2008 Kia Sportage

High concern

Owners filed 98 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system. It has been recalled 3 times.

Avoid One of the Kia Sportage years to avoid: an unusual share of fires, crashes and deaths for a car of its age. Which Kia Sportage years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
82,000 milesMedian miles at failure

64 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 120,000–150,000 miles.

Most common 2008 Kia Sportage problems

18 of the 98 complaints (18%) are about the electrical system.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Electrical System18
080
Service Brakes · brakes12
020
Structure › Body · body and frame11
070
Engine10
020
Electronic Stability Control (esc) · stability control6
000
Air Bags · airbags5
100
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · brakes4
000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission3
000
Power Train · transmission3
000
Exterior Lighting · headlights3
020

3 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module22V800000Park outside
Filed Oct 24, 202271,704 vehiclesKia America, Inc.

Defect. Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2008-2009 Sportage vehicles previously recalled under recall 16V-815. An engine compartment fire originating from around the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may occur while parked or driving.

Risk. A fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy. Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures and other vehicles until the recall repair has been performed. Dealers will inspect and replace the HECU, its wiring harness, and its fuses, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 22, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC253.

Electrical System › Wiring16V815000
Filed Nov 10, 201671,704 vehiclesKia Motors America

Defect. Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2008-2009 Kia Sportage vehicles manufactured August 9, 2007, to May 13, 2009. The wire harness cover on the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may be improperly sealed allowing water to get onto the HECU circuit board. If the water is contaminated with salt, such as could occur from melted snow, the wire harness connector pins may corrode and the circuit board may short circuit.

Risk. If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.

Remedy. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the connector pins for corrosion, if no corrosion is found, the connector cover will be replaced. If corrosion is present, the dealer will replace the HECU assembly and the connector cover, free of charge. The recall began on November 28, 2016. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC138.

Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch13V114000
Filed Apr 1, 2013980,377 vehiclesKia Motors Corporation

Defect. Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul, model year 2008-2011 Optima, model year 2010 Forte, model year 2007-2009 Amanti, and model year 2009 Borrego vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Kia recalled 623,658 model year 2007-2010 Rondo and Sportage, model year 2007-2011 Sorento, model year 2007 Sedona, model year 2010-2011 Soul, and model year 2011 Optima vehicles. In September 2013, Kia informed the agency that it was adding an additional 356,719 vehicles to this campaign. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 980,377. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake-transmission shift interlock feature preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.

Risk. Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of PARK without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall campaign number is SC098.

All 3 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Aug 27, 2024TX

The contact owns a 2008 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the message "ESC Off" was displayed and the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and to several independent mechanics; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

EngineFire
Filed Jul 23, 2024OH

Was parked and after driving to pick up please came back out and it was in flames

Engine
Filed Jun 24, 2024117,000 milesPA

The contact owned a 2008 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 40-45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was shuddering. Additionally, the contact stated while driving on another occasion, the vehicle experienced brake failure, which nearly led to a crash. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact decided to total the vehicle. The vehicle was totaled. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Apr 19, 2024OH

The contact owns a 2008 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V800000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); 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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Feb 22, 2024123,000 milesIL

The contact owns a 2008 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the brakes locked up. The contact removed the fuses. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. While his daughter was driving, an abnormal dinging sound was detected. The contact changed the calipers and noticed that the ABS box was stuck. The brake warning light was illuminated. The contact put the fuse back in the vehicle. Additionally, the vehicle was leaking brake fluid. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who stated that the brake pedal was soft and not to drive the vehicle. The dealer informed the contact that the parts were not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V800000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 7, 2023IN

My ABS MODULE HAS MY BRAKES LOCKED UP

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › FanFire2 injured
Filed Jun 21, 2023TX

The radiator fan component was smoking. The car is available at anytime for inspection. I definitely feared that the car was going to explode in front of my baby cousins and elderly Aunt. The car has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealship or independent service center. It also has not been inpected by manufacturer or police, insurance. The vehicle was not going faster than 30 mph, when parked, the radiator expelled the all the water on floor. It began to let out white smoke, and than black smoke. A lot of black smoke, and than a loud pop sound. The hood of the car melted shut. Everything that surrounds the radiator and battery was melted.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module
Filed Apr 26, 2023140,000 milesTX

The contact owns a 2008 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that after driving at approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle was shifted into reverse and the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact shifted the gear shifter several times and then drove for a short distance before the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated; the vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact stated that the ABS Hydraulic Control Unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed and determined that the ABS Hydraulic Control Unit needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Apr 26, 2023KS

The contact owns a 2008 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V800000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the vehicle needed to remain in dealer possession since the vehicle failed a safety test related to the recall. After several failed attempts to reach the dealer, the contact was informed that the part needed to repair the recall was discontinued and that she could pick up the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified, and a case was filed. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was unavailable. Parts distribution disconnect.

