2005 Kia Sportage Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
0/100
#21 most-complained of 21 Sportage years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2005 Kia Sportage has 68 NHTSA complaints, a complaint index of 0, and ranks 21st worst (best) among 21 model years. Its verdict is capped at Good rather than Best because complaint records for 2005-2009 are less complete. Three recalls cover brakes and fuel system issues.
- Complaints
- 68
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes / fires
- 6 / 2
- Injuries / deaths
- 5 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 21
- 19 city / 24 hwy
Top 2005 Kia Sportage problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Fuel System14 (21%)
- Airbags12 (18%)
- Electrical System9 (13%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires9 (13%)
- Brakes8 (12%)
- Engine8 (12%)
- Structure & Body8 (12%)
- Other7 (10%)
- Steering5 (7%)
- Seat Belts3 (4%)
What owners report
- Side and curtain airbags failed to deploy during T-bone or side-impact crashes, sometimes leading to head or neck injuries.
- A hidden hitch power converter or a passenger-side wire caught fire, producing smoke and a burning odor inside the vehicle.
- Fuel leaked from the fuel tank filler pipe when filling up, raising fire concerns and prompting a dealer recall repair.
- The electronic stability program engaged unexpectedly, causing periodic braking and the vehicle to pull toward the braking wheel during normal driving.
- Brakes failed to stop the vehicle at highway speed, causing the driver to steer into a curb to avoid a collision.
2005 Kia Sportage recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 05V318000Jul 8, 2005Brakes3,672 vehicles
Parking brake
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.
Risk: The inability to engage, or the inadvertent release of, the parking brake lever may allow your vehicle to roll while it is parked and may result in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the parking brake lever assembly. The recall began on august 1, 2005. Owners may contact kia at 1-800-333-4542.
- NHTSA 05V212000May 3, 2005Fuel System10,360 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:storage
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.
Risk: The engine may stall when coming to a stop. It will be hard to fill the gas tank and external fuel may leak from the evaporative air filter inlet. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel tank and replace the charcoal canister free of charge. The recall began on may 31, 2005. Owners may contact kia at 1-800-333-4542.
- NHTSA 05V120000Mar 29, 2005Brakes7,619 vehicles
Electronic stability control:automatic (asc)
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.
Risk: Brake application caused by inadvertent esp activation may result in loss of control and a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the esp hydraulic electronic control unit free of charge. The recall began on april 13, 2005. Owners may contact kia at 1-800-333-4542.
2005 Kia Sportage fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 19 MPG
- Highway
- 24 MPG
- Combined
- 21 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,100
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2005 compared with other Sportage years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2005 Kia Sportage reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2005 Sportage has a complaint index of 0 and ranks 21st worst out of 21 model years, meaning it has the fewest reported problems relative to other years. Its verdict is Good, though capped from a higher rating because 2005-2009 records are less complete.
- What are the most common problems with the 2005 Kia Sportage?
- The top problem area is the fuel system, with 14 complaints (21% share) and a median failure mileage of 60,000 miles. Airbags (12 complaints), electrical system (9 complaints), and suspension (9 complaints) are also frequently reported.
- Does the 2005 Kia Sportage have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists three recalls: one for a parking brake lever ratchet defect, one for a fuel tank o-ring leak, and one for an oversensitive electronic stability program yaw rate sensor. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2005 Sportage compare to other Sportage years?
- The 2005 model year has a complaint index of 0, far below later years like 2012 (90), 2017 (95), and 2023 (100), all rated Avoid. Among all 21 model years, 2005 ranks as the lowest-complaint year.