REDLINE ALLEYKia Sportage QL buying guide
2015 to 2021. A QL Sportage suits a family that wants a stylish, well equipped SUV and checks the paint and recall record.
Big jobs
- Paint delamination. Paint lifting on the upper surfaces is reported, and it may not be fixed under the Kia warranty.
Workshop jobs
- Underbody scrapes and rust. Rust forms where the underside has been scraped or dented by off road use.
Small jobs
- Heater core recall. A heater core recall addressed a possible fire risk, and some owners ignored the notice.
- Alloy rims and tyres. Low profile tyres give the rims little cushioning so they get damaged, and factory tyres are reported to perish early.
- Electrical systems and sat nav. Check every electrical system works, and early sat nav units reportedly had problems.
- Aftermarket headlamp bulbs. Some owners fit aftermarket headlamp bulbs, some of which are illegal and can damage the electronics.
Questions for 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?
Sources
Researched 2026-11-04. General guidance from owner and specialist sources. Check the specific car with an independent inspection.