Recalls: Kia KM Sportage
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Kia KM Sportage
2005 Kia KM Sportage: handbrake operation
In August 2005, a recall was issued for Kia KM Sportage models manufactured from 29 March 2005 to 18 May 2005 for a potential issue which, if not rectified, could cause the handbrake to be applied or unapplied incorrectly (PRA 2005/7945).
2008-09 Kia KM Sportage: HECU corrosion and short circuit
In January 2017, a recall was issued for 2008-09 Kia KM Sportage vehicles because wiring harness connector pins in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) assembly could corrode due to improper sealing of the HECU’s wiring harness connector. Furthermore, an electrical short circuit could occur if moisture that was contaminated with road salt reached the HECU’s circuit board; the ESC warning light may also illuminate. For the VINs of the recalled Kia KM Sportage vehicles, please see PRA 2016/15818.
2007-09 Kia KM Sportage: Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may short circuit
In January 2023, recall campaign 221155 was issued for 2007-09 Kia KM Sportage vehicles. Due to a manufacturing defect, the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may short circuit if the components were exposed to moisure. This could result in an engine compartment fire, even when the vehicle was switched off, increasing the risk of injury to vehicle occupants and bystanders, and the risk of damage to property. Furthermore, the HECU was responsible for the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) System and Traction Control System – these systems could also be disabled by a short circuit. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see REC-005603.
Problems and faults: Kia KM Sportage
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
Kia KM Sportage: engine hesitation due to throttle position sensor
In November 2007, Kia Motors issued service bulletin 038 for Kia KM Sportage vehicles with 2.7-litre V6 engines that were produced from 28 October 2004 to 18 May 2007. In these vehicles, the engine may hesitate and the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) may illuminate with the diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0123 (throttle position sensor / switch ‘A’ circuit high input) logged in the engine control module. The service bulletin attributed the engine hesitation to improper throttle position sensor values. To fix, the original throttle position sensor (TPS, part number 35170 37100) was to be replaced with an improved sensor (part no. 35170-37100FFF).
Kia KM Sportage: plastic pipe on fuel pipe could crack
In 2008, Kia UK issued a ‘non-code action’ for Kia Sportage vehicles because a plastic pipe on the fuel pipe could crack (NCA/2008/033); no further information was provided.
Kia KM Sportage: insufficient anti-corrosion treatment of rear floor members
In March 2011, Kia Motors issued Technical Service Bulletin KCE10-91-P320-KM for UK-delivered Kia KM Sportage vehicles that were manufactured from 27 May 2004 to 14 September 2009. According to the service bulletin, these vehicles may not have had sufficient anti-corrosion wax applied to the rear floor side and cross members during production. To fix, cavity wax was to be sprayed:
- onto the inside of the left and right rear floor side members; and,
- onto the inside of the rear floor cross member.
Sealer was then to be applied to the welded joints on both the outer sides of the rear floor side member, with stone guard applied to the new seal and immediate surrounding area.
Problems and faults: Kia KM Sportage
- For Kia KM Sportage models with the 2.7-litre V6 petrol engine, the ‘check engine’ light may illuminate and issue a trouble code relating to a problem with reverse gear – this may be fixed by reprogramming the transmission control module.
- In cold weather, the engine may not start due to an ice blockage in the exhaust pipe.
