2011 Kia Sportage Problems & Owner Complaints

Engine 77 2 crash 2 fire

“WAS DRIVING IN CRUZE CRONTROL STEPPED ON THE GAS AND VEHICLE DIED. I PUSHED THE START BUTTON NOTHING BUT A WARNING SIGN ON DASH SCREEN THAT WOULD GO BLANK BEFORE I COULD SEE WHAT IT SAID. I LIFTED THE HOOD AND CHECK THE BATTERY CABLES THEY WERE ON TIGHT GOT BACK IN THE TRUCK PUSH THE BUTTON NOTHING SMELLED WIRES BURNING SEEN SMOKE TOP OF MY MOTORS ON FIRE. I WAS HEADING NORTH ON I-5 NEAR THE DUPONT EXIT.”
NHTSA complaint #11279767, 2019 · fire

“MY CAR WITH 87,942 WELL MAINTAINED MILES ALL OF A SUDDEN BLEW THE ENGINE AND CAUGHT FIRE.RECALL ON CERTAIN MODELS WITH THE SAME YEAR WITH CAM BEARINGS LETTING GO INTERNALLY.I'M STILL CURRENTLY PAYING ON THE VEHICLE.I GOT AHOLD OF KIA NATIONAL MOTORS AND THEY SEEMED LIKE THEY WERE GOING TO HELP ME FIX PROBLEM OR GIVE DECENT TRADE IN VALUE,THAT WAS SIX MONTHS AGO.ONE OF MY CHILDREN NEEDS TO MAKE DOC.APPT. EVERY OTHER WEEKEND.I'M GETTING VERY PERTURBED WITH THE WHOLE SITUATION.THE COMPANY WON'T EVEN LET ME KNOW WHAT THERE DOING,I TOLD THEM JUST LET ME KNOW WHAT YOUR PLANS ARE SO I CAN AT LEAST TA…”
NHTSA complaint #11098876, 2017 · fire

“WE OWN THE CAR, 2011 KIA SPORTAGE SX T-GDI, FOR LESS THAN 3 MONTHS AND I HAD TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP PRETTY MUCH EVERY OTHER WEEK WITH SOME ISSUES. LAST PROBLEM WE HAD WAS AN ACCELERATOR/SPEED CONTROL WHEN THE CAR WASN'T SHIFTING OR ACCELERATING OVER 25-30 MPH EVEN THE RPM WERE UP TO 6-7X1000, AND I WAS ABLE TO FLOOR THE PEDAL AND KEEP IT THERE, WAS NO SPEED RESPONSE. THE ONLY FIX WAS PULL OVER AND SHUT OFF THE ENGINE, BUT EVEN AFTER THAT IT COULD TAKE SEVERAL TIMES TO DO THE SAME PROCEDURE.I FINALLY GOT AN APPOINTMENT TO THE DEALERSHIP ON TUESDAY MORNING 11NOV14, PICK IT UP THURSDAY AFTE…”
NHTSA complaint #10660303, 2014 · crash

Electrical System 38 3 fire

“WAS DRIVING IN CRUZE CRONTROL STEPPED ON THE GAS AND VEHICLE DIED. I PUSHED THE START BUTTON NOTHING BUT A WARNING SIGN ON DASH SCREEN THAT WOULD GO BLANK BEFORE I COULD SEE WHAT IT SAID. I LIFTED THE HOOD AND CHECK THE BATTERY CABLES THEY WERE ON TIGHT GOT BACK IN THE TRUCK PUSH THE BUTTON NOTHING SMELLED WIRES BURNING SEEN SMOKE TOP OF MY MOTORS ON FIRE. I WAS HEADING NORTH ON I-5 NEAR THE DUPONT EXIT.”
NHTSA complaint #11279767, 2019 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE. DURING EACH FAILURE, THE CONTACT SMELLED A BURNING ODOR THROUGH THE VENTILATION SYSTEM. THE CONTACT RECEIVED ASSISTANCE FROM BYSTANDERS AND PUSHED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO SCOTT KIA OF SPRINGFIELD (321 BALTIMORE PIKE, SPRINGFIELD, PENNSYLVANIA 19064, (610) 544-0100) WHERE IT WAS INITIALLY DIAGNOSED THAT THE BATTERY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. UPON A SECOND ASSESSMENT, THE D…”
NHTSA complaint #11123298, 2018 · fire

