Kia Sportage Kia Sportage

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Kia Sportage repairs by problem area

Engine (25%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (7%)

Brakes and Traction Control (7%)

Suspension and Steering (19%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (32%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (7%)

Other (3%)

Chart based on 303 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the Kia Sportage.

Kia Sportage engine repair cost distribution

$2500+ (1%)

$1000 - $2499 (9%)

$500 - $999 (13%)

$100 - $499 (24%)

< $100 (53%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 70 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2019 Kia Sportage 4dr SUV

turbocharged 240hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

14880 mi

C $500
Heating system. Thermostat was wonky. Repair person decided it was working fine, did nothing. 

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2017 Kia Sportage 4dr SUV

181-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

3100 mi Sportage has experienced random "cutting out" when pulling out from a stop sign or a red light right turn or even left turn into traffic at a green light. Happens very randomly & was noticed within the first month or so of operation. They are saying it could be caused by dirt in the tank? In a new vehicle? 
21080 mi Something to do with the temperature settings. One result was air-conditioning would drop out & blow warm air randomly 

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2015 Kia Sportage 4dr SUV

turbocharged 260hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

36000 mi

US $700
The turbo light was on and there was an issue with the turbo air sensor 

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2014 Kia Sportage 4dr SUV

turbocharged 260hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

42000 mi Turbo overpressure check engine light P0036. At first they didn’t fix it, replaced a sensor but it came back on the way home. A bit frustrated I googled and it seems the issue is a wiring connection that corrodes on the SX. Not sure which sensor though. Communicated the corrosion possibility and the dealer fixed it the next week. Total of 3 days. Was not a true overpressure. 
42000 mi O2 sensor threw codes. New sensor seemed to fix the issue. Warranty expires in 8 days so just made it. 

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2013 Kia Sportage 4dr SUV

176-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed manual FWD

60000 mi Engine recall, engine replacement. Took 6 months to get it done. In my fifth year of ownership around the summer of 2018, its engine started developing some considerable cylinder knocks (with rattling noises) coming from the cylinder head area during the cold start. It will go away once the head is warmed up. But the knocks came back from the cylinders or rods area whenever the engine was shutting-off. And Kia (along with Kia North America) inspected, and they were able to confirm that its cylinder rings were damaged which resulted in the knocks/rattles. A couple years later, I received a service campaign letter from Kia. Interestingly, the letter said that I needed to bring the car in for an ECU firmware update to enhance the knock sensor's functionality. I bet that they changed the sensor's latency (i.e., to read and respond earlier by retarding the ignition sooner to avoid the cylinder heads' damage which is exactly what happened to my Sportage). Like my other KIA Optima review, I am done with KIA, period. -1/3 of oil was burned off within a month, yet I did not get a single oil level nor pressure warning light. And KIA claimed it was normal. I lost my trust in them. I got rid of the Optima in that same week. The sportage is holding up with new engine. But it now has a recall for flashing knock sensor latency. Come on KIA, a knock sensor latency issue? What decade are we living in? 90's when OBD2 was first implemented? I am so ready to quit KIA now. :( 

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2012 Kia Sportage 4dr SUV

turbocharged 260hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

19000 mi Engine failed - Replaced with new short block engine under warranty Oil hose to turbocharger failed or was not correctly installed after new short block was installed 
43000 mi Smelt gasoline, looked under the hood with engine running and the plastic pretty cover pulled off. Fuel was spraying from the rigid fuel line where it meets the high pressure fuel pump. Stopped using the vehicle immediately The fuel line was replaced - they had overtightened it when the replaced the engine. I picked up the car drove it 200 feet and it lost power. They did not tighten the hose clamps on the turbo and didnt road test - obviously 

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2012 Kia Sportage 4dr SUV

176-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

80600 mi Engine Failure. Garbage Hyundai/Kia major issue affecting thousands of cars. Car out of warranty dealer would not help. Sold the car as is, as replacement engine $7000 was ridiculous. 

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2012 Kia Sportage 4dr SUV

176-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

49200 mi The timing belt was stretched which caused the check engine light to go on. Mechanic, whom I know, said he had never seen that with so few miles. Kia paid 100% 

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2012 Kia Sportage 4dr SUV

176-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed manual FWD

40000 mi

US $1200
engine actuator needed replacement. 

