2017 Kia Sportage Problems & Owner Complaints

Engine 219 3 crash 18 fire 4 injury

“I WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION, RESULTING IN MY SUV BEING TOTALED. I WAS STATIONARY IN THE DOUBLE TURNING LANE OF A CITY STREET. THE ENGINE BLOCK WAS PUSHED NEARLY INTO THE DRIVER'S SEAT. FRONT WINDSHIELD CRACKED FROM END TO END, HEAVY FRONT END DAMAGE. THE VEHICLE THAT HIT ME WAS DOING ABOUT 45-50MPH AND HER AIRBAGS DID DEPLOY ALTHOUGH SHE HAD SIDE IMPACT/DAMAGE. MY AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. I HAVE A CONCUSSION RESULTING IN MEMORY LOSS AND PAINFUL SWELLING BEHIND MY EYE. I AM ALSO BEING TREATED FOR MULTIPLE BACK INJURIES. MY 17M OLD WAS IN THE VEHICLE AS WELL BUT WAS IN HIS REAR FACING C…”
NHTSA complaint #11110355, 2018 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“2017 KIA SPORTAGE LOST ALL POWER AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. NO POWER STEERING NO BRAKING NOTHING. SMOKE AND FUMES FILLED THE CAB OF SUV. ONCE I GOT OFF THE ROAD SMOKE WAS BOILING OUT OF HOOD OF CAR.”
NHTSA complaint #11321777, 2020 · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“Engine caught fire , insurance denied the claim . Kia has a class action lawsuit Theta 2 . It was towed into the dealership for approximately 3 mts . During the diagnostic they discovered a crack in the number 3 cylinder wall . They rejected the claim due to what they said was a leaky valve cover gasket even though it had been replaced within the last year . The car has 66,000 miles and has been well maintained. There’s copious examples of similar of engine failures and Kia gives the same reason for not fixing the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11754337, 2026 · fire

Unknown Or Other 68 4 crash 8 fire 2 injury

“ON SAT MORNING MY SUV CAUGHT FIRE WITHOUT WARNING. THIS OCCURRED IN INDIANAPOLIS ON HARDING ST. NEAR THE INTERSTATE EXIT. WE WERE AT A COMPLETE STOP WHEN SMOKE STARTED COMING OUT OF THE CAR THEN FLAMES. I GOT MY KIDS AND DOGS OUT. THEN I REALIZED OUR MEDICATIONS WERE IN THERE. I THEN WENT BACK TO TRY TO GRAB THE BAG. I COULDN'T BECAUSE OF HOW FAST IT WENT UP. IN THE PROCESS I ENDED WITH TWO SMALL BURNS AND A SLIGHT ABRASION. THERE WAS NO WARNING. THE SUV HAS BEEN MAINTENANCE AND GIVEN ALL REQUIRED MAINTENANCE. IN FACT IN JUNE IT WAS TAKEN IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE.AND 15000 MILE MAINTENANCE. CURREN…”
NHTSA complaint #11124013, 2018 · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“RECENTLY I HAD A CAR ACCIDENT , MY CAR BREAKS FAILED TO STOP WHEN I WAS DRIVING, MY KIA WAS GIVING ME ALERTS WITH TIRES PRESURES, NEEDS A LT S IDE BRAKE LAMP REPLACED IN MULTIPLE TIMES, BRAKES ROTATORS BEEN CHANGED, SMELL OF BURNT CABLE INSULATION, CAN YOU INVESTIGATE IF IT COULD BE RELATED TO THE RECALLS NKS TWICE,*DT*JB”
NHTSA complaint #11400198, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I was driving home on i-91 S when my car started smoking from under the hood. There were no warning lights and the temperature gauge read normal with the lever at the center. I pulled off at the next Exit and parked in a parking lot. I popped the hood and found that a fire had started around the engine. The fire grew to the point that the whole front half of the car was burned before the fire department was able to put it out. The vehicle was assessed by my insurance, but I think the extent of that was to determine whether it was a total loss (which it obviously was).”
NHTSA complaint #11562438, 2023 · fire

