Kia 2.0 CRDi AWD
Robust inline four-cylinder diesel with common-rail injection and aluminium block. Solid reliability with good care — watch the EGR valve and particulate filter in urban use.
Family SUV with diesel minimum
150 hp in the Sorento UM is the bare minimum for a family SUV of this size. Common sense without pleasure.
Engine Weaknesses 6
On the D4HA the crankshaft vibration damper is known to disintegrate: rubber buffers between the damper mass and the belt pulley detach and produce loud noises. Easily confused with timing chain noise.
Symptoms: Loud clacking or rattling from the engine bay on revving, the noise type resembles chain issues but does not occur at cold start
The D4HA 2.0 CRDi in the Sportage QL/NQ5 is known for EGR problems. The EGR valve sticks in city driving and triggers fault codes. Regular cleaning or replacement is recommended from 100,000 km.
Symptoms: Judder under partial load, engine warning light EGR fault, poor performance below 2,000 rpm, elevated exhaust emissions
Like all 2.0 CRDi generations, the D4HA needs speed and load for DPF regeneration. SUV-typical short-trip use leads to blockage. In the worst case, fuel dilution of the engine oil occurs.
Symptoms: DPF warning light, engine power reduction, regeneration warning tone, oil level rising (fuel ingress)
The 2.0 CRDi suffers from DPF blockage in frequent city driving. EGR-related soot loading accelerates accumulation; short trips prevent active regeneration.
Symptoms: DPF warning light, noticeably reduced power, greatly increased consumption, limp-home mode active.
The D4HA's EGR valve is prone to carbonisation from soot deposits at higher mileages. EGR cooler leaks have also been reported.
Symptoms: Power loss, judder at low load, fault code P0401/P0404, limp-home mode.
The VGT turbocharger of the D4HA can fail through carbonisation of the vane mechanism and failure of the electronic actuator. Vehicles with high mileage and heavy urban use are most commonly affected.
Symptoms: Significant power loss, limp-home mode, whistling from the turbo area, fault code P0299 (boost pressure too low).
Vehicle Weaknesses 3
The PTC heating element can overheat due to a faulty connector and cause a fire. Recall for model years 2015–2016 with replacement of the PTC unit.
Recall for model years 2015–2017: a control software fault causes daytime running lights and brake lights to fail. Kia installed a free software update.
Faulty seat heaters are reported on the Sorento UM by multiple owners. The heating elements in the driver's seat are frequently affected. Workshop costs can be considerable depending on vehicle age and warranty status.
Reports & Tests
3471 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2015–2020). Most reported: Engine (1683), Other (530), Electrical (358).