“THE CAR WAS NOT RUNNING AND SMOKE STARTED TO COME OUT FROM UNDER THE DASH ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. I POPPED THE HOOD AND THERE WAS NO SMOKE PRESENT UNDERNEATH. THE CAR THEN STARTED ITSELF WITH NO KEY IN THE IGNITION. THE BACK REAR LIGHTS CAME ON AND THE REAR WINDOW WIPER STARTED GOING. AFTER ABOUT FIVE MINUTES THE CAR SHUT ITSELF OFF. THE SMOKE WAS GETTING WORSE. THE RADIO WAS TURNED ON AND AGAIN THERE WAS NO KEY IN THE IGNITION. I HAD TO CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND THEY DISCONNECTED MY CAR BATTERY ALONG WITH SPRAYING WATER ON THE FUSE PANEL TO GET IT TO STOP SMOKING. AT THAT TIME I WAS TOLD THER…”
NHTSA complaint #10531503, 2013 · fire

Service Brakes 25 3 crash 2 fire 1 injury

“I WAS DRIVING EAST ON A CITY STREET AT PROBABLY LESS THAN SPEED LIMIT. STREET BECOMES A DOWNWARD HILL WHEN DRIVING EAST , AT THE FIRST INTERSECTION THERE IS A STOPLIGHT. I KNOW THIS INTERSECTION WELL AS I DROVE THAT WAY TO WORK FOR 9 YEARS. I SAW LIGHT AT INTERSECTION WAS RED AND SAW VEHICLES STOPPED FOR RED LIGHT. I STARTED BRAKING IN PREPARATION TO STOP AT APPROPRIATE DISTANCE FROM VEHICLES STOPPED FOR RED LIGHT. MY BRAKES DID NOT ENGAGE. IT SEEMED AS THOUGH BRAKES FROZE OR WERE STUCK AND WOULD NOT GO DOWN REGARDLESS OF THE AMOUNT OF PRESSURE I APPLIED. I SCREAMED ?WHY AREN?T THESE STOPP…”
NHTSA complaint #11061563, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owned a 2011 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked overnight and next to her home, it was started but the contact left the vehicle in park and on as she retrieved a personal item from inside the home, and upon return, it was discovered that the vehicle caught on fire. The fire department arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire. The police arrived on the scene and filed a police report but no information was available. The origin of the fire was unknown. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact recently received notification of NHT…”
NHTSA complaint #11600476, 2023 · fire

“The contact called on behalf of his girlfriend who owned a 2011 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that his girlfriend parked the vehicle at her driveway residence, and she discovered that the vehicle had caught on fire underneath the front. The fire department was called and the police arrived on the scene later. The fire was extinguished with water. It was unknown if a police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot and later was declared a total loss by the insurance company. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) how…”
NHTSA complaint #11593090, 2023 · fire