Electrical System 62 7 fire 3 injury

“The contact owned a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving 55-60 MPH on the highway, the contact noticed smoke coming from underneath the hood. The contact stated that there was a significant amount of smoke inside the vehicle. It was unknown whether a warning light illuminated. The contact exited the vehicle and noticed that there were police officers 20 ft. away from the vehicle. The police officers advised the contact to get away from the vehicle. The contact noticed flames under the hood, by the engine compartment. The contact stated that the entire vehicle caught on fir…”
NHTSA complaint #11709334, 2025 · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“2017 KIA SPORTAGE LOST ALL POWER AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. NO POWER STEERING NO BRAKING NOTHING. SMOKE AND FUMES FILLED THE CAB OF SUV. ONCE I GOT OFF THE ROAD SMOKE WAS BOILING OUT OF HOOD OF CAR.”
NHTSA complaint #11321777, 2020 · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“ON SAT MORNING MY SUV CAUGHT FIRE WITHOUT WARNING. THIS OCCURRED IN INDIANAPOLIS ON HARDING ST. NEAR THE INTERSTATE EXIT. WE WERE AT A COMPLETE STOP WHEN SMOKE STARTED COMING OUT OF THE CAR THEN FLAMES. I GOT MY KIDS AND DOGS OUT. THEN I REALIZED OUR MEDICATIONS WERE IN THERE. I THEN WENT BACK TO TRY TO GRAB THE BAG. I COULDN'T BECAUSE OF HOW FAST IT WENT UP. IN THE PROCESS I ENDED WITH TWO SMALL BURNS AND A SLIGHT ABRASION. THERE WAS NO WARNING. THE SUV HAS BEEN MAINTENANCE AND GIVEN ALL REQUIRED MAINTENANCE. IN FACT IN JUNE IT WAS TAKEN IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE.AND 15000 MILE MAINTENANCE. CURREN…”
NHTSA complaint #11124013, 2018 · fire · 1 injury(ies)

Power Train 40 2 crash 2 injury

“The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the contact would experience illness and dizziness which required medical attention. No additional information was available. Also while operating the vehicle the engine oil light would continue to illuminate although oil was being added to the engine and the vehicle would experience jerking and hesitation while driving. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who performed an oil consumption test but no problem was found. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11497531, 2022 · 1 injury(ies)

“2017 KIA SPORTAGE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO TRANSMISSION SLIPPAGE AND AIRBORNE MOLD WITHIN CABIN. *AS THE CONSUMER WAS GETTING SICK FROM THE SUBSTANCE FORMING ON THE DASHBOARD AND HAD TO RECIEVE MEDICAL ATTENTION FROM URGENT CARE. THE TRANSMISSION WOULD INTERMITTENTLY SLIP WITHOUT ANY ERROR MESSAGE DISPLAYED. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED.*JS”
NHTSA complaint #11206714, 2019 · 1 injury(ies)

“My car has been having an extreme oil consumption issue. I've been trying to get the issue fix with Kia for over six months. However, it is getting to the point were the engine runs out of oil and coolant in less than 500 miles. They told me the engine is damaged and it could fail and that the issue was caused by the excessive oil consumption. However, they will not cover it because damages by oil consumption are not covered by the manufacturer.”
NHTSA complaint #11485853, 2019 · crash