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2012 Kia Sportage 4dr SUV

161-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

21700 mi Squeaky noises coming from one of the drive pulleys on revving engine, Drive belts seem in good shape 

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2011 Kia Sportage 4dr SUV

turbocharged 260hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

20360 mi P2562 Boost Control Position Sensor (no turbo) Replace SMARTRA Module Perform TSB SA128B & SA173. Updates performed not related to problem, old tsbs. Problem soon returned(no turbo). P2562 Boost Control Position Sensor (no turbo) Replace Valve-Solenoid Waste Gate. 

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2011 Kia Sportage 4dr SUV

176-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

38000 mi The push button start would not always work, causing the brake pedal to be hard and the car unable to start. 
6000 mi

US $20
Had some update done at the same time as an oil and filter job. 

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2011 Kia Sportage 4dr SUV

176-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

6000 mi Engine start button started intermittently not working 

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2010 Kia Sportage 4dr SUV

turbocharged 147hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD

102300 mi

$350
replace turbo 

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2009 Kia Sportage 4dr SUV

140-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

62000 mi

US $328
Oxygen sensor replaced Check engine light on; oxygen sensor found faulty 
84000 mi

US $150
Belts replaced 
111000 mi copper plate inside ignition switch was worn and bent, it was engaging ignition while driving. Had to dissemble it and bend it back. Did not have to replace anything 

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2009 Kia Sportage 4dr SUV

140-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD

46900 mi Car did not start, towed, O2 sensor was found to be running lean, was replaced. 
71023 mi

US $2372
Replace timing belt and related parts. 

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2008 Kia Sportage 4dr SUV

turbocharged 138hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed manual AWD

28000 mi EGR Valve found to be dirty - stripped & cleaned and hesitation cured 
52000 mi EGR valve sticking and replaced under warranty 
69000 mi Diesel particulate filter (DPF) housing was cracked and close to physical failure and not acceptable to MOT tester 

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2008 Kia Sportage 4dr SUV

turbocharged 138hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD

20700 mi

$1
Vehicle still under 3year warranty.1st engine job-Changed out all connecting rods bearings valve guide seals, crank shaft bearings,oil seals.This was done August 2010. This month back for engine job No2 -2qts oil/mth. 
29760 mi On this last trip the complete cylinder head and all parts on it were replaced. received the vehicle today the 4 / 01/ 11. 
75220 mi

$21000
Engine locked up, no reason given. Complete engine rebuilt. Engine block camshaft and cylinder head reused All other parts new. In shop nine months. Paid a little over half of total, 40,000 Trinidad & Tobago $. 

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2008 Kia Sportage 4dr SUV

173-horsepower 2.7L V6 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD

6000 mi replace gas cap 

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2007 Kia Sportage

Engine not specified

56000 mi Car was in and out of dealership (mostly in) from Mat 23rd to July 28. It was shutting of engine intermittantly while in motion. 

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2007 Kia Sportage 4dr SUV

173-horsepower 2.7L V6 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD

40920 mi

C $70
The variable belt tension-er "pulley" was wearing out making noise and slight wobble.I changed the belt also as a preventative maintenance because it only uses the one belt for everything.keep the old one as a spare as new ones do break. 
79980 mi

C $815
The KIA was taken in for preventive maintenance of timing belt & water pump. Timing belt was installed incorrectly by one tooth. All valves, valve guides & chain guides were replaced with new. New spark plugs and antifreeze was installed. $640. 

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2007 Kia Sportage 4dr SUV

173-horsepower 2.7L V6 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD

32000 mi Fuel gauge does not go to full after filling the tank. This was the 4th time the car has been returned for this. I have to return again in September for the same problem, Trip number 5 for the same problem. 
33000 mi Fuel gauge does not go to full after filling. This has been a problem since the car was new. This is the 5th time in for repair. 
66300 mi

US $265
The harmonic balancer separated 

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2007 Kia Sportage 4dr SUV

140-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD

141500 mi

US $712
The O2 sensors and the catalytic converter were replaced. 
92000 mi

US $900
CAM Position Sensor, Check Engine Light is on, can't get it off.. Replaced all sensors, oil galley filter, CAM Positioner, CAM Actuator. 

