Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2005 Kia Sportage, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Air bags12
- Structure8
- Electrical system8
- Fuel system, gasoline7
- Unknown or other7
- Suspension7
- Fuel/propulsion system6
- Steering5
- Engine and engine cooling4
- Electronic stability control (esc)3
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 5 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 6 2005 Sportage vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 4 people died inside them. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2005 Kia Sportage failed the safety check 2.59% of the time — 13% more often than the average 2005 passenger car (2.30%). Median odometer at inspection: 131,396 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Engines
The most common engines in 2005 Kia Sportage cars on Dutch roads are the 2.0 petrol (104 kW, 139 hp) and 2.7 petrol (129 kW, 173 hp).
| Engine | Power | Cars |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0 petrol | 104 kW 139 hp | 725 |
| 2.7 petrol | 129 kW 173 hp | 320 |
RDW Open Data (CC0): registered passenger cars and their fuel data · engine size rounded to 0.1 litre, net maximum power · versions with at least 20 cars
In the Netherlands
1,066 first registered in 2005 are on Dutch roads; 3% arrived later as imports. Median list price when new: €25,389.
Most common APK defects
- Bandenspanning niet op juiste waarde503
- Band onvoldoende profiel493
- Waarschuwingsinrichting airbag- / gordelsysteem geeft defect369
- Band(en) aanwezig met een profieldiepte van 1,6 t/m 2,5 mm356
- Stadslicht werkt niet (goed)336
- Kentekenplaatverlichting werkt niet (goed) / ontbreekt328
- Dimlicht onjuist afgesteld260
- Licht- donkerscheiding dimlicht onduidelijk250
Colours
RDW Open Data: registered vehicles and APK defects (CC0) · defect descriptions in the RDW's Dutch wording
In the United Kingdom
645 cars built in 2005 were licensed for the road at the end of 2025, and 501 more were declared off the road (SORN).
Department for Transport and DVLA, vehicle licensing statistics (table VEH0124, year of manufacture) · Open Government Licence v3.0
MOT test results in Great Britain
In 2023, 1,544 of these cars first registered in 2005 took their annual MOT test. 50% passed first time; among all cars first registered in 2005 the figure was 56%.
| Failed on | These cars | All cars from 2005 |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 29.5% | 17.3% |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 23.7% | 21.5% |
| Brakes | 13.0% | 13.7% |
| Body, chassis, structure | 11.7% | 8.9% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 7.9% | 6.8% |
| Visibility | 7.7% | 7.5% |
DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023 (Department for Transport) · Open Government Licence v3.0 · first tests only; a fix made at the test station within the hour still counts as a fail
In Finland
252 of these cars first registered in 2005 were in use in Finland on 30 Jun 2026, with an average of 275,000 km on the odometer at their last inspection.
Traficom (Finnish Transport and Communications Agency), open data on vehicles in use · CC BY 4.0
In New Zealand
159 2005 cars are on the New Zealand register; 2% arrived as used imports, 96% were sold new in New Zealand.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Motor Vehicle Register (March 2026) · CC BY 4.0
Fuel consumption
Official Canadian test results for 5 variants: combined 10.8–12.7 L/100 km (about 19–22 mpg US), CO₂ 248–292 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sportage · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline | 12.0 | 9.3 | 10.8 |
| Sportage · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline | 12.6 | 9.7 | 11.3 |
| Sportage 4X4 · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline | 12.7 | 9.7 | 11.3 |
| Sportage · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline | 13.6 | 10.1 | 12.0 |
| Sportage 4X4 · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline | 13.9 | 11.1 | 12.7 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls in Canada
