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KNOWN FAULTS · Kia

Known faults for the Kia Sportage (III).

2010–2015 · Petrol / Diesel

Sources are not verified in real time and no entry confirms that your car is affected.

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6 known faults with sources

Engines: 1.6 / 2.0 (Petrol)

Applies if: Only the 2.0 petrol (Theta II); confirm by VIN.

Connecting-rod bearings on the Theta II 2.0 and 2.4 petrol enginesEngine
Engine / equipment
2.0 and 2.4 Theta II (MPI and GDI): Hyundai Sonata, Santa Fe and ix35; Kia Sorento, Sportage and Optima
Period mentioned
2009–2019
Symptoms
Metallic engine knock that rises with revs, oil-pressure warning, loss of power and, in the worst case, a broken connecting rod with an oil leak and fire risk.
Possible cause described
The connecting-rod bearings wear prematurely (in the first cases because of crankshaft machining debris). In the US there were recalls and a settlement that fits the KSDS system free of charge; it monitors vibration and puts the engine into protection mode. In Germany (KBA 013054) Kia recalled the Sorento 2.4 MPI built from 11/1/2011 to 17/6/2015 and the Optima 2.0 GDI hybrid.
Check for the garage
Ask Hyundai or Kia by VIN about a campaign or KSDS update; with knocking or the oil warning, stop and do not keep driving; check the oil level often.
Cost cited in the source
Inspection and, if damaged, a new engine free of charge under the campaigns.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database

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Engines: 1.6 / 2.0 (Petrol) · 1.7 / 2.0 CRDi (Diesel)

Kia Sportage (III): known faults of the gearbox and transmission according to L'argusGearbox
Engine / equipment
Kia Sportage (III), all engines
Period mentioned
2010–2015
Symptoms
The 4x4 system does not work; Clutch fault or gearbox oil leak (from 01/08/2014 to 28/08/2014); Differential noise on the automatic 4x4 (up to 30/11/2015); Manual gearbox noise; Fault light on with the 6-speed automatic
Possible cause described
According to the brand's technical notes reported by L'argus (each date shows up to when the affected cars were built): 1) The 4x4 system does not work: Hydraulic motor actuator. 2) Clutch fault or gearbox oil leak (from 01/08/2014 to 28/08/2014): Input shaft. 3) Differential noise on the automatic 4x4 (up to 30/11/2015): Differential to be replaced. 4) Manual gearbox noise: Clutch housing or synchroniser rings (up to 30/11/2015). 5) Fault light on with the 6-speed automatic: Oil temperature sensor harness or torque converter solenoid valve.
Check for the garage
Compare your symptom and your car's build date with this list. If they match, tell the workshop and ask them to check that part first before replacing others. The brand or a warranty extension covers some repairs: ask the dealer with the car's details.
Cost cited in the source
No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database

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Engines: 1.6 / 2.0 (Petrol) · 1.7 / 2.0 CRDi (Diesel)

Kia Sportage (III): known faults of the chassis, steering and brakes according to L'argusSuspension and steering
Engine / equipment
Kia Sportage (III), all engines
Period mentioned
2010–2015
Symptoms
Rear axle noise (up to 25/08/2011); Rear springs sagging (up to 25/10/2012); Steering motor noise; Front axle noise (up to 25/11/2013); Front wheel bearing noise (up to 29/04/2014); Steering column noise; Tyre pressure light on (up to 01/07/2014); Front suspension noise (up to 03/11/2011)
Possible cause described
According to the brand's technical notes reported by L'argus (each date shows up to when the affected cars were built): 1) Rear axle noise (up to 25/08/2011): Ball joints. 2) Rear springs sagging (up to 25/10/2012): Springs to be replaced. 3) Steering motor noise: Damping coupling. 4) Front axle noise (up to 25/11/2013): Wheel hub nut to be replaced. 5) Front wheel bearing noise (up to 29/04/2014): Bearing to be replaced. 6) Steering column noise: Joint to be replaced. 7) Tyre pressure light on (up to 01/07/2014): Pressure sensors. 8) Front suspension noise (up to 03/11/2011): Refit the shock absorber dust covers.
Check for the garage
Compare your symptom and your car's build date with this list. If they match, tell the workshop and ask them to check that part first before replacing others. The brand or a warranty extension covers some repairs: ask the dealer with the car's details.
Cost cited in the source
No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database

