Kia Sportage reliability
The Kia Sportage fails its MOT about as often as most cars 6 to 10 years old: 22.7% of 132,597 tests failed in 2023, against 24.4% on average.
17 DVSA recalls for the Kia Sportage
Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.
Kia Cluster Malfunction Recall
The instrument cluster screen may respond slowly immediately after starting the vehicle. During this condition activating the turn signal can cause the cluster to reset or the Blind View Monitor (BVM) within the cluster to turn green. The malfunction is caused by PMIC noise induced falsely high temperature sensor readings which trigger the chip protection logic above a certain threshold and lead to performance limitation up to reboot or black screen.
Fix: Over The Air software update or dealer software update
Recalled models: SPORTAGE NQ5 · 1,811 vehicles
Kia Sportage Vacuum Pump Recall
The vacuum pump drive gear may be damaged by a mechanical failure caused by high acceleration torque during the engine starting phase. If the pump fails an increase of the brake pedal force may be experienced while driving.
Fix: Complete a software update of the engine ECU. The ECU upgrade reduces the initial load caused by the Mild Hybrid Starter Generator during engine startup (cranking acceleration).
Recalled models: SPORTAGE · 60 vehicles
Kia HECU Fuse Replacement
The HECU hydraulic electronic control unit of affected vehicles equipped with Anti-lock Brake Systems ABS and Electronic Stability Control ESC could leak internally and cause an electrical short over time. In extreme cases the HECU could overheat with a possible risk of an under bonnet fire.
Fix: The recall will replace the fuses in the junction box with a lower rated version.
Recalled models: SPORTAGE SLe · 49,477 vehicles
The mesh filter inside the tandem pump may block causing insufficient oil supply and a risk of vacuum pump failure. If the pump fails there will be no vacuum assistance and the possibility of increased braking distance when applying the brake pedal.
The mesh filter inside the tandem pump may block causing insufficient oil supply and a risk of vacuum pump failure. If the pump fails there will be no vacuum assistance and the possibility of increased braking distance when applying the brake pedal.�
Fix: Remove the mesh filter and check the vacuum pump for damage if damaged replace the pump/drive belt.
Recalled models: SPORTAGE · 20,781 vehicles
A combination of the instrument cluster software and electrical noise while the vehicle is starting may result in cluster booting errors
A combination of the instrument cluster software and electrical noise while the vehicle is starting may result in cluster booting errors.
Fix: The software of the digital instrument cluster of your vehicle must be upgraded.
Recalled models: SPORTAGE · 6,996 vehicles
An electrical circuit within the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience a short circuit condition that results in excessive current.
An electrical circuit within the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience a short circuit condition that results in excessive current.
Fix: Replace the fuses in the Junction Box with a lower rated version.
Recalled models: SPORTAGE SLe · 46,181 vehicles
The electrical circuit within the hecu may experience a short circuit condition
The electrical circuit within the HECU may experience a short circuit condition that results in excessive current.
Fix: Install new fuses on affected vehicles and software update for cars equipped with Electronic Parking Brake (EPB).
Recalled models: SPORTAGE QLe · 141,772 vehicles
Vehicles may have brake fluid contamination caused by topping up with an incorrect fluid
On affected vehicles there may be some contamination of the brake fluid due to topping up with an incorrect fluid.
Fix: Replace the brake master cylinder and change the brake fluid on affected vehicles.
Recalled models: SPORTAGE QLe · 578 vehicles
Drivers seat belt may not operate correctly following a collision
It has been identified that the pre-tensioner may not function correctly during a collision. This could cause additional injuries during a collision.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to check the pre-tensioner and replace if required.
Recalled models: SPORTAGE · 7,219 vehicles
Brake lights may malfunction
The vehicles brake lights may intermittently malfunction due to carbonisation of the contacts within the brake light switch. This can also affect other systems on the vehicle including: ESC cruise control gear selection (autoboxes) engine check lamp.
Fix: Recall vehicles likely to be affected to replace the brake light switch.
Recalled models: SPORTAGE · 40,769 vehicles
Brake light may not operate
It has been identified that due to a faulty switch the brake lights may not operate when the brake pedal is depressed
Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the brake light switch replaced.
Recalled models: SPORTAGE · 1,816 vehicles
Front seatbelt buckle may detach during a collision
It has been identified that the front seatbelts may not latch correctly. This could result in them de-latching during a collision.
Fix: Recalled vehicles will have both front seatbelt stalks replaced.
Recalled models: SPORTAGE · 6,637 vehicles
Engine cooling fan blades could fracture and damage the cooling system.
It has been established that the plastic cooling fan blades could fracture and damage the cooling system/hoses causing the engine to overheat and possibly fail.
Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the engine cooling fan replaced with a modified unit.
Recalled models: SPORTAGE · 2,253 vehicles
Handbrake may fail
The parking brake may fail to engage or release without warning due to an incorrectly manufactured parking brake lever locking pawl.
Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the parking brake lever assembly replaced with a quality assured item.
Recalled models: SPORTAGE · 811 vehicles
Possible sudden operation of brakes
Due to incorrect logic in the electronic stability programme (ESP)control unit the possibility exists that the brakes may suddenly apply.
Fix: Recall likely to be affected vehicles and re-programme the ESP control unit
Recalled models: SPORTAGE XS · 974 vehicles
Possible loss of steering
There is a possibility that the steering intermediate shaft securing bolts may have been incorrectly torqued.
Fix: Recall affected vehicles and retorque securing bolts
Recalled models: SPORTAGE · 1,230 vehicles
The front seat belt buckles may not latch securely
The front seat belt buckles may not latch correctly. This could result in a buckle separating in a collision.
Fix: Fit new front seat belts with improved buckles.
Recalled models: SPORTAGE · 4,711 vehicles
Checking a Kia Sportage before you buy
Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.