Power Train 23 2 crash 1 injury

“I WAS PARK IN THE PARKING GARAGE OF MY WORK PLACE. THE TIME WAS BETWEEN 7:10AM TO7:15AM. I PUT THE CAR IN PARK. I STEPPED OUT OF THE CAR TO GET MY PURSE AND OTHER BAG ON THE GROUND. I LEFT CAR ON CAUSE I WAS LISTENING TO A SONG. I WAS LOOKING FOR AN APP ON MY PHONE TO SEE WHAT SONG WAS PLAYING. I THEN WALKED AROUND TO OTHER SIDE TO GET A BOOK THAT WAS IN PASSENGER SEAT. I WALKED BACK TO DRIVER SIDE STOOD THERE A MINUTE OR TWO STILL SEARCHING FOR APP ON PHONE ALL SUDDEN MY CAR STARTING TO ROLL BACK. I TRIED TO STOP THE CAR BY TRYING TO GET IN CAR TOO FAST DOOR HIT ME KNOCK ME DOWN MY LEGS GOT C…”
NHTSA complaint #10863692, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“WE OWN THE CAR, 2011 KIA SPORTAGE SX T-GDI, FOR LESS THAN 3 MONTHS AND I HAD TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP PRETTY MUCH EVERY OTHER WEEK WITH SOME ISSUES. LAST PROBLEM WE HAD WAS AN ACCELERATOR/SPEED CONTROL WHEN THE CAR WASN'T SHIFTING OR ACCELERATING OVER 25-30 MPH EVEN THE RPM WERE UP TO 6-7X1000, AND I WAS ABLE TO FLOOR THE PEDAL AND KEEP IT THERE, WAS NO SPEED RESPONSE. THE ONLY FIX WAS PULL OVER AND SHUT OFF THE ENGINE, BUT EVEN AFTER THAT IT COULD TAKE SEVERAL TIMES TO DO THE SAME PROCEDURE.I FINALLY GOT AN APPOINTMENT TO THE DEALERSHIP ON TUESDAY MORNING 11NOV14, PICK IT UP THURSDAY AFTE…”
NHTSA complaint #10660303, 2014 · crash

“2011 Kia Sportage engine stalling/failure. Has been having oil pressure/heating/oil feed line/consumption issues. Taken to a Kia dealership on multiple occasions for all routine maintenance, including every 3000 oil changes. Owner was told that a catalytic converter was needed in 2021 due to engine stalling/ failure while driving 55-60mph on highway to a rapid deceleration and vehicle would go >20mph. Owner had car towed to Kia dealership and had a new catalytic converter put on in 2021 by dealership. Then in 2022 same engine stalling occurred again. Taken back to dealership and was told car n…”
NHTSA complaint #11548411, 2023

Unknown Or Other 23 2 fire 2 injury

“Update to NHTSA (ODI #11679186) Subject: Update to ODI Complaint #11679186 – Kia America Written Response Body: Dear NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, I am writing to provide an update to my ODI Complaint #11679186 regarding my 2011 Kia Sportage SX (VIN: [XXX] ), which caught fire while I was driving on [XXX]. On August 27, 2025, Kia America issued me a written response (attached). In this letter, Kia explicitly acknowledged: “Preliminary evaluation results show… the fire originated within the engine compartment area.” “The cause was unknown engine oil leaks allowing motor oil to c…”
NHTSA complaint #11683570, 2025 · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“On [XXX], my 2011 Kia Sportage SX (VIN: [XXX] ) caught fire while I was driving. The vehicle rapidly filled with smoke, causing throat and eye irritation from smoke inhalation. My insurance company declared the vehicle a total loss. Kia America (Case #[XXX]) acknowledged the incident and confirmed that a fire inspection would be conducted. The inspection was completed, but Kia has refused to release the findings or determine the cause. On [insert date], Kia denied my claim without explanation, despite the vehicle being a complete loss due to fire. This is a critical safety issue that could h…”
NHTSA complaint #11679186, 2025 · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“My 2011 kia sportage had a recall #23V65200. On [XXX] my radio started smoking and my headlights would not shut off even with car off and keys out. You had to unplug cable from battery for lights to go off and not run battery down. I called kia in bloomington indiana they said to not drive and call customer service to have towed. i called on [XXX] and talked to a lady, she was very rude and dismissive. Said they would not tow due to my kia being a 2011 it was to old and they would only tow if above 2015. She then said I had to pay and only if the lights and smoke was because of recall they wo…”
NHTSA complaint #11608112, 2024

