Daihatsu Cuore Common Problems and Solutions
Clunking Sound From Front
Problem:
There is a clunking sound coming from the front of the car. The steering may start to wander, and the car will start to vibrate at high speeds.
Solution:
There’s a dust cover on the top of the nearside front suspension arm ball joint that is very weak and will often break. That means that dirt and dust are blocking the joint. Try popping the joint out and giving it a good clean before popping it back into place. Then, order a new dust cover from our parts page and slot it into place to prevent the problem from happening again.
Difficulty level
Head gasket failure
Problem:
It is not uncommon for the cylinder head gasket to fail on this car. One of the main symptoms for this failure is white smoke coming from the exhaust. If the cylinder head gasket fails, the engine will also overheat and you will find a white creamy substance in the oil filler cap. You will also see oil floating on top of the water in the water reservoir, connected to the radiator.
Solution:
Fitting a replacement head gasket will sort the issue.
Difficulty level
Suspension problems
Problem:
There have been several reports of different suspension problems on the Cuore. Failure of the suspension bushes is one of the most common ones. If you can hear a knocking noise coming from the suspension, particularly as you drive over speed bumps or rough surfaces, there is a good chance it has been caused by the worn suspension bushes.
Solution:
You will need to replace the suspension bushes to resolve the issue. We can help you to find your replacement suspension bushes, at very low prices.
Difficulty level
Wheel alignment problem
Problem:
If you have noticed that you have uneven tyre wear, this is caused by a wheel alignment problem. This seems to be a common issue on the Cuore.
Solution:
You will need to have the tracking done on your car, in order to bring the wheels back into alignment.
Difficulty level
Poor engine idling
Problem:
Have you been having any problems with poor engine idling? Is it anything like the problem in the video below? If you have been experiencing any issues with the engine idling, the most likely cause is a blocked throttle body. The throttle body is known for becoming blocked up with carbon, causing the above issue.
Solution:
You will need to clean out the throttle body with some carb cleaner and a tooth brush, in order to fix the issue.
Difficulty level
Throttle Body
Headlight and Horn failure
Problem:
Your headlights and your horn have stopped working.
Solution:
This is a problem that’s going to be very difficult to solve yourself. If your Cuore was built between January 1998 and December 1999, then you likely have a failed wiring circuit. The headlights and the horn run off the same circuit, so when it fails, you lose both. This caused a recall for Daihatsu and will mean modifying or repacking the wiring circuit. You can find a replacement wiring circuit on our parts list for the Cuore, but it’s an extremely delicate job.
Difficulty level