Engine
Filed Apr 18, 2023145,000 milesTX

The contact owns a 2008 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that there was an abnormal burning odor detected. The vehicle failed to drive forward or reverse as needed. Additionally, the brakes seized. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the ABS hydraulic module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Jan 24, 2023PA

I bought my car July 27,2022 from Rt 119 Auto Sales and service. It came with a drive train warrenty. Nothing was said to me of a problem until I took it to get inspected then I found out my frame is rotted out on both sides.

EngineFire
Filed Jan 10, 2023NY

2008 KIA SPORTAGE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO VEHICLE CATCHING FIRE WHILE PARKED THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WANTS TO BE COMPENSATED FOR THE LOSS OF THE VEHICLE.

Service Brakes, Air › Antilock › Abs Warning LightFire
Filed Aug 17, 2022112,000 milesMN

The contact owns a 2008 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and unattended, the vehicle caught fire. The ABS warning light was illuminated before the failure. The fire department extinguished the fire. There were no reported injuries. A police report was filed under case number 22027268. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Feb 21, 2022NY

Smoke was pouring out from the passenger front side of the motor compartment. The fuses for the ABS (I think) were taken out so it would stop. I was a told a control module could have something to do with it.

Structure › Body › Hood › Hinge and Attachments › Support Device/Strut1 injured
Filed Nov 2, 2021167,000 milesOH

The contact owns a 2008 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while checking the oil in their vehicle, the hood latch suddenly did not lock and the front hood of the vehicle fell down and on the contact's head which caused her nose to fracture. The contact stated she has a laceration on the bridge of their nose where they were bleeding and the contact has two black eyes. The contact did not receive any medical treatment at the scene or go to the hospital. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made of the failure. The failure mileage was 167,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 26, 2021129,232 milesNY

The contact owns a 2008 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle back to the used car dealer where she purchased the vehicle and was informed that the 02 sensors and another unknown component needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 129,232.

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 20, 2021155,000 milesKY

The contact owns a 2008 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while inspecting under the vehicle, he noticed the subframe was corroded. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000.

Engine
Filed Sep 15, 2020148,000 milesCO

I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH THE CRUSE CONTROL SET AT 65 AND THE VECHILE STARTED TO INCREASE SPEED ON IT'S OWN I ATTEMPTED TO TURN OFF THE CRUSE CONTROL BY PRESSING THE BRAKE AND TURNING OFF THE SYSTEM THE CAR SLOWED UNTIL I REMOVED MY FOOT FROM THE BRAKE, THEN IT BEGAN TO ACCELERATE AGAIN. ONCE I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO TRY AND FORCE IT'S WAY BACK TO MOVING SPEED ON IT'S OWN, I WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND THE ENGINE SPEED INCREASED TO FULL THROTTLE ON IT'S OWN. I WAS ABLE TO SHUT DOWN THE ENGINE AND RESTART THE VEHICLE, IT WAS BEHAVING NORMALLY ABOUT 10 MINUTES OF DRIVING LATER I ATTEMPTED TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND THE PROBLEM RETURNED AND IT STARTED ACCELERATING AGAIN ON IT'S OWN. I WAS ABLE TO SHUT THE VEHICLE DOWN

Power Train
Filed Jun 1, 2020159,000 milesGA

WHILE DRIVING RPMS WOULD JUMP. HAD VEHICLE INSPECTED AND WAS TOLD I WOULD NEED TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION OR GET IT REBUILT. REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION BUT DIDN'T SEEM TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE. RPM'S STILL JUMP WHILE DRIVING. ALMOST AS IF I'M PUSHING THE GAS DOWN HARD THEN LETTING OFF. NOT SURE WHAT THE ISSUE MAY BE, IVE BEEN TOLD IT COULD BE THE CRUISE CONTROL OR POSSIBLY SHIFT SOLENOID. VEHICLE STALLS/JUMPS WHILE IN MOTION, HAPPENS ON INTERSTATE AS WELL AS CITY STREETS AND BACK ROADS. SEEMS TO JERK MORE AROUND 40MPH AND 80MPH BUT HAS DONE IT AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS AS WELL. OIL HAS BEEN CHANGED AS WELL AS FILTERS, ALL FLUIDS LOOK GOOD. UNSURE WHAT THE ISSUE MAY BE. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Apr 27, 2020175,000 milesVA

