Reconditioned Kia Sportage Gearbox

Kia Sportage Gearbox: What Changes Between 2010 and 2022 Depending on the Engine Code

The 2.0 CRDi Sportage can take two different gearboxes depending on whether it is fitted to a 4th-generation QL or a 3rd-generation SL: the codes D4HA and D4EA refer to two distinct 2-litre diesel units whose 6-speed manual gearboxes are not interchangeable. The same applies to the 1.7 CRDi: three different references coexist for this diesel alone, spread across model years and trim levels. The vehicle's year of manufacture is not enough; it is the engine code, visible on the block itself, that determines the compatible gearbox.

Diesel and Petrol: Four Engine Options, One Gearbox Family

The Sportage during this period is fitted exclusively with 6-speed manual gearboxes, whether on the diesel engines (1.6 CRDi engine code D4FD / D4FDL / D4FE, 1.7 CRDi engine code D4FD, 2.0 CRDi engine codes D4HA / D4EA) or the 1.6 petrol (engine codes G4FD / G4FG). Although the range covers only one type of transmission, the internal variants between engine options remain numerous: seven different engine codes are recorded on this model between 2010 and 2022, each corresponding to one or more specific gearbox references.

Key Points to Watch on the Sportage

The manual gearboxes on the 3rd-generation 2.0 CRDi (D4EA) are known for synchromesh issues, particularly on 3rd and 4th gear changes after heavy use. On the 1.7 CRDi, the gradual wear of the synchro rings typically starts as stiff cold changes before becoming a permanent problem. As for replacement options, the unit is available on an exchange basis or as a reconditioning of your own gearbox, depending on the condition and availability of the model in question.