KNOWN FAULTS · Kia

Kia Sportage (III) 1.6 / 2.0 common problems.

2010–2015 · Petrol

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

4 known faults with sources

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.

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.

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.

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.