2005 Kia Sportage recalls and problems

The 2005 Kia Sportage has 3 safety recalls and 68 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
68
Crashes / fires
6 / 2
Injuries / deaths
5 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2005 Kia Sportage vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2005 Kia Sportage recalls

Recall 05V-318: Parking Brake

Reported Jul 8, 2005 · 3,672 vehicles affected · KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

Problem: 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.

Fix: Dealers will replace the parking brake lever assembly. The recall began on august 1, 2005. Owners may contact kia at 1-800-333-4542.

Recall 05V-212: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported May 3, 2005 · 10,360 vehicles affected · KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 05V-120: Electronic Stability Control

Reported Mar 29, 2005 · 7,619 vehicles affected · KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Air Bags15
Structure8
Electrical System8
Fuel System, Gasoline7
Suspension7
Unknown or Other7
Fuel/Propulsion System6
Steering5
Visibility4
Engine and Engine Cooling4
Service Brakes, Hydraulic3
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)3

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 6
  • Air Bags › Side/Window — 3
  • Steering › Electric Power Assist System — 1
  • Fuel System, Other › Storage › Tank Assembly › Filling/Charging — 1
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump — 1
  • Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices › Exterior — 1
  • Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices › Interior — 1
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 78,600 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2005 Kia Sportage complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Service Brakes · reported Nov 20, 2023
My ESP button stays on and including the air bag light and I've tried everything trying to turn it off as well as my engine light and my hard parking brake which keeps turning on and won't turn off while driving and it feels harder to press the gas and I lost complete control on the freeway some how but I believe its due to my ESP button, idk much about cars so this is the best way I can describe it, not many cars around on the freeway but I would've died if there was.. the fuel system is always having issues as well amd ive changed it many times but I'm more worried about the fact that I lost…
Unknown or Other · reported May 9, 2022
My 2005 Kia Sportage dropped on the rear drivers side. The rear drivers side rear constant velocity axle fell out when the rear sub-frame separated from the suspension and split apart. This caused the tire and wheel to angle to 45 degrees out from bottom to top. The rust and corrosion caused a complete failure of the sub-frame's ability to hold the rear wheels on. This was at low speed. This is a well maintained vehicle with no other problems, the engine had been replaced 5-6 years ago. The Kia Sportage of this year range is a commonly used car still utilized today. If this had happened at…
Fuel/Propulsion System · at 165,000 miles · reported Mar 27, 2021
My kia sportage.... Stalled in mid traffic like it losses power right after I. Put gasoline in the car, almost making me loose control and get in a wreck. It is not getting fuel .after I continued to try and refuel it. I noticed a recall online about my vehicle nut dealer is only sayinh the recall is on a fuel strap ti hold the fuel tank up I need this safely repaired
Fuel/Propulsion System · at 185,991 miles · reported Sep 3, 2019
The contact owns a 2005 kia sportage. After the fuel tank was filled, the contact had difficulty restarting the vehicle. On one occasion, the vehicle shut off without warning. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 05v212000(Fuel system, gasoline), but the VIN was not included. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 185,991.
Unknown or Other · reported Oct 16, 2018
Took car to have something unrelated to this checked. Was told that the frame is rusted and rotted really bad and is unsfe to drive. The vehicle was stationary and remains stationary for fear of it completely breaking off and causing a catastrophe to myself, my little girls or other drivers on the road.

Other Kia Sportage years

Compare all Kia Sportage years · All Kia models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2005 Kia Sportage have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2005 Kia Sportage: 05V-318 (parking brake), 05V-212 (fuel system, gasoline), 05V-120 (electronic stability control). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2005 Kia Sportage?

Owners report air bags problems most often (15 reports), followed by structure (8). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 78,600 miles.

Are Kia recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Kia dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.