KiaSportage2010Overview/kia/sportage/2010/base/

2010 Kia Sportage

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2010 Sportage.

Body SUV

The 2010 Kia Sportage, an SUV, arrives with a 4.8‑quart oil capacity and is tuned for 5W‑20 or 5W‑30 API oil. In its first model year it generated 20 owner complaints, most frequently citing service brakes and hydraulic components, and it was subject to two recalls. Compared with the model’s complaint trajectory—peaking at 394 complaints in 2017 and dipping to just four in 2003—this early‑year figure sits modestly above the historic low but far below the recent high.

Model year202620252023202220212020201920182010

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity4.8 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-20 / 5W-30 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque66-81 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 124R · 600 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 124R · 600 CCAOEM · verified
Tail / brake / turnLAMPOEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length172 in
Overall width70.9 in
Overall height66.5 in
Wheelbase103.5 in
Curb weight3527 lb
Track (front / rear)61 / 60.6 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)59/41

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Sportage of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

6.1–10.4 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 6.10 sec — 2011 SX T-GDI
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2011SX T-GDI 2.0L Turbo I-46.10 sec14.70 sec260 hpAWD
2011SX T-GDI 2.0L Turbo I-46.40 sec14.90 sec260 hpAWD
2011SX T-GDI 2.0L Turbo I-47.30 sec15.70 sec260 hpFWD
2011SX T-GDI 2.0L Turbo I-48.30 sec16.40 sec260 hpFWD
2011EX 2.4L I-48.60 sec16.80 sec176 hpFWD
2011EX 2.4L I-49.30 sec17.10 sec176 hpAWD
2011EX 2.4L I-49.80 sec17.40 sec176 hpAWD
2011EX 2.4L I-410.40 sec18.00 sec176 hpAWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 4.8 qt of 5W-20 / 5W-30 API engine oil, 80W-90 · GL-5 in the differential. Torque lug nuts to 66-81 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-2-3-4-5-6. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Differential Gear Oil80W-90 · GL-5
Differential Gear Oil Capacity1.7 Pints
Engine CoolantETHYLENE GLYCOL
Engine Oil5W-20 · 5W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity4.8 qt
Manual Transmission Fluid75W-85 · GL-4
Manual Transmission Fluid Capacity4.7

Engine torques

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs10-11 ft-lbs
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs6
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings35-38 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts116-123 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts123-130 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts87-94 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts53-56 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts12-16 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts66-81 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug29.0-43.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug29.0-43.0 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub148-206 ft-lbs
Rear Wheel Hub148-206 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Cylinder Firing Order1-2-3-4-5-6
Ignition Coil Primary Resistance.52-.64 ohms
Ignition Coil Secondary Resistance7,480-10,120 ohms
Ignition Coil Primary Resistance.86-1.0 ohms
Ignition Coil Secondary Resistance10,625-14,375 ohms
Ignition Timing5, Not adjustable degrees
Ignition Timing Acceptable Variance10 degrees

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.07-1.18 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Oil Capacity2.0 L
Standard BCI Group Number124R
Standard BCI Cranking Performance600 cca
Standard BCI Group Number124R

Service checks

Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)50.0 psi
Injector Primary Resistance13.8-15.2 @ 68 degreesF ohms
Injector Primary Resistance13.8-15.2 @ 68 degreesF ohms
Engine Compression164-185 PSI. 15 Maximum variation PSI
Engine Compression149-170 PSI. 14 Maximum variation PSI.
Engine Oil Pressure22.8 psi
Engine Oil Pressure RPMIdle rpm
Engine Oil Pressure7.3 psi

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket16-23 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle58-72 ft-lbs / 36-44 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad Thickness0.079 in
Minimum Shoe Thickness0.039 in
Rotor Max Parallel Variation0.0002 in / 0.0004 in
Rotor Runout Limit0.0016 in / 0.0012 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness From1.024 in / 0.393 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness To1.024 in / 0.393 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
113-16 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90-9413–16 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Lubricate bolts with clean engine oil · M10 Bolts:

