2015 Kia Sportage Problems & Owner Complaints

Engine 84 7 fire

“Engine fire which led to explosion and total loss.”
NHTSA complaint #11743850, 2026 · fire

“This car was electronically going crazy tenants calling police cause alarm wouldn't stop going off Smelled gasoline but no leaks o roll the windows down engine ram n lights get dim no check light ever came on car shutting off child locked in car behind this then it goes up in smoke while driving on the freeway what the hell should I say more we could have list our lives in that car I have 2 kids 1 and 2. I need justice asap I have kids with astma is it due to this faulty vehicle”
NHTSA complaint #11479658, 2022 · fire

“Engine stalled at a stop sign. Smoke started coming from the front of the vehicle and engine burst into flames. No warning lights, no sign of something going wrong. My safety and that of my husband was out at risk due to risk of burning to death, being badly burned, others being injured from being in the vicinity etc.”
NHTSA complaint #11462157, 2022 · fire

Service Brakes 31 3 fire

“The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that he had taken the vehicle to a dealer to have it diagnosed for rough engine functioning. The contact stated that the dealer diagnosed that the vehicle needed to have the engine replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was returning to his residence at approximately 30 MPH, when the vehicle's engine began to shake and had a loud explosion. The contact stated that the check engine light was illuminated. The contact was able to return to his residence and turned the vehicle off and observed white smoke issuing from under the…”
NHTSA complaint #11461533, 2022 · fire

“The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V051000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available. (RECALL RELATED INCIDE…”
NHTSA complaint #11460114, 2022 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, ALL THE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING AND BRAKING ABILITY. THE ODOMETER ALSO FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE CONTACT OBSERVED SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD AND FLAMES APPEARED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000. ....UPDATED 10-27-15 *BF”
NHTSA complaint #10767409, 2015 · fire

Unknown Or Other 25 4 fire

“Engine stalled at a stop sign. Smoke started coming from the front of the vehicle and engine burst into flames. No warning lights, no sign of something going wrong. My safety and that of my husband was out at risk due to risk of burning to death, being badly burned, others being injured from being in the vicinity etc.”
NHTSA complaint #11462157, 2022 · fire

“THE 2015 KIA SPORTAGE WAS IN THE PARKING LOT AT THE MEDICAL CENTER WHERE MY WIFE HAD A DOCTOR APPOINTMENT. SHE WAS INSIDE APPROXIMATELY 10-15 MINUTES WHEN AN ANNOUNCEMENT WAS MADE ABOUT A RED KIA IN THE PARKING LOT. WHEN SHE LOOKED, IT WAS HER CAR & THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT WERE ALREADY ON SCENE & THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED. THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS.”
NHTSA complaint #11078775, 2018 · fire

“DROVE VEHICLE APPROX 10 MINUTES SMELLED A BURNING SMELL, THOUGHT IT WAS THE VEHICLE DRIVING IN NEXT LANE, ABOUT 5 MINUTES LATER WHILE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT LIGHT, I NOTICED THE HEAVY SMOKE COMING FROM ENGINE, I EXITED VEHICLE AND JUST 1-2 MINUTES ENGINE WAS FULLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES.”
NHTSA complaint #11040471, 2017 · fire

Electrical System 18 5 fire

“This car was electronically going crazy tenants calling police cause alarm wouldn't stop going off Smelled gasoline but no leaks o roll the windows down engine ram n lights get dim no check light ever came on car shutting off child locked in car behind this then it goes up in smoke while driving on the freeway what the hell should I say more we could have list our lives in that car I have 2 kids 1 and 2. I need justice asap I have kids with astma is it due to this faulty vehicle”
NHTSA complaint #11479658, 2022 · fire

“THE 2015 KIA SPORTAGE WAS IN THE PARKING LOT AT THE MEDICAL CENTER WHERE MY WIFE HAD A DOCTOR APPOINTMENT. SHE WAS INSIDE APPROXIMATELY 10-15 MINUTES WHEN AN ANNOUNCEMENT WAS MADE ABOUT A RED KIA IN THE PARKING LOT. WHEN SHE LOOKED, IT WAS HER CAR & THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT WERE ALREADY ON SCENE & THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED. THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS.”
NHTSA complaint #11078775, 2018 · fire

