2007 Kia Sportage

The 2007 Kia Sportage is a compact SUV that offered practicality and affordability. Available engines included a 2.0L inline-4 producing 140 horsepower and 136 lb-ft of torque and a 2.7L V6 that produced 173 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were offered with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally liked the Sportage for its price point, maneuverability, and available all-wheel drive. Common complaints included lackluster fuel economy, a somewhat cheap interior feel, and unrefined engine performance.

Engine

2.0L Inline-4

• Engine Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can occur from various seals and gaskets around the engine, such as the valve cover gasket or oil pan gasket. Symptoms include visible oil leaks, a burning smell, and low oil levels.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty gaskets or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Check Engine Light Due to Catalytic Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check Engine light illuminated, often accompanied by diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) indicating catalytic converter inefficiency (e.g., P0420).
  • Solution: Replacement of the catalytic converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1200+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.7L V6

• Timing Belt Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The 2.7L V6 is an interference engine, meaning that if the timing belt breaks, serious engine damage can occur. Symptoms of a worn timing belt include unusual noises from the engine, rough idling, or difficulty starting.
  • Solution: Regular replacement of the timing belt according to the manufacturer’s recommended service interval (typically every 60,000 miles) and inspection of the water pump during replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Engine Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Similar to the 2.0L, oil leaks can occur from valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, and other engine seals.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty gaskets or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Harsh Shifting or Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic or harsh shifting between gears, or the transmission slipping out of gear, can indicate internal wear or damage.
  • Solution: Transmission fluid flush, replacement of faulty solenoids, or transmission rebuild/replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $3000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Worn Struts/Shocks
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, excessive body roll during cornering, and bottoming out over bumps.
  • Solution: Replacement of struts and/or shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per axle
  • Recalls: None Found
• Worn Ball Joints/Control Arm Bushings
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the front suspension, uneven tire wear, and loose steering feel.
  • Solution: Replacement of ball joints and/or control arm bushings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ per side
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Power Window Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows failing to operate, often due to a faulty window motor or switch.
  • Solution: Replacement of the window motor or switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ per window
  • Recalls: None Found
• Door Lock Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Door locks failing to lock or unlock, often due to a faulty door lock actuator.
  • Solution: Replacement of the door lock actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $250+ per door
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Surface rust, especially around wheel wells, door edges, and undercarriage. More prevalent in areas with harsh winters or coastal environments.
  • Solution: Rust repair, body panel replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $2000+ per area
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Cracked Dashboard
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracking of the dashboard, particularly in areas exposed to direct sunlight.
  • Solution: Dashboard replacement or repair.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2007 Kia Sportage can present owners with various issues, ranging from relatively minor electrical problems to more significant engine and transmission concerns. Engine oil leaks and timing belt issues (on the V6) are common, and the 4-speed automatic transmission can experience shifting problems. Suspension wear and tear, along with electrical issues such as power window and door lock failures, are also frequently reported. Rust can be a problem in certain climates. While some repairs are relatively inexpensive, engine or transmission work can be costly. Buyers should inspect vehicles carefully, looking for signs of leaks, rust, and suspension wear, and inquire about the maintenance history, especially regarding the timing belt replacement on V6 models.