WHILE DRIVING AT A CONTINUOUS SPEED OF 55MPH ON THE MAIN ROAD, THE ESC LIGHT RANDOMLY CAME ON AND THE CAR JOLTED INTO 1ST GEAR. I WAS UNABLE TO MOVE IT AND IT WAS TOWED BACK TO MY HOUSE. SINCE THEN, THE BRAKE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR WITHOUT STOPPING THE VEHICLE.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 20, 2020MI

THIS CAR IS 12 YEARS OLD AND IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THAT IS WHAT THE MECHANIC JUST TOLD ME WHEN I TRIED TO GET AN ALIGNMENT. THE WHOLE REAR SUBFRAME IS RUSTED OUT.WHICH IS RIDICULOUS FOR A 2008 VEHICLE.CAR PULLS DRASTICALLY TO THE RIGHT ALSO NEEDS NEW BALL JOINTSALSO NEEDS A NEW OXYGEN SENSOR

Structure › BodyFire
Filed Mar 3, 2020144,000 milesGA

MY KIA SPORTAGE WAS PARKED IN FRONT OF A GARAGE WAS NOT TURNED ON AND WAS IN PARK WHEN THE ENGINE SUDDENLY CAUGHT FIRE IT SOUNDED LIKE A LOUD BOMB. THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SALVAGEABLE.

Engine
Filed Jan 16, 2020GA

CATALYTIC CONVERTER PROBLEMS. KEEPS FAILING EMISSIONS INSPECTION

Structure › Body
Filed Jun 14, 2019PA

RUSTED OUT ROCKER PANEL DUE TO HAVING A RECALL WITH THE UNDERSIDE COATING . KINDA GUESSING WHEN I TOOK MY CAR TO DO THE UNDERSIDE AT THE CENTURY 3 KIA DEALERSHIP

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed May 1, 2019NY

SO I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY FRONT RIGHT TIRE I FEEL THAT IT WIGGLES AND WOBBLES A CLOG MY ALIGNMENT TO GET MY STUFF AND I ALWAYS NEED WORK DONE ON IT ABOUT EVERY 2 TO 3 MONTHS. I HAVE ALSO BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS CONTINUOUSLY GETTING LOCKED OUT OF MY CAR. MY CAR ON OR OFF ALWAYS LOCKS ME OUT OF MY CAR. MY PASSENGER DOOR NEVER LOCKS UNLESS I LOCK IT MYSELF MANUALLY. MY TRUNK DOOR NEVER OPENS AS WELL WHEN I PUSH THE UNLOCK BUTTON AND THE KEY MAILED IT WON'T FIT IN IT TO UNLOCK IT THAT WAY I FEEL THAT THE CAR OVER OR HAS A WIRING ELECTRICAL PROBLEM

Electrical System
Filed Apr 28, 2019140,000 milesOH

CAR WAS SITTING IN DRIVE WAY FOR A DAY AND HALF AT 335 IN THE MORNING ELECTRICAL SHORT STARTED A FIRE WAS CAUGHT ON NEIGHBOR SECURITY CAMERA

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Mar 1, 2019PA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INSURANCE TOW LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V815000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN EMAIL WAS SENT TO THE KIA MANUFACTURER WITH DOCUMENTED PROOF, BUT A RESPONSE HAD NOT BEEN RECEIVED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Nov 24, 201862,000 milesFL

