Kia Sportage SL
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
260–279 PS
2.0L T-GDi (Theta II) Benzin
Turbo power in SUV format
Decent260–279 PS
2.0L T-GDi (Theta II) Benzin
5 weaknesses
Stay Away!Generations
Engine Overview
The Kia Sportage SL is available with 7 engine variants — from 116 to 279 hp.
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, 136–140 PS) has the D4HA (2.0L CRDi (R)) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.
The Kia 2.0 CRDi 136 AWD (Diesel, 136–140 PS) has the D4HA (2.0L CRDi (R)) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.
The Kia 2.0 CRDi 184 (Diesel, 184 PS) has the D4HA (2.0L CRDi (R)) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.
The Kia 1.6 GDi (Benziner, 135 PS) has the G4FD (1.6L GDi (Gamma)) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.
The Kia 2.0 GDi (Benziner, 163–166 PS) has the G4NB (2.0L CVVT (Nu)) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.
The Kia 2.0 T-GDi AWD (Benziner, 260 PS) has the G4KH (2.0L T-GDi (Theta II)) — rated: "Stay Away!", 5 known weaknesses.
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Tie rod ends and steering joints with play From the seventh year of operation, steering joints and tie rod ends regularly develop excessive play. The MOT report cites this as the most common advisory cause on the Sportage SL alongside lighting. Symptoms: Imprecise steering, drift out of lane, clicking when turning in; advisories at MOT. from 100,000 km | Low |
Top Reported Issues
Alternatives
Audi RS Q3 8U
Kompakt-SUV (2013–2018)
Ford EcoSport I
Kompakt-SUV (2013–2022)
Mercedes-Benz GLA X156
Kompakt-SUV (2013–2020)
Nissan Qashqai J11
Kompakt-SUV (2013–2017)
Subaru Crosstrek GP
Kompakt-SUV (2013–2017)
Suzuki S-Cross I
Kompakt-SUV (2013–2016)
Known Problems and Issues
A total of 34 weaknesses have been documented for the Kia Sportage SL (2010–2015) — 27 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. One problem engine: G4KH (2.0L T-GDi (Theta II)). Typical issues affect Steering, Suspension, Brakes, Electronics.
Sportage (D4FD, 2010–2015) — 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, 2010–2015) — Be Careful: Crankshaft damper pulley disintegrates, EGR valve and cooler blocked by soot, DPF blockage in frequent urban use. Power: 136–140 PS.
Sportage (D4HA, 2011–2015) — Be Careful: Crankshaft damper pulley disintegrates, EGR valve and cooler blocked by soot, DPF blockage in frequent urban use. Power: 184 PS.
Sportage (G4FD, 2010–2015) — Be Careful: High-pressure fuel pump failed, Carbon deposits on intake valves, Timing chain noise and elongation. Power: 135 PS.
Sportage (G4KH, 2010–2013) — Stay Away!: Recall: connecting rod bearing damage from manufacturing defect (Theta II Turbo), Recall: high-pressure fuel pump defective, Connecting rod bearing wear from restricted oil flow. Power: 260 PS.
Sportage (G4NB, 2010–2015) — Be Careful: Excessive oil consumption — recall and class action, Carbon deposits on intake valves, Injectors blocked / fuel pressure problems. Power: 163–166 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 SL have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Kia Sportage SL? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Kia Sportage SL engine is the most fun? +
Is the Kia Sportage SL worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Kia Sportage SL? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee