2009 Kia Sportage

Routine

Owners filed 80 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the airbags. It has been recalled 3 times.

Not among the Kia Sportage years to avoid. Which Kia Sportage years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
65,000 milesMedian miles at failure

64 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 40,000–50,000 miles.

Most common 2009 Kia Sportage problems

15 of the 80 complaints (19%) are about the airbags.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags · airbags15
305
Steering12
000
Electrical System12
050
Service Brakes · brakes6
101
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · brakes5
000
Engine5
020
Electronic Stability Control (esc) · stability control5
000
Unknown or Other4
000
Structure › Body · body and frame2
010
Power Train · transmission2
000

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
EngineFire
Filed Sep 23, 2025CA

In 2018 my I was driving home when it just shut off and wouldn’t start. Smelled like burning and had it towed to my house and had several mechanics look at it and couldn’t find the problem then as it was parked on day it started to smoke and the engine was burning I put out the fire and then a couple months later I got the recall information the car was a total loss and could t be repaired and no compemsation was sent to me. Ive contacted the class action suit and they were very vague with the information. I waited and the car eventually disappeared in which I thought the Kia company picked it up. I still have t hear word from anyone and my car is no where to be found and I would like to be reimbursed for the car since it was paid off

Electrical System
Filed Oct 2, 2023FL

The contact owns a 2009 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, and it was determined that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact to contact the dealer for assistance. The contact had heard an abnormal sound and noticed that the wiring harness had melted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jul 18, 2023AZ

The contact owns a 2009 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V800000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had 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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed May 4, 202393,157 milesKY

The contact owns a 2009 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle in the dealer's parking lot after the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 16V815000 (Electrical System) and 22V800000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) had been completed, the HECU, the ABS, the TPMS warning lights and other unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle back to the residence. The contact notified the dealer of the failure. The dealer advised the contact to take the vehicle in for the repair however, there would be a fee for the repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 93,157.

Unknown or Other
Filed May 2, 2023IL

The frame has rusted out on this vehicle. The passenger side frame above the rear axle is completely rusted out. I can put my thumb through the rear frame on the driver's side. The exhaust system on this vehicle is still intact - ironic that the frame would rust out before the exhaust system.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 24, 2022UT

I was parked at the grocery store with the car idling in park. The engine suddenly died and smoke was coming out from under the hood. I honestly thought the car was about to burst into flames. A good Samaritan looked under the hood and it was still smoking but eventually stopped. The electrical system is fried and even the emergency lights won't work. There was a very strong electrical fire smell that hung around for hours. I looked up this model and it shows there was a recall with the electrical system & that there was a risk of fire. But this vehicle's VIN is not listed as needing a repair. We have purchased this car used and contacted the original owner. They don't remember ever getting a recall notice or having to do a recall repair with this. I don't know how the car didn't go up in flames because there was so much smoke coming from under the hood.

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 29, 2022WI

Reference Kia SC138, Rev 1: DTC code C2380 has been pulled and the recall specifically calls for replacement of the HECU should this code occur. My dash panel's brake light, ESC light and ABS light all have come on alerting me to my car's problem. This recall was initially addressed on 2/6/2017 in Arizona checking for corrosion and/or moisture reaching the circuit board which I was told is common in harsh environments. I am told the cover was replaced. Cars in Arizona do not have a moisture or road salt issue reaching the engine compartment. Now it does. I purchased this low mileage Sportage with 55K miles in Iowa and I live in Wisconsin and now there is a failure of the circuit board from exposure to our weather. The dealer that examined the control unit during its first recall exam lengthened two of the brake lines 3-4 inches making it easier to reconnect the brake lines. This is why my dealer, Bergstrom Kia in Appleton, WI initially claimed they can not address the replacement of this HECU. Since I challenged their excuse with the assistance of my mechanic at Whitcomb Automotive in Kaukauna, WI Bergstrom now is saying they cannot fix my car under this recall because it is no longer under warranty and that it was examined in Arizona back in 2017. I was not of the understanding that safety recalls had a time limit. I currently am not allowing my family to drive the car fearing there could possibly be an engine compartment fire as described in the recall bulletin. The folks a

