Kia Sportage Common Faults in the UK
NQ5, 2021+ — compact crossover SUV. Updated 2026-05-04.
The NQ5 Kia Sportage (2021+) shares the Hyundai Tucson's platform and engines, so faults are similar: 1.6 T-GDI oil consumption claims (largely resolved), PHEV battery cooling pump, and minor TPMS quirks. Kia's 7-year warranty covers most of the risk. Best-buy: 2023+. Worst: early 2021 PHEV.
Quick-stats values are indicative editorial estimates aggregated from owner-forum sentiment, recall portals, and reliability surveys. They are not Autoza-derived medians — we do not publish a UK price index yet, and no figure on this page should be quoted as one. See our research methodology for the sample sizes any future published median will have to meet.
Best and worst years to buy
Software refinements, PHEV battery cooling fixes implemented, infotainment matured.
Initial-year PHEV had highest rate of battery thermal management issues.
Known faults — Kia Sportage NQ5, 2021+
Documented from HonestJohn, owner forum sentiment (PistonHeads, Reddit), DVSA recall portal, and Autoza dealer-feedback aggregation. Severity is colour-coded.
1.6 T-GDI oil consumption (shared with Hyundai)
Moderate — service-level fix- Symptoms
- Oil drop between services
- Years affected
- 2021–2022
- Indicative repair (UK)
- Usually goodwill within 7-yr warranty; out of warranty engine rebuild £3,500+
- What to check before buying
- Dipstick at viewing; service history.
PHEV battery cooling pump
Major — significant repair cost- Symptoms
- "Hybrid system" warning; reduced EV range
- Years affected
- 2021–2022 PHEV
- Indicative repair (UK)
- Under warranty; £1,200+ otherwise
- What to check before buying
- PHEV battery health check (£30–£50 at Kia dealer).
TPMS sensor faults
Minor — wear-and-tear- Symptoms
- "Tyre pressure" warning despite correct pressures
- Years affected
- All NQ5
- Indicative repair (UK)
- £80–£140 per sensor
- What to check before buying
- Visual check on dash — no warnings.
Front suspension bushings
Minor — wear-and-tear- Symptoms
- Knocking on rough roads
- Years affected
- All NQ5 — 50,000+ miles
- Indicative repair (UK)
- £250–£400
- What to check before buying
- Rough-road test drive.
Infotainment freeze (early models)
Minor — wear-and-tear- Symptoms
- Touchscreen unresponsive
- Years affected
- 2021–2022
- Indicative repair (UK)
- Free under software update
- What to check before buying
- Test infotainment thoroughly.
Who this car suits — and who should look elsewhere
Family buyers wanting Kia's 7-year warranty for peace of mind.
Buyers needing premium badge.
Alternatives to consider
If the Kia Sportage doesn't suit, these comparable models are worth a look in the UK market:
- →Hyundai Tucson
- →Nissan Qashqai J12
- →Toyota RAV4
- →Skoda Karoq
Looking to buy a Kia Sportage in the UK?
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