3 Transport Canada recalls for the 2005 Kia Sportage.
| 2005226 8 Aug 2005 | Brakes On certain vehicles, an undersized parking brake ratchet pawl could wear prematurely, resulting in unexpected failure of the parking brake. Correction: Dealers… |
| 2005160 20 May 2005 | Fuel System On certain vehicles, fuel may leak from the o-ring seal into the internal vapour chamber located in the fuel tank at full tank conditions. As a result, it may … |
| 2005102 8 Apr 2005 | Other On certain vehicles, while cornering under conditions where Electronic Stability Program (ESP) activation may not be needed, a sensitive ESP may cause the engin… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE PARKING BRAKE LEVER RATCHET PAWL WAS NOT PROPERLY MANUFACTURED AND MY DAMAGE THE TEETH OF THE PARKING BRAKE LEVER RATCHET. DAMAGED PARKING BRAKE LEVER RATCHET TEETH MAY PREVENT THE PARKING BRAKE FROM ENGAGING OR MAY ALLOW THE PARKING BRAKE TO RELEASE AFTER IT HAS BEEN ENGAGED.
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, FUEL MAY LEAK FROM THE O-RING INTO THE INTERNAL VAPOR CHAMBER LOCATED IN THE FUEL TANK AT FULL TANK CONDITIONS.
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAM (ESP), THE YAW RATE SENSOR MAY BECOME TOO SENSITIVE AND MAY RECALIBRATE INACCURATELY. WHILE DRIVING THE ESP PROGRAM MAY CAUSE THE ENGINE TO REDUCE POWER AND MAY CAUSE A BRAKE AT ONE OF THE WHEELS TO BE INAPPROPRIATELY.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Kia told its dealers about the 2005 Kia Sportage: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 11000787 | This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced. |
| 10226555 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced, refer to applicable vehicles in the chart starting on page 2. |
| 10201529 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information relating to some Kia models that may exhibit fogging, condensation, and/or moisture inside a headlamp assembly. Generally, a fogging condition is considered normal and can be eliminated by turning on the headlamps with the engine running for up to 30 minutes or during normal driving conditions. Headlamp assembly replacement WILL |
| 10183431 | TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides information regarding the use of USB ports and 12V power outlets to connect/charge mobile phones. Customers may experience issues with their head units that may be related to the use of aftermarket USB charging cables, including; * Electrical interference and limited or no functionality when attempting to play music, or when charging a device through the USB port * Excessive static or noise when listening to the audio source * Malfunctions and screen freeze of the head unit screen * Slow down of the sys |
| 10133188 | TSB: PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN - FUEL TANK STRAP REPLACEMENT (PI1801) - This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the fuel tank straps on certain 2005-2007MY Sportage vehicles manufactured from May 27, 2004 through April 25, 2007. Although there have been no customer complaints about the fuel tank straps on the affected vehicles, Kia has decided to do a Product Improvement campaign to replace those straps. The improved straps will increase the long term durability of these parts. |
| 10133187 | QA - Listing of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers regarding the Product Improvement Program. |
| 10133186 | OWNER LETTER - included in the Dealer Notification Package - This document notifies the owners of the Product Improvement Program to replace the fuel tank straps on their vehicles. |
| 10133185 | DEALER SERVICE MANAGER NOTICE - Advises the Dealer Service Manager of the new Product Improvement Program to replace the fuel tank straps on certain 2005-2007MY Sportage vehicles manufactured from May 27, 2004 through April 25, 2007. Although there have been no customer complaints about the fuel tank straps on the affected vehicles, Kia has decided to do a Product Improvement campaign to replace those straps. The improved straps will increase the long term durability of these parts. |
| 10133184 | DEALER PRINCIPAL NOTICE - Advises the Dealer Principal of the new Product Improvement Program to replace the fuel tank straps on certain 2005-2007MY Sportage vehicles manufactured from May 27, 2004 through April 25, 2007. Although there have been no customer complaints about the fuel tank straps on the affected vehicles, Kia has decided to do a Product Improvement campaign to replace those straps. The improved straps will increase the long term durability of these parts. |