Air Bags
Filed Feb 15, 2022NY

6 months ago air bag indicator light came on for 2 days. That went out and another one came on (can't remember which one) and that stayed on for 2 days. Then all was good for 5 months. Now air bag indicator light is on again. Yes, it's available upon request. Have appt with dealer on 2/25/22. Of course the air bag indicator light could cause risk if there is something wrong with the bags. I'm wondering if it is just an electrical problem with the lights.

Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 30, 2021TX

The brakes lock up with pressure and will not allow me to brake when immediate breaking is needed. When continuing to try to break hard to prevent hitting the car in front of me, the brake pedal immediately drops to the floor releasing the exuberant brake pressure still not allowing any braking needed. This issue has gone on for over a year as it comes and goes in an odd fashion. We had the brakes fully replaced by a local, good mechanic. We will contact Kia, but do not know how to explain the issue since it is not the brakes. It seems to be the anti-locking system or electrical system not controlling or allowing the brakes to respond properly. It seems to be affected if the under car has gotten wet. I fear for my life and for what may happen if someone jumps out in front of me and the brakes do not function properly. I looked for a possible recall, yet my VIN was not included in the 2 recalls which seems to match my issue. There are no warning lights or any indications that my anti-lock braking has failed. I love my 2009 Kia Sportage V6 and have not had accident, yet. (Knock on wood!)

Electrical System
Filed Feb 16, 202190,000 milesPA

BRAKE LIGHT CIRCUIT DOESNT WORK

Structure › BodyFire
Filed Aug 23, 2020100,000 milesFL

WHILE THE CAR WAS OFF AND PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE MOTOR. THE ENTIRE FRONT PART OF THE CAR WAS TOTALED.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 6, 202040,000 milesOH

AT APPROXIMATELY 40,000 MILES THE CLOCK SPRING MALFUNCTIONED DISABLING THE AIR BAGS AND HORN.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 29, 2020100,000 milesNY

LEFT SIDE FRONT CORNER UNDER THE HOOD STARTED SMOKING. HAD TO DISCONNECT BATTERY TO MAKE IT STOP. CAR WAS PARKED AND TURNED OFF

Electrical System
Filed May 2, 2020133,000 milesOH

I GOT THIS VEHICLE BACK IN AUGUST 2019. FROM THE TIME I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE PASSANGER SIDE WINDOW WOULD ONLY ROLL UP FROM DRIVERS SIDE SWITCH, WOULDN'T ROLL ITS DOWN BUT WILL ROLL UP AND DOWN FROM ITS DOOR SWITCH AND THE BACK DRIVERS DOOR WINDOW WOULDN'T ROLL UP OR DOWN AT ALL FROM EITHER SWITCH. ALSO MY BACK HATCH HAS BEEN STUCK IN UNLOCK, CAN HEAR IT WORKING LIKE ITS LOCKING IT BUT IT DOESNT ACTUALLY LOCK FROM THE DOOR OR THE GLASS. MY DRIVER SIDE DOOR ALSO HAS ISSUES WITH THE POWER LOCKS, IT WILL WORK FINE FOR A WEEK OR SO AND THEN STOP WORKING AND I HAVE TO MANUALLY LOCK AND UNLOCK FOR A FEW WEEKS, CAN HEAR IT LIKE IT'S WORKING ONLY IT DOESNT, JUST LIKE THE HATCH ONLY THE HATCH HAS NEVER WORKED. ALSO MY CIGARETTE LIGHTER AND FRONT 12V OUTLET DID NOT WORK. CHECKED ALL FUSES, EVEN CHANGED GOOD FUSES WITH BRAND NEW FUSES. DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM SO I HAVE JUST DEALT WITH IT. WELL THINGS HAVE ONLY GOTTEN WORSE. SHORTLY AFTER MY PURCHASE I STARTED HAVING ISSUES WITH SQUEALING SOUNDS COMING FROM UPFRONT AND MY POWER STEERING JUST GOING OUT WHEN FIRST STARTING THE VEHICLE, WHEN GOING SLOW TO SWITCH LANES, AND GOING INTO TURNS OR MAKING TURNS. WHEN THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT IT'S LIKE THE POWER TO THE ENGINE ALSO CUTS OUT AND WHEN THE SQUEALING STOP I FEEL THE POWER COME BACK. ALSO MY CRUISE CONTROL ONLY WORKS WHEN IT WANTS TO AND I AM CONSTANTLY HAVING MY LOW TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR GO OFF. I SOMEHOW FEE LIKE AS THOUGH THIS IS ALL RELATED? I HAVE READ MANY MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT MY

