Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Verdict
Compact (five-door saloon and SW estate) that earned 5 Euro NCAP stars in 2019 with the driver assistance systems as an option. According to CarVerif, it is generally worth buying used, provided you choose the right engine. The 1.6 CRDi built between October 2018 and October 2020 is subject to a recall (tandem pump) to be checked, and the DCT7 gearbox can cause vibrations.
- Reliability
- 4.5/5
- Indicative prices
- €13,075 – €26,490
- Monthly cost
- €429
- Euro NCAP
- 5/5
Which version to choose
Versions to favour: 1.0 T-GDi 120, 1.6 CRDi 136.
1.0 T-GDi 120
✓ RecommendedPetrol · Manual · 120 hp · 5.7 L/100 km · 125 g CO₂/km · Crit'Air 1
120 hp turbocharged three-cylinder, six-speed manual gearbox.
1.4 T-GDi 140 DCT
Petrol · Automatic · 140 hp · Crit'Air 1
140 hp 1.4 turbo, offered with the seven-speed DCT dual-clutch gearbox, whose low-speed vibrations should be tested.
1.6 CRDi 136
✓ RecommendedDiesel · Manual · 136 hp · Crit'Air 2
136 hp diesel, also available with DCT7. CarVerif particularly recommends the 2022 and 2023 model years, with a documented history; for 2018-2020, insist on proof of the tandem pump recall.
1.6 CRDi 136 MHEV
Diesel · Manual · 136 hp · Crit'Air 2
136 hp diesel with 48 V mild hybrid system (2021 facelift), electronically controlled manual gearbox (iMT) or DCT7 depending on trim.
Plug-in Hybrid 141
Hybrid · Automatic · 141 hp · Crit'Air 1
Plug-in hybrid with 141 hp combined (1.6 petrol with 105 hp and an electric motor), 8.9 kWh battery, around 50 km of WLTP electric range, SW estate only.
Market prices
€13,075 – €26,490
Indicative range: 2018 to 2026, yearly medians of 170 online listings collected by AutoUncle (years with at least 3 listings).
Collected on 20 October 2026 from the sources below. Our own survey of listings, by year and mileage, will refine it.
Known faults
Vibrations and jerking of the DCT7 dual-clutch gearbox
Severity 2/3 · CostlyThe DCT-7 gearbox can cause the bodywork to vibrate at very low speed (up to around 5 km/h). Kia has issued a technical note for workshops, and replacing the dual clutch may be necessary (L'argus). CarVerif also cites DCT7 jerking or vibration among the priority points on the Ceed III and recommends a test when cold.
- Versions
- 1.4 T-GDi 140 DCT, 1.6 CRDi 136, 1.6 CRDi 136 MHEV
- Onset
- not documented
- Repair
- not documented
Tandem pump: recall for oil supply and brake assistance (1.6 CRDi)
Manufacturer recallA recall campaign (Kia code 221048) concerns Ceeds built between 26 October 2018 and 5 October 2020: a faulty filter in the tandem pump can deprive the oil pump of oil and stop it producing the vacuum the brake servo needs, which lengthens braking distance. CarVerif links this campaign to the 1.6 CRDi and advises insisting on proof that it has been carried out on a 2018-2020 1.6 CRDi. Check with a Kia dealer, using the serial number.
Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).
- Versions
- 1.6 CRDi 136
- Onset
- not documented
- Repair
- not documented
Manufacturer recalls
See the official list on RappelConso (new tab) (French government recall site: category “Automobiles et moyens de déplacement”, search “Kia Ceed”). A dealer for the brand can also check, using the vehicle identification number (VIN), that recalls have been carried out.
Real monthly cost
Fuel, insurance, maintenance and depreciation, excluding finance. Move the slider to match your mileage. How it is calculated
| Fuel or electricity | €140 |
|---|---|
| Insurance | €65 |
| Maintenance | €35 |
| Depreciation | €189 |
| Total per month | €429 |
⚠ Estimates to treat with caution
- Consumption taken from a published range (depends on trim and tyres).
- Maintenance: published servicing price plus an estimated allowance for tyres and brakes.
