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Buying guide

Kia Sportage QL (2015 to 2021): buying guide, problems and NZ numbers

The Kia Sportage QL was built from 2015 to 2021 as an SUV, with a manual, automatic or dual clutch gearbox, front wheel drive or all wheel drive and petrol, diesel or hybrid power. Chassis code: QL. Redline has a curated guide to its 6 most reported weak points, from owner club and specialist sources.

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Key facts

Years
2015 to 2021
Chassis codes
QL
Body types
SUV
Gearboxes
Manual, Automatic, Dual clutch
Drive
FWD (front wheel drive), AWD (all wheel drive)
Fuel
Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid

On NZ roads

Counting every one on the NZ register. The first look can take up to 15 seconds.

Known weak points

Curated by Redline from owner club and specialist sources Commonly reported by owners and specialists for the Kia Sportage QL (2015 to 2021). Not every car has these; check this one.

  1. Paint delamination

    Paint lifting on the upper surfaces is reported, and it may not be fixed under the Kia warranty.

    Where to look
    The roof, bonnet and upper panels
    How to test
    Look along the roof and bonnet in good light for lifting, flaking or peeling paint.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost a repaint of the affected panels

    Sources: carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  2. Heater core recall

    A heater core recall addressed a possible fire risk, and some owners ignored the notice.

    Where to look
    The recall record for the VIN
    How to test
    Ask a Kia dealer to confirm the heater core recall is done, or have the seller arrange it.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost recall work is free at a Kia dealer

    Sources: carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  3. Underbody scrapes and rust

    Rust forms where the underside has been scraped or dented by off road use.

    Where to look
    The underbody, sills and exhaust
    How to test
    Look underneath with a torch for scrapes, dents and rust.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost rust treatment and repairs

    Sources: carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  4. Alloy rims and tyres

    Low profile tyres give the rims little cushioning so they get damaged, and factory tyres are reported to perish early.

    Where to look
    The alloy rims and tyre sidewalls
    How to test
    Look round each rim for dents and cracks, and check the tyres for sidewall cracking.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost wheel repair and tyres

    Sources: carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab), autoexpress.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

  5. Electrical systems and sat nav

    Check every electrical system works, and early sat nav units reportedly had problems.

    Where to look
    The infotainment screen, sat nav and cabin electrics
    How to test
    Test the sat nav, screen, windows and every switch.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost software or electrical repair

    Sources: carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  6. Aftermarket headlamp bulbs

    Some owners fit aftermarket headlamp bulbs, some of which are illegal and can damage the electronics.

    Where to look
    The headlamps
    How to test
    Check the headlamps are standard and work properly, and ask whether the bulbs have been changed.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost standard bulbs or electrical repair

    Sources: autoexpress.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

General guidance from owner and specialist sources. Check the specific car with an independent inspection. Researched 4 November 2026.

What the cost bands mean
  • Low: a small job. Typically a few hundred dollars or less at an NZ workshop, often a DIY fix.
  • Medium: a proper workshop job. Typically several hundred to a couple of thousand dollars.
  • High: a major job. Typically several thousand dollars or more, enough to change what the car is worth.

Service items

  • Service: every 12 months or 20,000 miles on the UK schedule; the 1.6 turbo every year or 10,000 miles. Brake fluid every 2 years and coolant every 10 years or 100,000 miles. (autoexpress.co.uk (opens in a new tab))

Questions to ask the seller

  • Is it the 2.0 or 2.4 petrol, 1.6 turbo or 2.0 diesel?
  • Has the heater core recall been done?
  • Has any paint been redone?
  • Is there any of the 7 year Kia warranty left?

US recalls

Looking up US recall data.

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