LEFT HEADLIGHT PLUG IS DEFECTIVE

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Aug 23, 2018180,000 milesMO

I BOUGHT A 2008 KIA SPORTAGE AT OSAGE BEACH MO ON JULY 12, 2016. I SENT IT TO GHANA IN AUGUST, 2016 AND CLEARED FROM THE PORT IN NOVEMBER, 2016. THE SAID CAR WAS PARKED FOR SEVERAL HOURS AT HOSPITAL ON AUGUST 21, 2018 AND CAUGHT FIRE AT 10.00PM THE SAME DAY. THE FIRE SERVICE WAS CALLED AND PUT OUT THE FIRE. AFTER EXAMINATION THE STATED IT WAS ELECTRICAL FIRE CAUSED BY THE WIRING HARNESS. I THEN LEARNT AFTER THE INCIDENT THAT THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL ( # 16V815000 / SC 138) ISSUED ON NOVEMBER 10, 2016 OF WHICH I WASN'T NOTIFIED. ATTACHED, PLEASE FIND PICTURES OF THE DAMAGE KIA SPORTAGE AND ORIGINAL TITLE. I AM WAITING FOR A DETAILED REPORT FORM FIRE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT ESSAM, GHANA, WHICH I WILL SEND TO YOUR OFFICE UPON RECEIPT. BY THIS COMPLAINT, I AM THERE REQUESTING KIA MOTORS AMERICA TO REPAIR ALL DAMAGES CAUSED BY THE FIRE OR REPLACE THE VEHICLE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed May 29, 2018125,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE CONTACT'S DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. A POLICE REPORT AND A FIRE REPORT WERE FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD AND DEEMED DESTROYED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED FOR A DETERMINATION OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V815000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED BY THE FIRE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.

Engine
Filed May 21, 2018PA

2008 KIA SPORTAGE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ENGINE CATCHING FIRE AND IS SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE VALUE OF VEHICLE AND DAMAGE TO THE HOME. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER DECLINED ASSISTANCE DUE TO THE VEHICLE NOT BEING AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION. *JS

Structure › Body
Filed May 14, 201850,080 milesFL

MY CAR HAS BEEN TAKEN CARE OF VERY WELL. THERE HAS BEEN NO MISUSE OR ABUSE. NOW, I HAVE HAD 2 DOOR HANDLES BREAK OFF. EVERY TIME, I RECEIVED A JOLT BACKWARDS. THE CAR WAS STATIONARY. I AM A 59 YEARS OLD, LAST PERSON TO GET INTO MY CAR WAS MY 92 YEAR OLD FATHER, WHO IS VERY FRAIL AND UNSTABLE ON HIS FEET. I THANK GOD, IT WAS ME WHO WAS THE VICTIM WHEN THE DOOR HANDLES BROKE OFF, MY FATHER WOULD HAVE FALLEN BACKWARDS, AND COULD HAVE FALLEN AND DIED. THIS HAPPENED TWICE, BOTH TO THE PASSENGER SIDE. I AM NOW AFRAID TO EVEN OPEN THE OTHER DOOR HANDLES. IF I LOSE THEM, I HAVE TO GET IN FROM THE TRUNK, AND CLIMB OVER. I HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH BOTH GRIECO KIA IN DELRAY AND THE CORPORATE OFFICE. THEY JUST KEEP SAYING THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY, AS IT IS OLDER. I DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO PAY TO FIX THESE HANDLES. I DO NOT THINK A DOOR HANDLE SHOULD EVER BREAK OFF. PLEASE NOTE THERE ARE VIDEOS WITH THOUSANDS, OF VIEWERS WATCHING HOW TO FIX A BROKEN CAR HANDLE. THIS MEANS IT HAS HAPPENED TO THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE. KIA SHOULD PAY FOR IT. THEY REFUSE TO TAKE ANY ACCOUNTABILITY.

Structure › BodyFire
Filed Jan 29, 2018LA

WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE, THE KIA STARTED TO SMOKE THEN FLAMES APPEARED. IN ABOUT FIVE MINUTES THE ENTIRE CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES.

Structure › BodyFire
Filed Dec 13, 2017147,000 milesGA

12/03/17, 03:15 A.M. WHILE PARKED, NOT RUNNING, VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD AND BECAME FULLY ENGULFED. VEHICLE HAD BEEN PARKED FOR SEVERAL HOURS PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT. CAR WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. RESIDENCE WAS BUILT WITH VINYL SIDING, AND FRONT OF HOUSE WAS DAMAGED (MELTED VINYL). PARKED AT PRIVATE RESIDENCE. FAMILY ASLEEP INSIDE RESIDENCE WHEN FIRE ERUPTED. FOR 2 WEEKS PRIOR TO FIRE, THE ABS INDICATOR LAMP ON THE DASH PANEL WAS ILLUMINATED. BRAKES HAD BEEN INSPECTED, AND WERE IN GOOD BRAKING ORDER. I HAVE THE VEHICLE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION BY ANY INTERESTED PARTY.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 25, 201740,000 milesWA

AIRBAG LIGHT HAS COME ON SEVERAL TIMES AND EACH TIME I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR. THEY HAVE REPLACED THE SEAT BOTTOM AND EVEN REWIRED THE CAR, BUT THE AIRBAG CONTINUES TO COME ON AND STAYS ON. DUE TO THE ONGOING ISSUE, DATES AND MILEAGE ARE ESTIMATES AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE FIRST DATE OF THE ORIGINAL ISSUE.

