NHTSA holds 4,710 complaints about the Kia Sportage across the 1995 to 2026 model years, and the engine leads them: the category appears on 1,503 complaints, most of them on the 2011 to 2013 and 2017 to 2020. The 2017 (401), 2012 (392) and 2013 (381) have the most complaints, each more than twice the median model year (139.5). NHTSA lists 38 recall campaigns for these years, from engine bearing wear that can seize the engine on the 2011 to 2013 to five campaigns for the anti-lock brake hydraulic control unit, four of them for an engine compartment fire that can start at the unit, and 19 defect investigations, one of them still open.
Kia Sportage Common Problems and Years to Avoid (NHTSA Data)
By the founder of CarWorthItPublished
Short answer
Kia Sportage years to avoid, going by NHTSA owner complaints: 2017 (401 complaints), 2012 (392) and 2013 (381), each at least twice the median model year (139.5). The components owners report most are engine (1,503), electrical system (620) and service brakes (577). NHTSA lists 38 recall campaigns and 19 defect investigations for the 1995 to 2026 model years.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls and defect investigations for the 1995 to 2026 Kia Sportage, 4,710 complaints in all, pulled October 12, 2026.
Kia Sportage complaints and recalls by model year
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation and distinct recall campaigns, for every model year with records, counted on October 12, 2026. The median model year up to 2021 drew 139.5 complaints; a year is marked to avoid when it is one of the three highest and drew at least twice that. Years after 2021 have had less time to collect complaints, so they are judged only if they already pass the same line.
| Model year | Verdict | Complaints | Recalls | Crash / fire / injury reports | Most-reported components |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Too new to judge | 27 | 1 | 4 / 0 / 1 | Electrical system (6), Forward collision avoidance (6), Service brakes (6) |
| 2025 | Too new to judge | 52 | 1 | 5 / 0 / 5 | Electrical system (15), Forward collision avoidance (8), Power train (6) |
| 2024 | Too new to judge | 73 | 3 | 7 / 0 / 4 | Electrical system (14), Engine (10), Forward collision avoidance (9) |
| 2023 | Too new to judge | 192 | 6 | 24 / 1 / 13 | Electrical system (45), Engine (38), Service brakes (34) |
| 2022 | Too new to judge | 46 | 1 | 6 / 2 / 1 | Engine (21), Electrical system (8), Forward collision avoidance (5) |
| 2021 | Fewest complaints | 54 | 2 | 3 / 7 / 2 | Engine (23), Engine and engine cooling (7), Electrical system (6) |
| 2020 | Typical | 161 | 2 | 11 / 12 / 7 | Engine (74), Electrical system (19), Service brakes (12) |
| 2019 | Typical | 70 | 2 | 3 / 3 / 2 | Engine (36), Electrical system (10), Power train (7) |
| 2018 | Typical | 164 | 3 | 7 / 12 / 4 | Engine (91), Electrical system (29), Power train (18) |
| 2017 | Year to avoid | 401 | 4 | 14 / 27 / 17 | Engine (220), Electrical system (62), Power train (41) |
| 2016 | Typical | 133 | 2 | 8 / 5 / 7 | Engine (61), Service brakes (38), Hydraulic (31) |
| 2015 | Typical | 146 | 2 | 7 / 11 / 4 | Engine (84), Service brakes (31), Hydraulic (28) |
| 2014 | Typical | 123 | 3 | 3 / 1 / 3 | Engine (71), Service brakes (24), Hydraulic (21) |
| 2013 | Year to avoid | 381 | 3 | 5 / 22 / 5 | Engine (301), Service brakes (25), Electrical system (22) |
| 2012 | Year to avoid | 392 | 5 | 7 / 16 / 7 | Engine (328), Electrical system (29), Power train (21) |
| 2011 | Above median | 181 | 6 | 7 / 8 / 8 | Engine (77), Electrical system (38), Service brakes (25) |