- Depreciation estimated at 12% of the median price a year, as no year-by-year valuation is usable.
Calculation details (12,000 km a year)
- Fuel (petrol)€140
1.0 T-GDi 120 version: combined consumption of 5.7 L/100 km, increased by 15% for real-world driving, at 2.14 €/L, for 1,000 km a month.
5.7 × 1.15 × 2.14 € × 10 = €140
Petrol price (SP95-E10): French national average on 7 October 2026.
- Insurance€65
Average monthly premium published for this model by insurance comparison sites (comprehensive cover when stated). Your premium depends on your profile.
- Maintenance€35
Servicing and wear parts (tyres, brakes) for 12,000 km a year, per month.
- Depreciation€189
Value lost in a year by a typical example, from the valuation gap between two years, per month.
Inspection checklist
Kia Ceed III — inspection checklist
Things to check
- 1.6 CRDi diesel built between October 2018 and October 2020: ask a Kia dealer, using the serial number, whether the tandem pump recall has been carried out.
- DCT7 gearbox: test drive when cold and at very low speed (manoeuvres, hill start) to detect vibrations or jerking.
- Ask for the complete service history and proof of the recall campaigns carried out.
- Check that the optional driver assistance systems are fitted: the Euro NCAP 5-star rating depends on them.
- Plug-in hybrid: check the charging works and the claimed electric range.
Questions to ask the seller
- Has the tandem pump recall (1.6 CRDi diesel) been carried out? Do you have proof?
- Has the DCT gearbox been diagnosed or has its clutch been replaced?
- Are the optional driver assistance systems fitted to this car?
Test-drive tip: read the fault codes
A warning light that is off proves nothing: a fault may have been cleared just before the viewing. A Bluetooth OBD2 scanner, plugged in under the steering wheel and read on your phone, shows stored codes and whether all emissions readiness tests have run since the last reset.
Electric or hybrid equivalent
No direct electric or hybrid equivalent in our guides. Simulate combustion vs electric cost
Alternatives
Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0
Volkswagen Golf
VIII · since 2020
- Price
- €18,800 – €31,100
- Reliability
- 3.5/5
- Fuel types
- Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid
Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0
Škoda Octavia
IV · since 2020
- Price
- €17,700 – €30,000
- Reliability
- 4.5/5
- Fuel types
- Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid
Photo: MoCars, CC0
Peugeot 308
III · since 2021
- Price
- €11,680 – €26,318
- Reliability
- 3/5
- Fuel types
- Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid, Electric
Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0
Toyota Corolla
XII · since 2019
- Price
- €18,000 – €29,900
- Reliability
- 5/5
- Fuel types
- Hybrid
Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0
Ford Focus
IV · 2018–2025
- Price
- €10,800 – €20,000
- Reliability
- 4/5
- Fuel types
- Petrol, Diesel
Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0
Seat Leon
IV · since 2020
- Price
- €17,700 – €23,000
- Reliability
- 4.5/5
- Fuel types
- Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid
Before you buy: check and equip
Check the history
Before paying, check the administrative status (lien, objection, declared claims) and the mileage recorded at the roadworthiness test.
Read fault codes
An OBD scanner plugged in under the steering wheel shows stored fault codes, even with warning lights off: useful during the test drive.
Parts and maintenance
Compare prices of parts for the Kia Ceed III (timing, brakes, filters) to estimate the repairs to plan for.
Insure the car
Insurance prices vary widely from one model to another: get a quote before signing.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Kia Ceed 3 reliable?
Generally yes according to CarVerif, provided you choose the right engine and check the history. The points to watch are the tandem pump recall for 1.6 CRDi cars from 2018-2020 and the vibrations of the DCT7 gearbox.
What Euro NCAP rating does the Kia Ceed 3 have?
Five stars in 2019, according to Kia's announcement, when the car is fitted with the optional driver assistance systems; without them, the announcement states four stars. The model tested by Euro NCAP was the 1.4 T-GDI.
What is the boot capacity of the Kia Ceed 3?
Around 395 litres for the five-door (British press) and 625 litres for the SW estate (L'argus). The plug-in hybrid, available only as an SW, drops to 437 litres (Fiches-auto).
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