2010 Kia Sportage

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 20 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the air bags. It has been recalled 2 times.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Service Brakes, Hydraulic4
000
Air Bags3
203
Unknown or Other2
000
Service Brakes2
102
Seat Belts2
000
Engine2
000
Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control1
000
Structure › Body1
000
Seats › Front Assembly › Head Restraint1
001
Power Train1
000

2 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module23V652000Park outside
Filed Sep 25, 20231,730,192 vehiclesKia America, Inc.

Defect. Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.

Risk. An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy. Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.

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.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Unknown or Other
Filed May 24, 2024VA

I received notification of recall associated with my vehicle. I scheduled appointment and dealer needed to order part. When I showed up for repair, I was turned away and advised that kia is no longer repairing vehicles for recall 23V652000. Can you verify that the recall is no longer occurring and that the risk of encountering the problem is being remedied in some other manner? They told me kua would send me a letter, but I have yet to receive one.

Service Brakes
Filed Apr 30, 202466,000 milesPA

The contact owns a 2010 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving at unknown speeds, the vehicle was jerking, and the electronic stability control warning light was illuminated. The failure recurred intermittently. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) 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 made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Feb 20, 2024WV

The contact owns a 2010 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the battery had been replaced twice. The contact also stated that there was a burning rubber odor in the interior of the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle would not start. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was unknown.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Feb 6, 2024170,000 milesIL

The contact owns a 2010 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the ABS and the 4WD warning lights illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jan 17, 2024AZ

The contact owns a 2010 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Engine
Filed Dec 15, 2023MD

The contact owns a 2010 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 Service Brakes, Hydraulic however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts are not available. 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Dec 1, 2023KS

The contact owns a 2010 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed 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. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control
Filed Feb 9, 202196,000 milesCT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO DEACTIVATE WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 20, 2020156,550 milesNY

WHEN TURNING ON THE VEHICLE IT SOUNDS LIKE SOMEONE IS PUSHING ON THE GAS PEDAL .SOMETIME THE START UP AND SOME TIMES IT DOESN'T. NOW ALL THE INTERIOR LIGHTS WENT OUT AND ALSO THE BRAKE LIGHTS AND THE REGULAR LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING . THEY JUST STOP

Seat Belts
Filed Oct 31, 2018PA

I FILED A COMPLAINT BEFORE KIA CALLED AND SAID THEY WOULD REPLACE SEAT BELT AS A COURTESY BUT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY LABOR, DEALER SAID A MOUSE CHEWED IT, I HAD 2 PEOPLE LOOK AT IT AND IT IS FRAYED, ONLY ONE, NO OTHER SEAT BELT, COAT, TOWELS, WALMART TOTES NOTHING NOT EVEN THE PAPERS THAT CAME WITH CAR AND I AM THE ONLY ONE THAT DRIVES IT EXCEPT FOR DEALERSHIP MECHANICS. I AM NOT PAYING FOR SOMETHING THAT THEY KNOW IS THEIR FAULT. I FILED IN SEPTEMBER, AND THEY JUST CALLED A WEEK AGO AND TODAY, IF YOU CAN'T HELP ME I WILL TAKE THE MATTER TO THE STATE POLICE FOR THE SEATBELT FRAYED IS RIGHT ACROSS MY CHEST . NOTHING HAPPENED YET BUT IF I AM IN A ACCIDENT I WILL BE HURT

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Oct 18, 2018111,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2010 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN ANIMAL RAN OUT ONTO THE ROAD AND CAUSED HIM TO CRASH INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED CHEST INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A TOW YARD. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED; HOWEVER, THE CALL WAS DISCONNECTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,000.