Engine
Filed Dec 31, 201999,100 milesTX

THE CAR HAS A ROUGH IDLE. IT WILL STALL RANDOMLY, SOMETIMES WHILE IN TRAFFIC. THE COMPUTER HAS BEEN REPLACED AND NUMEROUS SENSORS HAVE BEEN CHECKED. THE PROBLEMS OCCURRED WHEN WE FIRST BOUGHT THE CAR USED IN DECEMBER 2009. IT WAS FIXED BUT BEGAN HAPPENING AGAIN IN THE FALL OF 2018. THE RANDOM STALLING OCCURRED AGAIN IN LATE SUMMER 2019 AND HAS BEEN A PROBLEM EVER SINCE.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Dec 20, 2019189,000 milesTX

HEADING DOWN HIGHWAY 198 FROM MABANK TX TO CANTON TX WE HAD HIT DEER TWO JUMP OUT ABOUT 2 FEET IN FROM OF US . WE MISS THE FIRST DEER AND SECOND ONE WE HIT DEAD SMACK IN FRONT OF CAR, IT DID SO MUCH DAMAGE HAD TO REPLACE MOST OF THE FRONT END INCLUDING RADIATOR AND COOLING FAN AND BATTERY BECAUSE IT HAD POP HOLE IN FRONT BATTERY. BUT AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. AND THAT MORNING NOTICE WHEN PERSON SITTING IN PASSENGER SIDE THE AIR BAG LIGHT ABOVE DASH SAYS PASSENGER AIR BAG ON THAN SAYS OFF. THERE PIC ATTACH SHOWS DAMAGED HAD TO REPLACED COST ABOUT 1400 DOLLARS OR MORE IN DAMAGE . AIR BAGS SHOULD DEPLOYED

Suspension
Filed Oct 14, 2019127,000 milesAL

WHEN I PULLED IN MY YARD I HEARD A CLICKING IN THE WHEEL AND WHEN I GOT OUT THE WHEEL HAD SQUATTED OUT ON THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT.AXLE IS OFF. I WAS IN MOTION WHEN IT HAPPENED

Air Bags
Filed Jul 30, 201944,000 milesOH

THE CLOCK SPRING IS NOT WORKING WHICH DEACTIVATES THE AIR BAG SYSTEM AND HORN. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS CONDITION. THIS SHOULD RESULT IN A RECALL IMMEDIATELY.

EngineFire
Filed Jun 20, 201975,000 milesWI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE TRACTION CONTROL AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS SUDDENLY ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE AND VIBRATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL KIA DEALER KOCOUREK (2700 N. 20TH AVE, WAUSAU WI) WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A FAULTY WIRE HARNESS THAT HAD MELTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 24, 201953,350 milesNY

