What are the most common problems on the 2014 Kia Sportage?

NHTSA has 122 owner complaint(s) on record for the 2014 Kia Sportage. Engine is the most-reported problem area on the 2014 Kia Sportage, cited in 71 of 122 filed complaints (58%).

Problems › Kia › 2014 Sportage

2014 Kia Sportage Problems & Owner Complaints

122 NHTSA owner complaints

2 crash 1 fire 3 injury

Age-normalised, this year draws ~9.4 complaints per year on the road — ranking 11 of 15 Kia Sportage years we track (1 = most complaints per year).

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What owners report

Engine is the most-reported problem area on the 2014 Kia Sportage, cited in 71 of 122 filed complaints (58%).

Service Brakes is next (24 complaints, 20%), followed by Electrical System (8), Fuel/Propulsion System (6), Power Train (4).

Across all complaints, 2 report a crash, 1 report a fire, 3 report injuries.

The most safety-critical cluster is Air Bags: 2 crash, 2 injury report(s).

Complaints by vehicle system

Owner complaints filed with the U.S. NHTSA for the 2014 Kia Sportage, grouped by the vehicle system each cites. A single complaint can name more than one system, so the group totals can add up to more than 122.

Engine 71

“My vehicle stalled (104000mi) bought in 2024 looked up online was known between 2023-2024 engine recall I wasn't told or shown on Car Fax anything about this So [XXX] worked on engine 2. Mths no charge was to get new motor they replaced alternator.Told Done Engine light was on I went to drive it jerked and over dash said engine problems return to dealer ( 5 min) I did .They had it2 more weeks said Transmission box lied I found diagnostics in my dash says engine control problems.Theysaid I had to return loaner and take my vehicle It's not the transmission They are lying. INFORMATION REDACTED P…”
NHTSA complaint #11736797, 2026

“Engine went out , starter went out got it replaced been having issues since I purchased it . Makes a noise my engine oil and gasoline was mixing my engine is locked now”
NHTSA complaint #11733904, 2026

“My Kia engine was replaced under recall. The replacement engine triggered P1326 KSDS failure while I was traveling overseas, placing the vehicle in limp mode. Kia USA refuses to assist or authorize diagnosis, leaving me stranded. This is a repeat recall-related safety failure, even though there is a Kia Dealership near me.”
NHTSA complaint #11704954, 2025

Service Brakes 24

“Brakes keep squealing and as of a result of previous recall service my engine drink oil fast and not to mention the oil pan gasket is leaking oil. The engine smoke and have a burning smell that seep inside the car vents.”
NHTSA complaint #11557805, 2023

“The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 35-40 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, added pressure and pumping of the brake pedal was needed to slow and eventually stop the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was currently awaiting diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 121,062.”
NHTSA complaint #11543923, 2023

“My car won’t go up to speed and it keeps throwing out it’s the turbo boost sensor not only that I almost crashed when I pushed on the brakes a little bit”
NHTSA complaint #11533402, 2023

Unknown Or Other 14

“My 2014 Kia Sportage experienced sudden and complete engine failure while I was driving on the highway at 75 mph. The engine locked up instantly, with no warning lights or alerts of any kind. The only prior issue was that the vehicle constantly burned oil and needed to be topped off frequently, but there was never any indication that the engine was about to fail. This sudden failure left me stranded in a dangerous situation. Thankfully, I was able to maneuver safely, but I am terrified of what could have happened to my daughter and grandson who were in the car or others on the road. Afterwar…”
NHTSA complaint #11683260, 2025

“The driver side door has issues with opening from outside.”
NHTSA complaint #11557806, 2023

“I was driving home from work on the expressway driving around 60 miles when my car out of no where started jerking and lost speed as driving at some points I could go over 40 I had to put my hazards on and drive at a speed of 30 on the expressway when I parked the car and put my foot on gas pedal I could not drive had a mechanic look at it they said it was my knock sensor”
NHTSA complaint #11529080, 2023

Electrical System 8

“The rear hatch door no longer opens. This could pose a safety risk in an emergency situation. Upon research it appears to be very common issue among Kias from this year.”
NHTSA complaint #11642986, 2025

“The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start immediately and required several attempts to start the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was constant. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the battery was too small and that the battery terminal leads were too long and could be a fire hazard and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed…”
NHTSA complaint #11512416, 2022

Fuel/Propulsion System 6

“Filled tank full drove 150 miles and u barely made it to the gas station.”
NHTSA complaint #11494867, 2022

“There are moments when I am driving that the vehicle will suddenly decelerate for no reason. At that point, I have to pull over, turn the vehicle off and then back on for it to move. This is frightening at the least as it happens with no warning and sometimes I'm on the freeway. I have had a couple of mechanics look at it and they can't figure out why it does this. I've asked Kia twice and they don't give a response. I'm afraid that it will happen one day when I'm not in a position to pull over without getting hit.”
NHTSA complaint #11445548, 2021

Power Train 4

“The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while having an anti-theft recall performed, the mechanic stated that the software that was being uploaded caused damages to the computer but was not sure of the specific failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but did not provide any assistance. The failure mileage was 84,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11536458, 2023

