The 2020 Daihatsu Taft is a kei-class mini SUV with the KF 660cc three-cylinder engine (naturally aspirated or turbocharged). While charming and efficient, the turbocharged variants experience premature timing chain wear and lifter noise, while all models suffer from transmission oil cooler leaks and weak transmission mounts that accelerate drivetrain wear.
Timing Chain Stretch and Premature Wear (Turbo Models)
Common · high severityTypical onset: 40,000-70,000 mi
Symptoms: Rattling noise on cold start that persists 3-5 seconds, Check engine light with cam/crank correlation codes (P0016, P0017), Rough idle and hesitation under load, Metal shavings in oil during changes
Fix: Timing chain, guides, tensioner, and VVT sprockets need replacement. On the KF turbo, oil galleries often have sludge buildup accelerating wear. Job requires front-end disassembly and careful timing procedure. 8-10 hours labor plus parts.
Estimated cost: $1,800-2,800
Hydraulic Lifter Noise and Failure
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Ticking or tapping noise from valve cover, worse when cold, Noise increases with RPM, Loss of power if lifter collapses completely, Noise may temporarily quiet with fresh oil then return
Fix: The KF engine uses hydraulic lifters that fail due to inadequate oiling or debris. Replacing all lifters requires cylinder head removal on this engine (no valve cover access). Expect camshaft inspection and possible replacement if cam lobes show scoring. 10-12 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $2,200-3,500
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Leaks
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 30,000-60,000 mi
Symptoms: Red fluid pooling under vehicle near radiator area, Burnt transmission smell if fluid level drops significantly, Harsh or delayed shifting when hot, Pink residue or fluid visible on radiator support
Fix: The CVT or automatic uses a small external cooler with crimped hard lines that crack at the fittings from vibration. Cooler assembly and lines must be replaced as a unit. Flush system and refill with proper Daihatsu CVT fluid. 2-3 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Transmission Mount Failure
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 35,000-65,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking when shifting from park to drive or reverse, Excessive vibration at idle in gear, Visible engine movement when revving in park, Steering wheel shakes more than normal
Fix: The rubber transmission mount on these small transverse engines tears quickly, especially with turbo torque. Mount is accessible from below but cramped in the kei-car engine bay. Replace both engine and trans mounts simultaneously to prevent cascade failure. 2-3 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $350-600
Head Gasket Failure (Turbo Models)
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: White smoke from exhaust on cold start, Coolant loss with no visible leaks, Bubbles in coolant reservoir when engine running, Overheating under load or towing, Milky oil on dipstick in severe cases
Fix: The turbocharged KF runs high cylinder pressures in a small displacement, causing head gasket failure between cylinders 2-3 or into coolant passages. Head must be removed, checked for warpage (often needs resurfacing), and ARP studs recommended over OEM bolts. Timing components and water pump done simultaneously. 12-15 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $2,800-4,200
Harmonic Balancer Separation
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 50,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Severe vibration at specific RPM ranges (usually 2,000-2,500 RPM), Squealing or grinding from front of engine, Visible wobble of crankshaft pulley when running, Serpentine belt keeps coming off or shredding
Fix: The rubber isolator in the harmonic balancer deteriorates and allows the outer ring to slip or separate. If it fails completely, the serpentine belt destroys accessories and the crank nose can be damaged. Replacement requires removal of right engine mount and careful torque procedure on crank bolt. 3-4 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $500-850
Fun and efficient kei SUV, but avoid turbocharged examples with over 40,000 miles unless timing chain and lifters have documented replacement — the naturally aspirated KF is more reliable but still needs diligent short-interval maintenance.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.