Service Brakes 25 2 crash 3 fire 1 injury

“RECENTLY I HAD A CAR ACCIDENT , MY CAR BREAKS FAILED TO STOP WHEN I WAS DRIVING, MY KIA WAS GIVING ME ALERTS WITH TIRES PRESURES, NEEDS A LT S IDE BRAKE LAMP REPLACED IN MULTIPLE TIMES, BRAKES ROTATORS BEEN CHANGED, SMELL OF BURNT CABLE INSULATION, CAN YOU INVESTIGATE IF IT COULD BE RELATED TO THE RECALLS NKS TWICE,*DT*JB”
NHTSA complaint #11400198, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owned a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled as several warning lights appeared on the instrument panel. The contact pulled over and while taking a picture of his instrument panel, a grayish color smoke began to emit from the hood of the vehicle. As the contact began to search for the hood latch button inside the vehicle, flames had emitted from the hood of the vehicle. The contact immediately exited the vehicle and called 911. As the contact waited for authorities to arrive, the vehicle became engulfed in flames; the fire departme…”
NHTSA complaint #11462753, 2022 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE CHECK ENGINE AND BATTERY LIGHTS SUDDENLY DISPLAYED AND SMOKE WAS SEEN COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT BEFORE THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER KIA OF BEDFORD LOCATED 18180 ROCKSIDE RD, BEDFORD, OH 44146. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT YET DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN LOOKUP INDICATED THE VEHICLE WAS LISTED IN THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 21V137000 (SERVICE BRAKES). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTE…”
NHTSA complaint #11414555, 2021 · fire

Structure 24 1 crash 2 fire 6 injury

“I WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION, RESULTING IN MY SUV BEING TOTALED. I WAS STATIONARY IN THE DOUBLE TURNING LANE OF A CITY STREET. THE ENGINE BLOCK WAS PUSHED NEARLY INTO THE DRIVER'S SEAT. FRONT WINDSHIELD CRACKED FROM END TO END, HEAVY FRONT END DAMAGE. THE VEHICLE THAT HIT ME WAS DOING ABOUT 45-50MPH AND HER AIRBAGS DID DEPLOY ALTHOUGH SHE HAD SIDE IMPACT/DAMAGE. MY AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. I HAVE A CONCUSSION RESULTING IN MEMORY LOSS AND PAINFUL SWELLING BEHIND MY EYE. I AM ALSO BEING TREATED FOR MULTIPLE BACK INJURIES. MY 17M OLD WAS IN THE VEHICLE AS WELL BUT WAS IN HIS REAR FACING C…”
NHTSA complaint #11110355, 2018 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“2017 KIA SPORTAGE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO UNHEALTHY AIRBORNE MOLD IN VEHICLES. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER REPAIRED THE DASHBOARD, BUT THE CONSUMER WAS STILL BECOMING SICK DUE TO THE DOOR PADS BEING MADE FROM THE SAME MATERIAL. THE TRANSMISSION AND THE ECM WAS REPLACED DUE TO IT THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPING, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. *JS *JS”
NHTSA complaint #11207754, 2019 · 1 injury(ies)

“2017 KIA SPORTAGE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO TRANSMISSION SLIPPAGE AND AIRBORNE MOLD WITHIN CABIN. *AS THE CONSUMER WAS GETTING SICK FROM THE SUBSTANCE FORMING ON THE DASHBOARD AND HAD TO RECIEVE MEDICAL ATTENTION FROM URGENT CARE. THE TRANSMISSION WOULD INTERMITTENTLY SLIP WITHOUT ANY ERROR MESSAGE DISPLAYED. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED.*JS”
NHTSA complaint #11206714, 2019 · 1 injury(ies)

Fuel/Propulsion System 21 1 crash 1 fire

“My vehicle engine caught fire after getting gas. It started smoking then went up in flames.”
NHTSA complaint #11737888, 2026 · fire

“MY BRAND NEW 2017 KIA SPORAGE EX VEHICLE STOPPED WITHOUT ANY WARNING WHILE I WAS DRIVING IN THE MIDDLE LANE OF A BUSY STREET AND ALMOST GOT ME KILLED. THERE WAS AN ACCIDENT TRYING TO AVOID HITTING ME BECAUSE OF THE VEHICLE STOPPING. I WAS TERRIFIED. THE POLICE CAME AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED.”
NHTSA complaint #11182172, 2019 · crash