AIRBAG ABOVE PASSENGER CURTAIN HAS DEFECTIVE MODULE. VEHICLE HAS ONLY 53375 MILES ON IT, IS ALWAYS GARAGED. KIA HAS ISSUED 507,000 VEHICLE RECALL FOR AIRBAGS DEFECTS, GOING BACK TO YEAR 2010. NORMAL WARRENTY IS 5 YEARS OR 60,000 MILES. KIA TOLD ME I AM NOT A LOYAL KIA CUSTOMER BECAUSE I DO NOT ROUTINELY BRING MY CAR TO DEALERS FOR SERVICES, OPPOSED TO MY LOCAL GARAGE. REPLACEMENT OF AIRBAG IS $1956.00 NOT INCLUDING LABOR AND TAX.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Mar 29, 201995,242 milesMD

A FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE APPROXIMATELY 45 MINUTES AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE AT MY PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT. WHILE SEARCHING THE INTERNET I FOUND THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS EXACT THING. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED ABOUT THE RECALL AND NOW MY VEHICLE IS TOTALED FROM THE LACK OF NOTICE.

Power Train
Filed Mar 28, 2019105,000 milesWI

WHEN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTS FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR WHILE DRIVING THE WHOLE VEHICLE JERKS VERY HARD. IT JERKS SO HARD YOUR HEAD FLIES BACK. IT JERKS SO HARD AND LOUD THE ENGINE SOUNDS LIKE IT'S GOING FALL OUT.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Sep 12, 2018WI

ON TUESDAY AUGUST 28TH 2018 MY CAR WAS PARKED IN AN APARTMENT PARKING LOT, AND HAD BEEN OFF FOR 4 HOURS. I WOKE UP TO MY CAR ALARM GOING OFF AT 12AM. I LOOKED OUT THE WINDOW AND THE LIGHTS WERE NOT FLASHING ON MY CAR SO I DIDN'T THINK IT MINE. NOT MORE THAN 1 MINUTE LATER MY CAR STARTED ON FIRE. THANK GOODNESS MY BOYFRIEND WAS A FIREFIGHTER. HE CALLED 911 AND THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT WITH 15 MINUTES. HOWEVER MY CAR WAS DETERMINE A TOTAL LOSS. ALL THEY COULD TELL ME WAS THAT IT LOOKED LIKE IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. NO ONE WAS HURT, BUT HAD I BEEN AT HOME THAT NIGHT IN MY DUPLEX WHO I SHARE WITH MY NEIGHBORS AND THEIR INFANT, AND PARKED IN MY GARAGE MY HOUSE WOULD HAVE BEEN BURNED AND I WOULD BE DEAD. IT WAS A 2009 KIA SPORTAGE AND I HAD NEVER HAD A SINGLE ISSUE WITH THE CAR IN THE 9 YEARS THAT I OWED IT. I WAS THE ONLY OWNER SO I KNEW MY CAR WAS WELL TAKEN CARE OF. WITH KIA IN THE NEWS A LOT LATELY WITH CAR FIRES I CAN'T HELP BUT FEEL THERE SHOULD BE AN INVESTIGATION.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 23, 201842,500 milesOH

THIS IS COMPLAINT 1 OF 2. COMPLAINT 2 IS UNDER A SEPARATE CATEGORY "ESC". THE PASSENGER AIR BAG "OFF" INDICATOR LIGHT ON THE DASH CAME ON, WITH AN ADULT PASSENGER SITTING IN THE SEAT (VEHICLE IN MOTION OR STATIONARY). AT FIRST IT WAS RANDOM, AND THEN IT STARTED STAYING ON ALL THE TIME. THEN THE "AIR BAG" WARNING LIGHT ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CAME ON. THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT WILL ALSO LOCK, AND NOT RELEASE AS IT IS SUPPOSED TO. AT THIS POINT I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN MADE THE FOLLOWING COMMENTS AFTER RUNNING DIAGNOSTICS: "AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON FOR A COUPLE OF REASONS. THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR SENSOR IS BAD AND THE PASSENGER SIDE OCCUPANT SENSOR IN THE SEAT IS BAD." THE DEALER GAVE A VERBAL QUOTE OF $2,200 TO REPLACE THE SEAT SENSOR, AND AN ADDITIONAL $575 TO REPLACE THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT SENSOR. THEY GAVE A WRITTEN ESTIMATE OF $2,212 FOR THE SEAT SENSOR, BUT DID NOT PROVIDE A WRITTEN ESTIMATE FOR THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR SENSOR. I REALIZE THE VEHICLE IS 9 YEARS OLD, BUT IT ONLY HAS 42,647 MILES ON IT. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND I CANNOT AFFORD NOR JUSTIFY INVESTING NEARLY $2,800 ON A 9 YEAR OLD VEHICLE. KIA DID A RECALL FOR THE 2006-2008 RIO MODELS ON 5/31/12 "12V244000" FOR THE SEAT SENSOR AND HAS ALSO EXTENDED THE WARRANTY OUT TO 15 YEARS FOR OTHER MODELS. VERY FEW PEOPLE CAN AFFORD TO SPEND THIS TYPE OF MONEY FOR A SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY KIA. NOW I HAVE A VEHICLE WITH A FAULTY AIR BAG SAFETY SYSTEM, AND HAVE NO IDEA IF THE AIR BA

