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2005 Kia Sportage problems

The most common problem on the 2005 Kia Sportage is fuel and propulsion system, typically around 60,000 miles. It has fewer complaints than a typical Sportage model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
84/100
Owner complaints
68
Recalls
3
Service bulletins
40
Worst area
Fuel system
Fuel economy
19-22mpg

The worst 2005 Kia Sportage problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Fuel system
    14
  • Airbags
    12
  • Body
    8
  • Electrical
    8
  • Suspension
    7
  • Brakes
    6
  • Engine
    5
  • Steering
    5
  • Driver assistance
    4
  • Acceleration
    3
  • Seat belts
    3
  • Visibility
    3
  • Lights
    1
  • Tires
    1
  • Transmission
    1
  • Wheels
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 2005 Kia Sportage

Airbag light 9Stalling 8

Recalls 3

Parking brakeReported July 8, 2005 · 3,672 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.

Recall number 05V318000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: storageReported May 3, 2005 · 10,360 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.

Recall number 05V212000 · Recall details

Electronic stability control: automatic (ASC)Reported March 29, 2005 · 7,619 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.

Recall number 05V120000 · Recall details

See all 3 recalls for the 2005 Kia Sportage

Technical service bulletins for the 2005 Kia Sportage 40

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 40 bulletins for the 2005 Kia Sportage

2005 Kia Sportage fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.0L 4‑cylFWD19-202522
2.0L 4‑cyl4WD192421
2.7L 6‑cylFWD172320
2.7L 6‑cyl4WD172119

What 2005 Kia Sportage owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Nov 20, 2023 · Brakes, Wheels · AZ

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 control and the fact that when i use my parking break that the car won't hold completely so please please launch an investigation so I can get my car fixed, thank you.

Filed May 9, 2022 · Suspension · WV

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 highway speed it would have been a disaster.

Filed Mar 3, 2022 · Acceleration · IA

Throttle body spring broke caused car to keep accelerating. Car would not stop.

Filed Mar 27, 2021 · Fuel system · 165,000 miles · OH

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

Filed Sep 3, 2019 · Fuel system · 185,991 miles · GA

Tl* 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 the federal safety agency 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.

Filed Jan 18, 2019 · Brakes · 106,433 miles · NY

All brake lights will not turn off, after shutting off car.

Filed Nov 21, 2018 · Electrical · 120,000 miles · OH

Wiring harness plugs joining at resistor & blower motor are melted.

Filed Nov 3, 2018 · Suspension · 123,000 miles · NY

Rotted rear cross member.

Filed Oct 16, 2018 · PA

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.

Filed Aug 17, 2018 · Engine · 111,195 miles · UT

While driving 80mph on freeway, car stopped with no warning, wouldn't restart for over 30 minutes

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2005 Kia Sportage before you buy

Compare the 2005 Kia Sportage

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Other model years

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Questions about the 2005 Kia Sportage

Is the 2005 Kia Sportage reliable?

Owners have filed 68 complaints about the 2005 Kia Sportage, fewer than a typical Sportage model year.

What is the 2005 Kia Sportage year score?

The 2005 Kia Sportage scores 84 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Kia Sportage: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

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

Fuel and propulsion system, with 14 complaints, typically around 60,000 miles. Next is airbags (12).

How many recalls does the 2005 Kia Sportage have?

3 recalls, covering parking brake, fuel system, gasoline and electronic stability control.

Was there a recall on the 2005 Kia Sportage fuel system?

Yes, 1 recall: 05V212000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Kia Sportage have the most fuel system problems?

The Kia Sportage model years with the most fuel system complaints are 2000 (90 complaints), 2002 (67 complaints) and 2001 (62 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2005 Kia Sportage get?

Official estimates for the 2005 Kia Sportage range from 19 to 22 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 19-20 city and 25 highway.

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