km without problems. Dealers will replace a faulty sensor under warranty. The cost of the sensor from “officials” is about 5-6 thousand rubles, in a spare parts store - about 3-5 thousand rubles.
The rear support of the power unit is also not durable (about 6,000 rubles). Its replacement may be necessary after 80-120 thousand km. A little later, the fuel injectors may fail.
Transmission
The engines are paired with 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions.
Owners of a New Actyon with a manual transmission note that the engagement of 1st and 2nd gears is difficult, accompanied by a knocking or crunching sound. After several tens of thousands of kilometers the problem usually goes away. Some owners got rid of the problem by adjusting the shift lever rod.
Diesel versions of New Aktion were equipped with an Australian-made DSI M11 AT automatic transmission. Many people note the appearance of shocks when moving the gearbox from 1st to 2nd or after stopping, less often when transitioning 2-3. The manufacturer tried to solve the problem by changing the firmware of the box's ECU, but the update does not help everyone. When changing the oil in the box, there was an underfill of 0.5 to 1.5 liters. Unfortunately, changing the fluid or bringing its level back to normal did not solve the problem of shocks. And subsequently, some owners, closer to 100,000 km, had to go to a service center to repair the box (more than 100,000 rubles).
Gasoline versions were equipped with a Hyundai automatic transmission, which was used in the Hyundai ix35. There are no problems with this box.
Some owners make complaints about the all-wheel drive system, finding the system's operation untimely. But no errors occur in the system, and no real cases of failure have been identified.
Chassis
The front suspension of the SsangYong New Actyon often begins to knock within the first ten thousand kilometers. There is no panacea: some instances were helped by tightening the nuts securing the front strut supports, others by tightening the central nut on the shock absorber rod. Replacing the support bearings does not solve the problem. The rest have resigned themselves and drive along, not paying attention to periodic knocks in the suspension.
When inspecting the chassis with a mileage of more than 20-40 thousand km, a rupture of the boot of the outer CV joint of the front axle shaft is sometimes discovered. The cost of a new boot is about 1000 rubles. Front wheel bearings may hum after 100,000 km. They are replaced only assembled with the hub - from 5,000 rubles.
From time to time, when inspecting the suspension, destruction of the rear stabilizer bracket is revealed - also known as the rear stabilizer bushing holder bracket. Front shock absorbers (from 4,000 rubles) and support bearings (2,000 rubles) may require replacement after 60-100 thousand km.
After 80-120 thousand km, the rear floating silent blocks require updating (from 600 rubles).
Some Actyon owners note the appearance of crunching or clicking noises when turning the steering wheel. A warranty replacement of the lower part of the steering shaft assembly with the ESD solved the problem. The cost of the unit is about 70-75 thousand rubles.
Body and interior
The body hardware and paint quality are traditional for modern cars. The metal in the chipped areas blooms in a couple of days. Over time, chips appear on the rear wings at the top points of the rear lights. The probable cause is excessive movement of the tailgate under diagonal load. Chrome-plated body trim elements become cloudy after a couple of winters and sometimes begin to swell, especially on nameplates and the tailgate trim.
The upper brake light is often found to be cracking. Most likely, the lamp is overheating, which indirectly confirms the deterioration of the spray pattern of the rear windshield washer nozzle built into the lamp - the water boils. In winter, when the liquid poured into the washer freezes, the front windshield washer nozzles are squeezed out of their seats. The cost of a set of injectors is about 400 rubles.
Problems often arise with the power windows, usually the rear ones: at first they work every once in a while, and then they stop responding altogether. Authorized services replace electric drive motors under warranty (about 3 thousand rubles). A possible cause of the malfunction is an insufficient amount of lubricant in the rollers and pinched guides. As a result, the electric motor cannot withstand a constant heavy load and burns out.
The plastic in the cabin often creaks, especially with the arrival of cold weather. The play of the glove compartment hinge contributes to the accompaniment on uneven surfaces. Over time, the steering wheel coating wears out. Unfortunately, not all dealers meet the customer halfway and replace the “balding” steering wheel under warranty.
Electrics
There were also a couple of “glitches” in the electrical systems. One of them is disabling cruise control. The reason is indicated in the "Engines" section - failure of the exhaust gas temperature sensor on the turbocharger.
Another failure occurs on Aktions equipped with ESP. Owners are faced with the display of a “garland” of ESP, ABS and handbrake warning lights, sometimes “flavored” with warning lights for the electric power steering and the “Check AWD” all-wheel drive system. The display usually lights up immediately after ESP has been worked out on ice in winter, often on an uneven surface. It is worth noting that this situation does not occur every time the system is triggered. After turning off the ignition, the “glitch” goes away and the system continues to operate normally. At the moment, dealers do not have a solution to the problem or an explanation of the nature of the origin of the “phenomenon”.