“THERE IS A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM MY ENGINE. I ALSO LOSE POWER WHEN I TURN CORNERS OR WHEN I SLOW DOWN AND GO AGAIN. THE KNOCKING NOISE IS NOT VERY LOUD BUT I CAN HEAR WITH THE WINDOWS DOWN. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO KIA AND THEY STATED THEY COULDNT REPLICATE THE ISSUE. THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED FOR THE SAME ISSUE LAST YEAR (2019).”
NHTSA complaint #11382762, 2020

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Vehicle Speed Control 4

“My car won’t go up to speed and it keeps throwing out it’s the turbo boost sensor not only that I almost crashed when I pushed on the brakes a little bit”
NHTSA complaint #11533402, 2023

Visibility 4 1 injury

“MY 5YEARS DAUGHTER HAVE HER WINDOW LITTLE OPEN WHEN SHE HAS HER FINGER ON THE WINDOW. I CLOSED THE WINDOW WITHOUT NOTICED THAT SHE HAS HER FINGER THERE. REALLY HURTS HER AND DIDN'T GET SO BAD BECAUSE SHE WAS FASTER IM WONDERING IF KIA DOESN'T PROVIDE A SAFETY LOCKER FOR WINDOWS PLEASEEEEEEEEEEE *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10616427, 2013 · 1 injury(ies)

“In researching my vehicle I came across a recall/investigation for Kia window regulators. My 2014 Sportage has had the same issue and the dealership told me 'my door panel is fried'. I do not have any issues with the drivers window...it can go up/down. The passenger side is functional less often than the rear windows which will at times get stuck half way or stuck down all together. I own a 2014, am the original owner - the issue is includes more than just the 2017 models. The dealership dismissed my concern that the driver side window is functional while the remaining three windows are func…”
NHTSA complaint #11508198, 2018

“WHILE DRIVING ON THE 91 FREEWAY ON SATURDAY FEB 28TH THE SUNROOF BLEW OUT ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT - DON'T HAVE ANY REASON WHY THIS HAPPENED NOTHING HIT THE CAR IT JUST SIMPLY BLEW OUT AND SHATTERED GLASS ALL OVER THE BACK SEATS AND THE CARS DRIVING BEHIND ME. I ALMOST VEERED INTO THE NEXT LANE AND ALMOST CAUSED A MAJOR COLLISION. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10691787, 2015

Air Bags 3 2 crash 2 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2014 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE PASSED THE CONTACT ILLEGALLY ON THE SHOULDER. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO MOVE THE VEHICLE OVER A LITTLE WHEN THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE STRUCK GRAVEL AND LOST CONTROL. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE WENT AIRBORNE AND CRASHED INTO A GUARDRAIL. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED CHRONIC WHIPLASH, A CONCUSSION, A SORE ARM, AND BACK INJURIES. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS RECEIVED. THE OTHER VEHICLE FLED THE SCENE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND DEEMED TOTALED BY THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY. T…”
NHTSA complaint #11169871, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2014 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A ROAD SIGN, A POLE, AND ROLLED OVER SEVERAL TIMES. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUFFERED KNEE INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,905. ...01/04/17 *BF UPDATED 12/11/2017*JS”
NHTSA complaint #10870011, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Air bag light has been on. Service department looked into it and said it requires a new airbag control module, but the part is on back order and they don't know when it would be available. They said that if a crash occured, the airbags probably wouldn't work.”
NHTSA complaint #11489765, 2022

Structure 3 1 injury

“The driver side door has issues with opening from outside.”
NHTSA complaint #11557806, 2023

“THE FRAME NUTS HOLDING THE TRAILER HITCH PULLED LOOSE FROM THE FRAME. THE MAX WEIGHT FOR THE HITCH IS 200 LBS. I USE AN ELECTRIC SCHOTER T GET AROUND. THEIR IS ALOFT ATTACHED TO THE HITCH. THE COMBINED WEIGHT OF THE SCOTER AND LIFT DOES NOT EXCEED THE 200 LBS LIMIT. I WAS DRIVING AND THE HITCH/FRAME MOUNT FAILED. I WAS TRAVELING APPROX 25 MPH AND THE MOUNT FAILED DROPPING THE LIFT AND SCOOTER TO THE CITY STREET.”
NHTSA complaint #10978691, 2017

Visibility/Wiper 3

“BOUGHT VEHICLE FROM TEAM GUNTHER KIA - DAPHNE, AL. VEHICLE ARRIVED IN COLORADO WITH ILLEGALLY LOW TIRE TREAD DEPTH AND UNUSUAL RATTLING IN THE REAR OF VEHICLE WHICH REQUIRES A HEAT SHIELD REPLACEMENT (I25 KIA IN COLORADO). VEHICLE ONLY HAS 23,000 MILES. ONE OWNER, CLEAN CARFAX REPORT. KIA REFUSES TO PAY FOR HEAT SHIELD REPLACEMENT AS VEHICLE RAN OUT OF WARRANT JUNE OF 2019 AND 10 YEAR POWERTRAIN WARRANTY WILL NOT SUFFICE DESPITE INCOMPLETE SALE (CASE NUMBER: 13917735). TIRES SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN SO POOR (HANKOOK) AT 4/32NDS AND EXTREME TIRE ROT WITH ONLY 23,000 ORIGINAL MILES. SUSPICIOUS…”
NHTSA complaint #11387013, 2020

