Ahh Kia, how hard it is to love you (we do regardless, so don’t worry). For those who don’t know, the brand has been all over the news about recalling Telluride SUVs due to fire risks in July 2024.pY
But thank the car gods for the Kia Sportage. If there’s anything we can rely on with Kia, it’s that this crossover SUV remains a reliable crowd favorite!
We can certainly attest to that, with Sportage being the best-selling Kia vehicle in the US since 2009. Its selling power is on fire, that’s for sure!
But like every tin can with an engine, the Kia Sportage has problems here and there. We discuss eight of them below.
1. Coolant Troubles
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Cooling systems in every car are vital to keeping the engine at the exact right temperature.
The thermostat, radiator, and water pump work together to achieve a functional cooling system, but they can all fail.
For the Sportage, it’s usually the leaking radiator. If you notice coolant spilling from your car, better call a mechanic.
Otherwise, the engine is going to overheat. Leaks from the cooling system will take the form of strange hissing noises, so inspecting the radiator and getting it repaired or replaced is a must.
2. Electrical Issues
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Electrical problems, from minor issues to damaged components, can be common for the Kia Sportage, leading to a lot of confusion and paranoia.
Warning lights (the check engine light, in particular) can pop up randomly even if there are no issues present. However, you’d be lucky if that is the only case.
The Kia Sportage is also prone to battery and alternator malfunctions. Sudden engine stalls, flickering lights, and dimming dashboard displays can all become massive headaches for you.
Moreover, your crossover SUV might end up short-circuiting in the middle of the road.
Stay ahead of those electrical problems by troubleshooting early. Car technicians can inspect the issues. For your part, you can monitor battery health and alternator performance when you start noticing malfunctions.
3. Braking Problems
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Brakes are such a crucial component of any vehicle, and it’s frustrating to see that Kia Sportage models have frequent issues with them.
| Common Kia Sportage Braking Issues: Loss of power braking assist Faulty brake caliper Squealing brake noises Premature brake pad wear |
Kia recalled nearly 100,000 Sportage SUVs from the 2023 model because of brake booster diaphragm issues, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The component can cause an internal vacuum leak, leading to a loss of power braking assist. This compromises the safety of car owners.
Another frequent issue is premature brake pad wear due to either overloading or everyday traffic. This decreases braking efficiency.
Some Kia Sportage SUVs suffer from faulty brake calipers. They hold the brake pads in place and could severely affect braking performance when they malfunction. Nobody wants to get involved in a fiery car crash because the brakes wouldn’t budge.
4. Suspension Issues
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The Kia Sportage is a crossover SUV perfect for long road trips. Unfortunately, it also means crossing rough terrains.
Along with the city bumps and potholes, the car’s shocks and struts can wear down quickly. This will make the Sportage difficult to maneuver.
If you come across suspension issues, it’s best to hire a qualified mechanic. A car’s suspension is often complex, making DIY fixes or repairs dangerous to pursue.
5. Poor Interior Quality
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Kia Sportage’s best feature is its exterior appearance, but unfortunately, owners have reported that the vehicle’s interior quality does not match its exterior.
Poor craftsmanship is the main culprit for this defect. Due to the use of lower-quality materials, design issues like loose window trim or mechanical problems like faulty door handles are common for the crossover SUV.
In response to growing concerns, Kia recalled affected models and replaced faulty interior parts.
6. Transmission Issues
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The main cause of concern for many Kia Sportage drivers is transmission failure, especially those with the six-speed automatic transmission. A major problem with that component requires complete replacement, equating to expensive repairs.
The root cause of transmission failure for the Kia Sportage is often linked to a faulty torque converter. It plays a vital role in the engine’s rotational force, converting it to hydraulic pressure that drives the transmission’s gears.
When the torque converter malfunctions, it leads to transmission failure. If there are suspected transmission problems, take your crossover SUV to a qualified technician.
7. Engine Issues
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Engine problems are as common to the Kia Sportage as any other vehicle.
Still, they’re something to watch out for, even if they’re relatively minor.
It is a case-to-case basis, with a few owners reporting engine failure traced back to a faulty engine sensor. The malfunction leads to the engine stalling or shutting down entirely.
| Common Kia Sportage Engine Problems: Knocking sounds from engine Misfiring cylinder Fuel pump failure Excessive oil consumption Turbocharger issues |
Staying proactive with maintenance and catching the early warning signs will help prevent more engine issues with your Kia Sportage.
Checking oil levels, timely oil changes, and watching out for weird noises should be part of your to-do list. Anything more complicated than those, you leave to professionals.
8. Recall Frequency
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Recalls are generally for safety precautions, and every vehicle model will experience those at some point depending on variations. The Kia Sportage is no exception.
Between 2006 and 2023, various Kia Sportage models have been flagged for risk of fire. Because various components fail or rub against each other, electrical issues become problematic, leading to potential self-ignition.
High-pressure fuel leak is another alarming concern for the 2011 to 2018 Kia Sportage models. The issue leads to loss of engine power and sudden stalling.
Some vehicles don’t even start at all. Fuel leaks, of course, heighten the risk of fire.