Conclusion
Despite a number of identified shortcomings, the SsangYong New Actyon is still not classified as unreliable. Some of the problems, unfortunately, are typical for most modern cars. It’s gratifying that most faults are not difficult or expensive to fix.
In 2011, the second generation of the model appeared, which turned out to be a crossover that changed the previous frame design. Let's see how far the Koreans managed to avoid the usual “childhood diseases” in such cases.
Surprisingly, there have still been no widespread and serious complaints against this car. From scratch, the Koreans managed to create a fashionable and quite honest car for their money, a fair margin of safety that clearly goes against the traditionally low residual value of SsangYong cars. However, it was not without its drawbacks.
2005 year. The first generation SsangYong Actyon was distinguished by its extravagance and body-on-frame design. All-wheel drive SUVs with a plug-in front end and lower gear, equipped with a 2.0-liter diesel engine (141 hp) or a 150-horsepower gasoline engine, were supplied to Russia.
In Russia, they were assembled in Vladivostok from vehicle kits. There were two engines: gasoline and diesel - both 2.0-liter, with the same power of 149 hp. At first they also offered a more powerful 175-horsepower turbodiesel, but quickly abandoned it due to low demand. It's a shame, because it is he who is considered the most successful. Meanwhile, there are few complaints about the remaining engines, and besides, they are not critical.
For a gasoline engine, the main complaint was about extraneous sounds and clanging when starting a cold engine. The valve timing regulator (about 12,000 rubles) or the stretched timing chain are acting up, a replacement kit for which can be purchased at a price of 15,000 rubles. The peak of complaints occurs for cars with 100,000 mileage. However, there are plenty of cars with high mileage that have escaped this fate. For diesel engines, the complaint about the poor service life of the exhaust gas temperature sensor on the turbocharger is considered to be on duty. Admiring the burning “check” with a mileage of up to 50 thousand km is pain and despondency.
Not bad for your money
Six-speed manuals and automatics manifest themselves in different ways. There are only a few complaints about MCP. But repairs sometimes occur after 100 thousand kilometers of the Australian automatic transmission attached to a diesel engine. The Hyundai automatic works much more successfully with a gas engine. But the suspension is not particularly reliable. It begins to knock and require fastenings to be tightened and replaced even at very low mileages. Problems, however, can be solved with little effort. The main consumables are the CV joint boot, front wheel bearings and, of course, stabilizer links. The body and paintwork hold up no better, but no worse than the average modern level, without obvious flaws. Decorative chrome fades over a couple of winters, but Actyon owners have learned to put up with the finishing and build quality of the interior. The car is essentially inexpensive. Such is the demand from her. A creaking driver's seat, crickets, poor fit of the plastic trim, a rapidly peeling steering wheel and uncritical electrical failures - it's all there. However, this does not make the car any less attractive for its money on the secondary market.In 2006, the South Korean company SsangYong presented to the public its new brainchild, called the SsangYong Actyon. The product was offered in liftback and pickup body styles, which in itself should have greatly appealed to the public. But, despite the efforts of the designers, at first the car was ambiguously received by consumers due to its extremely unusual design, which was a big blow for the company. However, a little later, he was still able to win the hearts of quite a large number of people around the world thanks to his low price, reliability and unpretentiousness. As befits not only Korean, but also all other manufacturers, the car has its advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we will quickly “go over” the list of the main advantages of the car in question, but we will pay special attention to weak points and other design flaws in order to make it easier to find a new car, or to warn you against buying an overly shabby copy on the secondary market.
At the beginning of its production and until 2011, the car was supplied only with a 2-liter diesel engine with 149 hp, but after restyling in 2013, the line of engines was replenished with a 2.3-liter gasoline engine with 150 hp. By the way, this restyling affected only those cars whose production was established in Kazakhstan and continues to this day.
How is Actyon Sports different from a simple Actyon?
Oddly enough, many people do not know what the difference is between a simple Actyon and a version of the same model with the “Sports” prefix. The answer is simple - SsangYong Actyon cars are produced exclusively in the format of a 5-door crossover, and the Actyon Sports is a 4-door pickup truck, that's all.
Specifications:
- Engine: petrol or diesel, in-line, 4-cylinder*;
- Power: 150 hp for gasoline, and 149 hp. for diesel;
- Torque: 360 N.m at 3500 rpm and 360 N.m. at 2800 rpm respectively;
- Transmission: 6 automatic transmissions or 6 manual transmissions*;
- Body type: liftback or pickup*;
- Number of doors: 5;
- Drive: full;
- Fuel consumption (mixed mode): 11.5 l/100 km for petrol, 8.0 l/100 km for diesel;
- Tank volume: 75 l.;
- Ground clearance: 187 mm;
- Dimensions: 4991x1910x1780 mm;
- Maximum weight: 2750 kg;
- Front suspension: independent, multi-link;
- Rear suspension: dependent, on springs;
- Brakes (front and rear): disc.
