Korean Cars to Stay Away From
Korea is known for producing many great things, such as delicious food, innovative electronics, and various different chemicals. And while Korea has also built some incredible cars, there have been a few duds. Keep scrolling to discover the worst Korean cars ever made.
Hyundai Sonata
Hyundai is an amazing manufacturer, but the Sonata is one of its worst cars. Despite being produced since 1985, the Sonata has been criticized for its terrible Theta II engine, which is notoriously unreliable, as well as more recent electronic glitches and transmission issues.
Kia Sorento
We love Kia, but that doesn’t mean we’ll give the Sorento a pass! As well as having a cramped interior, it’s also plagued with more serious problems. The engine commonly misfires and overheats, producing worrying oil leaks and noises during transit.
Renault Korea XM3
Also referred to as the “Samsung XM3” and “Arkana”, this car’s gorgeous bodywork hides a multitude of sins. It has a very weak performance, with no standout speed or handling capabilities, and it’s also quite dated compared to other SUV coupes.
Genesis GV70
Genesis is a luxury brand, but it really dropped the ball with the GV70. The alternator, drivetrain, and exhaust frequently cause problems and need repairing, and the engine is also very fuel-inefficient. This makes it a very expensive investment to upkeep.
KGM Tivoli
The KGM Tivoli is regularly branded as one of the worst cars in Korea, so we had to put it on this list. It regularly comes up short against similar competitors, with a low-quality build that feels cheap and a weak, sluggish driving experience. The brand has also failed to innovate the Tivoli.
SsangYong Rodius
We couldn’t make this list without including a SsangYong car! The Rodius is incredibly problematic, and its appearance does little to make up for that. Customers still remain unimpressed with it, so we don’t expect to see the Rodius making a comeback.
Hyundai Ioniq 6
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is known for being the worst of its line, and we’re loath to disagree. It is the brand’s worst-selling car due to its unengaging driving experience, lack of versatility, and frequent electronic issues. Think about how much more you could get for your money.
Kia Rio
Kia Rios are certainly affordable, but that doesn’t make them worth the money. They’re known for their engine problems, which include an unreliable timing chain and regular misfires. We also can’t warm to the styling because it’s so basic and boring.
Genesis G90
The Genesis G90 may be luxurious, but it’s still one of the worst Korean cars ever built. There’s a noticeable engine lag, with delayed throttle and weak oil pressure. Some of the more recent models were even recalled for a fire risk!
KGM Torres
In just a few years, the KGM Torres has racked up enough criticism to last a lifetime! It’s very expensive, but the build, power, and tech leave much to be desired. Overall, you don’t get enough for your money, which puts many people off.
Pyeonghwa Zunma
Given Pyeonghwa’s poor reputation, we’re not surprised that the Zunma has received lots of criticism. It may look like the Mercedes E-Class, but it has none of the quality nor the excitement. Both the materials and technology are outdated for today’s market.
Kia Soul
In just 13 years, the Kia Soul has garnered quite the reputation! From models being recalled for faulty pistons to others being criticized for their erratic handling and poor fuel consumption, all of that criticism is, unfortunately, warranted. And there doesn’t seem to be any improvement.
Hyundai Kona N
If you like power, then the Kona N might sound like a good option, but it’s actually one of the worst Hyundais out there. The steering can be challenging at high speeds, which poses a danger, and it often feels quite harsh to drive. Many people also find the build to be cheap.
Daewoo Lanos
Daewoo Motors may no longer exist as an independent brand, but the Lanos is still around. Sadly, it’s low-quality in every way, with a poorly constructed design and extremely weak acceleration. Even worse, it received low crash test results, so it’s not a safe vehicle to drive.
Genesis G80
If you’re going to market your cars as luxury vehicles, they’d better live up to the hype! That’s the problem with the Genesis G80. It isn’t quite refined enough to be amazing, with firm suspension, awkward handling, and an overly loud petrol engine.
SsangYong Musso
As a pickup truck, the SsangYong Musso does have some pros. However, there are far more cons, which include limited steering capabilities and an engine that struggles when hauling heavy cargo. The ride quality is also very poor, and nobody wants to be uncomfortable on long journeys.
Chevrolet Trax
This one isn’t produced by a Korean brand, but it’s manufactured in South Korea by GM Korea, so we think it counts! It may have a budget price, but that also extends to its parts and performance, both of which are disappointing. It lacks the innovation of many similar vehicles.