“After fueling, vehicle idled fine with no warning lights. Once pulling onto the highway and making highway speeds, the vehicle suddenly lost acceleration, and was stranded in the highway. We required the assistance of law enforcement to direct traffic. It was 10pm and the temperatures were 35 degree below zero with the windchill. The vehicle was towed to a Kia dealership, where they diagnosed loss of compression in the pistons. The dealership stated the engine had been burning/consuming oil and that the burnt valve caused the loss of compression and sudden breakdown. This vehicle uses the 2.4L…”
NHTSA complaint #11748466, 2026

Vehicle Speed Control 17 4 crash

“VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN CAUSING ACCIDENT & HEAD ON COLLISION TO A WALL. AIRBAGS WAS NOT DEPLOYED. I WAS PULLING UP THE DRIVEWAY GETTING READY TO PARK WHEN SUDDENLY THE CAR ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN WHICH LED TO CRASH THROUGH THE GARAGE DOOR & HIT A WALL. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11324703, 2020 · crash

“UPON PULLING UP TO THE DRIVEWAY TO GET READY TO PARK, VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN LEADING TO CRASH THROUGH THE GARAGE DOOR & IMPACT TO THE WALL. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11324707, 2020 · crash

“WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, MY ENGINE ACCELERATED AS IF IT HAD A MIND OF IT'S OWN AND HIT A POST. I PUSHED HARD ON THE BRAKE WITH NO RESPONSE. THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY EVEN WITH $5,500 DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END.”
NHTSA complaint #11302554, 2020 · crash

Air Bags 16 6 crash 7 injury

“I WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION, RESULTING IN MY SUV BEING TOTALED. I WAS STATIONARY IN THE DOUBLE TURNING LANE OF A CITY STREET. THE ENGINE BLOCK WAS PUSHED NEARLY INTO THE DRIVER'S SEAT. FRONT WINDSHIELD CRACKED FROM END TO END, HEAVY FRONT END DAMAGE. THE VEHICLE THAT HIT ME WAS DOING ABOUT 45-50MPH AND HER AIRBAGS DID DEPLOY ALTHOUGH SHE HAD SIDE IMPACT/DAMAGE. MY AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. I HAVE A CONCUSSION RESULTING IN MEMORY LOSS AND PAINFUL SWELLING BEHIND MY EYE. I AM ALSO BEING TREATED FOR MULTIPLE BACK INJURIES. MY 17M OLD WAS IN THE VEHICLE AS WELL BUT WAS IN HIS REAR FACING C…”
NHTSA complaint #11110355, 2018 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at 30-35 MPH, another vehicle crashed into the rear end of her vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact was unsure whether there was a warning light illuminated. The contact was transported to the hospital with the assistance of a family member. The contact sustained a concussion, jaw and back injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot, where it was totaled. The dealer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was notified of the f…”
NHTSA complaint #11449584, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF THE DRIVER. WHILE THE DRIVER WAS AT A STOP LIGHT, THE VEHICLE WAS T-BONED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED BACK AND NECK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT WAS NOT AWARE OF THE OTHER DRIVER'S INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DRIVER'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DI…”
NHTSA complaint #11121651, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Exterior Lighting 14 1 crash 1 injury

“RECENTLY I HAD A CAR ACCIDENT , MY CAR BREAKS FAILED TO STOP WHEN I WAS DRIVING, MY KIA WAS GIVING ME ALERTS WITH TIRES PRESURES, NEEDS A LT S IDE BRAKE LAMP REPLACED IN MULTIPLE TIMES, BRAKES ROTATORS BEEN CHANGED, SMELL OF BURNT CABLE INSULATION, CAN YOU INVESTIGATE IF IT COULD BE RELATED TO THE RECALLS NKS TWICE,*DT*JB”
NHTSA complaint #11400198, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Engine light came on flashing on the dash. Went to O’reily auto shop to get it checked and their scanner discovered P1326 code, “knocking sensor” and oil light came on and flashing as well. The motor oil was replaced about a month ago. Checked the oil dip stick and it was below the first dot.”
NHTSA complaint #11677970, 2025

