Recalls: Kia QL 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 QL Sportage
2015-20 Kia QL Sportage: potential engine compartment fire
In May 2021, recall campaign 211038 was issued for Kia QL Sportage vehicles that were available for sale in Australia from 14 April 2015 to 20 October 2020. In these vehicles, the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) – which was responsible for the Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control System and Traction Control System – could remain live even when the vehicle was switched off. Furthermore, an electrical short circuit could occur if moisture entered the HECU. If an electrical short circuit occurred, it could cause a fire in the engine compartment when the vehicle was switched off – this posed a risk to vehicle occupants, bystanders and property. Until repaired, Kia recommended that the vehicle should not be parked near any flammable structures or in an enclosed area, i.e. not in a garage. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2021/18925.
2015-21 Kia QL Sportage: Heater Core Element could cause fire
In June 2022, recall campaign 221026 was issued for 2015-21 Kia QL Sportage vehicles. Due to a software issue, the Heater Core Element may operate at a higher than intended temperature – this could cause damage to the connector and, potentially, a vehicle fire. A vehicle fire posed a risk of injury to vehicle occupants and other road users. To fix, the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) control unit software was to be updated, the Heater Core Element and its connector inspected and, if damaged, replaced. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see REC-005443.
Problems and faults: Kia QL 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 identified below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may 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.
2015-17 Kia QL Sportage: poor air conditioning performance
In October 2017, Kia issued a Technical Service Bulletin CLI 041 for Kia QL Sportage vehicles that were produced from 1 December 2015 to 18 July 2017. According to the bulletin, these vehicles may exhibit intermittent poor air conditioning performance. To prevent this concern, a service action (SA309) was initiated for all affected vehicles for the following rectification measures –
- SA309A for QL Sportage vehicles manufactured from 10 December 2015 to 30 November 2016: replacement of the External Control Valve (ECV) and Evaporator Temperature Sensor; and,
- SA309B for QL Sportage vehicles manufactured from 1 December 2016 to 18 July 2017: replacement of the Evaporator Temperature Sensor only.
