CarRecallDB

2005 Kia Sportage recalls and problems

3 recalls and 68 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2005 Kia Sportage.

3
recalls
68
owner complaints
6
complaints mentioning a crash
2
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2005 Kia Sportage recalls

Parking brake

NHTSA campaign 05V318000 · reported July 8, 2005 · KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. · 3,672 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Fuel system, gasoline: storage

NHTSA campaign 05V212000 · reported May 3, 2005 · KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. · 10,360 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Electronic stability control: automatic (asc)

NHTSA campaign 05V120000 · reported March 29, 2005 · KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. · 7,619 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
Brake application caused by inadvertent esp activation may result in loss of control and a crash.
The 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Nov 20, 2023 · Service brakes

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…

May 9, 2022 · Unknown or other

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…

Mar 3, 2022 · Vehicle speed control

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

Mar 27, 2021 · Fuel/propulsion system · 165,000 miles

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…

Sep 3, 2019 · Fuel/propulsion system · 185,991 miles

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 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V212000(FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE), BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE DEALER…

Sportage model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2002 1234156
2003 0400
2005 36862
2006 111185
2007 277105
2008 398224

Across all years, the 2017 Sportage has the most complaints (403). All Kia Sportage years →

Questions

Does the 2005 Kia Sportage have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2005 Kia Sportage, the most recent reported on July 8, 2005 (Parking brake). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Kia Sportage?
Owners have filed 68 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is air bags (12 complaints), followed by electrical system (8).
How many 2005 Kia Sportage complaints mention a crash or fire?
6 of 68 complaints report a crash and 2 a fire; 5 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received November 20, 2023.