“My KIA Sportage 2017 headlights malfunctioned by flickering on and off and the screen and dashboard lights went totally out while I was driving on THE FREEWAY at NIGHT. This happened five times in the span of 30 minutes and each incident lasted approximately five to ten seconds. My car is available for inspection upon request. My safety or the safety of others was put at risk. I worried my lights might actually go out totally, plus drivers on the freeway would be confused and distracted; it might blind them, or possibly result in road rage. This issue has not been reproduced or confirme…”
NHTSA complaint #11546958, 2023

Steering 9

“Unexplainable issues with brake pedal. Makes noise inside cabin that sounds like a squeaky door. Happens when depressing brake pedal at 20mph or less and does not in reverse. Pedal feels odd, somewhat pulsating and when turning, I believe, the front passenger wheel pulls. Steering wheel is noticeably affected also, noting a jerking sensation. Several mechanics are unable to identify the issue. There are no dash lights on.”
NHTSA complaint #11744368, 2025

“I took my car to the Kia dealer because I burn I was smelling burn oil. They told me that it wasn’t burn oil. It was the rubber burning I replace the inner and I’m still smelling the oil burning. I’m putting in oil four times a week, and they still not tell me why I’m putting so much oil then I want to say because I do too much highway mileage that’s why I probably burn it so much oil, but that should be impossible.”
NHTSA complaint #11581422, 2024

“While driving on the highway, vehicle lost all electrical power. The engine stayed running, but I lost use of anything electrical including the power steering, headlights, and dashboard functions. Vehicle power resumed after about a minute and we made it home, but the vehicle would not start after this. After calling our KIA dealership they advised taking the vehicle in immediately via tow. After looking through the vehicle, it was found that a fuse inside of the battery harness had melted. This caused the battery cable to heat up to ~200 degrees. The cause is still unclear, but we worry abou…”
NHTSA complaint #11573248, 2024

Engine And Engine Cooling 8 2 fire 2 injury

“The contact owned a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving 55-60 MPH on the highway, the contact noticed smoke coming from underneath the hood. The contact stated that there was a significant amount of smoke inside the vehicle. It was unknown whether a warning light illuminated. The contact exited the vehicle and noticed that there were police officers 20 ft. away from the vehicle. The police officers advised the contact to get away from the vehicle. The contact noticed flames under the hood, by the engine compartment. The contact stated that the entire vehicle caught on fir…”
NHTSA complaint #11709334, 2025 · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the contact would experience illness and dizziness which required medical attention. No additional information was available. Also while operating the vehicle the engine oil light would continue to illuminate although oil was being added to the engine and the vehicle would experience jerking and hesitation while driving. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who performed an oil consumption test but no problem was found. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11497531, 2022 · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and unoccupied it spontaneously caught fire. The front windshield burst and the front of the vehicle melted. The check engine warning indicator light was illuminated. There were no reported injuries. The fire department extinguished the fire. There was no police report filed, injuries, or air bag deployment. The vehicle was towed to the contact residents. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided…”
NHTSA complaint #11498354, 2022 · fire

Wheels 6

“Unexplainable issues with brake pedal. Makes noise inside cabin that sounds like a squeaky door. Happens when depressing brake pedal at 20mph or less and does not in reverse. Pedal feels odd, somewhat pulsating and when turning, I believe, the front passenger wheel pulls. Steering wheel is noticeably affected also, noting a jerking sensation. Several mechanics are unable to identify the issue. There are no dash lights on.”
NHTSA complaint #11744368, 2025

“AWD lock engaged but not functioning and no error lights indicating the such. This made the vehicle slip aggressively on lightly snowed roads. Once parked it needed to be winched out as only the front wheels spun, not engaging the rear tires.”
NHTSA complaint #11704111, 2025

“Air conditioner, have short circuit, it works at liveral. A wired is coming out from box underneath steering wheel. And the worst problem is the tires were totally unsafe to drive, found out this problem on Nov. 14, 2025 (bought car on September 27,2025) when took car to tire center. Right rear tire was a explosion to happen, was bold and bumped, after inspection was performed.”
NHTSA complaint #11700981, 2025