| 2010 | Fewest complaints | 20 | 2 | 3 / 0 / 4 | Service brakes (6), Hydraulic (4), Air bags (4) |
| 2009 | Typical | 80 | 3 | 4 / 8 / 4 | Electrical system (18), Air bags (16), Service brakes (15) |
| 2008 | Typical | 98 | 3 | 2 / 24 / 4 | Electrical system (27), Service brakes (23), Engine (17) |
| 2007 | Typical | 77 | 2 | 10 / 5 / 7 | Electrical system (13), Air bags (13), Service brakes (12) |
| 2006 | Typical | 111 | 1 | 8 / 5 / 5 | Air bags (38), Electrical system (22), Engine (15) |
| 2005 | Typical | 68 | 3 | 6 / 2 / 5 | Air bags (12), Electrical system (8), Structure (8) |
| 2003 | Few records | 4 | 0 | 0 / 0 / 0 | Fuel system (2), Gasoline (2), Engine and engine cooling (1) |
| 2002 | Above median | 237 | 3 | 16 / 7 / 8 | Engine and engine cooling (69), Fuel system (47), Gasoline (40) |
| 2001 | Above median | 228 | 2 | 25 / 4 / 13 | Fuel system (54), Gasoline (50), Engine and engine cooling (44) |
| 2000 | High | 304 | 4 | 23 / 7 / 13 | Fuel system (78), Gasoline (75), Service brakes (51) |
| 1999 | High | 284 | 5 | 27 / 3 / 12 | Engine and engine cooling (75), Power train (50), Hydraulic (41) |
| 1998 | High | 303 | 5 | 19 / 6 / 7 | Engine and engine cooling (72), Hydraulic (62), Service brakes (62) |
| 1997 | Above median | 187 | 3 | 33 / 5 / 23 | Engine and engine cooling (54), Air bags (41), Power train (22) |
| 1996 | Typical | 57 | 3 | 12 / 3 / 14 | Service brakes (14), Hydraulic (13), Power train (11) |
| 1995 | Typical | 56 | 2 | 2 / 1 / 1 | Engine and engine cooling (13), Seat belts (11), Electrical system (8) |
Counts are raw totals and are not adjusted for how many of each year were sold, so a big-selling year draws more complaints than a slow one. Crash, fire and injury columns count complaints that report one, as filed by the owner.
Check the value and recall status of a specific Kia Sportage
Model-year counts cannot tell you about the car in front of you. Enter its 17-character VIN for the free report: the exact year, trim and engine it was built with, the safety recalls NHTSA lists for its year, make and model, its crash-test ratings and running costs. No account. Then, from $2.99, see what that Kia Sportage is worth at its mileage near your ZIP code, with the listings behind the number, and whether the asking price is fair. The $6.99 Full Report also checks that VIN for recalls still outstanding.
2011 to 2013: knocking, seized and replaced engines
Engine is the top complaint category on the 2011 (77 complaints), 2012 (328) and 2013 (301). On those three years, 175 complaints mention knocking, 151 mention seizing and 147 mention an engine replacement, and 50 complaints across all years name the Theta engine. These are raw totals, not adjusted for how many of each year were sold. Recall 17V224000 covers the 2011 to 2013 because machining errors during engine manufacturing may cause premature bearing wear, and bearing wear may result in the engine seizing. NHTSA opened a recall query (RQ17003) into the scope and timeliness of that recall in 2017 and closed it in December 2021. Three more recalls cover the engines of these years: 19V101000 (2011 and 2012), because the engine oil pan may leak and the loss of oil may result in engine damage; 20V750000 (2012), because an engine compartment fire can occur while driving; and 18V907000 (2011 to 2018), because the high pressure fuel pipe may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak. NHTSA's engineering analysis EA21003 into engine fires on the 2011 to 2013 ran from December 2021 to February 2024, and defect petition DP22003 into loss of motive power, covering most years from 2011 to 2021, closed in December 2023.