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Jul 23, 201842,000 milesOH

THIS IS COMPLAINT 2 OF 2. THE OTHER COMPLAINT IS IN THE CATEGORY "AIR BAGS". WILL DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL "ESC" OFF INDICATOR LAMP ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CAME ON. AFTER SHUTTING THE VEHICLE OFF THE INDICATOR LIGHT WOULD GO OFF, ONLY TO COME ON AGAIN AFTER DRIVING A SHORT DISTANCE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THE TECHNICIAN MADE THE FOLLOWING COMMENT: "ESC LIGHT IS ON BECAUSE OF THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH IS SHORTING OUT INSIDE THE SWITCH." I EXPLAINED TO THE DEALER THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WAS REPLACED BY THEM AS PART OF A RECALL ON 9/7/13, AND THAT I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR A NEW SWITCH. THE DEALER HAD TO CONTACT KIA DIRECTLY, AND KIA AGREED TO REPLACE THE SWITCH FOR THE SECOND TIME. I NOW WORRY ABOUT THE SAFETY OF MY VEHICLE AND AS TO WHY THE REPLACEMENT SWITCH FAILED.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Jul 15, 2018145,000 milesMN

ON 12 JULY 2018 AT 0530 AM I WAS DRIVING DOWN COUNTY ROAD 26 MANKATO MN TO PICKUP MY SEMI AS I WAS APROACHING 3RD AVE STOP SIGN I APPLIED THE BRAKES PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR I WENT THROUGH INTERSECTION SLAMMED INTO A BOULDER WALL HEAD ON AT AN ESTIMATED SPEED OF 40-45MPH. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY,SEAT BELT TENSIONER BROKE,WONT RETRACT BACK INTO HOLDER. AFTER GETTING CAR TOWED CAN SEE THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR WAS CRUSHED BUT NO DEPLOYMENT SPENT 2 DAYS IN HOSPITAL. THANKFULLY NOTHING BROKE JUST ALOT OF BRUISING. CANNOT FIGURE OUT WHY BRAKES DIDNT WORK ENDED UP USING EMERGENCY BRAKE TO TRY SLOWING DOWN IMPACT.

Air Bags
Filed May 28, 201845,500 milesOH

THE CLOCK SPRING IS BROKEN WHICH CAUSES AN AIR BAG AND HORN MALFUNCTION.

Air BagsCrash3 injured
Filed Apr 26, 201840,000 milesWV

WE REALLY DO NOT KNOW WHAT WENT WRONG, WE WERE ON ROUTE 19 N. AT HICO,WV AND WE TURNED ONTO A SIDE ROAD,THE CAR SLED ON THE GRAVEL WE HIT THE BANK AND TURNED ON OUR SIDE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT GO OFF AND WE COULDN'T GET THE SEAT BELTS TO RELEASE SO WE WERE TRAPPED IN THE CAR.THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS.

