Petrol · 2015–2021
Enter your VIN and mileage and get a plan built for your exact engine and gearbox.
All about the Kia Sportage (QL)All about the 1.4 / 1.6 MPi / GDi (Hyundai-Kia Gamma, naturally aspirated) engine
The 1.6 MPi / GDi (Hyundai-Kia Gamma, naturally aspirated) engine was fitted to the Kia Sportage (QL) (2015–2021). In the EU that is 26.8 % of all new cars of this generation.
Versions: 1.6 132 hp, 1.6.
The most expensive known risk is manifold catalytic converter breaks up; debris can score the cylinders: it usually appears at 60,000–200,000 km and costs €400–3,500 to fix.
✓ The faults of this engine were checked against sources (10/2026). Each item has at least two independent sources or an official recall or parts-maker technical note.
Signs: Rattle from the exhaust manifold, catalyst efficiency codes (P0420), then rising oil use and loss of compression
Fix: Fix misfires at once; inspect the catalyst through the front lambda sensor hole and replace it if it crumbles; scored cylinders need an engine overhaul
Signs: Oil level drops between services, blue smoke at start, oil-fouled spark plugs
Fix: Measure consumption and compression; early cases may respond to ring cleaning, otherwise new pistons and rings (and liners or honing)
Signs: Rough idle, misfires, hesitation and higher fuel use
Fix: Remove the intake manifold and clean the valves (walnut blasting or mechanical cleaning)
Signs: Ticking from the head, rough cold running; on LPG, burnt exhaust valves if left too tight
Fix: Check clearances about every 90,000-100,000 km (more often on LPG) and correct with new shims
Signs: Oil sweating on the head and around the plug wells, burning-oil smell
Fix: Replace the valve cover gasket and the plug-well seals
Signs: Usually no warning; possibly ABS/ESC warning lights or a burning smell from the engine bay, even with the car parked.
Fix: Check the VIN for the open recall; the dealer modifies the HECU fusing (plus a software update on cars with electric parking brake) free of charge.
Signs: Usually no warning; heater may stop working, burning smell from the dashboard area; fire risk in rare cases.
Fix: Check the VIN for the open recall; the dealer updates the climate control software and replaces the PTC heater and wiring if the connector is damaged.
Signs: Handbrake holds poorly at the test; on cars with electric parking brake a warning light and the brake does not apply or release.
Fix: Clean and adjust shoes and cables on the lever type; on the electric type read fault codes, check the caliper motors and ask about warranty or goodwill.
Signs: Play or knocking in the steering, vague straight-line feel; play found at the roadworthiness test.
Fix: Check tie rod ends and inner joints for play on a lift; replace the worn parts and set wheel alignment.
Signs: Failed bulb or indicator, or headlight aim out of spec noted at the test.
Fix: Check all lights before the test, replace bulbs and re-aim the headlights.
Signs: Slipping, high bite point
Fix: Replace clutch kit
Signs: Rattle at idle, vibration pulling away
Fix: Replace with clutch
Signs: Shudder or jerks pulling away in 1st / 2nd and in reverse, harsh 1-2 / 2-3 shifts, 'transmission overheating' message in stop-and-go traffic or on hills
Fix: Have the dealer update the gearbox software, reset the clutch adaptation and measure clutch wear; replace the double clutch if worn
Signs: Car hesitates or does not accelerate for a moment when pulling away, especially after lifting and pressing the accelerator again
Fix: Ask the dealer whether the gearbox control unit software campaign was done and have it reprogrammed
Signs: Delayed or harsh shifts
Fix: Fluid service, repair
Typical routine maintenance cost for 100,000 km: €2,200–4,950. Sum of the services and wear parts in the plan above (about 15,000 km a year, independent workshop), without faults.