Exterior LightingFire
Filed Mar 3, 201768,000 milesMD

VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AFTER BEING PARKED LEFT RUNNING IDLE WITH LIGHTS ON FOR 20 MINUTES , THE FOG LIGHT BULB MELTED IT WAY THROUGH THE HOUSING AND INT THE FRONT BUMPER WERE OPEN FLAMES WERE VISIBLE AND HAD TO BE PUT OUT

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch
Filed Mar 1, 201764,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HOOD LATCH WAS CORRODED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO HAVE THE ROUTINE OIL MAINTENANCE PERFORMED DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000. UPDATED 06/13/17*LJ *CN

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Feb 6, 2017WI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V815000 (ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. UPDATED 04/05/17 LJ *CN

Electrical System
Filed Jan 24, 201717,500 milesNY

MY FAULTY 2008 KIA SPORTAGE STRIKES AGAIN. THE LAST 2 MAJOR INCIDENCES WITH MY KIA ARE DOCUMENTED IN MY NHTSA COMPLAINT (10621705) OCCURRED ON AUG 2013 -W/11K MILES( TRANSMISSION & ELECTRICAL) AND W/12K MILES -AUGUST 2014 ( ALTERNATOR &ABS PUMP). IT'S NOW JANUARY 2017 - CAR HAS 17.5K TOTAL MILES AND I NEEDED TO TOW MY KIA SPORTAGE 2008 TO A SERVICE CENTER AFTER THE CAR STALLED ON A MAJOR ROAD WITH 2 OF MY KIDS IN THE CAR. THE CAR IS BEHAVING SIMILARLY TO HOW IT BEHAVED IN 2013 ' ENGINE KNOCKS AS IT SHIFTS INTO GEARS EVENTUALLY STALLING. IN 2013 ' KIA REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION AND ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. AS I STATED IN MY PREVIOUS COMPLAINT, THERE MUST BE A DESIGN FLAW ASSOCIATED WITH THE CAR SINCE IT NOW APPEARS I HAVE THE SAME TRANSMISSION/ELECTRICAL PROBLEM AGAIN 6K MILES LATER SINCE THE LAST INCIDENT . JUST LEARNED TODAY THAT MY KIA NEEDS A NEW TRANSMISSION ! 3 TRANSMISSIONS IN 17,000 MILES ' JUST DOESN'T ADD UP. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Jan 23, 2017CO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V815000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 18, 2017100,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING FAILED. THE CONTACT BANGED ON THE DASHBOARD AND THE LIGHTS CAME BACK ON, BUT THEN FADED OUT AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 13, 201748,809 milesNE

WENT TO KIA OF CHEYENNE ON SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT DATE FOR RECALL NOTICE AND THEY DIDN'T HAVE THE PART. I WAS TOLD TO CHECK BACK IN A WEEK. WHEN I CALLED TO CHECK ON REPAIR DATE BECAUSE I HAVE TO TRAVEL FROM NEBRASKA I WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART IS ON BACK ORDER AND TO CHECK BACK ON THE 31ST OF JANUARY. MY VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE DUE TO ELECTRICAL FIRE HAZARD AND NO ABS BRAKES DUE TO THE SEAL OF HECU BEING BAD. I COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS ISSUE IN 2013, THEY REFUSED TO FIX BECAUSE THE CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY.

Electrical System
Filed Dec 29, 2016MD

2008 KIA SPORTAGE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO REPLACEMENT PARTS NOT AVAILABLE TO REPAIR HYDRAULIC ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT RECALL NOTICE. *SMD

Electrical System
Filed Dec 20, 2016AZ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V815000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Air Bags
Filed Dec 14, 2016NJ

AIR BAG SING ON.I TALK TO KIA SERVICES THEY TOLD ME I HAVE TO PAY $129 FOR JUST CHECK UP.MY CAR MILLEGE ONLY 80K.I FEEL NOT COMFORTABLE AT ALL.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Dec 12, 2016NC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SPORTAGE. UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, IT MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE TO START AFTER MORE THAN TWO ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO REPLICATE AND DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. A FIRE ERUPTED AND EXTINGUISHED ITSELF. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN DUE TO THE FAILURE AND FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT THE CONTACT'S RESIDENTIAL PARKING AREA. THE CONTACT LATER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V815000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Service Brakes
Filed Nov 8, 201679,000 milesAL

