Sportage QL inspection checklist

Look for: Around 56,000 Australian QL Sportage were recalled because the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU/ABS module) can short internally if moisture enters, potentially causing an engine-bay fire even when parked and switched off. Owners were told to park outside, away from structures, until repaired.

Look for: The Theta II 2.4 GDI family is at the centre of the global Hyundai-Kia engine saga - manufacturing debris and oil-flow issues can wear the connecting-rod bearings, producing a deep knock and possible seizure (and overseas, fires). Australian exposure on the QL is lower than the US recall fleet, but the engine family and the local class action make history and noise checks essential.

Look for: As with the 2.0 Nu, the direct-injection 2.4 fouls intake valves with carbon and can consume oil through stuck oil-control rings.

Look for: Direct-injection means fuel no longer washes the back of the intake valves, so carbon accumulates and can cause rough idle, hesitation, misfires and lost economy - a known Hyundai-Kia GDI trait.

Look for: Carbon can stick the low-tension oil-control piston rings on these GDI fours, leading to elevated oil consumption between services - part of the wider Hyundai-Kia engine concern that drove the Australian class action.

Look for: The diesel particulate filter needs regular highway running to regenerate; cars used only for short, cold urban trips clog the DPF, trigger warning lights, lose power and can need forced regen or replacement.

Look for: The EGR valve and cooler accumulate carbon, oil and soot from recirculated exhaust, causing rough idle, reduced economy, limp mode and check-engine lights - a recurring CRDi complaint.

Look for: The tandem oil/vacuum pump that supplies the brake booster vacuum can wear and lose lubrication, affecting brake assist and pump life on R-series diesels.

Look for: Common-rail injectors and the variable-geometry turbo can develop faults at higher km, giving smoke, rough running, lost power or over/under-boost.