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 4, 201849,000 milesNY

THE SHIFTER CAN SHIFT ANYTIME. I DON'T NEED TO PUSH THE BUTTON ON THE SIDE OF THE SHIFTER. WHILE DRIVING A FEW TIMES MY PURSE LEANED ON IT BY ACCIDENT. IT WENT IN TO N POSITION.

Steering
Filed Mar 19, 2018122,000 milesVA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CLOCK SPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 122,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 5, 201853,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN, THE ESC WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED LIT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V114000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, EXTERIOR LIGHTING); HOWEVER THE FAILURE RECURRED. SMITHTOWN KIA (726 MIDDLE COUNTRY RD, ST JAMES, NY 11780, (631) 724-8008) WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,000.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 15, 2017CT

THE AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON. THIS SHOULDN'T HAPPEN. NOT SURE IF IT IS THE SENSOR OR IF THERE ARE PROBLEMS WITH THE AIR BAGS. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 30, 2017MN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V815000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch
Filed Mar 9, 201764,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HOOD FAILED TO OPEN WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE LATCH THAT LOCKED THE HOOD WAS RUSTED AND THAT THE WHEEL AND THE FRONT FENDER NEEDED TO BE TAKEN APART IN ORDER TO REPLACE THE LATCH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REMEDIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 64,000.

Structure › Body › Door
Filed Jan 12, 201741,000 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER DOORS DID NOT SHUT PROPERLY. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41,000.

Engine
Filed Nov 23, 201680,500 milesIL

2009 KIA SPORTAGE LX COMPLAINT. WE HAVE RECENTLY BEEN EXPERIENCING INTERMITTENT ACCELERATION SURGING. THE OCCURRENCES ARE RANDOM; HOT OR COLD IN D-GEAR AT A STOP-LIGHT OR IN PARK POSITION. I'VE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE KIA DEALER TWO TIMES. ON THE SECOND TIME, I WAS TOLD THAT AFTER A TEST-DRIVE ON THE SECOND DAY, THE MECHANIC DID NOTICE THE SURGING OF THE TACHOMETER AND THE 'FIX' WAS TO RE-ROUTE/LOOSEN THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE. TWO DAYS LATER, THE ENGINE SURGING RE-APPEARED. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SAFETY CONCERN THAT CAN RESULT IN INJURY TO PEDESTRIANS, AND OTHER DRIVERS. WHEN THE ENGINE SURGE/RACING OCCURS THE TACHOMETER GOES UP AND DOWN FROM UNDER 1,000 TO 5,000 RPM'S. IT HAS HAPPENED WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND WHILE IN PARK AND IN GEAR. DURING THE LATEST EVENT, WE HAVE A VIDEO TAKEN WITH OUR I-PHONE SHOWING THE TACHOMETER GOING UP AND DOWN IN THE 'PARK' POSITION. WE ARE SCARED TO DRIVE THIS CAR BECAUSE THIS SAFETY DEFECT CAN CAUSE BODILY DANGER AS IT LUNGES FORWARD DUE TO ENGINE RACING. I'VE ALSO POSTED THIS SAFETY DEFECT ON 'CARCOMPLAINTS.COM' TO WARN OTHERS. GOGGLING THIS ISSUE ON YAHOO.COM REVEALS OTHERS HAVING SIMILAR PROBLEMS. CAN WE GET SOME HELP ON THIS?

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Sep 20, 201686,000 milesRI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE ESC INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE BRAKES ENGAGED WITHOUT THE BRAKE PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT AND OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000.