Exterior Lighting 12

“Front headlights went out also rear brake lights now I have a problem with brake light and tailgate lamp staying on when car and lights are off. The suspension has had a issue ever since I bought it it makes awful loud noises when driving and especially hitting bumps in road. Passenger front and rear windows won't roll down. Had to replace battery as well. Inside door handles fell off as well as outside rear handles.tire pressure indicator light stays on as well as the park assist and drive train lights stay on.problem with car going in drive sometimes it locks up and have to restart and slam…”
NHTSA complaint #11745422, 2025

“My 2011 kia sportage had a recall #23V65200. On [XXX] my radio started smoking and my headlights would not shut off even with car off and keys out. You had to unplug cable from battery for lights to go off and not run battery down. I called kia in bloomington indiana they said to not drive and call customer service to have towed. i called on [XXX] and talked to a lady, she was very rude and dismissive. Said they would not tow due to my kia being a 2011 it was to old and they would only tow if above 2015. She then said I had to pay and only if the lights and smoke was because of recall they wo…”
NHTSA complaint #11608112, 2024

“THE REAR LIGHTS ARE TURNED ON FOR NIGHT DRIVING THEY ALL BLINK RANDOMLY AS WELL AS REAR LICENSE PLATE LIGHT”
NHTSA complaint #11221336, 2019

Vehicle Speed Control 10

“2011 Kia Sportage engine stalling/failure. Has been having oil pressure/heating/oil feed line/consumption issues. Taken to a Kia dealership on multiple occasions for all routine maintenance, including every 3000 oil changes. Owner was told that a catalytic converter was needed in 2021 due to engine stalling/ failure while driving 55-60mph on highway to a rapid deceleration and vehicle would go >20mph. Owner had car towed to Kia dealership and had a new catalytic converter put on in 2021 by dealership. Then in 2022 same engine stalling occurred again. Taken back to dealership and was told car n…”
NHTSA complaint #11548411, 2023

“The engine light came on and it started making loud noise, then the car started pulling on its own and it stop in the middle of the road. My safety Issue was I had to keep my driver hood open so other visible drivers could know my car had an issue. later on, that day I took my car to the mechanic and the mechanic said I have an oil leak and that's why my car started acting like that. The mechanic told me my car was ready to go, so I paid him and left thinking my car was fine. I drive 6 miles away from the car shop and my car broke down in the middle of the road. so, I had to call the tow truc…”
NHTSA complaint #11539580, 2023

“Airbag Clock Spring does not work properly. It has been recalled on other KIA's but not mine. I was told to just turn the steering wheel to get the cruise to work, but don't know if that will make the airbag work in case of an accident if it's not fixed!!”
NHTSA complaint #11427038, 2021

Steering 9 1 crash 1 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH AND MAKING A TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE STRUCK A PARKED VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BRUISE ON THE KNEE THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A COLLISION CENTER WHERE IT WAS DECLARED DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.”
NHTSA complaint #10936671, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“RECALL NO. 13V114 HAS STILL NOT BEEN RESOLVED. WITH NO PREDICABLE FREQUENCY, MY DAUGHTER'S CAR WILL SUDDENLY BE DIFFICULT TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK AND THE STEERING WILL BECOME MORE DIFFICULT, THE STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE, THE CRUISE CONTROL WILL BE INOPERATIVE, THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES WILL BECOME INOPERATIVE, BECAUSE THE STOP LAMP SWITCH CONNECTED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL IS MALFUNCTIONING. I BELIEVE THIS CAN BE REPAIRED BY A REPLACEMENT STOP LAMP SWITCH, AT LEAST TEMPORARILY. I DO NOT KNOW IF KIA HAS AN ALTERNATE SWITCH AVAILABLE TO INSTALL. IT HAS BEEN ALMOST EIGHT YEARS SINCE THIS RECALL…”
NHTSA complaint #11390243, 2020