Seat Belts
Filed Sep 6, 201814,000 milesPA

INSIDE RIDER SEATBELT IS FRAYED BAD, WHEN ON IT IS ACROSS CHEST WHEN NOT USED FRAYED PART IS DOWN INSIDE, THE KIA GARAGE IS BLAMING A MOUSE CHEWED, NO WAY COULD A MOUSE GET IN THAT TINY PLACE THAT IS ONLY SIZE OF A THIN PAPER PLATE, KIA WHEN I CALLED HE HUNG UP ON ME,IF I AM IN A ACCIDENT INJURED OR DIE FROM THIS THEY WILL BE SUED, I DROVE FRIDAY,SATURDAY AND MONDAY WITH AIR ON NO SMELL, TUESDAY DRIVER SAID AS SOON AS HE GOT IN HE COULDN'T STAND THE SMELL ,THEY SAID ON MY COPY OF SERVICE PAPER THEY FOUND 2 MICE LIVING NONE DEAD, BUT PERSON AT GARAGE SAID HE FOUND 1DEAD, ONE LIVING, MY PAPER I GOT FROM GARAGE SAYS 2 LIVING NONE DEAD, THIS IS BESIDE THE POINT FOR I KNOW AND SO DOES GARAGE AND KIA MFG. KNOW THERE IS NO WAY A MOUSE COULD GET IN THERE AND CHEW, IT IS FRAYING LIKE IT IS CATCHING ON VERY THIN SPACE WHERE YOU GET IT OUT. I DON'T KNOW HOW TO GET KIA TO LISTEN AFTER KIA SERVICE SAID MICE PROBLEM,WHAT IS REALLY BAD IS KIA MFG. HANGING UP ON ME , GARAGE SAYING WHAT THEY SAID, AND SEAT BELT WILL NOT PROTECT ME IN A ACCIDENT

Engine
Filed Jul 12, 2018100,000 milesKY

CAR WAS RUNNING AND BEGAN TO LEAVE STORE PARKING LOT, CAR WAS KNOCKING, AND THEN ENTIRE CAR STOPPED WORKING-POWER STEERING, LIGHTS, BRAKES. CAR WOULD NOT START AGAIN. AFTER TOW AND DIAGNOSIS, THE ENGINE WOULD NOT TURN OVER. NO OIL WAS FOUND IN THE ENGINE. THE OIL LIGHT HAD BEEN INTERMITTENTLY LIT ON HILLS BUT WAS NOT ON CONSISTENTLY. CAR HAD BEEN KNOCKING INTERMITTENTLY THE WEEK PRIOR. TECHNICIAN SAID THAT IT WAS POSSIBLE ROD FAILURE. THERE WERE NO OIL LEAKS UNDER THE CAR. THERE WAS NO UNUSUAL SMELL UNTIL IT DIED. OIL HAD BEEN CHANGED LESS THAN 3 MONTHS PRIOR.

Air BagsCrash2 injured1 killed
Filed Jun 11, 201865,600 milesPA

VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A SIDE IMPACT YET THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE ACCIDENT RESULTED IN THE DEATH OF A REAR SEAT PASSENGER. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED BEFORE THE ACCIDENT SUCH AS "CHECK ENGINE" OR THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT. VEHICLE WAS TURNING LEFT ONTO A HIGHWAY AND WAS "T BONED" BY A UPS TRUCK TRAVELING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. FRONT AIRBAGS DEPLOYED BUT SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. FRONT PASSENGERS SURVIVED THE CRASH, ALBEIT WITH INJURIES REQUIRING HOSPITALIZATION. INSURANCE COMPANY WILL BE TAKING POSSESSION OF THE VEHICLE IN THE NEXT DAY OR TWO.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 9, 2018NY

WHEN IT RAINS AND THERE IS SUBSTANTIAL WATER ON ROAD, MY KIA HAS TURNED OFF. THIS HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES. ON A RAINING DAY TURNING INTO PARKING LOT THAT HAD LARGE PUDDLE ON A DAY WHERE THERE A SUDDEN TORRENTIAL RAIN. THIS HAPPENED ON WANTAGH PARKWAY IN LONG ISLAND. ON A RAINY DAY WHEN TRUCK WENT THRU PUDDLE OF WATER NEXT TO ME AND SPLASHED A LOT OF WATER IN MY DIRECTION. THIS HAPPEND ON A CITY STREET.

