Kia Sportage XS Recall R/2005/038: Possible Sudden Operation Of Brakes, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 12 Apr 2005
- Launched
- 974
- vehicles in the UK
- R/2005/038
- DVSA reference
Kia recalled Sportage XS vehicles built between 17 February 2004 and 26 February 2005. Due to incorrect logic in the electronic stability programme (ESP)control unit the possibility exists that the brakes may suddenly apply. The recall notice describes the fix as: recall likely to be affected vehicles and re-programme the ESP control unit. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
Due to incorrect logic in the electronic stability programme (ESP)control unit the possibility exists that the brakes may suddenly apply.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: POSSIBLE SUDDEN OPERATION OF BRAKES Defect: Due to incorrect logic in the electronic stability programme (ESP)control unit the possibility exists that the brakes may suddenly apply. Remedy: Recall likely to be affected vehicles and re-programme the ESP control unit
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
The recall notice describes the concern as: possible sudden operation of brakes.
The Fix
The recall notice describes the fix as: recall likely to be affected vehicles and re-programme the ESP control unit. The fix is a software update, which usually takes under an hour at the dealer.
Are You Affected?
Sportage XS built between 17 February 2004 and 26 February 2005 may be included. Kia estimates 974 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Kia, because not every car in the date range may be included.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Kia.
- Book with any franchised Kia dealer, quoting the DVSA reference R/2005/038. See how to get a Kia recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
| Launched | Vehicle and fault | Severity | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| SportageKia Sportage vacuum pump recall | Urgent | R/2024/500 | |
| Carens RP, Carens UN, Optima TF, Picanto SA and 5 moreKia HECU fuse replacement | Urgent | R/2024/465 | |
| EV9Kia EV9 IEB upgrade for RSPA function | Urgent | R/2024/406 | |
| Ceed, Optima, Sportage, StonicThe mesh filter inside the tandem pump may block causing insufficient oil supply and a risk of vacuum pump failure. If the pump fails there will be no vacuum assistance and the possibility of increased braking distance when applying the brake pedal | Urgent | R/2023/255 | |
| SorentoThere is a risk the automatic gear shift lever could be moved out of Park without the foot brake pedal being applied. If this occurs and should the parking brake not be activated a vehicle rollaway could occur | Urgent | R/2022/328 |
This is one of 87 Kia recalls in DVSA’s data. The Kia recall launched before it was R/2004/159 on 8 Nov 2004, for snap ring retainer within the gearbox may detach. The one launched after it was R/2005/118 on 16 Aug 2005, for handbrake may fail. You can also see every Kia recall, the Kia Sportage recall history, all recalls launched in 2005 and brake recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2005/038, launched 12 April 2005. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.