Pyeonghwa Hwiparam II
If there’s one thing car enthusiasts can all agree on, it’s that the Pyeonghwa Hwiparam II is not a good car. It resembles both BMW and Chevrolet cars but uses cheap materials that feel extremely low-quality. The engine is also shockingly weak, only producing 97 horsepower.
Daewoo Matiz
Economical cars aren’t always better, and the Daewoo Matiz is proof of that. It’s incredibly basic, with no innovative features. The engine is also irredeemable, using up excessive oil, regularly requiring repairs, and struggling to accelerate with the AC on. It’s a very outdated option that cannot keep up.
Renault Samsung SM5
The Renault Samsung SM5 has experienced plentiful production, but that doesn’t mean it’s good. Many drivers find it to be unreliable, with an engine that often stalls or cuts out. Several generations of the SM5 have been recalled for different reasons, including coolant issues and a faulty fuel system.
Hyundai Elantra
Hyundai has many great cars, but most people agree that the Elantra is one of its worst. The engine is a huge letdown due to its slow acceleration and poor bearing. Plenty of drivers also notice a constant piston slap. Even the more modern models are disappointing.
Kia Optima
If you’ve heard bad things about the Kia Optima, we can confirm them. From failing electronic features, including faulty climate control and broken rear-view cameras, to frequent mechanical repairs, there’s a lot to complain about. It’s one of the weaker midsize sedans.
SsangYong Chairman
You may not know the SsangYong Chairman, but it’s definitely one of the worst cars on our list. It lacks refinement in every area, with an unattractive design that features a cheap wood interior and dated exterior build. The driving experience is also unengaging and weak.
KGM Actyon
We really want to love the KGM Actyon, but it’s definitely one of the worst Korean cars ever built. Despite having such a strong build, it performs very poorly on off-road terrain and even struggles on some smooth roads. The suspension is also weak, making for an uncomfortable ride.
Chevrolet Trailblazer
This is another car manufactured by GM Korea for another brand, and it definitely belongs on this list. The Chevrolet Trailblazer gets plenty of hate for its poor power, problematic braking system, and noisy engine. It looks like it should be capable of much more.
Hyundai Santa Fe
When ranking Hyundai cars, the Santa Fe is often listed as one of the worst. We’ve put it on our list for several reasons, including its excessive oil wastage, faulty transmission, and awkward driving experience. It may improve in the future, but the current models are disappointing.
Daewoo Nubira
If you’re looking for refinement, you won’t find it in the Daewoo Nubira! It’s shiny but basic, with very few luxury features and a cheap, weak interior. It also doesn’t have any exceptional driving capabilities, and many drivers find it very boring. It’s wholly unexceptional.
Kia Sedona
The Kia Sedona may look like the ideal family vehicle, but we recommend steering clear of it. The driving experience is virtually non-existent, and many of the mechanical features often fail. Sedonas also featured in the “Kia Challenge” on TikTok, with people showing how easy they were to steal.
SsangYong Korando
The SsangYong Korado is yet another letdown from this now-defunct brand. It’s not as snappy as it looks, with excessive body roll and a lack of torque during acceleration. There’s also a noticeable lack of luxury, especially when compared to top competitors.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
While the Ioniq 6 may be known for its low sales, the Ioniq 5 is “iconic” for another reason. It’s known for having poor handling, and numerous drivers have reported failing integrated charging control units. The electronic features are also quite unresponsive.
KGM Rexton
It may look similar to a Land Rover, but the KGM Rexton is actually even more unreliable. It struggles on different types of terrain, which limits its capabilities, and it has very poor fuel economy. KGM has also neglected to update and refine the Rexton.
Pyeonghwa Ppeokkugi 4WD
The Ppeokkugi 4WD is yet another Pyeonghwa model that, sadly, falls short of expectations. It’s not exciting to look at in the slightest, and that lack of innovation is also evident inside the car. The engine is also on the basic side.
Daewoo Espero
The Daewoo Espero came and went in under a decade, but those who remember it don’t have fond feelings. It was notoriously unreliable, yet those parts were also expensive to replace. Both its interior and exterior trims were boring to look at, too.
Renault Grand Koleos
This Renault Korea model is mostly on our list for how disappointing it is. The ride quality is poor, with harsh suspension and an engine that struggles at higher speeds. It has even been discontinued in some countries for failing to meet expectations.
Kia Cadenza
We’re ending this list with the Kia Cadenza, which is known for being unreliable. Drives have complained about almost everything: its build, the interior design, engine troubles, and an uncomfortable driving experience. In its current state, it belongs on our list.