Service BrakesCrash2 injured
Filed Jan 9, 201869,594 milesDE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2010 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, A DEER JUMPED IN FRONT OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE AND DAMAGED THE WINDSHIELD. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT FAILED TO RESPOND. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT AND PASSENGER SUSTAINED ABDOMINAL BRUISES AND CHEST INJURIES, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND THEN TAKEN TO STATE FARM INSURANCE WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,594.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 23, 2017WI

I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ON 11/28/2016 NHTSA RECALL #: 16V815 AND IMMEDIATELY CALLED BERGSTROM KIA IN OSHKOSH, WI TO SCHEDULE REPAIR. WAS TOLD PARTS NEEDED TO BE ORDERED AND WOULD RECEIVE NOTICE WHEN PARTS WERE IN. CALLED AGAIN ON 1/23/2017 AND WAS TOLD PARTS HAD NOT ARRIVED AND DEALER HAD BEEN TOLD THAT KIA COULD NOT PROVIDE DATE WHEN PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. CONTINUING TO PARK VEHICLE OUTSIDE BECAUSE OF FIRE HAZARD AS RECOMMENDED IN RECALL NOTICE. NOT VERY CONVENIENT IN WISCONSIN IN WINTER.

Air Bags
Filed Dec 19, 201383,000 milesWI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE PASSENGER OCCUPANT SEAT SENSOR AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT TENSION SENSOR WERE BOTH DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000.

Power Train
Filed Nov 26, 201262,619 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY BECAME STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND HE WAS ABLE TO SHIFT THROUGH THE GEARS WITHOUT DEPRESSING THE GEAR SHIFT BUTTON. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 62,619.

Seats › Front Assembly › Head Restraint1 injured
Filed Apr 30, 2011400 milesPA

THE HEADREST POSITION IN NEW VEHICLES HAS CAUSED THORACIC OUTLET SYNDROME IN THIS DRIVER WHO IS 5'4". MY CERVICAL SPINE IS FORCED OUT OF ALIGNMENT WITH MY THORACIC AND LUMBAR SPINE. AFTER DRIVING FOUR OR FIVE HOURS WHICH I DO FOR WORK, I EXPERIENCE NECK AND SHOULDER PAIN. ARM AND HAND TINGLING/NUMBNESS AND PAIN IS SO SEVERE THAT IT HAS INTERFERED WITH THE PERFORMANCE OF MY JOB. I CAN PROMISE YOU THAT IF I EXPERIENCED A REAR-END COLLISION, I WOULD SUFFER A CLOSED HEAD INJURY AS MY HEAD AND NOT MY NECK RESTS DIRECTLY AGAINST THE HEADREST. I'D RATHER TAKE MY CHANCES WITH WHIPLASH. JUST AS ALL DRIVERS DON'T HAVE THE SAME LEG LENGTHS, NEITHER DO ALL DRIVERS HAVE THE SAME TORSO LENGTH. THERE WILL BE MANY, MANY, MANY MORE SEVERE INJURIES IN SHORTER PEOPLE. JUST WATCH THE DATA, WHICH WILL SPEAK VOLUMES. THERE ARE INJURIES NOW WITHOUT COLLISION. THERE IS NO ADJUSTMENT AVAILABLE TO LOWER THE HEADREST TO ITS INTENDED POSITION, AGAINST THE NECK. THE ONLY ALTERNATIVE IS TO REMOVE IT COMPLETELY. *TR

20 of 20 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2017
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202627100Routine
202551100Routine
202469300Routine
2023191610Routine
202246120Routine
202151270Routine
20201602120Routine
201970230Routine
20181633120Routine
20173994270High concern
2016131250Routine
20151462110Routine
2014122310Routine
20133813220High concern
20123925160Above average
2011181680Routine
2010 — this page20201Fatalities reported
200980380Routine
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

1 death reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

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: Sep 25, 2023. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.