2008 to 2021: anti-lock brake unit fires
Five recalls cover the Sportage's hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU), the anti-lock brake module in the engine compartment. 16V815000 (2008 and 2009) covers a wire harness cover that may let water, including salty water from melted snow, onto the circuit board and short it. Four more cover an engine compartment fire that can start at the unit, from an electrical short, while parked or driving: 22V800000 (2008 and 2009), 23V652000 (2010 to 2013), 22V051000 (2014 to 2016) and 21V137000 (2017 to 2021). NHTSA's recall records give all four a park-outside warning, meaning park the vehicle outside and away from buildings until it is repaired. Complaints flagged as involving a fire peak on the 2017 (27), 2008 (24) and 2013 (22), and 207 complaints across all years are flagged that way. NHTSA's audit query AQ23002 into Hyundai and Kia ABS module fires, covering the 2008 to 2021 Sportage, has been open since November 2023.
2017 to 2020: oil use and engine complaints without an engine recall
The 2017 has the most complaints of any Sportage year (401), led by engine (220), electrical system (62) and power train (41). Complaints mentioning oil consumption or burning oil peak on the 2017 (38), 2018 (23) and 2020 (22), and 45 complaints on the 2017 mention an engine replacement. None of the 38 recall campaigns covers engine failure on the 2017 to 2020. The recalls that do cover the 2017 are 21V137000 for the anti-lock brake unit, 22V703000 (2017 to 2022), because debris and moisture on the tow hitch harness module circuit board may cause a short and a fire (also a park-outside warning), 16V862000, because an accessory trailer hitch harness may keep the trailer brake lights lit, and 18V907000 for the fuel pipe after an engine replacement.
2023 to 2026: screens, the brake booster and other new-model recalls
The current Sportage arrived for 2023, and this page leaves out the Sportage Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid, which NHTSA lists as separate models. These years are too new to judge by complaint totals, but the 2023 already has 192 complaints, led by electrical system (45), and 36 of them mention the instrument cluster, screen or display. Recall 23V298000 covers a 2023 instrument cluster that may fail to display any information at start-up. Other recalls on the 2023 cover twisted side curtain air bags (22V878000), an alternator battery terminal nut that may loosen (22V651000), a brake booster diaphragm that may cause a loss of power brake assist (23V410000) and an Idle Stop & Go oil pump controller that may overheat and cause a fire (23V531000, with a park-outside warning). 24V025000 covers roof molding that may detach on the 2023 and 2024, and 24V422000 a power steering circuit board on the 2024 that may short and cause a loss of power steering assist.
1995 to 2002: fuel tanks, rust and the cooling fan
The first Sportage drew 1,656 complaints, and the 2000 (304), 1998 (303) and 1999 (284) are each more than twice the median. Fuel system is the top category on the 2000 (78), and 126 complaints on the 1997 to 2002 describe the fuel tank leaking, rusting or holed. NHTSA's engineering analysis EA06007 into fuel tank leakage on the 1996 to 2002 closed in 2007 without a recall. 60 complaints on these years mention rust or rot on the frame. On the 2002, 38 complaints mention the cooling fan, and recall 07V161000, which followed NHTSA's engineering analysis EA07001, covers engine heat that can crack the polypropylene cooling fan blades. Two seat belt recalls cover buckles that may falsely latch or click as if latched: 02V216000 (1995 to 1998) and 04V305000 (1999 and 2000).
What to check on a used Sportage
- Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup, which lists any recall not yet repaired on that Kia (see what else a free VIN check shows), and on any 2008 to 2021 confirm the anti-lock brake unit recall for its year shows as completed.
- On a 2011 to 2013, confirm 17V224000 for the engine, and ask for the paperwork if the engine has been replaced; on a 2011 to 2018 with a replaced engine, confirm 18V907000 for the fuel pipe.
- On a 2017 to 2020, ask how much oil it uses between changes, check the dipstick, and listen for knocking from a cold start.
- On a 2017 to 2022 with a Kia tow hitch harness, confirm 22V703000.