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Engines: 1.6 / 2.0 (Petrol) · 1.7 / 2.0 CRDi (Diesel)

Kia Sportage (III): known faults of the body according to L'argusBodywork
Engine / equipment
Kia Sportage (III), all engines
Period mentioned
2010–2015
Symptoms
Lacquer damage on the 17-inch alloy wheels (up to 13/03/2012); Rear fog light flaking (up to 26/03/2015); Reversing camera display fault (up to 21/04/2015)
Possible cause described
According to the brand's technical notes reported by L'argus (each date shows up to when the affected cars were built): 1) Lacquer damage on the 17-inch alloy wheels (up to 13/03/2012): Wheels to be replaced. 2) Rear fog light flaking (up to 26/03/2015): Light to be replaced. 3) Reversing camera display fault (up to 21/04/2015): Camera to be replaced.
Check for the garage
Compare your symptom and your car's build date with this list. If they match, tell the workshop and ask them to check that part first before replacing others. The brand or a warranty extension covers some repairs: ask the dealer with the car's details.
Cost cited in the source
No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database

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Engines: 1.7 / 2.0 CRDi (Diesel)

Applies if: Only the 2.0 CRDi built before April 2012.

Engine failures on the Sportage III 2.0 CRDi before April 2012Engine
Engine / equipment
Kia Sportage III 2.0 CRDi
Period mentioned
2010–2012
Symptoms
Engine noises and vibration, loss of power and, in serious cases, a seized engine or damaged head gasket.
Possible cause described
Before April 2012 serious diesel failures (seized piston, connecting-rod bearings and head gasket) were more common; later engines were tougher. Many short trips also clog the particulate filter.
Check for the garage
Check the build date, listen for noises and vibration and check the history; if it makes noise, go to the garage straight away.
Cost cited in the source
No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database

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Engines: 1.7 / 2.0 CRDi (Diesel)

Kia Sportage (III) 1.7 / 2.0 CRDi: known faults of the engine according to L'argusEngine
Engine / equipment
1.7 / 2.0 CRDi in the Kia Sportage (III)
Period mentioned
2010–2015
Symptoms
Vacuum pump failure (up to 30/04/2011); Engine warning light on (up to 02/05/2012); Engine warning light on, Euro 6 version (from 02/03/2015 to 01/12/2015); [1.7 /2.0 CRDi] Engine will not start (until the end of production); [1.7 /2.0 CRDi] Clutch and flywheel wear; [2.0 CRDi] Loss of power (up to 23/10/2013); [2.0 CRDi] Engine warning light on; [2.0 CRDi] Lack of power; Battery warning light on
Possible cause described
According to the brand's technical notes reported by L'argus (each date shows up to when the affected cars were built): 1) Vacuum pump failure (up to 30/04/2011): Pump to be replaced. 2) Engine warning light on (up to 02/05/2012): Throttle actuator. 3) Engine warning light on, Euro 6 version (from 02/03/2015 to 01/12/2015): Particulate sensor to be replaced. 4) [1.7 /2.0 CRDi] Engine will not start (until the end of production): Battery fuse. 5) [1.7 /2.0 CRDi] Clutch and flywheel wear: Clutch and flywheel to be replaced. 6) [2.0 CRDi] Loss of power (up to 23/10/2013): EGR valve. 7) [2.0 CRDi] Engine warning light on: Boost pressure sensor or particulate filter differential pressure sensor (from 07/04/2014 to 16/01/2015). 8) [2.0 CRDi] Lack of power: Turbo, turbo actuator…. 9) Battery warning light on: Alternator voltage regulator.
Check for the garage
Compare your symptom and your car's build date with this list. If they match, tell the workshop and ask them to check that part first before replacing others. The brand or a warranty extension covers some repairs: ask the dealer with the car's details.
Cost cited in the source
No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database

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Engines for this model