“THE STEERING WHEEL CONTROL IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY ESPECIALLY UNDER 60 MPH. I BELIEVE IT HAS A PROBLEM THAT COMES FROM THE FACTORY SETTINGS. I ALSO HAVE SEEN THAT MANY 2011 KIA SPORTAGE OWNERS HAVE THE SAME ISSUE WHICH IS VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE IT BECOMES VERY HARD TO KEEP THE CAR IN THE LINE.”
NHTSA complaint #11076590, 2018

Engine And Engine Cooling 7

“The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. While accelerating to overtake a vehicle driving under the speed limit, the vehicle started to stall. The check engine light was flashing, and the vehicle went into ECO mode. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a misfire and…”
NHTSA complaint #11744681, 2026

“The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle for the State Inspection, the vehicle failed the Emissions test. The State Inspector diagnosed a failure with the Evaporative Emissions Control System (EVAP). The contact was informed that the system was leaking. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 243,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11647495, 2025

“The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle shut off as several warning lights appeared on the instrument panel. The contact managed to coast the vehicle off to the shoulder of the highway. The contact made multiple attempts to restart the vehicle but every attempt failed. Due to the excessive heat and with a newborn baby inside the vehicle, the contact called authorities for assistance. The authorities could not provide the adequate assistance needed to handle the matter; therefore, she called her husband. Her husband was able to call a n…”
NHTSA complaint #11478566, 2022

Fuel/Propulsion System 7 1 fire

“WAS DRIVING IN CRUZE CRONTROL STEPPED ON THE GAS AND VEHICLE DIED. I PUSHED THE START BUTTON NOTHING BUT A WARNING SIGN ON DASH SCREEN THAT WOULD GO BLANK BEFORE I COULD SEE WHAT IT SAID. I LIFTED THE HOOD AND CHECK THE BATTERY CABLES THEY WERE ON TIGHT GOT BACK IN THE TRUCK PUSH THE BUTTON NOTHING SMELLED WIRES BURNING SEEN SMOKE TOP OF MY MOTORS ON FIRE. I WAS HEADING NORTH ON I-5 NEAR THE DUPONT EXIT.”
NHTSA complaint #11279767, 2019 · fire

“The engine light came on and it started making loud noise, then the car started pulling on its own and it stop in the middle of the road. My safety Issue was I had to keep my driver hood open so other visible drivers could know my car had an issue. later on, that day I took my car to the mechanic and the mechanic said I have an oil leak and that's why my car started acting like that. The mechanic told me my car was ready to go, so I paid him and left thinking my car was fine. I drive 6 miles away from the car shop and my car broke down in the middle of the road. so, I had to call the tow truc…”
NHTSA complaint #11539580, 2023

“PURCHASED VEHICLE AT A REPUTABLE DEALERSHIP IN MARCH 2019. ON JUNE 12,2020, VEHICLE WOULD NOT START WHILE STATIONARY IN THE DRIVEWAY OF MY RESIDENCE. ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE DIAGNOSED DEAD BATTERY. TOOK VEHICLE TO THE KIA DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR TO REQUEST NEW BATTERY. THEY ARE STATING THAT THE CAR NOW NEEDS A NEW BATTERY AND A FUEL PUMP. I HAD NO ELECTRICAL OR FUEL RELATED BEFORE JUNE 12, 2020.”
NHTSA complaint #11329897, 2020

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 5

“MY KNOB THAT TURNS THE FAN ON OR OFF QUIT WORKING AND IT TURNS OUT THAT IT WAS MELTED ALL THE WAY INSIDE AND IT WAS MELTED FROM THE SPARKS THAT WERE OCCURRING INSIDE WHERE THEY COULDN'T BE SEEN”
NHTSA complaint #11364780, 2020

“I'M TRYING TO CHECK IF MY VEHICLE WAS RECALLED CAUSE IT'S BEEN DRIVING REALLY WEIRD AND THEN I HEARD THAT 2011 KIA SPORTAGE WERE BEING RECALLED AND TRYING TO FIND OUT IF THAT'S WHAT'S CAUSING THE PROBLEMS”
NHTSA complaint #10971438, 2017