| 10133170 | PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine. |
| 10109812 | TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly intended for ?one time use.? Some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.? It is critical for technicians to be aware that ALL such locking fasteners, regardless of type, are for ?one time use? only. |
| 10109777 | TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited to the following, some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.? |
| 10109639 | Q AND A - SC104 ? 2005-2010 MY Sportage - Application of Additional Anti-Corrosion Material to Underbody of Vehicle Voluntary Service Campaign |
| 10109638 | OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER - Dear Kia Sportage Owner: Kia Motors America, Inc. is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to add additional anti-corrosion wax and undercoating to the underbody of certain 2005-2010 MY Sportage vehicles. |
| 10109637 | DEALER PARTS & SERVICE MANAGER MEMO: Attention: All Kia Parts & Service Managers - Kia Motors America, Inc. is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign on certain 2005-2010 MY Sportage vehicles produced from June 24, 2004 through January 26, 2010, to add additional anti-corrosion materials to the vehicle underbody. |
| 10109636 | DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO: Attention: All Dealer Principals - Kia Motors America, Inc. will be conducting a voluntary service campaign, as a preventative measure, to apply additional anti-corrosion material to the vehicle underbody on certain 2005-2010 MY Sportage vehicles, manufactured from June 24, 2004 through January 26, 2010. |
| 10109629 | VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: APPLICATION OF ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL (SC104) - To improve customer satisfaction, Kia is launching this bulletin to apply additional anti-corrosion protection to various vehicle underbody components on some Sportage (KM) vehicles, built from June 24, 2004 through January 26, 2010. |
| 10090009 | PITSTOP: WATER LEAK FROM SUNROOF GLASS - SOME SPORTAGE KM VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE DECEMBER 17, 2007 MAY EXHIBIT A WATER LEAK DUE TO POOR SEALING AT THE SUNROOF GLASS TO SUNROOF GLASS SEAL. TO ADJUST THE SUNROOF GLASS, USE THIS PROCEDURE AS DESCRIBED. |
| 10060662 | SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE. |
| 10055496 | SOME KIA SPORTAGE MODELS VEHICLES ARE AFFECTED BY CORROSION WHICH NEEDS ANTI CORROSION PROTECTION. 06/04/14*LJ |
| 10034495 | KIA: APPLICATION OF ADDITIONAL ANTICORROSION TREATMENT FOR REAR FLOOR MEMBERS. PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO CERTAIN VEHICLES FOR PROCEDURE TO APPLY ADDITIONAL ANTICORROSION PROTECTION TO THE REAR FLOOR SIDE AND CROSS MEMBERS. *PE |
| 10033673 | KIA: ECM UPGRADE-DTC P0130 AND P0150 ON 2.7L ENGINE EQUIPPED. PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATED TO A ECM SOFTWARE UPGRADE OF SOME MODEL YEAR 2005-2006 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.7L ENGINES WHICH MAY EXPERIENCE A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH ECM (ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE) SYSTEM RELATED DTCS. *PE |
| 10031946 | KIA: VEHICLES WITH 4WD SYSTEM MAY EXHIBIT A DRONING NOISE ORIGINATING FROM THE 4WD COUPLING WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 12-37MPH. THE CAUSE OF THIS CONDITION MAY BE THE INTERNAL PART OF THE 4WD COUPLING ASSEMBLY IS BINDING DUE TO A POSSIBLE DAMAGED ROLLER BEARING. *PE |
| 10026726 | KIA: ALL MODELS. ARTICLE PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO THE IMPROVED DURABILITY OF BULB LIFE FOR REAR COMBINATION BULB; REAR STOP LAMP/TAIL LAMP BULB UTILIZED ON MULTIPLE KIA MODELS. *PE |
| 10024714 | SPORTAGE (KM) PASSIVE OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM INFORMATION - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES SYSTEM INFORMATION RELATED TO SPORTAGE (KM) MODELS REGARDING PASSIVE OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM (PODS) PRODUCED FROM 10/28/2004. *NJ |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)