Intervals and typical prices for the Kia Sportage (QL) with the 1.6 MPi / GDi (Hyundai-Kia Gamma, naturally aspirated) engine. The app gives the exact plan for your mileage.
| Item | Interval | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil + oil filterEngine | every 15,000 km or every 12 months | €70–150 |
| Cabin (pollen) filterClimate | every 15,000 km or every 12 months | €15–40 |
| Brake fluidBrakes | every 24 months | €50–95 |
| A/C service (regas + desiccant)Climate | every 24 months | €70–150 |
| Air filterEngine | every 30,000 km or every 24 months | €15–45 |
| Spark plugsIgnition | every 60,000 km or every 48 months | €50–160 |
| Auxiliary (serpentine) beltEngine | every 120,000 km | €70–180 |
| Coolant replacementCooling | every 150,000 km or every 96 months | €70–150 |
| Timing chain inspection (listen on cold start)Engine | every 150,000 km | €0–120 |
| Manual gearbox oilTransmission | every 150,000 km | €60–130 |
| Front brake padsBrakes | usually at 30,000–60,000 km | €60–150 |
| Front brake discs + padsBrakes | usually at 60,000–120,000 km | €150–320 |
| Rear brake padsBrakes | usually at 50,000–90,000 km | €50–130 |
| Tyres (set of 4)Wheels | usually at 40,000–60,000 km | €320–700 |
| Wiper bladesBody | checked at service | €20–50 |
| 12V batteryElectrical | checked at service | €100–220 |
| Version | Share | Years | CO₂ | Fuel use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 Petrol1,591 cm³ · 97 kW (132 hp) | 16.3 % | 2016–2020 | 176 g/km | — |
| 1.6 Petrol1,591 cm³ | 16.3 % | 2016–2020 | 178 g/km | — |
Source: European Environment Agency (EEA), monitoring of CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars, CC BY 4.0. CO₂ and fuel use are official type-approval values (WLTP from 2021), not real-world consumption.
Recalls the manufacturer published in the United Kingdom for this model (4). The same recalls usually apply across Europe. Ask an authorised dealer to check by VIN whether your car is affected and whether the work has been done.
The faults with the highest risk: manifold catalytic converter breaks up; debris can score the cylinders (60,000–200,000 km, €400–3,500); oil consumption from worn piston rings or distorted bores (120,000–220,000 km, €300–3,000); parking brake: above-average TÜV failures; electric parking brake faults (40,000–200,000 km, €100–600).
Chain.
5W-30 / 0W-30 · API SN / ACEA A5 · ~3.6 L · every 15,000 km.
1.6 / 1.7 CRDi (Hyundai-Kia U2)1.6 T-GDi (Hyundai-Kia Gamma turbo)2.0 / 2.2 CRDi (Hyundai-Kia R-engine)1.6 CRDi (Hyundai-Kia U3 / Smartstream, 2018+)1.8 / 2.0 MPI / GDI (Hyundai-Kia Nu)
Kia Ceed III 2018–Kia Rio III 2011–2017Kia Cee'd / ProCeed I 2006–2012Hyundai Tucson (TL) 2015–2020Kia Sportage (SL) 2010–2015Kia Cee'd / ProCeed II 2012–2018Kia Venga 2009–2019Hyundai i30 (FD) 2007–2012Hyundai i30 (GD) 2012–2017Hyundai ix35 2009–2015Kia XCeed 2019–Hyundai i40 2011–2019
Main sources for the faults of this engine:
Faults, intervals and prices are indicative and collected from public sources and owner experience; always rely on the service book and a qualified workshop. Test statistics: DVSA – Anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0. Dutch tests: RDW Open Data (CC0). Engine versions: EEA, monitoring of CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars (CC BY 4.0, DG CLIMA). Owner complaints: NHTSA ODI (public domain). Recalls: DVSA Vehicle Safety Branch Recalls Database, OGL v3.0. Brand and model names are trademarks of their owners and are used only to describe the vehicles. How we check the data →
Updated 29/10/2026