“BRAKE LIGHTS INOPERABLE, ESC INOPERABLE, CRUISE CONTROL INOPERABLE, TRANSMISSION STUCK IN PARK. UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE I NOTICED 2 WARNING LIGHTS REMAIN LIGHTED. I LOOKED IN THE MANUAL OF THE VEHICLE AND LEARNED THE WARNING LIGHTS FOR THE ESC. I CONTINUED TO ATTEMPT TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE BY SHIFTING THE TRANSMISSION INTERLOCKL LEVER INTO THE "REVERSE" POSITION. HOWEVER, I WAS UNABLE TO MOVE THE TRANSMISSION INTERLOCK LEVER. UPON RESEARCHING THAT ISSUE I LEARNED I COULD UTILIZE A MANUAL OVERRIDE TO SWITCH INTO GEAR. I DID THIS AND UPON DRIVING THE CAR HOME I REALIZED THE CRUISE CONTROL NO…”
NHTSA complaint #10956802, 2016

Structure 5 1 injury

“TL*THE CONTACT PREVIOUSLY OWNED A 2011 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SIDE REAR PASSENGER DOOR PROTRUDED OUTWARD DUE TO THE ANGLE AND IT CAUSED THE DOOR TO HIT HIM IN THE FACE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A SWOLLEN NOSE AND LOST A LARGE AMOUNT OF BLOOD. THE DEALER ALLOWED THE CONTACT TO TRADE IN THE VEHICLE FOR A NEW ONE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD NO LIABILITY FOR THE INCIDENT AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1300. UPDATED 05/16/11 *BF UPDATED 2/8/12 *CN”
NHTSA complaint #10395801, 2011 · 1 injury(ies)

“I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK WITH A FRIEND ON THE 10 FREEWAY IN SAN BERNADINO. WE HEARD A LARGE EXPLOSION AND GLASS STARTED COMING IN THE CAR FROM THE SUN ROOF AREA. APPARENTLY OUR SUNROOF SPONTANEOUSLY EXPLODED, HAVEN'T USED THE SUNROOF IN YEARS. LOOKED IT UP ONLINE AND APPARENTLY IT'S A THING THAT HAPPENS TO THESE KIAS.”
NHTSA complaint #10955612, 2017

“DUE TO KIA NOT APPLYING ENOUGH RUST PROTECTION/UNDERCOATING ON MY SPORTAGE. I AM EXPERIENCING RUST ALL UNDERNEATH MY CAR. I HAVE CONTACTED KIA AND THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT, TRYING TO GET THEM TO RECTIFY THE SITUATION AND BOTH HAVE REFUSED, EACH BLAMING THE OTHER FOR THE CAUSE. IN THE MEANTIME, I AM DRIVING MY SPORTAGE IN SNOW, ICE, WATER AND SALT IN MASSACHUSETTS. I HAVE ALSO TOLD THEM THAT MY CATALYIC CONVERTER WAS ALSO RUSTING TO THE POINT THAT THE ENTIRE EXHAUST SYSTEM NEEDS REPLACING. I AM ALSO VERY SCARED THAT THERE IS SUSPENSION DAMAGE FROM THIS HAPPENING. I AM CONSTANTLY HEARING GROANS, S…”
NHTSA complaint #10948143, 2017

Suspension 5

“Front headlights went out also rear brake lights now I have a problem with brake light and tailgate lamp staying on when car and lights are off. The suspension has had a issue ever since I bought it it makes awful loud noises when driving and especially hitting bumps in road. Passenger front and rear windows won't roll down. Had to replace battery as well. Inside door handles fell off as well as outside rear handles.tire pressure indicator light stays on as well as the park assist and drive train lights stay on.problem with car going in drive sometimes it locks up and have to restart and slam…”
NHTSA complaint #11745422, 2025

