SsangYong Rhino: common faults & what to check

Which SsangYong Rhino are you looking at?

1 generation variant documented. Pick the shape you recognise: the faults, the servicing and the timeline below all narrow to it. Free, no account needed.

Engine not documented

1 variant documented

2018–nowQ2002018–nowQ200Engine not documented for this generationEngine not documentedDocumented issues4 knownSee faults & what to checkPhoto: User3204 via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Now narrow it to the engine

A 1.8 and a 2.4 of the same car do not fail the same way, so the faults below narrow to the engine as well as the year. Free, no account needed.

Start your free check on this SsangYong Rhino

No plate needed. You get the risk score, the buyer's checklist and the guided inspection for the exact car you picked above — not the whole nameplate.

The checks worth doing on a SsangYong Rhino before you hand over any money. Every documented fault is listed below, each with its own page.

• Serious issue

  Focus on rear spring hanger welds, front crossmember, and chassis rail box sections behind rear wheels.

  See why

  Frame Rust Perforation and WoF Structural Failure

  The Musso's ladder-frame chassis corrodes significantly on older examples, with perforation commonly found at box-section chassis rails, rear spring hangers, outrigger mounts and the rear crossmember. NZ's climate produces rapid progression from surface rust to perforation on neglected examples. Perforated chassis rails are a WoF structural failure category and the vehicle cannot legally be driven until repaired or condemned. Repair cost frequently exceeds vehicle value.

  What you would notice

  • Visible rust scale on chassis rails under vehicle
  • Soft or hollow sections when probed
  • WoF rejection notice citing chassis corrosion
  • Creaking or flexing from body in rough conditions

  Typically $2,000–$8,000 to put right.

• Serious issue

  Inspect both rear leaf spring packs with the vehicle unloaded.

  See why

  Rear Main Leaf Spring Stress Fracture

  The main leaf (top leaf) of the rear leaf spring pack on the Musso Q215 is susceptible to stress fracture under repeated heavy payloads at or near the rated GVM. Cracks typically initiate at the spring eye or at stress concentration points mid-span. A fractured main leaf causes sudden loss of ride height on the affected side, altered handling geometry, and can allow a broken leaf end to contact the tyre sidewall or rear brake line, creating a serious safety hazard. The risk increases with vehicles used commercially for sustained overloading.

  What you would notice

  • Vehicle visibly lower on one rear corner when unloaded
  • Clunking or banging from rear suspension under load or over bumps
  • Handling that pulls to one side under heavy payload
  • Visible crack or separation in the main leaf of the spring pack
  • Tyre contact with wheelarch under full payload

  Typically $700–$1,800 to put right.

• Costly issue

  Scan ECU for DPF soot load and ash load percentages.

  See why

  DPF Clogging on Short Urban Trips

  The diesel particulate filter on the 2.2 D22DTF engine requires sustained highway driving above 2000 rpm to complete passive soot regeneration. Musso units used for short urban or stop-start work trips never reach the exhaust gas temperature threshold needed to burn off accumulated soot, causing rapid DPF blockage. Heavily blocked units that have exceeded maximum ash loading cannot be cleared by regeneration and require full DPF replacement, which is expensive.

  What you would notice

  • DPF warning light illuminated on dashboard
  • Reduced engine power or limp mode activation
  • Increased fuel consumption as ECU attempts regeneration cycles
  • Excessive smoke from exhaust during forced regeneration
  • P2002 fault code indicating DPF efficiency below threshold

  Typically $350–$4,200 to put right.

• Costly issue

  Scan for P0401, P0402, P0403, P0404 EGR-related codes.

  See why

  EGR Valve Carbon Buildup & P0401

  The exhaust gas recirculation valve on the 2.2 D22DTF diesel accumulates carbon deposits from diesel soot and crankcase oil vapour, causing the valve to stick in a partially open or closed position. A stuck-closed EGR triggers P0401 (insufficient EGR flow) with visible smoke, while a stuck-open EGR causes rough idle and power loss. Carbon buildup typically becomes significant around 80,000-120,000 km. Musso units used for towing under stop-start conditions generate higher exhaust soot loads that accelerate the buildup.

  What you would notice

  • P0401 fault code — EGR flow insufficient
  • Blue-grey or black smoke from exhaust under acceleration or towing load
  • Rough or lumpy idle
  • Loss of power at mid-range RPM particularly under load
  • Check Engine light illuminated

  Typically $280–$1,400 to put right.

• Costly issue

  Cold-start the fully cold engine and listen immediately for a metallic rattle from the front-upper engine area.

  See why

  2.2 D22DTF Timing Chain Tensioner Wear

  The hydraulic timing chain tensioner on the 2.2L e-XDi D22DTF diesel loses clamping force at high mileage, typically above 120,000 km. Worn tensioner and guide rails allow the chain to slap before oil pressure builds on cold start, producing a characteristic 2-5 second metallic rattle. Risk is elevated in Musso units used for frequent towing that impose additional thermal and mechanical stress on the engine. An unchecked slack chain can skip a tooth and cause catastrophic engine failure.

  What you would notice

  • Metallic rattling from top of engine for 2-5 seconds on cold start
  • Noise subsides once oil pressure builds
  • Rattle worsens in cold ambient temperatures
  • P0016 or P0017 cam-crank correlation fault codes in advanced wear

  Typically $1,800–$3,800 to put right.

What these repairs cost on other cars

Some of the SsangYong Rhino’s documented faults are repairs other models share. Each page lists the documented NZ cost for every model it affects.

• Timing Chain Replacement Cost
• DPF Repair and Replacement Cost
• EGR Valve and Cooler Repair Cost

Other SsangYong models