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Kia Sportage

 

Things To Do

Consult the Lemon-Meter™

Check if your Kia Sportage is considered a "lemon" by your state. The Lemon-Meter gives you a lemon report card. See if you may have a legal rights with a few clicks of your mouse.

Go to the Lemon-Meter »

Full Service

Think you have a lemon? Sit back and let the experts work aid your lemon at no cost to you. The law makes Kia pay legal fees. Our lawyers work for free to have your Sportage replaced.

Go to free case evaluation »

Self Service

Are you the fix-it-yourself type? If you have a lemon, the law is on your side. The first step is to give your dealer a "demand letter."

Read the statutes for your state »
View a sample demand letter »

Is your Kia Sportage a lemon?

The 2006 Kia Sportage hasn't changed significantly from previous models. The passenger car platform of the Kia Sportage resembles that of the Hyundai Tucson, which is also manufactured by Kia's corporate parent.

The Kia Sportage offers either a 4-cylinder or 6-cylinder engine. Consumers can also choose either front or four-wheel drive. The four-wheel drive lacks low-range gearing but has a dashboard switch that locks in a 50/50 front/rear torque split. The Kia Sportage comes with antilock four-wheel disc brakes and traction/antiskid control. The EX Luxury Package offers leather upholstery and heated front seats.

So, does this mean that the Kia Sportage is the perfect SUV? Unfortunately, this SUV has a number of problems that have raised the ire of owners, as evidenced by both government bulletins and postings in online forums.

Common Problems

The following are common problems faced by Kia Sportage owners, as filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

  • Parking Brake
  • Fuel System and Gasoline Storage
  • Suspension- Automatic Stability Control
  • Electrical Systems
  • Interior Systems

Recalls have been issued for all of these problems, the details of which are available in government bulletins.

On certain SUVs, the parking brake lever ratchet pawl was not properly manufactured and thus damaged the teeth of the parking brake lever ratchet. Damaged parking brake lever ratchet teeth can prevent the parking brake from engaging or allow the parking brake to release after it has been engaged.

In addition, when the gas tank is full, fuel leakage from the O-ring into the internal vapor chamber located in the fuel tank can occur. As a result, the engine may stall when coming to a stop. It can also be difficult to fill the gas tank, and fuel may leak from the evaporative air filter inlet. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.

In online forums, users report a variety of problems with the Kia Sportage:

"The ESP OFF light has appeared three (3) times since I purchased my 2005 Sportage in April and the dealer has no idea. Have already run a diagnostic on the computer but nothing appeared to be wrong. "

"Whilst journeying home today my 2005 Kia Sportage suddenly veered violently to the left as a result of the brakes locking on the left hand side of the vehicle without any application of the brakes by me, the driver. Power became erratic, and I was fortunate not to have a serious accident. "

Legal Rights

See the listing at the above right for things you can do.