“DROVE VEHICLE APPROX 10 MINUTES SMELLED A BURNING SMELL, THOUGHT IT WAS THE VEHICLE DRIVING IN NEXT LANE, ABOUT 5 MINUTES LATER WHILE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT LIGHT, I NOTICED THE HEAVY SMOKE COMING FROM ENGINE, I EXITED VEHICLE AND JUST 1-2 MINUTES ENGINE WAS FULLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES.”
NHTSA complaint #11040471, 2017 · fire

Fuel/Propulsion System 7 1 fire

“This car was electronically going crazy tenants calling police cause alarm wouldn't stop going off Smelled gasoline but no leaks o roll the windows down engine ram n lights get dim no check light ever came on car shutting off child locked in car behind this then it goes up in smoke while driving on the freeway what the hell should I say more we could have list our lives in that car I have 2 kids 1 and 2. I need justice asap I have kids with astma is it due to this faulty vehicle”
NHTSA complaint #11479658, 2022 · fire

“Emission system failure causing check engine light to turn on.”
NHTSA complaint #11590900, 2024

“[XXX] Kia Dealer replaced the 2015 Kia Sportage engine under an extended warranty not a recall. (10 months ago) Kia failed to notify us there was a connection issue of the high pressure fuel line on replacement motors. [XXX] daughter drove from Boston to Maine when she arrived home gas vapors were coming out the front grill and between the hood and windshield. When I removed the plastic engine cover and had her start the car fuel sprayed out everywhere. 2-6-24: Kia dealer wont repair the leak because the engine was replaced under an extended warranty and not a recall. 2-7-24: Charles, a supe…”
NHTSA complaint #11570633, 2024

Power Train 6

“Unjustified Denial of Engine Warranty Coverage - 2015 Kia Sportage "I am filing this complaint because Kia is denying warranty coverage for a known engine defect (rod bearing failure in the Theta II GDI engine) on my 2015 Kia Sportage. The manufacturer’s denial is based on the claim that I did not perform the KSDS (Knock Sensor Detection System) software update in previous years. However, I have officially performed this update at an authorized Kia dealership (Hendrick Kia of Cary) on April 17, 2026. Despite my vehicle now fully complying with the recall requirements, Kia continues to deny the…”
NHTSA complaint #11733440, 2026

“The contact’s son owns a 2015 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced lunging and the engine seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the contact’s residence. The contact used an ODB scanner to diagnose the vehicle and retrieved DTC codes related for: camshaft timing in cylinder bank 1 advanced, low oil, phaser stuck, faulty sensor, failed valve control solenoid, and worn timing components. The contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer where a diagnostic test was performed, and the contact was informed that the internal engine failure was…”
NHTSA complaint #11581345, 2024

“The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle would not accelerate as designed. The contact depressed the brake pedal however, the vehicle failed to stop as needed. Additionally, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact continued driving until the vehicle independently slowed down and she was able to shift into the park positin. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was out of warranty. No further assistan…”
NHTSA complaint #11499911, 2022