- On a 2023, confirm the instrument cluster, brake booster and oil pump recalls (23V298000, 23V410000 and 23V531000).
- On a 1995 to 2002, inspect the fuel tank and frame underneath for rust and leaks.
- Before you settle on a price, check the seller's asking price against the Sportages for sale near you with the used car price check.
Then check what a specific Sportage is worth by VIN: the valuation, from $2.99, prices that VIN at its mileage near your ZIP code against cars for sale.
What Kia Sportage owners report most
NHTSA files each complaint under one or more component categories. Across all 4,710 Kia Sportage complaints, these are the most common:
| NHTSA component | Complaints | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1,503 | 31.9% |
| Electrical system | 620 | 13.2% |
| Service brakes | 577 | 12.3% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 461 | 9.8% |
| Power train | 442 | 9.4% |
| Hydraulic | 413 | 8.8% |
| Air bags | 294 | 6.2% |
| Fuel system | 287 | 6.1% |
| Gasoline | 263 | 5.6% |
| Structure | 261 | 5.5% |
The categories are broad, so the owners' own descriptions were also searched for specific symptoms. These are counts of complaints whose text mentions each one, not diagnoses, and one complaint can mention several.
| What the complaint describes | Complaints | Share | Model years with the most |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 770 | 16.3% | 1998 (64), 2000 (52), 2017 (47) |
| Engine failure, seizure or knocking | 720 | 15.3% | 2012 (193), 2013 (178), 2017 (79) |
| Stalling or loss of power while driving | 583 | 12.4% | 2012 (92), 2013 (89), 2017 (55) |
| Check-engine light | 489 | 10.4% | 2012 (76), 2017 (65), 2013 (63) |
| Fire, smoke or a burning smell | 415 | 8.8% | 2012 (55), 2017 (49), 2013 (39) |
| Air bags | 322 | 6.8% | 1997 (42), 2006 (39), 1999 (23) |
| Steering | 210 | 4.5% | 2017 (15), 1998 (14), 2012 (14) |
| Rust or corrosion | 201 | 4.3% | 2000 (61), 2001 (27), 1999 (25) |
| Fuel pump, fuel leak or fuel smell | 188 | 4.0% | 2000 (47), 2002 (40), 2001 (27) |
| Oil consumption or oil leaks | 172 | 3.7% | 2017 (48), 2020 (26), 2018 (24) |
Kia Sportage recalls (38 campaigns)
Every recall campaign NHTSA lists for the Kia Sportage, newest first, with the model years it covers and NHTSA's own description of the defect, shortened. A recall on the model is not proof a given car was affected or left unrepaired: check a specific car by entering its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or in the free CarWorthIt VIN report.
| Campaign | Reported | Model years | Component | The defect, in NHTSA's words |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26V046000 | January 27, 2026 | 2026 | Electrical system | Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 101, "Controls and Displays" and 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring System." |
| 25V874000 | December 17, 2025 | 2024 to 2025 | Trailer hitches | Due to a software error, the instrument panel screen may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Controls and Displays." |
| 24V422000 | June 7, 2024 | 2024 | Steering | The circuit board in the motor-driven power steering assembly may short circuit, resulting in a loss of power steering assist. A loss of power steering assist can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 24V025000 | January 18, 2024 | 2023 to 2024 | Structure | The roof molding may loosen and detach. A detached roof molding can create a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 23V652000 | September 25, 2023 | 2010 to 2013 | Service brakes, hydraulic | NHTSA park-outside warning. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving. An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury. |
| 23V531000 | July 31, 2023 | 2023 | Power train | NHTSA park-outside warning. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump to overheat. An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire. |
| 23V410000 | June 7, 2023 | 2023 | Service brakes, hydraulic | The brake booster diaphragm may become misaligned and cause an internal vacuum leak, which can result in a loss of power brake assist. A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 23V298000 | April 26, 2023 | 2023 | Electrical system | The instrument cluster may fail to display any information when the vehicle is started. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 101, "Control and Displays," and 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems." |
