Kia Venga Timing Belt: Intervals, Fitment & Warning Signs
On the Venga, worth knowing as context: a real recall covers connecting rod bearing failure on the Theta II and Nu GDI engines used in Kia's larger models.
Illustration for editorial purposes
Opens live listings in a new tab.
OEM Part Number: 21350-2A700 (U-series chain kit reference)
| 1.4 / 1.6 Gamma petrol | Timing chain. Aftermarket: ET Engineteam RS0058 (formerly RS0035, OE 24321-2B000) for the MPi; GDi: confirm via VIN |
|---|---|
| 1.4 / 1.6 CRDi (U-series) | Timing chain. Aftermarket: ET Engineteam RS0020VR1–3 chain kit (OE 21350-2A700 / 24351-2A000) |
A Genuinely Useful Piece of Context Worth Knowing About Kia's Engine History — Kia Venga Timing Belt
If you're cross-shopping against a larger Kia with a Theta II or Nu GDI engine, or considering a used one from the same range, this is genuinely worth knowing: Kia issued a confirmed recall covering the Sorento, Sportage, and Soul, among others, addressing machining errors during engine manufacture that left metal debris in the oil passages — capable of eventually scoring the connecting rod bearings and causing the engine to seize. This doesn't directly affect the smaller engines used in this specific model, but is worth knowing as general context on a genuine, documented reliability issue within Kia's wider range.
It's also worth knowing that using a full synthetic oil of the correct specification, and staying on top of oil changes rather than extending intervals, is a genuinely sound habit for any engine, worth building into your routine regardless of which specific Kia you own.
Kia Venga Timing Belt: The Part Where Missing a Deadline Gets Expensive
This is one of the rare maintenance items on the Kia Venga where skipping the schedule genuinely risks serious consequences. On the engines affected, a failure here tends to cause damage well beyond the part itself, making the interval more important than on almost any other component.
Kia Venga Timing Belt: What It Does
The Kia Venga's timing belt or chain's whole purpose is keeping the camshafts and crankshaft turning in exact synchronisation, so valves open and close at precisely the right moment relative to the pistons. On "interference" engines, a common design, a failed belt lets pistons and valves collide, with serious internal damage the result.
Kia Venga Timing Belt: Generations & Engines: Belt or Chain
| 2010–2019, 1.4/1.6 petrol | Timing chain — see confirmation above, shared with Hyundai ix20 |
|---|---|
| 2010–2019, 1.4/1.6 CRDi diesel | Timing belt — differs from the petrol chain pattern |
Opens live listings in a new tab.
Kia Venga Timing Belt: Watch: Chain Tensioner Replacement (Not a Routine Job)
Since this is a chain, not a scheduled belt job, this video is only relevant if you're diagnosing or responding to symptoms of tensioner wear.
Kia Venga Timing Belt: Warning Signs, DIY Difficulty & Aftermarket Advice
These are the same regardless of make or model — see our full Timing Belt Guide for symptoms to watch for, confirming fitment against your VIN, and which aftermarket brands are worth trusting.
More Kia Timing Belt
The same part, covered across other Kia models.