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%)

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

Kia Sportage transmission repair cost distribution

$2500+ (0%)

$1000 - $2499 (9%)

$500 - $999 (23%)

$100 - $499 (18%)

< $100 (50%)

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Chart based on 22 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2017 Kia Sportage 4dr SUV

turbocharged 182hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

15500 mi

$200
Have been experiencing hiccup when auto changed gear around 45kmph if acceleration low. Symptom appeared to be that it changed up, then released gear and then re-connected. On the re-connection it jerks as system now not in synch. Dealership checked it over but were unable to replicate issue. they reset the adaptive auto system but t hasn't fixed the issue. 

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2017 Kia Sportage 4dr SUV

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

60000 mi Transmission problems,automatic wouldn’t up shift, stuck in gear in shop multiple times. Replaced sensor. Replaced transmission After transmission replaced experienced hunting. Hired lemon attorney facilitated buy back 

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2011 Kia Sportage 4dr SUV

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

30000 mi Replace Rear Differential 

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2011 Kia Sportage 4dr SUV

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

59000 mi Transmission random slipping. Dealer kept car 1 day. Could not duplicate problem. Checked T fluid and reset the shift points. 
83000 mi Transmission missed shifts randomly. Began missing downshifts, but later any shift. 

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2011 Kia Sportage 4dr SUV

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

94000 mi

US $275
Shift lever was out of alignment, would not tell ignition sensor it was in park. Caused key to lock in ignition. Shift lever was replaced. 

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2009 Kia Sportage 4dr SUV

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

107000 mi

US $400
Car was shifting very hard from 2-3. Transmission had bad 2-3 shift spring. Replaced bad spring and ECM was re-flashed. Shift problem was fixed 

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2008 Kia Sportage 4dr SUV

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

25700 mi Car hesitates at low speed - around 1500 - 1800 RPM. Dealer believes this is because of different tyre makes on axles causing 4WD system to kick-in & out. Has tried rotating tyres to see if this cures the problem....now testing 

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2008 Kia Sportage 4dr SUV

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

30660 mi Drive shaft left hand and right hand side (velocity joints) was leaking out the lubricant. Repairs was completed by cleaning and replacing of lubricant. 

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2007 Kia Sportage 4dr SUV

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

20000 mi Rough shift on transmission from 2nd to 3rd replaced under warranty 

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2007 Kia Sportage 4dr SUV

140-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Manual transmission felt very 'notchy' when shifting. It wasn't damaging, but felt like very, very mild kick-back from the shifter. I was comparing the smoothness of shifting to my Echo, and previous Hondas. I didn't expect this rough. 

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2006 Kia Sportage 4dr SUV

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

112400 mi

C $1120
Replace left front axle $258. 
124000 mi

C $660
replace transmission pan due to rust. no sign of impact damage. 

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2006 Kia Sportage 4dr SUV

140-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

159000 mi

US $2300
Change / Upgraded to a Stage 1 performance clutch when the transmission failed and was replaced. Initial diagnosis was clutch disc failure. They changed the clutch disc and re-diagnosed it with a transmission problem. I requested them to rebuild the transmission, however they (transmission shop) elected to install a used transmission. 
172000 mi While driving the manual transmission only allowed 3rd gear to be selected. Transmission was replaced under warranty. 
213000 mi

US $60
Intermittently unable to select gears on manual transmission. Clutch master cylinder was leaking and replaced. 
213000 mi

US $895
Replace throw out bearing. Proactively replaced clutch disc and pressure plate (clutch kit). 

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2005.5 Kia Sportage 4dr SUV

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

26660 mi Transmission problem, 3é to 4é gear slipping of auto cluts . Car computer read out failure Po741. Replacement of power transformer. 
89900 mi

€530
rear suspension arms (rust damage )+ shock absorbers 

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2005 Kia Sportage 4dr SUV

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

21080 mi

A $750
oil seal on transfer case had to be changed due to heavy leakage. mechanic quoted 5hours is this correct in AUD. 
21800 mi

A $750
Transfer box leaking oil found that 3 seals and o ring had to be replaced. 

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2005 Kia Sportage 4dr SUV

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

93800 mi

US $300
My car had a great amount of vibration when driving around on the highway. Tires were balanced and rotated, alignment checked out. Problem still remained. Took it to a local shop and the tech found it was the CV joint, shaft. Issue resolved. 

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Kia Sportage Transmission 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.