117.0-20.0 ft. lbs.17–20 ft. lbs
260 degrees-65 degrees60 degrees
360 degrees-65 degrees; M12 Bolts:60 degrees
120.0-23.0 ft. lbs.20–23 ft. lbs
260 degrees-65 degrees60 degrees
360 degrees-65 degrees60 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Lubricate bolts with clean engine oil · M10 Bolts:

117.0-20.0 ft. lbs.17–20 ft. lbs
260 degrees-65 degrees60 degrees
360 degrees-65 degrees; M12 Bolts:60 degrees
120.0-23.0 ft. lbs.20–23 ft. lbs
260 degrees-65 degrees60 degrees
360 degrees-65 degrees60 degrees
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
120-23 ft. lbs., Step 2: 60-6420–23 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 7,500 mi; coolant every 30,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 30,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

At 7,500 miSuspension System (torque)
Every 7,500 miBody Latches, Locks & Hinges (lubricate) · Brake Drum Assembly (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · Engine Air Filter Element (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 10,000 miCabin Air Filter (replace)
At 15,000 miFuel Evaporative Canister Filter (inspect)
Every 15,000 miBattery (inspect) · Brake Hydraulic System (inspect fluid level) · Brake Line (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Clutch Master Cylinder (inspect fluid level) · Driveshaft (inspect)
At 30,000 miSuspension System (torque) · Timing Belt (inspect)
Every 30,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Body Fasteners (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Fuel Evaporative Canister Filter (inspect) · Fuel Evaporative Canister Filter (replace) · Suspension Ball Joint (inspect)
Every 37,500 miDifferential (inspect fluid level) · Fuel Filter (replace) · Transfer Case Assembly (inspect fluid level) · Transmission Assembly (inspect fluid level)
At 60,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2010 Kia Sportage sits near the low point of the generation’s federal complaint trend, with only 20 complaints and 2 recalls, a sharp decline from the 80 complaints in 2009 and a dramatic drop from the 181 complaints in 2011. Its recall count remains modest, matching the 3 recalls seen in 2008 and 2009, and the single investigation mirrors the trend of minimal investigations during this period. The top complaint areas—service brakes, hydraulic (3), unknown or other (2), engine (2), and seat belts (2)—indicate isolated, non‑recall‑related issues rather than systemic defects. Compared to the higher complaint spikes of the early 2010s, 2010 represents a relative lull, suggesting fewer widespread problems. Thus, 2010 is a favorable year to buy, offering lower complaint frequency and a modest recall history within the broader generation.

2
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
24
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
1
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
20
Owner complaints
3 involved a crash · 0 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Rollover★★★★

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 20 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic3
Unknown Or Other2
Engine2
Seat Belts2
Air Bags2
Service Brakes,Electronic Stability Control (Esc)1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic,Service Brakes, Air,Power Train1
Vehicle Speed Control,Electronic Stability Control (Esc)1

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 2 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

13V114000Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights:SwitchReported 01/04/2013

Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul, model year 2008-2011 Optima, model year 2010 Forte, model year… Remedy: Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch…

23V652000Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:Control Unit/ModuleReported 25/09/2023

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014… Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 24 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
PS7972025-12-09Back Over PreventionPITSTOP: TECHNICAL OPERATIONS: EXTERNAL DAMAGE TO ULTRASONIC SENSOR: This Pitstop…
TSB_TRA046_R52025-04-17Power TrainTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been…
TSB_TRA046_R42024-05-16Power TrainThis bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and…
TSB_TRA046_R32022-11-18Power TrainTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin provides…
TSB_BOD055_R12021-09-13StructureTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Sportage. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2010 Sportage take?

4.8 qt of 5W-20 OR 5W-30 API SM, per the factory manual.

Does the 2010 Sportage have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.