Kia 1.7 CRDi
Evolved diesel with slightly more displacement for better pulling power. Smoother than the 1.6 — DPF problems on short trips possible.
Diesel minimalism in an SUV
115 hp in the Sportage SL — acceptable for light loads and city driving, too little for real SUV tasks.
Engine Weaknesses 7
The electronically controlled EGR valve of the D4FD becomes packed with soot deposits and sticks. Cleaning the valve and intake tract is routinely due at around 80,000–100,000 km.
Symptoms: Judder at low load, engine warning light EGR fault, poor performance in the lower rev range
Bosch direct injectors of the D4FD can be damaged by poor fuel quality. Copper sealing washers must be renewed every 100,000–150,000 km, otherwise combustion gases escape into the cylinder head.
Symptoms: Hard starting, uneven running, increased fuel consumption, smoke on start-up
From around 150,000 km the D4FD's DPF becomes problematic: blockage causes regeneration failures and oil dilution in the crankcase from fuel injected during forced regeneration.
Symptoms: DPF warning light, engine power reduction, increased fuel consumption, oil level rises (diesel mixes into oil)
The Garrett turbo of the D4FD can cause boost loss through a faulty variable vane mechanism or a seized vacuum actuator. The vacuum valve (part no. 35120-2A400) is a known wear item.
Symptoms: Loss of boost pressure, power loss under load, fault code P0299 (turbo underboost), occasional overboost flutter
The 1.7 CRDi suffers severely from DPF problems in predominantly short-trip use. Documented in Polish forums: regeneration every 50–80 km instead of the normal 250–300 km, oil level rises from fuel dilution.
Symptoms: Very frequent DPF regeneration, oil level rising due to fuel dilution, power drop, DPF warning light, limp-home mode.
The D4FD's EGR valve tends to carbon up, leading to power loss and increased fuel consumption. Typical issue of the 1.7 CRDi unit, frequently occurring alongside DPF problems.
Symptoms: Power loss, judder under partial load, fault code P0401/P0404, limp-home mode.
The 1.7 CRDi is prone to premature DMF fatigue like the other U-series diesels. The DMF wears quickly particularly in constant urban use or with an aggressive clutch style.
Symptoms: Vibration and rattling on pull-away and cold start, jerky gear changes.
Vehicle Weaknesses 7
Load-bearing springs on the front and rear axle rust with increasing age and can break. Rear axle springs are particularly affected. A broken spring can lead to loss of control.
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.
The Sportage SL's AC compressor fails more frequently from 100,000 km, recognisable by rattling noises when switching the AC on. Refrigerant loss through leaking compressor seals is also known.
Older Sportage SL vehicles show rust on the underbody and sills, particularly on vehicles from salt-belt regions. The floor panel can rust through in small areas.
The Sportage SL's vehicle weight leads to above-average wear on brake discs and pads. MOT reports note the braking system as a recurring advisory item.
Faulty dipped headlights and rear lights are common MOT criticism points on the Sportage SL. Loose connectors and oxidised lamp holders are typical causes.
On the Sportage SL, rattling noises from the interior increase with age. Trim panels, instrument panels and plastic parts loosen or rub together, especially in cold weather.
Reports & Tests
1230 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2010–2015). Most reported: Engine (855), Brakes (123), Other (114).