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
- 68
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Air bags
Campaigns on file for 2005
None on file
22% of complaints
Complaints per year
2005: 68 complaints
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 | 381 |
| 2014 | 125 |
| 2015 | 146 |
| 2016 | 134 |
| 2017 | 402 |
| 2018 | 164 |
| 2019 | 71 |
| 2020 | 166 |
| 2021 | 53 |
| 2022 | 46 |
| 2023 | 195 |
| 2024 | 74 |
| 2025 | 54 |
| 2026 | 28 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Air bags
22% · 15 reportsMost commonly citing side/window and frontal.
Show 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, 2006-07-11
Also filed under Structure
This complaint is about the 2005 Kia .
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-04
Also filed under Exterior lighting and fuel/propulsion system
Electrical system
12% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing horn.
Show 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, 2006-09-20
Structure
12% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing body and underbody shields.
Suspension
10% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing spindle and front.
Fuel system, gasoline
10% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing tank assembly and storage.
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2005-04-13Electronic stability control05V120000 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…
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.
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2005-05-31Fuel system, gasoline05V212000 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.
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2005-08-01Parking brake05V318000 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…
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.
Buy-smart checklist
2005 Kia Sportage — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 15 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 8 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 8 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 05V120000 · Electronic stability control
- Recall 05V212000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 05V318000 · Parking brake
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 22% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2005 Kia Sportage have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.