Air Bags 5 5 crash 5 injury

“I WAS TRAVELING APPROX. 50 MPH AND A WOMAN PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF ME AND I (T BONED ) HER. MY CHEST HIT THE STEERING WHEEL AND THEN THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED IMMEDIATELY ALL FUNCTIONS STOPPED WORKING.THE CAR FILLED WITH WHITE SMOKE FROM THE AIR BAG. MY WINDOWS WERE UP AND I COULD NOT ROLL THEM DOWN NOR STEER.I COULD NOT BREATH THE CAR WAS ROLLING IT STOPPED AT APPROX. 50 FT.WHEN I GOT OUT I WAS GASPING I HAD A WHITE SUBSTANCE ALL OVER ME IN MY NOSE. I'M VERY CONCERNED.”
NHTSA complaint #10919930, 2015 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“CAR WAS IN A COLLISION WITH METAL BRIDGE BARRIER(STANDING SOLID OBJECT) HEAD ON, SPUN TO HIT BOTH REAR SIDES AND SPUN SOME MORE AND NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. I HIT MY HEAD ON THE DRIVER SIDE PANEL AND RESULTED IN A CONCUSSION. I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY GOING ABOUT 65MPH WHEN I HIT AN ICE BLOCK ON THE ROAD, SPUN TO THE SIDE AND HIT THE METAL BARRIE ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD HEAD ON AND SPUN MORE TO HIT THE BACK TIRE. CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS ACCORDING TO INSURANCE.”
NHTSA complaint #11372638, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED HEAD ON INTO THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CONCUSION, SPRAINED NECK, AND SPRAINED SHOULDER THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE INSURANCE COMPANY HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT FURTHER INVESTIGATION WOULD BE PERFORMED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10884082, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Vehicle Speed Control 5 1 crash

“Driving on the highway at 65mph, engine light started blinking then stayed solid and my speed declined to 40mph and would not go higher. Had to stay in slow lane to get off and get back on to make it home. I was unsure as to what was happening.It was the weekend so had to wait until Monday until i could find out and the dealership told me it was the valve cover gasket (which is brand new). I was also told they couldnt do anything else for me i need a long block assembly.”
NHTSA complaint #11549981, 2023

“Had vehicle worked on, on 4/11/2023 ( oil change &tuneup). On 4/17/2023 exiting 151 Hwy vehicle slowed down on me, then regained speed to safety at a Shell gas station. Vehicle started with a loud noise coming from the engine compartment. Got worried, had vehicle towed home. Have been trying to get a hold of kia but they don't answer phone or hang up on me, since I have no warranty on vehicle cause I couldn't afford it. Just wanted to pay it off since I only needed One more year at 140011 miles on it. My first kia lasted longer than that. I currently owe under 3,500 on it. Need help please.”
NHTSA complaint #11526724, 2023

“WHEN I ACCELERATE SOMETIMES THE CAR WILL JERK AND THE ENGINE WILL TRY TO STALL. THE CAR WILL STILL GO BUT STARTS TO SPUTTER AND START TO LOSE POWER. YOU HAVE TO PULL OVER AND SHUT THE ENGINE OFF AND SET THERE FOR A BIT AND RESTART THE ENGINE AND IT MAY DO IT AGAIN 2 OR 3 MORE TIMES AND IT MIGHT NOT DO IT FOR AWHILE. BUT VERY DANGEROUS WHEN PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC. IT WILL ALSO DO IT WHEN YOU TRY TO SPEED UP TO PASS OR JUST GAIN SPEED”
NHTSA complaint #11355082, 2020

Exterior Lighting 3

“MY KIA SPORTAGE IS HAVING MAJOR ELECTRIC ISSUES WITH THE USB DEVICE AND RADIO ALSO LIGHTS DELAY TO COME ON WHEN I TURN OFF VEHICLE WEIRD SOUND COMES FROM WHAT SOUNDS LIKE THE DASH AREA ALSO WHEN I TAKE MY KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION IT STILL MAKES THE DINGING NOISE LIKE THE KEYS ARE IN THE IGNITION AND THE DOOR IS OPEN AND WHEN I SHUT MY HATCH SOMETIMES IT CAUSES MY LIGHTS IN THE BACK TO FLASH ON DEFINITELY SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND I DEFINITELY DON'T FEEL SAFE WITH MY VEHICLE LIKE THIS I HAD DID SOME RESEARCH AND THERE ARE OTHER KIA MODELS WITH ELECTRICAL RECALLS FOR CATCHING…”
NHTSA complaint #11364764, 2019