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2006 Kia Sportage 4dr SUV

173-horsepower 2.7L V6 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD

32300 mi Oxygen sensor was replaced under warranty. 
118000 mi

US $100
Radiator leak. Replaced Radiator. 
107000 mi

US $380
a fuel gasket was bad, radiator hose and new serpentine belt. 
120000 mi

US $187
the vapor valve sticking/stuck open on gas tank. Had to replace. I still have a small vapor leak coming from somewhere. 
132000 mi

US $185
Right after putting in Gas, the car would not start acted flooded. Vapor valve that leads to carburettor was sticking & vapor valve in carburettor was sticking open.Replaced both valves and check engine light went off and car starts right up 
1590000 mi

US $800
Upper & lower oil pan replaced rear seal replaced. Transmission fluid drained and replaced 

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2006 Kia Sportage 4dr SUV

173-horsepower 2.7L V6 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD

112400 mi

C $1120
Replace flex pipe (front exhaust pipe) $245. 
125240 mi

C $1410
heater for the O2 sensor failed, check engine light is on steady hydraulic timing belt tensioner failed. Replacement part came as part of timing belt and water pump kit. Also a very rusted main pulley was replaced (a $280 part). Could not break out the cost of replacing just the hydraulic tensioner. 

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2006 Kia Sportage 4dr SUV

140-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

94800 mi

US $304
Exhaust / Emission - Vehicle exhaust sound was louder than normal (exhaust leak), slight reduction in vehicle performance at low RPMs, and reduction of fuel economy. Fix - Flex Pipe and Second Catalytic converter changed 
152000 mi

US $150
Exhaust / Emission - Exhaust leak from flex pipe and slight reduction in fuel economy. Fix - Change Exhaust flex pipe 
164000 mi

US $140
Exhaust / Emission - Exhaust leak from flex pipe. Fix - Change Exhaust flex pipe 
177000 mi

US $280
Exhaust Leak - Engine Manifold Converter: Repair / Weld leak on Manifold Converter 
198000 mi

US $102
Front Mount - 21910-2E002 
216215 mi

US $80
Check Engine Light came on: Code P0102 Mass Airflow (MAF) Sensor low voltage. Drivability did not appear to affected. MAF showed no voltage and/or inoperative. New MAF installed. 
52000 mi Radiator cracked. replaced.  Thermostat replaced. 
141400 mi

US $280
Leaking oil from bottom of engine- oil pan gasket replaced. Problem not resolved. Still looking for leak. Losing a quart every 1000 miles, but car still running fine. 
151000 mi

US $895
Oil still leaking from previous repair- husband realized it was rear mainseal from research. Seal replaced. Clutch also replaced as it was 150,000 miles old and was convient to do so with this repair. 
167000 mi

US $50
power steering belt busted, replaced 

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2006 Kia Sportage 4dr SUV

140-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual AWD

148200 mi

US $55
PCV valve clogged. 

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2005.5 Kia Sportage 4dr SUV

140-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD

19220 mi Up date for motor management program , High fuel consumption ,it was 10 l diesel/100km if every thing goes well it will be 8.5 l /100km Will keep you informed over this issue.  Update motor management program,High fuel consumption 10 l diesel /100km. Promised fuel consumption 8.5 l /100km 
24490 mi Result update motor management program . The fuel consumption is now, mixt use- city and highway 9.5 l/100km 
48360 mi Timing belt was wobbling. Replacement of: tensioner timing belt, tensioner assy pulley, Idler assy timing belt. The ball bearing of the Timing belt tensioner was bad needed replacement part number 2441027000. 
84320 mi

€894
Crack in the Diesel fuel injection pump ,and two diesel injectors malfunction ,the diesel fuel is not spray in a fine mist anatomized, but is injected in to large drops ,so very poor combustion and no engine torque anymore and heavy smoke . 
89900 mi When returning from vacation in France and towing a 1500kg Caravan the turbo blew up resulting in a very expensive repair ,economical not remunerative anymore.I have bought a new Kia Sportage. 

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2005 Kia Sportage 4dr SUV

turbocharged 111hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 5-speed manual AWD

34720 mi

€375
2 Bad Diesel Fuel Injectors - dealer recommends trying cleaner in fuel tank first before replacement. 
51460 mi

€300
Replace Water Pump 

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2005 Kia Sportage 4dr SUV

173-horsepower 2.7L V6 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD

174000 mi

US $1741
Sometimes Not Starting; thought timing belt broke - but it did not. replaced belt (75k), water pump (orig), plugs (75k), plug wires (orig). 
79000 mi Intake hose was lose causing air to leak in and car to stutter. 
130000 mi

US $990
Catalytic converter inside exhaust manifold went bad. Manifold had to be replaced. 

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2005 Kia Sportage 4dr SUV

140-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD

148000 mi

US $250
muffler repair 

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See TrueDelta's information for all Kia models.

Kia Sportage Engine Problems

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently Kia Sportage problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.