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Kia · Compact SUV · 2021–2024

Kia Sportage NQ5

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

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

Generations

Engine Overview

The Kia Sportage NQ5 is available with 4 engine variants — from 177 to 185 hp.

2.0 CRDi AWD · Diesel· 185 PS
2021 2024
Be Careful 3 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
1.6 T-GDi MHEV · Benziner Mild-Hybrid· 177–179 PS
2021 2024
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
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1.6 T-GDi MHEV AWD DCT · Benziner Mild-Hybrid· 177–179 PS
2021 2024
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
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1.6 T-GDi PHEV AWD · Benziner Plug-in-Hybrid· 265 PS
2022 2024
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The Kia 2.0 CRDi AWD (Diesel, 185 PS) has the D4HC (2.2L CRDi (R2)) — rated: "Be Careful", 3 known weaknesses.

The Kia 1.6 T-GDi MHEV (Benziner Mild-Hybrid, 177–179 PS) has the G4NN (1.6L T-GDi Hybrid (Smartstream NQ5)) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

The Kia 1.6 T-GDi MHEV AWD DCT (Benziner Mild-Hybrid, 177–179 PS) has the G4NN (1.6L T-GDi Hybrid (Smartstream NQ5)) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

The Kia 1.6 T-GDi PHEV AWD (Benziner Plug-in-Hybrid, 265 PS) has the G4NN (1.6L T-GDi Hybrid (Smartstream NQ5)) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
●Plastic noises in interior — B-pillar

Multiple NQ5 owners report vibrating plastic trim in the area of the B-pillar and passenger seat. Hard plastic clips without foam padding cause creaking on poor roads.

Symptoms: Creaking and vibration from the B-pillar area or passenger seat surroundings; amplified with Harman Kardon system active or in left-hand bends.
from 20,000 km
Ad Kia Sportage NQ5 B-Säule VerkleidungKia Sportage NQ5 Innenraumgeräusch
 Low
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below Average
301 complaints · 2021–2024
Other
75 ⚠ 4
Engine
70 ⚠ 2
Electrical
60 ⚠ 4
Brakes
39 ⚠ 10
Collision Avoidance
35 ⚠ 11

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Other (75 complaints)
⚠ Engine (70 complaints)
⚠ Electrical (60 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 NQ5 (2021–2024) — 7 engine-related and 8 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Interior, Body, Other, Electronics.

Sportage (D4HC, 2021–2024) — Be Careful: 8-speed DCT judders and shifts incorrectly, EGR valve blocked by soot deposits, Injector leak. Power: 185 PS.

Sportage (G4NN, 2021–2024) — Be Careful: Recall: short circuit in clutch actuator (KBA 14641R), Intake valve carbon build-up from GDi technology, 12V starter battery drains during extended parking. Power: 177–179 PS.

Sportage (G4NN, 2022–2024) — Be Careful: Recall: short circuit in clutch actuator (KBA 14641R), Intake valve carbon build-up from GDi technology, 12V starter battery drains during extended parking. Power: 177–179 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 NQ5 have? +
The Kia Sportage NQ5 has 7 known engine weaknesses and 8 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Kia Sportage NQ5? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: G4NN (1.6L T-GDi Hybrid (Smartstream NQ5)), D4HC (2.2L CRDi (R2)). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the D4HC (2.2L CRDi (R2)).
Which Kia Sportage NQ5 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Kia Sportage NQ5 — rated: "Decent". {description} 185 hp clean 2.2 CRDi in the new Sportage NQ5 — refined, torque-rich and frugal. A solid benchmark for SUV diesels.
Is the Kia Sportage NQ5 worth buying used? +
The Kia Sportage NQ5 requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Kia Sportage NQ5? +
The Kia Sportage NQ5 is available with engine variants from 177 to 185 hp. Petrol: G4NN (1.6L T-GDi Hybrid (Smartstream NQ5)). Diesel: D4HC (2.2L CRDi (R2)).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee