Many Kia Sportage owners have encountered questions regarding the functionality of their key fob’s trunk release button. It’s a common expectation that pressing this button should remotely open the tailgate or hatch, providing convenient access to the cargo area. However, the actual operation can sometimes be confusing, especially for those new to the vehicle or specific trim levels.
One Kia Sportage owner reported experiencing an issue where pressing and holding the trunk button on their key fob resulted in the car’s blinkers flashing, indicating signal reception, yet the tailgate remained locked. They had to manually use the release button under the tailgate camera to open it. This raises a valid question: is this the intended behavior for all Kia Sportage models, particularly those without a power liftgate?
Another Kia Sportage owner shared a similar experience with their 2020 model. Despite having a hatch button on the key fob, it did not remotely open the hatch. Upon returning to the dealership, they discovered that their specific vehicle configuration simply didn’t include the remote hatch release feature, even though it had a button on the key fob. This highlights the importance of understanding your car’s specific options and features.
For Kia Sportage models without a power liftgate, the key fob trunk release button might not be designed to physically open the tailgate. Instead, it may only unlock the tailgate, requiring manual lifting afterwards. In some cases, depending on the trim and year, the button may only serve to unlock the trunk, or it might not be functional at all for remotely opening the hatch if the vehicle isn’t equipped with the remote hatch feature.
If you’re unsure about the intended function of your Kia Sportage Key Fob’s trunk release, the best course of action is to consult your owner’s manual. This document will detail the specific features of your vehicle, including the expected behavior of the key fob buttons. You can also test the button while paying close attention to whether the tailgate unlocks or remains completely unresponsive. If your key fob is behaving differently from the manual’s description or not unlocking the trunk at all when expected, it’s advisable to contact your Kia dealership for clarification and potential troubleshooting.