Visibility 5 1 injury

“The contact's daughter owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving approximately 45 MPH, the panoramic sunroof exploded without impact. The glass shattered into pieces onto the driver. The driver sustained some minor cuts to her head. The glass was picked out of her hair by her colleagues, but medical attention was not provided. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11626802, 2024 · 1 injury(ies)

“All the windows have just randomly failed down. The last one was my passenger back window on my way to work with it pouring down rain this morning. The first incident was about a year and a half ago, the driver's side window fell, and the window shattered. Took to glass shop and they said regulator needed to be replaced and they put in when they installed new glass. I went to Texarkana Kia dealer ship were bought car and bought a regulator and thought problem was solved. Several months later the window did not work so took back to glass shop that fixed they said regulator not working agai…”
NHTSA complaint #11575953, 2024

“I purchased my 2017 Kia Sportage new with 0 miles. Since day one I have had multiple electronic related issues with this automobile. The speedometer sometimes doesn't display speeds, the Bluetooth connection turns on and off randomly. The air conditioning system sporadically works. If the air conditioning is turned on it will blow hot air and then sporadically turn on and off by itself. I have noticed that the Bluetooth connection turns off when the air conditioning system turns on. I have called Kia customer service and they deny any problems with my Kia or any other 2017 Kia sportage, yet…”
NHTSA complaint #11507230, 2022

Trailer Hitches 4 1 fire 1 injury

“The contact's mother owned a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while her brother was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact's brother parked the vehicle, rolled down the window, and became aware that there was smoke coming from under the hood before the vehicle caught on fire. The contact's brother exited the vehicle and ran away from the vehicle. The contact's brother called the contact and the police about the fire. The Police, bomb squad, and firefighters arrived at the scene. The firefighters extinguished the fire. The Police, bomb squad, and f…”
NHTSA complaint #11746213, 2026 · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V703000 (Trailer Hitches) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”
NHTSA complaint #11518224, 2022

“The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V703000 (Trailer Hitches) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”
NHTSA complaint #11501054, 2022

Visibility/Wiper 4 1 injury

“MY SUNROOF "EXPLODED" ON SATURDAY, OCT. 14, 2017.I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AND THERE WAS SOME TRAFFIC. AFTER THE INITIAL "BOOM" AND RUSH OF WIND WE HEARD GLASS SHATTERING. THE SUNROOF AND SHADE WERE CLOSED, THANKFULLY! I PULLED OVER AND ATTEMPTED TO COLLECT THE GLASS BUT I WAS GETTING CUT SO MOST OF THE GLASS REMAINED ON THE SUN SHADE.”
NHTSA complaint #11035763, 2017 · 1 injury(ies)

“The sunroof spontaneously exploded. Sunroof was closed at the time. AC on. Driving on the highway. Loud band and glass pieces rained down. Made it to the next exit to assess damage. No warning that this would happen. No debris hit the car. I have contacted my insurance about this, USAA. Kia said that they won’t cover this or repair for free. And in fact said that they haven’t heard of such a thing, though Kia models have one of the highest chances of this happening”
NHTSA complaint #11606599, 2024

“I was sitting in my driveway in my car and the windshield started cracking from the bottom. The crack has spread in both directions across my windshield. Visibility is not as good as the crack is in my line of vision.”
NHTSA complaint #11485120, 2022

Fuel System 3 1 fire

“TL* THE CONTACT RENTED A 2017 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PULLING INTO AN ARMY BASE AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. A WITNESS INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE FLAMES SPREAD TO THE HOOD AND WRAPPED AROUND TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AS IT ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE CONTACT OBSERVED THAT THERE WAS A TRAIL OF FUEL COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE WAS DISTINGUISHED BY THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICL…”
NHTSA complaint #10943749, 2017 · fire

“The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while accelerating from a complete stop, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle drove 2 MPH for approximately 2 minutes and was jerking abnormally. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving at various speeds. The check engine and the brake warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the used car dealer where it was purchased. The dealer replaced an unknown sensor; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer to be repaired. The vehicle…”
NHTSA complaint #11689097, 2025