* - data is indicated depending on the configuration.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of SanYong Action Sports:
Here is a short list of qualities for which the car in question received love and recognition from a huge army of its fans:
- High level of cross-country ability;
- Roomy body and interior;
- Low cost;
- A large number of functions inherent in a modern car;
- High dynamic characteristics (especially for versions with a diesel engine and a manual transmission);
- Sufficiently high quality finishing materials and ergonomic interior;
- Low fuel consumption (again, this applies to diesel versions);
- High level of sound insulation;
- Good handling and soft ride;
- Frame design.
Weaknesses of SsangYong Action Sports
As mentioned above, the machine has a number of shortcomings, namely:
- Thin and corrosion-resistant metal;
- Engine;
- Fuel system;
- Electrical;
- Automatic transmission;
- Drive;
- All-wheel drive on/off clutches;
- Power steering.
Thin and corrosion-resistant metal.
As befits the entire Korean automobile industry, the main weakness of this car is its instability to the aggressive environment of Russian roads. Copious amounts of salt, which is used on our roads in winter, can turn a powerful SUV into a piece of rusty metal in a few years. That is why it is recommended to drive it as little as possible in winter, and to go to the car wash as often as possible after such trips.
Although this car uses Mercedes engines, this did not protect it from operational problems. Most often, the list of engine malfunctions includes scoring on the cylinders, severe and rapid wear of the connecting rod and piston group, and coking of the oil scraper and compression rings. In addition, operating problems include the tendency of gasoline engines to overheat, which can lead to very large losses in the owner’s wallet.
Fuel system.
The low quality of domestic fuel has always caused trouble for many owners, but in the case of the SsangYong Actyon Sports, this problem is multiplied several times. The fact is that the fuel injectors of diesel engines are simply not capable of passing our diesel fuel through them for more than 80 thousand kilometers, and the cost of replacing them can reach up to 60 thousand rubles per set. The failure of this expensive unit can be delayed by using several fuel filters and a separator.
The next disease is constant “glitches” in the operation of various on-board systems. This is caused by poor quality and poorly thought out wiring, which after several winters begins to actively oxidize, contact is lost and you will have to urgently visit an electrician. In some cases, the damage to the wiring is so severe that starting the engine becomes impossible.
Automatic transmission.
If a manual transmission rarely causes any complaints on any car, then an automatic transmission already requires some attention. On the same car, for this unit, you need even more of it, because even if you carry out automatic transmission maintenance according to all the regulations, no one can give you a guarantee that the next trip will not be the last for your transmission. Therefore, even though this car is positioned as an SUV, frequent driving in the absence of roads is extremely undesirable.
This weakness manifests itself only during private and aggressive off-road driving and consists in wear of the CV joints on the front axle, which is why they begin to crunch. Otherwise, the drives are quite reliable and, with due attention to themselves, can cover hundreds of thousands of kilometers.
All-wheel drive on/off clutches.
Just like the one described above, this defect can only be identified if the previous owner constantly tested his car in places where the roads had not even been heard of. In this car, the front axle is disengaged, and frequent turning on/off of the drive to all wheels damages the clutch. The cost of replacing it can put a big dent in your budget, so when buying a used car, pay special attention to how quickly the car responds to the command to turn on and off all-wheel drive.
Power steering.
Last on the list of shortcomings is a weak point, the essence of which is the constant leakage of hydraulic oil from the power steering pump due to low-quality seals that are used in its production, as well as cracking of connecting hoses. If in the first case the repair involves a complete replacement of the pump (its cost is about 15 thousand rubles), then another frequent breakdown can be fixed for just a few thousand.
Main disadvantages of SsangYong Actyon Sports
Other weak points of this car include:
- Severely limited visibility, which is especially important in parking lots;
- Expensive spare parts;
- Poor design;
- The main radiator is located very low, due to which there is a risk of damaging it;
- Weak transfer case;
- Very long wheelbase and overhangs with low ground clearance;
- Weak paintwork;
- Problems finding a repair service;
- Low liquidity in the secondary market;
- Problems with starting in cold weather (for diesel engines);
- The spare wheel is located under the body, which makes changing it very difficult.
Conclusion.
If you love large and off-road SUVs, but are not at the top of Forbes magazine and don’t have money for luxury SUVs, then the Ssang Yong Actyon Sports will be the ideal solution for you. A low price, a fairly high level of reliability, coupled with a large body and a spacious interior will delight you for many years.
But you should never forget that this is a Korean car, and, like all others, it has its pros and cons. Therefore, in addition to scheduled maintenance, periodically carry out preventive maintenance of all systems and mechanisms. Listen to your car more often, even if nothing should break, because its service life and the impressions it will leave in your life depend on your actions.
P.S.: Dear car owners, if you have noticed systematic breakdowns of any parts or units of this model, please report it below in the comments.
Weaknesses, advantages and disadvantages of SsangYong Actyon Sports was last modified: December 22, 2018 by Administrator
