2005 Kia Sportage
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 56 |
| 1996 | 57 |
| 1997 | 181 |
| 1998 | 303 |
| 1999 | 284 |
| 2000 | 304 |
| 2001 | 228 |
| 2002 | 234 |
| 2003 | 4 |
| 2005 | 68 |
| 2006 | 111 |
| 2007 | 77 |
| 2008 | 98 |
| 2009 | 80 |
| 2010 | 20 |
| 2011 | 181 |
| 2012 | 392 |
| 2013 | 380 |
| 2014 | 122 |
| 2015 | 146 |
| 2016 | 130 |
| 2017 | 394 |
| 2018 | 158 |
| 2019 | 68 |
| 2020 | 153 |
| 2021 | 46 |
| 2022 | 42 |
| 2023 | 182 |
| 2024 | 64 |
| 2025 | 49 |
| 2026 | 19 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
16% of complaints: air bags — 11 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I WAS INVOLVED IN 2 LOW IMPACT CRASHES WITH THIS KIA SPORTAGE 2005 MODEL. ONE WAS A REAR END COLLISION AT 20 MPH AND THE OTHER I WAS HIT FROM THE SIDE IN A PARKING LOT. BOTH TIMES THE OTHER DRIVER DROVE AWAY WITHOUT DAMAGE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20060711
THIS COMPLAINT IS ABOUT THE 2005 KIA .
NHTSA ODI report, 20171104
10% of complaints: electrical system — 7 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 30 MPH, A PASSERBY ALERTED THE CONTACT THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER, THE DRIVER SIDE TAILLIGHT WAS REMOVED, AND THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20060920
9% of complaints: structure — 6 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I WAS INVOLVED IN 2 LOW IMPACT CRASHES WITH THIS KIA SPORTAGE 2005 MODEL. ONE WAS A REAR END COLLISION AT 20 MPH AND THE OTHER I WAS HIT FROM THE SIDE IN A PARKING LOT. BOTH TIMES THE OTHER DRIVER DROVE AWAY WITHOUT DAMAGE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20060711
9% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 6 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
THIS COMPLAINT IS ABOUT THE 2005 KIA .
NHTSA ODI report, 20171104
7% of complaints: suspension — 5 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 C
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.
Campaign 05V120000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 05V212000 — check if this car was fixed
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 T
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.
Campaign 05V318000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2005 Kia Sportage — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 05V120000 (electronic stability control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 05V212000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 05V318000 (parking brake) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2005 Kia Sportage reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2005 Kia Sportage is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Kia Sportage?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 16% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2005 Kia Sportage have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.