“MY LOWBEAMS DO NOT WORK. THE LAMPS HAVE BEEN REPLACED AND STILL DON'T WORK. THERE IS NO INFO IN THE OWNERS MANUAL IDENTIFYING THE FUSE OR MODULE THAT CONTROLS THE LOWBEAMS. I CONTACTED KIA'S CONSUMER ASSISTANCE ON MARCH 22, 2019 (CASE# 13097019) WITH A 48 BUSINESS HR REP RETURN CONTACT COMMITTMENT. I JUST RECEIVED IT TODAY, APRIL 27, 2019, ADVISING ME TO TAKE TO DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND TO CONTACT THEM AFTER THE DIAG SO THAT THEY CAN SPEAK WITH THE DEALER TO HELP RESSOLVE. NO IDICATION THAT THEY'LL PAY, OR DO A COURTESY REPAIR. ELECTRICAL WORK CAN BE EXPENSIVE. THIS IN MY OPINION IS A MAJOR…”
NHTSA complaint #11204104, 2019

“THE LATE MODEL KIA SPORTAGE'S HAVE TERRIBLE REAR TURN SIGNALS. THEY ARE A VERY SKINNY 1" X 6" LONG SLIT THAT IS MOUNTED INTO THE LOWER BUMPER COVER. WHEN FOLLOWING ONE OF THESE VEHICLES, ESPECIALLY IN DAYLIGHT, A DRIVERS EYE IS NOT TRAINED TO BE LOOKING FOR A VERY SMALL, SKINNY LITTLE TURN SIGNAL THAT IS NOT INTEGRATED INTO THE BRAKE LIGHTS OR EVEN NEAR THE BRAKE LIGHTS OF THE VEHICLE. THE TURN SIGNAL IS ABOUT 18"-24" LOWER THAN THE BRAKE LIGHTS. RECENTLY WHEN FOLLOWING ONE OF THESE VEHICLES I NEARLY HAD A COLLISION BECAUSE I WAS LOOKING AT THE BRAKE LIGHTS AND NOTICING THE DRIVER SLOWING…”
NHTSA complaint #10934620, 2016

Steering 3

“I own a 2015 Kia Sportage VIN in detail. On 7-2-2026, an authorized Kia dealer completed the anti-theft ignition campaign. Within days of that repair, my daughter was driving at highway speed when the ignition moved from the ON/RUN position to ACC. The engine shut off, resulting in loss of power steering and brake assist. Fortunately, she was able to safely pull over. The servicing dealer has stated that the ignition's ability to rotate from RUN to ACC with minimal pressure is normal and that the vehicle is safe. However, because this incident occurred immediately following the anti-theft cam…”
NHTSA complaint #11748764, 2026

“I WAS DRIVING ON THE MA PIKE NEAR BOSTON AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH IN THE MIDDLE LANE. I HAD A NEED TO TURN INTO THE BREAKDOWN LANE. I TURNED ON MY RIGHT TURN SIGNAL AND STARTED TO ENTER THE RIGHT LANE AND FOR SOME UNEXPLAINED REASON THE VEHICLE STARTED SWERVING BACK TO THE LEFT (LIKE IT WAS SELF CORRECTING)! I TRIED AGAIN TO ENTER THE RIGHT LANE AND AGAIN THE VEHICLE SWERVED TO THE LEFT. I WAS IN MODERATE TRAFFIC, IT WAS DIFFICULT TO GET TO THE RIGHT LANE, CARS BEHIND ME WERE BLOWING THEIR HORNS AND I WAS AFRAID OF A POSSIBLE ROLL-OVER! THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE KIA DEALERSHIP ON 16…”
NHTSA complaint #10706641, 2015