“SUNROOF EXPLODED - I WAS TRAVELLING AT APPROX. 60MPH ON A DIVIDED HIGHWAY AND THE SUNROOF EXPLODED CAUSING SMALL PIECES OF GLASS TO FALL INTO THE VEHICLE.”
NHTSA complaint #11082085, 2018

“WHILE BACKING MY 2014 KIA SPORTAGE OUT OF MY GARAGE, I HEARD A LOUD NOISE. IT ALMOST SOUNDED LIKE A TIRE BLOWOUT. UPON INSPECTION, ALL 4 TIRES WERE FINE. THE ENTIRE FRONT SEPARATE PORTION OF THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF HAD EXPLODED / SHATTERED.”
NHTSA complaint #10971994, 2017

Engine And Engine Cooling 2 1 fire

“The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact opened the hood and noticed an abnormal burning odor. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed the oil was not entering the engine and an engine replacement was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 137,000. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number 22V051000 ( Service Brakes, Hydraulic).”
NHTSA complaint #11462496, 2022 · fire

“The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the service engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle went in LIMP Mode. The contact stated that the engine started to overheat. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the turbo charger, radiator, and the catalytic convertor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 132,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11628657, 2024

Fuel System 2

“The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the vehicle, after which the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failur…”
NHTSA complaint #11669548, 2025

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V907000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, ENGINE) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL ODOR INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MURRAY FORD OF KINGSLAND, INC (2030 N GEORGIA ST 40, KINGSLAND, GA 31548, (912) 510-3673) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORME…”
NHTSA complaint #11374540, 2020

Suspension 2

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 1

“SHORTLY AFTER I TOOK POSSESSION OF THIS VEHICLE, ON 3-15-14, I BEGAN TO NOTICE THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY FLASHING ON THE DASH PANEL AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN PULLING TO THE RIGHT. THIS CONCERNED ME AS IT IS AN AWD, AND I WAS DRIVING ON DRY PAVEMENT. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND SHARED MY CONCERNS, THEY COMPLETED AN ALIGNMENT, THEY DID REPORT SEEING THE LIGHTS FLASHING ON THE DASH BUT REPORTED THIS WAS "NORMAL" FOR THIS VEHICLE. IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING MY PICKING THE VEHICLE UP FROM THE DEALERSHIP, IT STILL PULLED TO THE RIGHT AND MY TC LIGHTS CONTINUED TO FLASH. I AGAIN…”
NHTSA complaint #10596965, 2014

Equipment 1

“The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the TPMS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that there were no failures with the tires. The vehicle was taken to various independent mechanics where it showed that the front and rear passenger’s side tires had low air pressure and needed to be inflated. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V023000 (Equipment); however, the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was a…”
NHTSA complaint #11514385, 2022

Tires 1

“WHILE PARKED IN NEUTRAL I NOTICED THE LOW TIRE WARNING LIGHT BLINKING. THE VEHICLE HAD APPROXIMATELY 3000 MILES ON IT. AFTER CHECKING THE PRESSURE I DECIDED THAT THE PROBLEM HAD TO BE A SENSOR. I BROUGHT IT TO MYRTLE BEACH KIA ON HIGHWAY 501 IN S.C. I WAS TOLD THAT THE PROBLEM WAS IN THE BOARD NOT THE SENSOR IN THE TIRES AND ALL THEY COULD DO WAS RESET THE CODE. THE DEALER MANGER SAID THAT THEY HAD TO GET PERMISSION FROM CORPORATE TO REPLACE THE PART. I WAS ASSURED THAT THERE WAS A RECORD OF THE PROBLEM IN THE COMPUTER FOR ANY DEALER THAT I CHOOSE TO VISIT. THE LIGHT STAYED OFF FOR ABOUT 7000…”
NHTSA complaint #10684333, 2014

How we read this (methodology)

How to read this: raw complaint totals are not a clean reliability score — a model year with more cars sold, or simply more years on the road, accumulates more complaints regardless of how good it is. So this page leans on two signals that are not distorted by sales volume: the share of complaints falling on each vehicle system (the breakdown above) and NHTSA's own crash / fire / injury / death flags. When we compare model years of the same model, we normalise by years on the road (complaints ÷ vehicle age) rather than comparing raw totals. Age-normalised, the 2014 Kia Sportage draws about 9.4 complaints per year on the road, ranking 11 of 15 among the Kia Sportage model years we have ingested (1 = most complaints per year on road).

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Data source: U.S. NHTSA (nhtsa.gov). SaveVIN surfaces public recall data and is not affiliated with or endorsed by NHTSA.