Kia Sportage QL
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
177–204 PS
1.6L T-GDi (Gamma II) Benzin
Turbo boost for the everyday SUV
Decent154–155 PS
2.0L MPI Benzin
7 weaknesses
Stay Away!Generations
Engine Overview
The Kia Sportage QL is available with 9 engine variants — from 110 to 204 hp.
The Kia 1.6 CRDi (Diesel, 136 PS) has the D4FE (1.6L CRDi (U3, Euro6)) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.
The Kia 1.7 CRDi (Diesel, 116 PS) has the D4FD (1.7L CRDi (U2)) — rated: "Be Careful", 7 known weaknesses.
The Kia 2.0 CRDi 136 (Diesel, 136 PS) has the D4HA (2.0L CRDi (R)) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.
The Kia 2.0 CRDi 185 AWD (Diesel, 184–185 PS) has the D4HA (2.0L CRDi (R)) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.
The Kia 1.6 GDi (Benziner, 132–135 PS) has the G4FD (1.6L GDi (Gamma)) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.
The Kia 1.6 T-GDi (Benziner, 177–179 PS) has the G4FJ (1.6L T-GDi (Gamma II)) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.
The Kia 1.6 T-GDi AWD (Benziner, 177–179 PS) has the G4FJ (1.6L T-GDi (Gamma II)) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.
The Kia 2.0 MPI (Benziner, 154–155 PS) has the G4NA (2.0L MPI) — rated: "Stay Away!", 7 known weaknesses.
The Kia 2.0 MPI AWD (Benziner, 154–155 PS) has the G4NA (2.0L MPI) — rated: "Stay Away!", 7 known weaknesses.
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Recall: short circuit in ABS/ESC unit — fire risk A short circuit in the ABS/ESC unit can lead to engine bay fire. A worldwide recall was initiated for affected vehicles (mainly models with Smart Cruise Control 2015–2020) to replace the fuses. Symptoms: No prior warning. ABS/ESP warning light may illuminate; in extreme cases smoke development in the engine bay. | Low |
Top Reported Issues
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Known Problems and Issues
A total of 40 weaknesses have been documented for the Kia Sportage QL (2015–2021) — 33 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. One problem engine: G4NA (2.0L MPI). Typical issues affect Other, Gearbox, Steering, Electronics.
Sportage (D4FD, 2015–2018) — Be Careful: EGR valve seized by soot deposits, Injectors and sealing washer wear, DPF blockage from approx. 150,000 km. Power: 116 PS.
Sportage (D4HA, 2015–2021) — Be Careful: Crankshaft damper pulley disintegrates, EGR valve and cooler blocked by soot, DPF blockage in frequent urban use. Power: 136 PS.
Sportage (D4HA, 2015–2021) — Be Careful: Crankshaft damper pulley disintegrates, EGR valve and cooler blocked by soot, DPF blockage in frequent urban use. Power: 184–185 PS.
Sportage (D4FE, 2018–2021) — Be Careful: DPF blockage in frequent urban use, EGR cooler and valve sooted up, EGR valve and cooler carboned up. Power: 136 PS.
Sportage (G4FD, 2015–2021) — Be Careful: High-pressure fuel pump failed, Carbon deposits on intake valves, Timing chain noise and elongation. Power: 132–135 PS.
Sportage (G4FJ, 2015–2021) — Be Careful: Turbocharger wear from oil starvation, Excessive oil consumption from piston rings, Carbon deposits on intake valves. Power: 177–179 PS.
Sportage (G4NA, 2015–2021) — Stay Away!: Increased oil consumption from piston ring wear, Piston rings stick — significant oil consumption, Connecting rod bearing wear — recall and class action. Power: 154–155 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
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee