Manual Transmisson Shifter

Here are some possible reasons why your car is sluggish on takeoff and won't shift to high gear:

Low transmission fluid: If the fluid level is low, the transmission may not be able to engage properly. Check the fluid level and add more if necessary .
Worn-out oil seal: A worn-out oil seal can cause a fluid leak, which can prevent the transmission from shifting into high gear .
Faulty shift cable or shifter assembly: If the shift cable or shifter assembly is damaged or worn out, it can cause problems with shifting .
Clogged transmission filter: A clogged filter can restrict the flow of fluid and cause shifting problems .
It's recommended that you take your car to a mechanic for a proper diagnosis and repair. They can run an OBD scan to determine the exact issue and provide a solution.

Make sure the shifter cable is correctly adjusted.

https://www.kiaownersclub.co.uk/threads/kia-sportage-auto-gear-shift.54702/

This forum may help you.

Manual transmission............ check the shifter adjustment, or the reverse gear s broken.

Automatic transmission.......... check the shifter adjustment and sensor adjustments if you have a scan tool. Or the reverse clutch pack has worn out. These did have problems with slippage, if it had a slipping problem it is probably gone now.

It could be the shifter, but you can physically see if it is working by watching the shift linkage at the transmission while someone takes it through the gears. Doesn't even need to be running. If it is bad, you can get a salvage yard shift assembly and install it yourself in about 1 1/2 hours. If you are lucky and it is the shifter, that means you don't need a transmission ($2,000.00!).

never seen this but ck. shifter linkage or bushings

If its a floor shifter there is a plunger under the floor shifter cover. Do u hear a click when u step on the brake pedel? That release the plunger to let u shift the car into gear.

CHECK UNDER THE CAR AT THE TRANSMISSON AND YOU WILL SEE A MEDAL ROD
WITH AN ADJUSTMENT SLEAVE AND THIR IS A COTTER KEY THAT IS NOTORUS OR BRAKEING OFF AND IT BINDS THE SHIFT SO YOU CANT CHANGE FROM GEAR TO GEAR

all of a sudden- lkike your driving down the road and it stops working? or your stuck at home? so what I gather is you have a good running car that wont move.... a couple of things to check.. look under the hood at your transmission... there is a link from your shifter to the tranny. have someone else move the lever from frive to low gear to park etc.. then you look under the hood and make sure the cable is still attatched to the trans. if it is attatched and not moving you might have a freyed cable... if none of this is working you prob. need a new tranny
hope this helps

Try to jump-start the car.
Clean/repalce battery terminals.
If that won't do, you would need a better, fully chaged battery to at least get current to the shifter, and releasing it.
Get to the fuse box, and replace any broken fuse.

Clutch may be smooth but this is a sign of the clutch needing replaced. Some of these models have a linkage adjustment under the hood. Others are hydrallic and need fluid. Look under the hood where the steering is and see which you have and address accordingly. Good luck. Check on costs of clutch replacement.