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Top issues
8 known problems · 2 high
high
DSI 6-speed automatic transmission failure
All engines
high
Injector seizure in cylinder head
2.0L XDi200 D20DT diesel
medium
Vacuum-operated 4WD hub failure
All engines
Recalls
2 on recordREC-003302
2010-07-07
Defect: The rear reflector may not meet the required manufacturing standard.
Hazard: The visual approach warning to following vehicles may be reduced.
Remedy: Contact your authorised SsangYong dealer to have the rear reflectors replaced.
Affected: 33 units, Actyon Sports built 3 February 2009 - 14 December 2009
Official notice: www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au · details checked 2026-09-30
REC-003632
2015-05-11
Defect: A manufacturing issue may cause the front suspension lower ball joints to be damaged under extreme driving conditions.
Hazard: The front lower suspension ball joints may fail, posing an accident risk to the driver and other road users.
Remedy: Contact your preferred SsangYong dealer for inspection and repair, free of charge.
Affected: 1,998 units, shared notice for Rexton, Kyron, Actyon & Actyon Sports
Official notice: www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au · details checked 2026-09-30
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Before and after
Before: SsangYong Musso Sports (1998-2006)
After: SsangYong Musso (2018+)
Price (AUD)
$5k-$15k
Body styles
Dual Cab
Drivetrain
RWD, 4WD part-time
Origin
Korea
Built in
Korea
Overview
Sold in AU 2007-2018. Coil-sprung rear suspension was unusual in the segment and gave a more compliant unladen ride than leaf-sprung rivals. Used Mercedes OM611-licensed common-rail four-cylinder diesels throughout. AU dealer and parts network has been historically thin and disrupted by SsangYong's exit-and-return cycles, which makes parts sourcing and specialist servicing a real concern today.
Engines & variants
2.0L XDi200 D20DT diesel
Engine
SsangYong D20DT (Mercedes OM611-licensed) common-rail
Engine code
D20DT
Config
I4 turbo
Displacement
1998cc (unverified)
Power
104kW @ 4000rpm (unverified)
Torque
310Nm @ 1800-2750rpm (unverified)
Drivetrain
RWD / Part-time 4WD
0–100
~14.0s (unverified)
Economy
8.5 L/100km combined (unverified)
Tow (braked)
2300kg
Tow (unbraked)
750kg
Transmission
5MT, 4AT, 6AT
Timing chain / belt / gear
Chain-driven (inspect 150,000km+)
Pros
- Coil rear suspension - compliant unladen ride
- Cheap to buy used
- Decent low-end torque
- Chain-driven - no belt service
Cons
- Polarising looks - limits resale
- Thin parts and dealer support
- Tow rating below Japanese rivals
Known problems
high
Injector seizure in cylinder head
Copper sealing washers at the injector base leak combustion gases over time, building hard carbon ('black death') around the injector body and fusing it to the head. Removal often requires specialist hydraulic pullers or risks head damage.
Fix: Diesel specialist work - pull injectors with proper tools, machine and clean injector seats, fit new injectors with revised heavy-duty seals.
medium
EGR valve carbon clogging
Soot and oil vapours build up heavily in the EGR valve, causing it to jam. Symptoms: sudden power loss, excessive black smoke under load, persistent check engine light.
Fix: Manual clean of EGR valve and intake plumbing. Replace EGR actuator if the electronic side has failed.
2.0L e-XDi D20DTR diesel
Engine
SsangYong D20DTR (revised OM611-licensed) common-rail
Engine code
D20DTR
Config
I4 turbo
Displacement
1998cc (unverified)
Power
114kW @ 3400-4000rpm (unverified)
Torque
360Nm @ 1500-2800rpm (unverified)
Drivetrain
RWD / Part-time 4WD
0–100
~13.0s (unverified)
Economy
7.5 L/100km combined (unverified)
Tow (braked)
2300kg
Tow (unbraked)
750kg
Transmission
6MT, 6AT
Timing chain / belt / gear
Chain-driven (inspect 150,000km+)
Pros
- More refined and powerful than D20DT
- Better fuel economy
- Modernised interior trim
- Chain-driven - no belt service
Cons
- DSI 6AT auto still risky
- Weak brand recognition - sharp depreciation
- Parts supply delays persist
Known problems
medium
DPF regen failure on short trips
The D20DTR introduced a DPF. Short, low-speed urban driving prevents the exhaust from reaching active regen temperatures, leading to severe clogging and limp mode.
Fix: Forced workshop regen or full DPF replacement. Test the differential pressure sensors at the same time - they regularly fail.
medium
VGT actuator electronic fault
Electronic actuator on the variable-geometry turbo fails from underbonnet heat cycles or wear within its plastic gears. Symptoms: erratic boost, sudden limp mode.
Fix: Actuator-only replacement if you can source one, otherwise full turbo replacement (parts availability is the issue).