| 22V878000 | November 28, 2022 | 2023 | Air bags | The side curtain air bags may have been twisted during installation. A twisted air bag can deploy improperly, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 22V800000 | October 24, 2022 | 2008 to 2009 | Service brakes, hydraulic | NHTSA park-outside warning. An engine compartment fire originating from around the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may occur while parked or driving. A fire increases the risk of injury. |
| 22V703000 | September 19, 2022 | 2017 to 2022 | Trailer hitches | NHTSA park-outside warning. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire. A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury. |
| 22V651000 | August 29, 2022 | 2023 | Electrical system | The alternator battery positive terminal nut may loosen, which can result in an engine stall or an electrical surge. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash, and an electrical surge increases the risk of a fire. |
| 22V051000 | February 2, 2022 | 2014 to 2016 | Service brakes, hydraulic | NHTSA park-outside warning. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire. An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury. |
| 21V137000 | March 4, 2021 | 2017 to 2021 | Service brakes, hydraulic | NHTSA park-outside warning. The electrical circuit in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may short-circuit, which can cause a fire in the engine compartment. An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury. |
| 20V750000 | December 2, 2020 | 2012 | Engine | An engine compartment fire can occur while driving. An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury. |
Show the other 23 Kia Sportage recalls
| Campaign | Reported | Model years | Component | The defect, in NHTSA's words |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19V101000 | February 15, 2019 | 2011 to 2012 | Engine | The engine oil pan may leak and, if not addressed, the loss of oil may result in engine damage. A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 18V907000 | December 19, 2018 | 2011 to 2018 | Fuel system, gasoline | The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak. |
| 17V224000 | March 31, 2017 | 2011 to 2013 | Engine and engine cooling | Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine. Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 16V862000 | November 30, 2016 | 2017 | Trailer hitches | The affected vehicles are equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness that, due to a malfunction of the tow hitch module, may result in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment." |
| 16V815000 | November 10, 2016 | 2008 to 2009 | Electrical system | The wire harness cover on the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may be improperly sealed allowing water to get onto the HECU circuit board. If the water is contaminated with salt, such as could occur from melted snow, the wire harness connector pins may corrode and the circuit board may short circuit. |
| 15V360000 | June 9, 2015 | 2011 | Exterior lighting | In the affected vehicles, the brake light switch may intermittently fail. Whenever the brake switch is not working, the brake lights will not illuminate, reducing the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions of stopping, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 14V023000 | January 27, 2014 | 2014 | Equipment | The certification label has incorrect tire pressure information printed on it, listing a specification that is 1 or 2 psi below the correct information. Thus, these vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars." |
| 13V114000 | April 1, 2013 | 2007 to 2011 | Exterior lighting | In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. |
| 09E025000 | May 11, 2009 | 1998 to 2002 | Exterior lighting | These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment." These lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors. |
| 09V130000 | April 17, 2009 | 2006 to 2007 | Exterior lighting | The stop lamp switch in the affected vehicles may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause the brake lights to remain illuminated when the brake pedal is released. |