I WAS DRIVING WHEN THE BRAKES WAS PRESSED THERE WAS A TERRIBLE NOISE AND NO BRAKES. THE GARAGE SAID THAT IT WAS THE ABS SYSTEM. THE BRAKE FLUID HAD LEAKED INTO THE ABS BOX AND SHORTED IT OUT. THEY WANTED 3100.00 DOLLARS TO FIX IT. I DONT HAVE THAT KIND OF MONEY. PLEASE HELP BY GETTING KIA TO DO A RECALL. MY HUSBAND AND I WAS OK. PLEASE HELP BEFORE IT HAPPENS TO SOMEONE ELSE. I AM OUT OF A VEHICLE BECAUSE I CANNOT AFFORD TO GET IT FIXED AND IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD. I TRIED TALKING TO KIA HEADQUARTERS THEY WERE NO HELP.

Unknown or OtherCrash
Filed Sep 25, 201678,000 milesMI

LAST MARCH, I WAS TRYING TO STOP TO AVOID REAR ENDING A VEHICLE TURNING LEFT INTO AN APARTMENT COMPLEX. I WAS DOING LESS THAN 25MPH WHEN I SAW HER BRAKE LIGHTS AND TURN SIGNAL. ADDITIONALLY, I HAD PLENTY OF TIME AND DISTANCE TO STOP SAFELY. HOWEVER, AS I DEPRESSED THE BRAKE THE ESC, BRAKE WARNING AND BRAKE LIGHTS ALL CAME ON AND THE CAR DID NOT SLOW DOWN. I PRESSED HARDER AND HARDER UNTIL THE PEDAL WAS TO THE FLOOR. AT THIS POINT THEY LOCKED UP PREVENTING ME FROM STEERING AWAY FROM THE CAR THAT I THEN HIT. AFTER THE COLLISION REPAIRS, I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO MY MECHANIC WHO TOLD ME THE ABS COMPUTER FAILED CAUSING THE BRAKING FAILURE. HE SUGGESTED TAKING IT TO KIA. THE DEALERSHIP THEN CONFIRMED THAT THE ABS COMPUTER MODULE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AT THAT TIME MY CAR ONLY HAD 78,000 MILES ON IT. THERE IS NO REASON FOR THE ABS MODULE TO FAIL WITH LESS THAN 100,000 MOSTLY HIGHWAY (NO BRAKING NECESSARY FOR THE MAJORITY OF THE DRIVE) MILES ON THE CAR. THE IS, OBVIOUSLY, A SAFETY ISSUE AND THEY WANT $2,500 TO REPAIR AN ISSUE THAT THEY KNOW ABOUT. I WAS TOLD THEY HAVE REPLACED QUITE A FEW OF THESE MODULES BECAUSE OF THIS FAILURE. ADDITIONALLY, I HAVE A SEATBELT/AIRBAG SENSOR DINGING ALL THE TIME SO THAT'S ANOTHER SAFETY ISSUE WITH MY RESTRAINT SYSTEM!

Air Bags
Filed Jul 12, 201698,000 milesCO

THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT HAS COME ON WHILE CAR IS RUNNING .

Air Bags
Filed Jun 27, 2016154,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CLOCKSPRING MALFUNCTIONED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AS NEEDING THE CLOCKSPRING REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 154,000.

Complaints 1-50 of 98, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2017
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202628100Routine
202555100Routine
202475300Routine
2023194610Routine
202246120Routine
202154270Routine
20201662130Routine
201971230Routine
20181653120Routine
20174044280High concern
2016134250Routine
20151462110Routine
2014125310Routine
20133813220High concern
20123925160Above average
2011181680Routine
201020201Fatalities reported
200980380Routine
2008 — this page983240High concern
200777250Routine
2006111150Routine
200568320Routine
20034000Routine
2002234360Above average
2001228240Above average
2000304470Above average
1999284531Fatalities reported
1998303560Above average
1997181351Fatalities reported
199657330Routine
199556210Routine

Compare every Sportage year →

Reading this record

A high number of complaints describe fires or crashes.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Oct 24, 2022. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.