Structure 2 1 crash 2 injury

“I WAS TRAVELING APPROX. 50 MPH AND A WOMAN PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF ME AND I (T BONED ) HER. MY CHEST HIT THE STEERING WHEEL AND THEN THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED IMMEDIATELY ALL FUNCTIONS STOPPED WORKING.THE CAR FILLED WITH WHITE SMOKE FROM THE AIR BAG. MY WINDOWS WERE UP AND I COULD NOT ROLL THEM DOWN NOR STEER.I COULD NOT BREATH THE CAR WAS ROLLING IT STOPPED AT APPROX. 50 FT.WHEN I GOT OUT I WAS GASPING I HAD A WHITE SUBSTANCE ALL OVER ME IN MY NOSE. I'M VERY CONCERNED.”
NHTSA complaint #10919930, 2015 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“Hood latch seccondary safety latch did not catch hood and hood flew up causing inability to see and luckily only damage the car itself. This is a dangerous problem with Kia and should be investigated for the safety catch becoming corroded and sticky. Its design is defective and it should be recalled and reworked so that it can not become corroded and sieze preventing safe operation in the event the primary latch comes unclipped while driving down the road at speed if a person were to accidentally pull the hood release in motion or it it were so fail to hold adequately.”
NHTSA complaint #11619803, 2024

Chest Clip 1

“NUNA RAVA HARNESS TIGHTENING STRAP DISCOVERED TO BE FRAYING, AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION UPON REQUEST. SEAT HAS BEEN USED ACCORDING TO MANUAL, NEVER DAMAGED OR IN ACCIDENT. INSTALL AND USAGE HAS BEEN INSPECTED BY CPST. DISCONTINUED USE PER MANUAL. NUMEROUS SIMILAR COMPLAINTS FOUND IN CHILD SAFETY GROUP. THIS IS EXTREMELY CONCENING AS THE HARNESS IS COMPROMISED AND HAS PLACED CHILD SAFETY AT RISK. INCIDENT REPORTED TO MANUFACTURER. Consumer stated manufacture indicated they would send a new shell to replace the defective one, however the shell is back ordered for up to 3 months, which was not a r…”
NHTSA complaint #11453057, 2022

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 1 1 crash 2 injury

“I WAS TRAVELING APPROX. 50 MPH AND A WOMAN PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF ME AND I (T BONED ) HER. MY CHEST HIT THE STEERING WHEEL AND THEN THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED IMMEDIATELY ALL FUNCTIONS STOPPED WORKING.THE CAR FILLED WITH WHITE SMOKE FROM THE AIR BAG. MY WINDOWS WERE UP AND I COULD NOT ROLL THEM DOWN NOR STEER.I COULD NOT BREATH THE CAR WAS ROLLING IT STOPPED AT APPROX. 50 FT.WHEN I GOT OUT I WAS GASPING I HAD A WHITE SUBSTANCE ALL OVER ME IN MY NOSE. I'M VERY CONCERNED.”
NHTSA complaint #10919930, 2015 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

Engine And Engine Cooling 1

“The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart after briefly turning off the vehicle. The vehicle was initially towed to her residence and was later towed to Shawnee Mission Kia (7951 Shawnee Mission Pkwy, Mission, KS 662020). The dealer informed her that the battery would be replaced and that an oil change would be performed; however, the failure continued immediately upon the contact leaving the dealer. The failure worsened over time and the contact discovered that the battery was never replaced. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechan…”
NHTSA complaint #11472516, 2022

Firerelated 1 1 fire

“The contact owned a 2015 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a burning odor was detected with smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle then lost motive power. Additionally, after refueling the vehicle, a fuel odor was detected while driving. A bystander alerted the contact that the vehicle had caught fire and to exit the vehicle immediately. The contact was able to safely exit the vehicle. There were flames coming from the engine compartment and underneath the vehicle. The bystander used a fire extinguisher to put out the flames. The fire…”
NHTSA complaint #11479533, 2022 · fire

Visibility 1

“GLASS ON FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SHATTERED WHILE PARKED IN DRIVE. WINDOWS DOWN ABOUT THREE INCHES ALL AROUND. UPDATED 09/09/15*LJ”
NHTSA complaint #10743378, 2015

Visibility/Wiper 1 1 crash

“I’m going to mall and then go to the store in route 61 in Frackville PA the chips in road break my windshield is so much my phone number [XXX] my name is [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).”
NHTSA complaint #11522679, 2023 · crash