| 09E012000 | April 7, 2009 | 1998 to 2002 | Exterior lighting | These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment." These lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors. |
| 07V161000 | April 16, 2007 | 2002 | Engine and engine cooling | On certain vehicles, the heat generated by the engine causes repeated bending deformation of the polypropylene cooling fan including its retaining ring, which stresses the polypropylene thereby initiating cracking of the blades. The centrifugal forces generated by the rotation of the blades can cause the cracks to propagate until complete separation occurs. |
| 05V318000 | July 8, 2005 | 2005 | Parking brake | On certain sport utility vehicles, the parking brake lever ratchet pawl was not properly manufactured and my damage the teeth of the parking brake lever ratchet. Damaged parking brake lever ratchet teeth may prevent the parking brake from engaging or may allow the parking brake to release after it has been engaged. |
| 05V212000 | May 3, 2005 | 2005 | Fuel system, gasoline | On certain sport utility vehicles, fuel may leak from the o-ring into the internal vapor chamber located in the fuel tank at full tank conditions. The engine may stall when coming to a stop. |
| 05V120000 | March 29, 2005 | 2005 | Electronic stability control | On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with electronic stability program (esp), the yaw rate sensor may become too sensitive and may recalibrate inaccurately. While driving the esp program may cause the engine to reduce power and may cause a brake at one of the wheels to be inappropriately. |
| 04V305000 | June 24, 2004 | 1999 to 2000 | Seat belts | On certain passenger and sport utility vehicles, the front safety belt buckles may emit a "Click" sound during the buckling process that is similar to the sound emitted when a buckle is being latched, when it is not. |
| 02V216000 | August 16, 2002 | 1995 to 1998 | Seat belts | On certain passenger vehicles, the safety belt buckle may "False Latch" and expose the driver to unrestrained movement during a crash. In the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of personal injury. |
| 00V205000 | July 27, 2000 | 2000 | Electrical system | Vehicle description: sport utility vehicle. These vehicles were distributed with owners manuals with an incorrect jump start diagram. This could cause potential serious injury to bystanders. |
| 99V325000 | November 19, 1999 | 1997 to 1999 | Electrical system | Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The wires connected to the c123 and c124 connectors can be put under tension by movement of the engine, thus pulling the wires and connectors, loosening them and resulting in a loss of circuit continuity. |
| 98V222000 | September 15, 1998 | 1998 to 1999 | Service brakes, hydraulic | Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles without an anti-lock braking system (ABS). The steering intermediate shaft coupling can contact a hydraulic brake pipe causing fluid leakage. |
| 97V234000 | December 17, 1997 | 1996 to 1997 | Latches/locks/linkages | Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. A microswitch on the rear hatch lock cylinder can malfunction causing the power door locks to unlock inadvertently. Should this occur, security from unwanted intrusion into the vehicle is lost. |
| 96V131000 | July 15, 1996 | 1996 | Vehicle speed control | The accelerator pedal assembly could bind or stick during operation. This condition can cause the accelerator to hold the throttle partially open, resulting in loss of vehicle control increasing the risk of a vehicle accident. |
| 95V073000 | April 11, 1995 | 1995 | Suspension | The nuts attaching the rear axle bearing oil seal retainers and brake backing plates to the rear axle housing may be under- torqued causing these units to loosen or fall off. |
NHTSA defect investigations
Investigations are opened when NHTSA sees a possible safety defect, often from complaints like the ones above. PE is a preliminary evaluation, EA an engineering analysis, RQ a recall query into whether an earlier recall went far enough, DP a defect petition and AQ an audit query.
| Number | Opened | Status | Kia Sportage years | Subject | Recall campaign linked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AQ23002 | November 17, 2023 | Open | 2008 to 2021 | Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires | No |
