Due to poor design, the front hubs become corroded and do not lock when 4wd is selected. Due to this problem the sportage becomes a very large paperweight when it snows! I live in the city and have gotten stuck on multiple occasions (a few times at the curb in front of my house!). Luckily, this car is very light and can easily be pushed by others to unstick. My family mechanic has replaced the air tubing that engages the hubs and we can see all other parts moving, but without the front wheels locking the car is only capable of 2wd. Replacement automatic hubs exceed the value of the car and manual locking hubs cost half that.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Due to poor design, the front hubs become corroded and do not lock when 4wd is selected. Due to this problem the sportage becomes a very large paperweight when it snows! I live in the city and have gotten stuck on multiple occasions (a few times at the curb in front of my house!). Luckily, this car is very light and can easily be pushed by others to unstick. My family mechanic has replaced the air tubing that engages the hubs and we can see all other parts moving, but without the front wheels locking the car is only capable of 2wd. Replacement automatic hubs exceed the value of the car and manual locking hubs cost half that.
- Adeline B., Mishawaka, IN, US