“DUE TO KIA NOT APPLYING ENOUGH RUST PROTECTION/UNDERCOATING ON MY SPORTAGE. I AM EXPERIENCING RUST ALL UNDERNEATH MY CAR. I HAVE CONTACTED KIA AND THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT, TRYING TO GET THEM TO RECTIFY THE SITUATION AND BOTH HAVE REFUSED, EACH BLAMING THE OTHER FOR THE CAUSE. IN THE MEANTIME, I AM DRIVING MY SPORTAGE IN SNOW, ICE, WATER AND SALT IN MASSACHUSETTS. I HAVE ALSO TOLD THEM THAT MY CATALYIC CONVERTER WAS ALSO RUSTING TO THE POINT THAT THE ENTIRE EXHAUST SYSTEM NEEDS REPLACING. I AM ALSO VERY SCARED THAT THERE IS SUSPENSION DAMAGE FROM THIS HAPPENING. I AM CONSTANTLY HEARING GROANS, S…”
NHTSA complaint #10948143, 2017

“CAR PULLS TO RIGHT CONSTANTLY. A RATTLING NOISE IN FRONT OF CAR UNDERNEATH. WAS TAKEN TO KIA AND THEY STATED THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG. NOW RATTLE NOISE IS WORSE. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10567543, 2013

Air Bags 4 2 crash 2 injury

“The contact owned a 2011 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving at approximately 55 MPH she rolled over a large puddle of water on the roadway. The contact stated that she hydroplaned and she lost control of the vehicle. The contact stated that she drove off of the roadway and down an embankment and rolled over several times before coming to a stop at the bottom of the embankment. The contact was transported by ambulance to a hospital. The contact stated she was diagnosed with a concussion, bruises to both arms, a sprained left ankle, and cuts to her hands and feet. The contact stated…”
NHTSA complaint #11609590, 2024 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE SWERVED AND CRASHED INTO A TELEPHONE POLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT FRACTURED HIS STERNUM AND RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND DEEMED DESTROYED BY THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11169940, 2019 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Airbag Clock Spring does not work properly. It has been recalled on other KIA's but not mine. I was told to just turn the steering wheel to get the cruise to work, but don't know if that will make the airbag work in case of an accident if it's not fixed!!”
NHTSA complaint #11427038, 2021

Visibility 4

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED. THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND GLASS SHATTERED INTO THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MURRAY KIA IN CONSHOHOCKEN, PENNSYLVANIA TO BE EXAMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED THE CONTACT WITH CASE NUMBER: 12665943. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71,010. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.”
NHTSA complaint #11080855, 2018

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11035232, 2017

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE THE CONTACT'S WIFE WAS DRIVING 45 MPH ON THE EXPRESSWAY, THE SUN ROOF FRACTURED. THE FAILURE CAUSED GLASS TO ENTER THE VEHICLE NEAR THE PASSENGER AND MINOR IN THE BACK SEAT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE DRIVER MANAGED TO EXIT THE EXPRESSWAY. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER (RODEO KIA, 10685 PAPAGO FWY, AVONDALE, AZ 85323) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT KIA'S FAULT; THEREFORE, IT WOULD BE AN OUT OF POCKET EXPENSE AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS KEPT FOR SIX DAYS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF T…”
NHTSA complaint #11025428, 2017

Fuel System 3

“STEP ON GAS, RPM GOES UP BUT NO ACCELERATION, AT TIMES CAN NOT GET OVER 35MPH. ON EVEN TERRAIN WITH CRUISE ENGAGED SPEED WILL DROP AND THEN REV BACK UP. THIS ONLY HAPPENS OCCASIONALLY. HAVE BEEN BACK TO THE DEALER X3 BUT WITH NO ENGINE CODES FIRED THEY CAN'T LOCATE THE PROBLEM. SAFETY CONCERNS OF NOT BEING ABLE TO MAINTAIN SPEEDS ON INTERSTATES AND COUNTY ROADS. SEVERAL CONSUMER FORUMS STATE COMMON CONCERNS RELATING TO POSSIBLE TURBO, TRANSMISSION AND/OR GAS LINE ISSUES. KIA NOT RESPONSIVE TO CONSUMER CONCERNS. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10670621, 2014