| DP22003 | September 12, 2022 | Closed December 12, 2023 | 2011 to 2017, 2019 to 2021 | Loss of Motive Power | No |
| EA21003 | December 22, 2021 | Closed February 5, 2024 | 2011 to 2013 | Engine Fires | 23V877 |
| RQ17003 | May 18, 2017 | Closed December 22, 2021 | 2011 to 2013 | Scope and Timeliness | 17V224000 |
| EA07001 | January 22, 2007 | Closed April 16, 2007 | 2002 | FAN BLADE CRACKING/SEPARATION | 07V161000 |
| PE06042 | September 21, 2006 | Closed January 22, 2007 | 2002 | FAN BLADE CRACKING/SEPARATION | No |
| EA06007 | May 9, 2006 | Closed November 30, 2007 | 1996 to 2002 | FUEL TANK LEAKAGE | No |
| PE06002 | January 4, 2006 | Closed May 9, 2006 | 1999 to 2000 | FUEL TANK LEAKAGE | No |
| EA04007 | February 27, 2004 | Closed July 26, 2004 | 1999 to 2000 | SEAT BELT BUCKLE FALSE LATCH/MALFUNCTION | No |
| RQ03007 | October 14, 2003 | Closed February 27, 2004 | 1999 to 2002 | SEAT BELT BUCKLE FALSE LATCH/MALFUNCTION | 04V305000 |
| RQ02013 | October 18, 2002 | Closed September 2, 2003 | 1997 to 1999 | ENGINE STALLING POST-RECALL | 99V325000 |
| PE02051 | June 17, 2002 | Closed September 20, 2002 | 1995 to 1998 | SAFETY BELT BUCKLE MALFUNCTION | 02V216000 |
| DP02006 | June 5, 2002 | Closed September 23, 2002 | 2000 | VEHICLE ROLLOVER | No |
| PE02002 | January 9, 2002 | Closed August 7, 2002 | 1999 | WINDSHIELD WIPER | No |
| PE00026 | July 10, 2000 | Closed July 31, 2000 | 2000 | INCORRECT BATTERY JUMP-START | 00V205000 |
| EA00018 | June 29, 2000 | Closed July 29, 2002 | 1998 to 1999 | TURN SIGHAL | 02V207000 |
| PE00004 | January 13, 2000 | Closed June 29, 2000 | 1998 to 1999 | TURN SIGNAL, TRAFFIC SAFETY HAZARD | No |
| SQ99021 | June 30, 1999 | Closed February 2, 2000 | 1997 | CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON | 99V325000 |
| PE99033 | May 6, 1999 | Closed October 21, 1999 | 1998 | WINDSHIELD WIPER | 99V271000 |
How these numbers were counted
Complaints: NHTSA's complaints API for NHTSA model names SPORTAGE, SPORTAGE ICE, each complaint counted once per model year; hybrid and plug-in versions, which NHTSA files separately, are not included. Recalls: distinct campaign numbers from NHTSA's recalls databasefor the same names and years. Investigations: NHTSA's defect investigation file. All pulled October 12, 2026. These are counts of reports, not failure rates, and they say nothing about any individual car. For that, check the VIN.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the Kia Sportage?
Engine is the most cited NHTSA component category, on 1,503 of 4,710 complaints, followed by electrical system (620), service brakes (577) and engine and engine cooling (461). In the complaint narratives, 770 mention brakes, 720 describe engine failure, seizure or knocking and 583 describe stalling or a loss of power.
What Kia Sportage years should I avoid?
The years to avoid are the 2017 (401 complaints), 2012 (392) and 2013 (381), the three years old enough to judge with the most complaints, each more than twice the median of 139.5 per model year. The 2000 (304), 1998 (303) and 1999 (284) are also above twice the median. Among the last 15 judged years, the 2010 (20) and 2021 (54) drew the fewest.
How many recalls does the Kia Sportage have?
NHTSA lists 38 recall campaigns for the 1995 to 2026 Sportage, not counting campaigns that cover only the Sportage Hybrid or Plug-In Hybrid. 17V224000 covers engine bearing wear that may seize the engine on the 2011 to 2013, and six campaigns carry a park-outside warning, four of them for anti-lock brake units on the 2008 to 2021 that may cause an engine compartment fire.
What problems does the 2017 Kia Sportage have?
Its 401 complaints, the most of any Sportage year, are led by engine (220), electrical system (62) and power train (41). 38 mention oil consumption or burning oil and 45 mention an engine replacement. Four recalls cover the 2017: 21V137000 for the anti-lock brake unit, 22V703000 for the tow hitch harness module, 16V862000 for trailer brake lights and 18V907000 for the fuel pipe after an engine replacement.
Is NHTSA still investigating the Kia Sportage?
Yes. One of the 19 defect investigations covering the 1995 to 2026 Sportage is open: audit query AQ23002 into Hyundai and Kia ABS module fires, which covers the 2008 to 2021 Sportage and was opened in November 2023.