“The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, there was an abnormally strong gasoline odor coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, after 15 minutes of driving, a quarter tank of fuel had been consumed. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 168,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11599276, 2024

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 2 1 crash 1 fire 1 injury

“2017 KIA SPORTAGE LOST ALL POWER AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. NO POWER STEERING NO BRAKING NOTHING. SMOKE AND FUMES FILLED THE CAB OF SUV. ONCE I GOT OFF THE ROAD SMOKE WAS BOILING OUT OF HOOD OF CAR.”
NHTSA complaint #11321777, 2020 · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“MY BRAND NEW 2017 KIA SPORAGE EX VEHICLE STOPPED WITHOUT ANY WARNING WHILE I WAS DRIVING IN THE MIDDLE LANE OF A BUSY STREET AND ALMOST GOT ME KILLED. THERE WAS AN ACCIDENT TRYING TO AVOID HITTING ME BECAUSE OF THE VEHICLE STOPPING. I WAS TERRIFIED. THE POLICE CAME AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED.”
NHTSA complaint #11182172, 2019 · crash

Firerelated 2 2 fire 2 injury

“The contact's mother owned a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while her brother was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact's brother parked the vehicle, rolled down the window, and became aware that there was smoke coming from under the hood before the vehicle caught on fire. The contact's brother exited the vehicle and ran away from the vehicle. The contact's brother called the contact and the police about the fire. The Police, bomb squad, and firefighters arrived at the scene. The firefighters extinguished the fire. The Police, bomb squad, and f…”
NHTSA complaint #11746213, 2026 · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V703000 (Trailer Hitches); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine revved loudly. No warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, and then the vehicle slid into the ditch. The accelerator pedal was depressed when the contact noticed the rear end of the vehicle had caught fire. The contact panicked and exited the vehicle, injuring his left shin and right foot. Medi…”
NHTSA complaint #11555028, 2023 · fire · 1 injury(ies)

Latches/Locks/Linkages 2

“The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while attempting to enter the vehicle through the rear doors, the rear doors were inoperable. The contact was unable to open the rear doors from inside or outside the vehicle. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.”
NHTSA complaint #11690994, 2025

“The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that the driver's side front door failed to open as needed. While using the key fob, all the other doors were unlocked. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was like a limited extended warranty coverage. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11610949, 2024

Seat Belts 2

“I HAVE A AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT THEY SAID IT WAS A SENSOR WITH THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT. IS THIS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE? VEHICLE IS EQUIPED WITH THE "THETA II" ENGINE WHICH IS UNDER A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT AGAINST ENGINE FIRES I HAD THE OIL CHANGED AT 70K MILES AT HOLLYWOOD KIA I CHECKED THE CAR AT 73K AND IT WAS 1.5 QUARTS LOW I ADDED 1.5 QUARTS LOW I ADDED ANOTHER HALF QUART AT 74K IT WAS A QUART LOW AT 75K WHEN I GOT THE NEXT OIL CHANGE ALSO, I HAD TO ADD A QUART AT 77K, 78K AND 79K JUST FILED A COMPLAINT WITH KIA CORPORATE CASE # 14755737 I AM GOING INTO GUNTHER KIA NEXT WEEK TO GET MY 80K O…”
NHTSA complaint #11460734, 2022

“AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION INTERMITTENTLY, SLIPPING GEARS BUT SEEMS TO RESOLVE ON IT'S OWN WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREETS AND HIGHWAY. NOW ALSO INTERMITTENTLY ITS NOT SHIFTING GEARS AT ALL ALSO WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREET. AUTOMATIC TRANNY STUCK IN 4TH AND UNABLE TO MANUALLY SHIFT INTO ANOTHER GEAR. THE INSTRUMENT DISPLAY SHOWS ESP ON (ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAM) INDICATOR AND DBC ON (DOWNHILL BRAKE CONTROL) INDICATORS WHEN STUCK IN GEAR. SAFETY ISSUE AS UNABLE TO MOVE WITH NORMAL ACCELERATION, BUT SLOW CRAWL TO GET OUT OF ROADWAY. REAR SEATBELT WONT LATCH WHEN CAR IS STATIONARY.”
NHTSA complaint #11231076, 2019

