Key card and ignition electronics faults
Attaches to III at chassis level · Electrical · carried by 2 variants across 1 chassis
Overview
Key card and ignition electronics faults is a common fault recorded against III at chassis level, typically from 90–180k km. It shows up as the car failing to recognise the key card, a no-start with the dashboard lit, or an intermittent immobiliser warning. Where it's documented, the repair runs €150–€600 (card, reader or ignition unit at an independent, with coding, costs dated 2026-07), and it can be checked before you buy. 2 variants across 1 chassis in this database inherit it.
What happens
Symptom. The car failing to recognise the key card, a no-start with the dashboard lit, or an intermittent immobiliser warning.
Cause. The card reader and the ignition electronics wear, and the cards themselves fail with age. It's rarely expensive to put right, but it strands the car when it happens, which is what gives it its reputation.
How to check it
Cold start
Start the car several times with both cards if two exist, and treat a seller who can only produce one working card as telling you something.
You get one. If the engine is warm when you arrive, come back another day.
Every variant that carries this
| Variant | Chassis | Body | Years | Risk | Good buy | Cost as % of good buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 dCi K9K | III | hatchback | 2008–2016 | R3 | €1,100 | 34% |
| 1.6 16V K4M | III | hatchback | 2008–2016 | R2 | €1,000 | 38% |
The last column is the point. The same repair is an inconvenience on one variant and a reason to scrap the car on another. A failure costing a quarter of the vehicle's value changes the purchase decision regardless of how rare it is.