Exterior Lighting › Tail Lights › Switch
Filed Sep 8, 201675,000 milesAZ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER TAIL LIGHT FAILED TO ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE LIGHT SWITCH WAS REPLACED. IN ADDITION, WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL OR WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN REVERSE, THE PASSENGER SIDE TURN SIGNAL LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE LIGHT BULB WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE FUEL CAP AND STOP SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000. UPDATED 11/03/16*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE OVER 60MPH. THE VEHICLE WOULD LOSE POWER. UPDATED 09/19/2017*JS

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Sep 8, 2016118,300 milesWI

LAST SUMMER STOP LIGHT SWITCH WAS REPLACED PER RECALL. DRIVING HOME AT NIGHT ABOUT 65MPH WHEN THE ESC LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR ENGINE STARTED LOSING POWER DOWN TO 20MPH. ACCELERATOR DIDN'T WORK. I WAS ONLY A FEW MILES FROM HOME. MADE IT HOME. NEXT DAY ESC OFF LIGHT OFF. DID CALL KIA DEALERSHIP - NO HELP. NEXT DAY, DROVE 30MPH FOR ABOUT 1/2 MILE ESC OFF LIGHT CAME ON ON, LOST ENGINE POWER, MADE IT 1/2 MILE TO WORK. PUSHED ESC BUTTON. LATER THAT DAY, ESC OFF LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WERE OFF. DROVE 1 MILE DOWN A ROAD 50MPH WHEN THE ESC LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR ENGINE STARTED LOSING POWER DOWN TO 20MPH. ACCELERATOR DIDN'T WORK. DROVE 20MPH FOR ABOUT 1/2 MILE. MADE IT HOME. DANGEROUS SITUATION - DRIVING 60+ AND ESC OFF LIGHT ON AND CAR IMMEDIATELY DE-ACCELERATES. COULD HAVE BEEN REAR ENDED.

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 23, 201690,000 milesPA

WHILE DRIVING DOWN A HIGHWAY AT 60 MPH ON A SUNNY, WINDY DAY THE HOOD FLEW OPEN AND SMASHED AGAINST THE FRONT OF THE CAR'S ROOF. THAT SHATTERED THE PLASTIC EYEGLASS HOLDER ON THE ROOF INTERIOR AND DENTED/MANGLED THE HOOD. THE HOOD LATCH IS SUPPOSED TO BE A FAILSAFE REDUNDANT MECHANISM THAT SHOULD NEVER, UNDER ANY CONDITION, ALLOW THIS TO HAPPEN. THERE IS A RECALL ON THE SORENTO'S RELATED TO THE MALFUNCTION OF A DEFECTIVE HOOD LATCH DESIGN DUE TO BINDING FROM CORROSION IN STATES THAT USE WINTER ROAD SALT SUCH AS PA. THIS IS A PA VEHICLE. FORTUNATELY, NO OTHER VEHICLE WAS STRUCK AND THE DRIVER MAINTAINED SUFFICIENT CONTROL TO SAFELY STOP.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Jul 8, 201686,000 milesFL

I WAS DRIVING DOWN A BUSY ROAD ABOUT 50MPH WHEN THE ESC LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR ENGINE STARTED LOSING POWER. I PULLED OVER, AFRAID TO DRIVE BUT THEN PROCEEDED AS I WAS ONLY A FEW MINUTES FROM HOME. I MADE IT HOME OK AND CONSULTED MY MANUAL AS TO WHAT THAT LIGHT MEANT. I PUSHED IT IN (SO THAT IT WAS NOW "ON" BECAUSE THE LIGHT SAID "OFF" AND IT DROVE OK FOR ABOUT A DAY. THEN WITH NO LIGHT COMING BACK ON, THE ENGINE JUST STARTED REVING UP REALLY HARD AND LOUD..LIKE IT WAS STUCK IN NEUTRAL AND IT STARTED TO LOSE POWER. I BARELY MADE IT HOME SAFELY AND NOE I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE IT. IT JUST CAME OUT OF NOWHERE...TOTALLY RANDOM. I HAVE AN APPT TO BRING IT IN TO KIA SERVICE CENTER MON. MORNING AND AM CURRENTLY DRIVING A RENTAL CAR. IT WAS A VERY SCAREY EVENT BECAUSE BOTH TIME IT GAVE NO WARNING AT ALL!!

