Complaints tend to centre mainly around poor engine performance, bare-bones equipment levels on low-end models, and excessive wind-noise at speed.
Chances are the used Sportage you’re considering isn’t actually a great big lemon—but it never hurts to check. Owners taking to the internet report few if any major, systematic or worrisome problems—though Sportage does have a few potential issues that shoppers should check for.
Ensure the cruise control works properly. Ditto the air conditioning. If the engine seems to ‘sputter’ or deliver power in a ‘lumpy’ fashion, the culprit could be a clogged fuel filter or a bad engine control sensor. The latter may or may not trip a check engine light—though a mechanic can scan the engine computer for clues.
Models with the automatic transmission that shift harshly or abruptly could be suffering from a computer-related problem as well. This is likely fixable by simply reprogramming the computer which controls the gearbox. Triple check that’s the case to avoid the unlikely chance you’re buying a unit with a bad transmission.
Ultimately, the Sportage’s driveline components look solid and durable—though the electronics that control them may cause minor headaches. In addition to its relative reliability and mainly positive owner-stated characteristics, a newer used Sportage will likely offer some degree of remaining factory warranty, and should be attainable for notably less coin than its Japanese rivals, too.
Chances are the used Sportage you’re considering isn’t actually a great big lemon—but it never hurts to check. Owners taking to the internet report few if any major, systematic or worrisome problems—though Sportage does have a few potential issues that shoppers should check for.
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| 2005 Kia Sportage (Photo: Auto123.com) |
Ensure the cruise control works properly. Ditto the air conditioning. If the engine seems to ‘sputter’ or deliver power in a ‘lumpy’ fashion, the culprit could be a clogged fuel filter or a bad engine control sensor. The latter may or may not trip a check engine light—though a mechanic can scan the engine computer for clues.
Models with the automatic transmission that shift harshly or abruptly could be suffering from a computer-related problem as well. This is likely fixable by simply reprogramming the computer which controls the gearbox. Triple check that’s the case to avoid the unlikely chance you’re buying a unit with a bad transmission.
Ultimately, the Sportage’s driveline components look solid and durable—though the electronics that control them may cause minor headaches. In addition to its relative reliability and mainly positive owner-stated characteristics, a newer used Sportage will likely offer some degree of remaining factory warranty, and should be attainable for notably less coin than its Japanese rivals, too.
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