Diagnose and Fix Common 4th Gen Kia Sportage Problems
Here we explore the top 5 Kia Sportage problems, which is available from model years 2017 and up. In this video, Andy points out some of the most common problems that can appear on the Kia Sportage. He also offers tips and suggestions on how you can take care of those problems yourself.
Top 5 Problems Kia Sportage (2017 to present)
1. Rear Liftgate Latch Wear is a Common Kia Sportage Problem
The rear liftgate or tailgate latch allows you to open or close the rear of your car. The latch is designed to clip over a rod that’s located on the door. Over time, it gets damaged and stops working.
The most common symptom that you’ll notice here includes a tailgate that won’t close when you lock all your doors. This could have been caused by continued slamming of the rear liftgate anytime you had to close it. You’ll need to replace the latch to fix the problem.
2. Knock Sensor
The knock sensor is a small device that detects imperceptible sounds and vibrations that come from the engine block. It turns the sounds and vibrations into an electrical signal and sends the information to the engine control unit (ECU). The ECU then determines whether the ignition timing should be adjusted to save the engine from a knock.
On the Kia Sportage, the knock sensor is located underneath the intake manifold. You’d have to remove the manifold to diagnose it. The most common symptoms of a bad knock sensor include a flashing Check Engine Light with a P1326 code or a vehicle that’s gone into limp mode.
You’d have to replace the sensor to fix the problem. But, before you do this, you’d need to first check for internal engine damage. An engine knock will often sound like a click, ping, or actual knock. It becomes more noticeable during acceleration or throttle input. This typically occurs when there is an unplanned explosion or ignition inside an engine cylinder.
If it goes unchecked, it can cause damage to the cylinder wall and piston. If the damage is severe, your engine may experience catastrophic failure and develop physical holes. Combustion products and metal fragments may also find their way into the oil system. You want to check for all of these before replacing the knock sensor.
3. AC EVAP Temp Sensor
The AC EVAP temperature sensor is a component of your car’s AC system that monitors the temperature of the evaporator. If you notice that your AC system is no longer as cold as it used to be, or find out that it’s not working anymore, it could be due to a bad AC EVAP temperature sensor.
On the fourth-generation Kia Sportage, the sensor is located on the driver’s side and right below the dash. You’ll find it inside the heater box where it’s meant to monitor the temperature of the EVAP core. When it goes bad, it stops sending the temperature information to the car’s ECM. This then affects the flow of warm or cool air into the cabin. You’ll need to replace it to fix the problem.
4. Sunroof Not Closing
Possible causes behind a sunroof that won’t close vary from simple issues such as physical blockages along its track to serious problems with its mechanical components. If your fourth-generation Kia Sportage has a sunroof that won’t close, start by cleaning the tracks out, having them lubricated, and calibrating the sunroof.
This should fix a majority of the problems most people experience. If you suspect the problem could be bigger, you’ll need to check a couple of areas. You can start by removing the glass and inspecting the lift arms. They may be stuck in their open position.
If the arms are not the problem, you can go ahead and check the sunroof motor. It could be broken or have a wiring issue that’s causing it to get no power. You’ll need to replace the motor and have the wiring checked to fix the problem.
5. EVAP Purge Solenoid
The EVAP Purge Solenoid is the part of the EVAP system that allows fuel vapors to get to the engine. It acts like a switch that is responsible for purging the fuel system. It also works to prevent environmental pollution. When it goes bad, it affects the output levels of the vehicle’s emissions.
One of the most common symptoms that you’ll notice in your fourth-generation Kia Sportage includes a Check Engine Light that comes on without any significant drivability issues. You always want to start by checking the gas cap first to make sure it’s not loose or worn out. Take a good look at its gasket to confirm that it’s not damaged. If this is not the issue, you’ll need to replace the EVAP purge solenoid.
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