Steering
Filed Jul 6, 2016125,000 milesMD

I HAVE BEEN HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AS OTHERS. IT HAS BEEN A SPORADIC PROBLEM FOR ABOUT FOUR MONTHS. IT'S ALMOST LIKE THE POWER STEERING GOES COMPLETELY OUT AND YOU ARE ALMOST UNABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL. HOWEVER, WHEN YOU PUSH ON THE ACCELERATOR THE STEERING RELEASES. THIS MAKES IT VERY DIFFICULT IF NOT IMPOSSIBLE TO KEEP THE VEHICLE IN THE PROPER LANE WHEN IT OCCURS. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD THAT NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED BEFORE IT CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 27, 2016MO

THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON AND AFTER TAKING IT TO A AUTHORIZED KIA DEALERSHIP, THEY SAID THE ERROR CODE INDICATED HIGH RESISTANCE AND THAT THE AIRBAG WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDS TO BE REPACED

Steering
Filed Mar 5, 201680,000 milesPA

STEERING WHEEL LOCKS WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN AT SPEEDS UNDER 45MPH. DOES IT SPORADICALLY. STARTED AT AROUND 80000 MILES.

Steering
Filed Nov 5, 201555,000 milesNY

DRIVING ON MINIMALLY WET ROAD, WATER IS SPLASHING INTO ENGINE, LIGHT COMES ON ENGINE STALLS NO STEERING. THIS HAS OCCURRED ON RESIDENTIAL STREET, HIGHWAY STREET, DRIVING STRAIGHT, ACCELERATING FROM A COMPLETE STOP, TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT. CALLED DEALERSHIP FROM WHERE CAR WAS PURCHASED (FOUR MONTHS AGO) SERVICE MANAGER UNRESPONSIVE. HAVING A DIFFERENT DEALERSHIP LOOK AT CAR, WILL TRY TO RE-CREATE ISSUE.

Engine
Filed Oct 13, 201578,000 milesWV

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THE CAMSHAFT FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE KNOCK SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000. UPDATED 1/15/16 *CN

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Sep 4, 2015107,914 milesVA

OWNER DROVE VEHICLE ONE HOUR PRIOR TO FIRE. PARKED VEHICLE WITNESS CAME BY OWNERS HOME REPORTED FIRE. FIRE IN FRONT ENGINE COMPARTMENT AT LOCATION OF ABS MODULE. OTHER COMPLAINTS NOTED FOR ABS MODULE AND FIRES.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 7, 2015102,000 milesWI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Jun 11, 201565,000 milesLA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA SPORTAGE. WHEN THE GEAR WAS SHIFTED FROM PARK INTO DRIVE OR IN REVERSE, THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V130000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING); HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 1, 201557,047 milesWA

THIS IS MY 82 YEAR OLD MOTHER IN LAW CAR SHE SAYS THE AIR BAG LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON AND STAYING ON SO SHE TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THEY CHARGED HER $150.00 TO LOOK AT IT. THIS WAS ON NOV 4 2014 THE CAR HAD ONLY 57047 MILES ON IT. SO IN MARCH IT STARTED DOING IT AGAIN SO ON MARCH 27 2015 SHE GOES TO THE DEALER THIS TIME THEY DIDN'T CHARGE HER BUT TOLD HER IT WOULD COST $2,600.00 DOLLARS TO FIX. THE CAR ONLY HAS 59312 MILES ON IT. SHE IS FREAKED OUT SCARED TO DRIVE HER CAR AND IS ON FIXED INCOME. THE TWO CODES THEY FOUND WERE (B1489 OCS MATT DEFECT) AND (B1495 BELT TENSION SENSOR). MY SON SAYS HE THINKS THAT THE KIA RIO HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND GOT RECALLED. I WILL GIVE MY INFO NOT MY MOTHERS THANK YOU *TR

Complaints 1-50 of 80, 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
2009 — this page80380Routine
2008983240High 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

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

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.