“WHEN I PLACED THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE, IT FELT LIKE THE CAR LUNGED STOPPED AND LUNGED AGAIN. THE CAR DID NOT MOVE, BECAUSE THE BRAKES WERE STILL ENGAGED. THE REVIEW CAMERA DID NOT TURN ON. I BACKED OUT AND PULLED BACK INTO MY SPOT, PUT THE CAR IN PARK, PUT IT INTO REVERSE AGAIN, AND THE LUNGING OCCURRED AGAIN. I CHECKED THE REVERSE LIGHTS, AND THEY WERE NOT ON. I PROCEEDED TO DRIVE TO MY DESTINATION. WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, I ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE, THE CAR REVVED TO A HIGH RPM, AND THEN ENGAGED THE TRANSMISSION CAUSING THE TIRES TO CHIRP. I ATTEMPTED SEVERAL TIMES TO ACCELERATE TO PROPER SPE…”
NHTSA complaint #10526419, 2013

“I PURCHASED A 2011 KIA SPORTAGE MAR 2011 W/ 12 MILES ON IT. THE MPG RANGE ON THE WINDOW STICKER WAS 22 CITY/27 HIGHWAY (18 MIN/32 MAX). SHORTLY AFTER THE GAS MILEAGE WAS POOR. I DROVE THE VEHICLE FOR 500 MILES FIGURING THAT SHOULD BREAK IT IN AND HOPED THE GAS MILEAGE WOULD IMPROVE. IT DIDN'T, BUT GOT WORSE. I RETURNED TO THE DEALER IN MAY, THE VEHICLE HAD 504 MILES ON IT AND WAS GETTING 12 MILES PER GALLON. DEALER RAN A FUEL CONSUMPTION TEST AND ECM UPGRADE STATING THAT SHOULD FIX THE PROBLEM. I DROVE IT ANOTHER 700 MILES BUT THE MILEAGE DIDN'T' GET BETTER. THE SERVICE MGR STATED THAT A B…”
NHTSA complaint #10461944, 2011

Visibility/Wiper 2

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED. THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND GLASS SHATTERED INTO THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MURRAY KIA IN CONSHOHOCKEN, PENNSYLVANIA TO BE EXAMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED THE CONTACT WITH CASE NUMBER: 12665943. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71,010. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.”
NHTSA complaint #11080855, 2018

Firerelated 1

“The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the cabin started filling up with white smoke and she could smell a burning plastic odor. The contact continued driving to her destination. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact attempted to place the vehicle into park(P) and the shift knob failed to move to park(P). The contact was able to shift to drive (D), neutral(N), and reverse(R). The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who took the console apart and was able to get the knob from be…”
NHTSA complaint #11495776, 2022

Forward Collision Avoidance 1

“I was driving down the highway at 55 mph with the cruise control on and when I came to a stoplight where I had to make a right, the brakes would not depress they were frozen or a hard break pedal. Apparently in 2023 Kia recalled 98,944 Kia Sportage SUVs due to a brake booster issue. My Kia is a 2011. It was very scary and I am having my vehicle towed to a Kia Dealership”
NHTSA complaint #11600275, 2024

Seats 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ADJUSTMENT HANDLE FOR THE FRONT DRIVER SEAT FRACTURED UPON ENGAGING. THE CONTACT WAS IN THE PROCESS OF TAKING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,852. UPDATED 09/21/11*LJ UPDATED 2/23/12 *CN”
NHTSA complaint #10421376, 2011

Tires 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SPORTAGE EQUIPPED WITH KUMHO SOLUS TIRES, SIZE 225/60 R17. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL FOUR TIRE BELTS WERE WEARING PREMATURELY. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE TO THE CONTACT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO NOTIFIED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE TIRES WERE NOT REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE ON THE TIRES AND THE VEHICLE WAS 23,340.”
NHTSA complaint #10502529, 2013