Chest Clip 1

“While removing the padding of my daughters car seat to wash I discovered that one of the straps is cut/ripped almost halfway through. It appears that the same issue is starting on the other strap. The seatbelt harness strap is cut/ ripped halfway through. This could have resulted in serious injury or even death if we had been in an accident. I’ve contacted the manufacture but have not heard back from them. Other than myself nobody has inspected the car seat.”
NHTSA complaint #11633266, 2024

Equipment 1

“The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, there was a knocking and ticking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle continued driving but then stalled. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had seized. An anti-theft device was installed. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was able to restart the vehicle with a pair of pliers. The manufacturer…”
NHTSA complaint #11543182, 2023

Parking Brake 1

“MY PARKING BRAKE NO LONGER SETS, IT JUST PUMPS AND NEVER LOCKS. SO I HOPE I DON'T HAVE TO PARK ON ANY HILLS FOR A WHILE. ALSO, MY HEATING AND AIR GOES WONKY SOMETIMES AND WON'T SHOW ME THE ACTUAL TEMP OR GIVE ME THE OPTION TO INCREASE OR DECREASE IN TEMP OR MODE UNLESS I PARK AND TURN THE ENGINE OFF, START IT AGAIN, THEN TURN OFF THE WHOLE COOLING OR HEATING SYSTEM AND THEN MESS WITH IT MORE. MY CAR IS ALSO OFTEN TIMES IN DRIVE, AND IT'LL REV UP FOR NO REASON TO THE RED LINE, THEN STALL AND COAST TO A STOP. I'VE BEEN LUCKY MY KIDS HAVE YET TO BE WITH ME WITH THIS HAPPENING AND IT'S BEEN ON…”
NHTSA complaint #11316603, 2020

Seats 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WAS TOO LOW AND COULD NOT BE ADJUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THREE DIFFERENT DEALERS, INCLUDING CHINO HILLS FORD (909-203-5700, LOCATED AT 4480 CHINO HILLS PKWY, CHINO, CA 91710), BUT THEY STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT IT WAS A KNOWN FAILURE, BUT THEY COULD NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REMEDIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 34,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11186625, 2018

Suspension 1

“I took my car to the Kia dealer because I burn I was smelling burn oil. They told me that it wasn’t burn oil. It was the rubber burning I replace the inner and I’m still smelling the oil burning. I’m putting in oil four times a week, and they still not tell me why I’m putting so much oil then I want to say because I do too much highway mileage that’s why I probably burn it so much oil, but that should be impossible.”
NHTSA complaint #11581422, 2024

Tires 1

“THOUGH SOLD AS "ALL SEASON" M+S RATED TIRES, THE MILESTAR MS932XP+ HAS DANGEROUSLY POOR TRACTION ON EVEN MINOR SNOW ACCUMULATIONS. WHILE DRIVING ON A FLAT PAVED STATE ROAD THAT HAD 1/4 INCH OR LESS FRESH SNOW AND MINIMAL/NO TREATMENT, IN A LATE MODEL AWD CROSSOVER SUV WITH 245/45R-19 TIRES, THE MILESTAR TIRES HAD DANGEROUSLY POOR TRACTION. ANY ACCELERATION, NO MATTER HOW SLOW, RESULTED IN WHEELSPIN AND LATERAL MOVEMENT OF THE VEHICLE WITH TRACTION/STABILITY CONTROL ENGAGEMENT. EVEN MINIMAL BRAKING PRESSURE RESULTED IN FULL ABS ENGAGEMENT. BRAKING DISTANCES WERE EXTREMELY LONG. THE PERFORMANCE…”
NHTSA complaint #11287098, 2019