The Kia Sportage is a sports utility vehicle made by Kia since 1993. It is also one of the bestselling Kia models on the market and it is offered in plug-in hybrid, mild hybrid, and gasoline versions. However, like most cars, the Kia Sportage GPL model also faces several issues. But what are the common Kia Sportage GPL problems?
Common problems with the Kia Sportage GPL model are exhaust wear, engine stalling, braking issues, engine problems, and fuel tank leakage. Additionally, several users have also complained about cooling system issues, check engine light problems, and loss of engine power.
What are the common Kia Sportage GPL problems?
Engine stalling or idling
While the Kia Sportage GPL faces different issues, the most common problem that users have repeatedly reported about is the engine stalling or idling when the vehicle is running. This issue is usually caused by a failing fuel pump or bad electronic gas injection control relay.
If you want to fix this problem, you should replace both parts at the same time. This should be done regardless of whether one part is faulty and the other is not. This will ensure that the same issue doesn’t recur.
Engine problems
Most of the minor issues that Kia Sportage users have reported about are linked to the engine. So, if your engine is having issues, you should have the mechanic diagnose your car and pinpoint the real problem. Common engine issues with the Kia Sportage GPL models include excess oil usage, cylinder misfire, fuel pump failure, and turbocharger problems. Replace or fix the affected parts only.
Fuel tank leakage
If you live in harsh areas, this is a problem that you should expect sooner than later with your Kia Sportage. After some time of using your SUV, the steel fuel tank will start to corrode and leak. To fix this problem, you will be required to replace the corroded fuel tank. Note that it is also quite costly to fix.
Check engine light problems
One of the main indicators that your Kia Sportage has issues is the check engine light. So, if you notice that your check engine light is on or on and off, this is a sign that your car has an underlying issue. In the case of the Kia Sportage, this is a sign that you’ve got a leak at the intake ports. To fix this problem, ensure that the bad intake ports are replaced with good ones.
Exhaust wear
The Kia Sportage may be a reliable car, but many parts are known to wear out more quickly than expected. One of those parts is the exhaust system. When the exhaust experiences premature wear, you will start to hear a loud rumbling noise coming from the rear of the car. This issue can be fixed by replacing the bad exhaust part and not the entire exhaust system.
Loss of engine power
Another common problem that Kia Sportage users have reported about is the loss of engine power. In most cases, most users say that the car losses power and becomes undrivable. The main culprit behind this premature wear and tear on fuel filters.
If you want to fix this problem, you will have to replace the faulty fuel filters. Aside from the car being undrivable, bad fuel filters will cause the car to stall, misfire, or even have difficulty starting.
Braking problems
Many Kia Sportage GPL users have also reported having braking issues. Nonetheless, the most common braking problems are premature wear of the brake pads, squealing noise when braking, and failing brake caliper. To fix any braking issue, you should have the car diagnosed and the real problem pinpointed. If the brake caliper is bad or you have worn-out brake pads, you should have them replaced.
Cooling system issues
One of the major roles of the car’s cooling system is to get rid of excess heat from the engine. So, if the cooling system fails, the engine will heat up and lead to various issues or even engine failure. What’s more, the cooling system is made up of several parts and one of them can fail at any time.
Some of the car cooling system parts include the water pump, the radiator, and the thermostat. If any of these parts fail or become faulty, they should be replaced.
FAQ
Is Kia Sportage a reliable car?
When it comes to reliability, Kia Sportage is one of the most reliable cars in its class. Not only does this car records a few problems, but it is also cheap to maintain. On top of that, its spare parts are cheaper compared to most of its rivals.
Is it expensive to maintain the Kia Sportage?
No, maintaining the Kia Sportage is pretty cheap. This is because it costs less than the average cost of maintaining cars, which is around $652. On average, you may have to spend round $462 to maintain this car. This is way cheaper than most of its rivals in the market.
Which is the most reliable Kia model?
The Kia K900 may be the least reliable Kia model on the market, but it still ranks better than most of its rivals. What’s more, while there are several reliable Kia models on the market, the Kia Soul is the most reliable model. This car has been rated highly by reliability agencies like RepairPal and J.D. Power.
Is Kia Sportage fuel efficient?
Yes, the Kia Sportage is a very efficient car. However, some models are more efficient than others. For instance, while the Kia Sportage GPL model has an EPA rating of 25 mpg in the city, 32 mpg on the highway, and a combined 28 mpg, the Kia Sportage Hybrid version has an EPA rating of 35 mpg combined and 84 mpge combined.
Conclusion
The Kia Sportage gas-powered version may be efficient, reliable, practical, and affordable, but it also comes with multiple problems. So, if you intend to acquire this car, it is crucial to know some of the issues that you will face along the way. But with proper care and maintenance, the Kia Sportage can last for over 10 years.
