3 Most Common Kia Sportage Problems Reported by Hundreds of Real Owners
The Kia Sportage offers excellent cargo space, a high-tech interior, and balanced ride and handling. This Kia SUV is one of the first nameplates for the brand. You might find some of the most common Kia Sportage problems to be troublesome, while others may overlook them.
Most common Kia Sportage problems
Data collected by RepairPal shows the top three problems faced by Sportage owners are:
- Failure of the AC compressor clutch – reported by 116 owners
- Faulty throttle position switch – reported by 108 owners
- Software update available to correct transmission issues – reported by 73 owners
Can the AC compressor clutch be repaired?
Kia Sportage owners facing a defective AC compressor clutch assembly will hear excessive noise or feel vibrations when the air conditioning is on. This problem typically occurs after 87,976 miles of driving, and it can cost between $986 and $1,114 to repair the issue. Thankfully, most replacements include improved parts that should prevent a reoccurring problem.
What are the signs of a faulty throttle position switch in this Kia SUV?
A faulty throttle position switch is one of the most common Kia Sportage problems. Typically, the Check Engine Light will illuminate, and drivers experience a lack of power during acceleration. Kia released and improved part to correct this issue. Normally, this problem appears after 105,801 miles of driving and requires diagnostic testing to confirm.
What causes a transmission software problem in the Sportage?
Most newer vehicles accept updated software more easily than older models. Some of the older Kia Sportage model years require a few adjustments when the transmission control module has been reprogrammed. This typically occurs after 100,696 miles and shouldn’t cost anything to have corrected.
Is the Kia Sportage a reliable SUV?
The Kia Sportage receives a reliability score of 4.0 out of 5.0 from RepairPal. This places the Sportage 6th out of 26 models for the compact SUV class. This ranking is based on three factors which are:
- Cost – The Kia Sportage’s average annual repair and maintenance costs are $462 compared to $521 for compact SUVs.
- Frequency – Sportage owners bring their vehicles to the repair shop for unscheduled repairs 0.19 times per year compared to 0.3 for the class.
- Severity – The probability of severe repairs for the Kia Sportage is 11% compared to 11% for compact SUVs.
These figures place the Kia Sportage’s reliability score in the above-average category, making it one of the most reliable compact SUVs available.
Is the 2023 Kia Sportage a good SUV?
The 2023 Kia Sportage ranks 8th out of 20 compact SUVs, according to U.S. News & World Report. Interestingly, the 2023 Nissan Rogue ranks higher than the Kia SUV, which is a switch from where RepairPal has these two SUVs ranked.
The Kia Sportage includes what most consumers search for in a compact SUV. You’ll find a spacious cabin, class-leading cargo space, and plenty of rear-seat legroom. The top-notch tech offers easy connectivity and safety equipment to make your drive much safer.
The 2023 Kia Sportage’s standard engine feels underpowered, but the Kia Sportage Hybrid might be a good option if you’re looking for good fuel mileage in a compact SUV.
