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Kia · Compact SUV · 2004–2010

Kia Sportage KM

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 2 engine variants

Generations

Engine Overview

The Kia Sportage KM is available with 3 engine variants — from 136 to 143 hp.

2.0 CRDi · Diesel· 136–140 PS
2004 2010
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
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2.0 CRDi AWD · Diesel· 136–140 PS
2004 2010
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2.0 CVVT · Benziner· 141 PS
2004 2010
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The Kia 2.0 CRDi (Diesel, 136–140 PS) has the D4EA (2.0L CRDi (VGT)) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.

The Kia 2.0 CRDi AWD (Diesel, 136–140 PS) has the D4EA (2.0L CRDi (VGT)) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.

The Kia 2.0 CVVT (Benziner, 141 PS) has the G4GC (2.0L CVVT (Beta II)) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!Underbody and axle corrosion

From the fifth year of operation, underbody rust exceeds the class average. Axle suspension, welds and fuel lines show corrosion particularly. Pre-purchase underbody inspection recommended.

Symptoms: Visible rust on axle components, brake lines and body floor; MOT advisories for corrosion on load-bearing parts.
from 120,000 km
Ad Kia Sportage HohlraumversiegelungKia Sportage Unterbodenschutz
 Medium
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below Average
454 complaints · 2004–2010
Electrical
89
Airbags
88 ⚠ 22
Brakes
73 ⚠ 5
Engine
53
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)
41 ⚠ 1

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Electrical (89 complaints)
⚠ Airbags (88 complaints)
⚠ Brakes (73 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 15 weaknesses have been documented for the Kia Sportage KM (2004–2010) — 9 engine-related and 6 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Rust, Suspension, Brakes, Steering.

Sportage (D4EA, 2004–2010) — Be Careful: Premature timing chain stretch, Timing belt snaps without warning, Injector failure due to poor fuel quality. Power: 136–140 PS.

Sportage (G4GC, 2004–2010) — Be Careful: Timing belt: replacement mandatory every 90,000–120,000 km, Timing chain stretch at high mileage, Oil consumption at higher mileages. Power: 141 PS.

What to watch out for with the Kia Sportage? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Kia Sportage KM have? +
The Kia Sportage KM has 9 known engine weaknesses and 6 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Kia Sportage KM? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: G4GC (2.0L CVVT (Beta II)), D4EA (2.0L CRDi (VGT)). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the G4GC (2.0L CVVT (Beta II)).
Which Kia Sportage KM engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Kia Sportage KM — rated: "Decent". {description} 141 hp in the early Sportage KM — a solid SUV engine for its time. No dynamics sensation, but reliable and powerful enough.
Is the Kia Sportage KM worth buying used? +
The Kia Sportage KM requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Kia Sportage KM? +
The Kia Sportage KM is available with engine variants from 136 to 143 hp. Petrol: G4GC (2.0L CVVT (Beta II)). Diesel: D4EA (2.0L CRDi (VGT)).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee