RecallMyCar

Kia Sportage Recalls & Complaints by Model Year

NHTSA lists 36 safety recalls and 4,699 owner complaints across 31 model years of the Kia Sportage (1995–2026). The most-complained-about year is 2017.

36
safety recalls, all years
4,699
owner complaints, all years
2011
year with most recalls
2017
year with most complaints

Pick your Kia Sportage model year

Model yearRecallsComplaints
2026 Kia Sportage127
2025 Kia Sportage152
2024 Kia Sportage373
2023 Kia Sportage6191
2022 Kia Sportage146
2021 Kia Sportage254
2020 Kia Sportage2161
2019 Kia Sportage270
2018 Kia Sportage3164
2017 Kia Sportage4401
2016 Kia Sportage2132
2015 Kia Sportage2146
2014 Kia Sportage3123
2013 Kia Sportage3381
2012 Kia Sportage5392
2011 Kia Sportage6181
2010 Kia Sportage220
2009 Kia Sportage380
2008 Kia Sportage398
2007 Kia Sportage277
2006 Kia Sportage1111
2005 Kia Sportage368
2003 Kia Sportage04
2002 Kia Sportage1234
2001 Kia Sportage0228
2000 Kia Sportage2304
1999 Kia Sportage3284
1998 Kia Sportage3303
1997 Kia Sportage3181
1996 Kia Sportage357
1995 Kia Sportage256

What Kia Sportage owners complain about

Across all model years, owners have filed 4,699 complaints with NHTSA. The 2017 model year has the most, with 401.

All Kia Sportage recalls (36)

Every NHTSA safety campaign that lists a Kia Sportage, most recent first, with the model years each one covers.

  1. Instrument cluster/panel (electrical system)

    NHTSA 26V046000 Reported 42,677 vehicles potentially affected Kia America, Inc.

    Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 Kia K4, 2025-2026 Sorento, Sorento Hybrid, Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV), 2026 Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, Sportage PHEV, K5, EV9, Carnival, and Carnival Hybrid vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with…

    Remedy: The instrument panel display software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 26, 2026. Owners may contact Kia Customer Service at…

    Model years: 2026

  2. Trailer hitches and instrument cluster/panel (electrical system)

    NHTSA 25V874000 Reported 5,046 vehicles potentially affected Kia America, Inc.

    Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Sportage Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) and 2024-2025 Sportage vehicles equipped with a 4.2" screen and a Genuine Kia tow hitch harness accessory. Due to a software error, the instrument panel screen may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal…

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the tow hitch harness control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2026. Owners may contact Kia Customer Service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this…

    Model years: 2024, 2025

  3. Electric power assist system (steering)

    NHTSA 24V422000 Reported 1,075 vehicles potentially affected Kia America, Inc.

    Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2024 Kia Sportage vehicles. The circuit board in the motor-driven power steering assembly may short circuit, resulting in a loss of power steering assist.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the motor-driven power steering electric power pack, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 19, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number…

    Model years: 2024

  4. Roof and pillars (structure)

    NHTSA 24V025000 Reported 101,049 vehicles potentially affected Kia America, Inc.

    Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Sportage and 2022-2024 Carnival vehicles. The roof molding may loosen and detach.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the roof molding and replace or secure it as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 15, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's…

    Model years: 2023, 2024

  5. Service brakes, hydraulic: control unit/module Park outside

    NHTSA 23V652000 Reported 1,730,192 vehicles potentially affected Kia America, Inc.

    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…

    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,…

    Model years: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013

  6. Pump (power train) Park outside

    NHTSA 23V531000 Reported 39,765 vehicles potentially affected Kia America, Inc.

    Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Soul, Sportage, and 2023-2024 Seltos vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump to overheat.

    Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the electric oil pump controller, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification…

    Model years: 2023

  7. Power assist (service brakes)

    NHTSA 23V410000 Reported 98,944 vehicles potentially affected Kia America, Inc.

    Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Sportage vehicles. The brake booster diaphragm may become misaligned and cause an internal vacuum leak, which can result in a loss of power brake assist.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the brake booster as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this…

    Model years: 2023

  8. Instrument cluster/panel (electrical system)

    NHTSA 23V298000 Reported 108,936 vehicles potentially affected Kia America, Inc.

    Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, Sportage Plug-in Hybrid, Niro Hybrid, Niro Plug-in Hybrid, Soul, and Telluride vehicles equipped with a digital instrument cluster containing a 4.2" LCD screen. The instrument cluster may fail to display any information when the vehicle is started. As such,…

    Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 26, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC270.

    Model years: 2023

  9. Curtain (air bags)

    NHTSA 22V878000 Reported 76,918 vehicles potentially affected Kia America, Inc.

    Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Sportage vehicles. The side curtain air bags may have been twisted during installation.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and reinstall the side curtain air bags as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 28, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's…

    Model years: 2023

  10. Service brakes, hydraulic: control unit/module Park outside

    NHTSA 22V800000 Reported 71,704 vehicles potentially affected Kia America, Inc.

    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.

    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,…

    Model years: 2008, 2009

  11. Trailer hitches Park outside

    NHTSA 22V703000 Reported 70,887 vehicles potentially affected Kia America, Inc.

    Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow…

    Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect the vehicle, and, as necessary, replace the fuse and/or tow hitch harness module, free of charge.…

    Model years: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022

  12. Alternator/generator/regulator (electrical system)

    NHTSA 22V651000 Reported 19,701 vehicles potentially affected Kia America, Inc.

    Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Sportage vehicles. The alternator battery positive terminal nut may loosen, which can result in an engine stall or an electrical surge.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the alternator battery positive terminal nut, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 23, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at…

    Model years: 2023

  13. Service brakes, hydraulic: control unit/module Park outside

    NHTSA 22V051000 Reported 126,747 vehicles potentially affected Kia Motors America

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2018 K900 and 2014-2016 Sportage vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire.

    Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will install a new fuse for the HECU circuit board, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed…

    Model years: 2014, 2015, 2016

  14. Service brakes, hydraulic: control unit/module Park outside

    NHTSA 21V137000 Reported 379,931 vehicles potentially affected Kia Motors America

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Sportage and Cadenza vehicles. The electrical circuit in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may short-circuit, which can cause a fire in the engine compartment.

    Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace certain fuses in the electrical junction box. Vehicles…

    Model years: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021

  15. Engine

    NHTSA 20V750000 Reported 294,756 vehicles potentially affected Kia Motors America

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.

    Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine compartment for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs, including engine replacement, as necessary, free of charge. In…

    Model years: 2012

  16. Engine

    NHTSA 19V101000 Reported 32,296 vehicles potentially affected Kia Motors America

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2012 Kia Sportage vehicles. The engine oil pan may leak and, if not addressed, the loss of oil may result in engine damage.

    Remedy: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will replace the oil pressure switch with an improved one, free of charge. In addition, dealers will inspect the oil pan for any oil leaks, replacing it if necessary, free of…

    Model years: 2011, 2012

  17. Engine and hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (fuel system)

    NHTSA 18V907000 Reported 71,653 vehicles potentially affected Kia Motors America

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump…

    Remedy: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for…

    Model years: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018

  18. Engine (engine and engine cooling)

    NHTSA 17V224000 Reported 618,160 vehicles potentially affected Kia Motors America

    Kia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.

    Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly, and replace the engine if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542.…

    Model years: 2011, 2012, 2013

  19. Trailer hitches and electrical system

    NHTSA 16V862000 Reported 10,212 vehicles potentially affected Kia Motors America

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Sorento vehicles manufactured October 27, 2014, to August 25, 2016, and 2017 Sportage vehicles manufactured December 10, 2015, to August 26, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness that, due to a malfunction of the tow…

    Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the trailer tow hitch harness, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall…

    Model years: 2017

  20. Electrical system: wiring

    NHTSA 16V815000 Reported 71,704 vehicles potentially affected Kia Motors America

    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…

    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…

    Model years: 2008, 2009

  21. Switch (exterior lighting)

    NHTSA 15V360000 Reported 7,722 vehicles potentially affected Kia Motors America

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2011 Sportage vehicles manufactured March 7, 2011, to June 8, 2011. In the affected vehicles, the brake light switch may intermittently fail.

    Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began on July 7, 2015. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC121.

    Model years: 2011

  22. Labels (equipment)

    NHTSA 14V023000 Reported 11,961 vehicles potentially affected Kia Motors Corporation

    Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2014 Kia Sportage vehicles manufactured September 30, 2013, through January 11, 2014. The certification label has incorrect tire pressure information printed on it, listing a specification that is 1 or 2 psi below the correct information. Thus, these vehicles do not conform to…

    Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will correct the label information, and owners will also receive a sticker to put into the owners manual, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in February 2014. Owners may…

    Model years: 2014

  23. Switch (exterior lighting)

    NHTSA 13V114000 Reported 980,377 vehicles potentially affected Kia Motors Corporation

    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…

    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…

    Model years: 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011

  24. Switch (exterior lighting)

    NHTSA 09V130000 Reported 139,844 vehicles potentially affected KIA MOTORS CORPORATION

    Huyndai-KIA is recalling 139,844 my 2006-2007- sedona, sportage, sorento and my rondo and amanti vehicles. The stop lamp switch in the affected vehicles may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause the brake lights to remain illuminated…

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the stop lamp switch free of charge. The recall began on june 17, 2009. Owners may contact KIA's consumer assistance center at 1-800-333-4542.

    Model years: 2006, 2007

  25. Fan (engine and engine cooling)

    NHTSA 07V161000 Reported 35,090 vehicles potentially affected KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

    On certain vehicles, the heat generated by the engine causes repeated bending deformation of the polypropylene cooling fan including its retaining ring, which stresses the polypropylene thereby initiating cracking of the blades. The centrifugal forces generated by the rotation of the blades can cause the cracks to propagate until…

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine cooling fan with a fan made of improved material. The recall began on june 11, 2007. Owners may contact KIA at 1-800-333-4542.

    Model years: 2002

  26. Parking brake

    NHTSA 05V318000 Reported 3,672 vehicles potentially affected KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

    On certain sport utility vehicles, the parking brake lever ratchet pawl was not properly manufactured and my damage the teeth of the parking brake lever ratchet. Damaged parking brake lever ratchet teeth may prevent the parking brake from engaging or may allow the parking brake to release after it has been engaged.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the parking brake lever assembly. The recall began on august 1, 2005. Owners may contact KIA at 1-800-333-4542.

    Model years: 2005

  27. Storage (fuel system)

    NHTSA 05V212000 Reported 10,360 vehicles potentially affected KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

    On certain sport utility vehicles, fuel may leak from the o-ring into the internal vapor chamber located in the fuel tank at full tank conditions.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel tank and replace the charcoal canister free of charge. The recall began on may 31, 2005. Owners may contact KIA at 1-800-333-4542.

    Model years: 2005

  28. Automatic (asc) (electronic stability control)

    NHTSA 05V120000 Reported 7,619 vehicles potentially affected KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

    On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with electronic stability program (esp), the yaw rate sensor may become too sensitive and may recalibrate inaccurately. While driving the esp program may cause the engine to reduce power and may cause a brake at one of the wheels to be inappropriately.

    Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the esp hydraulic electronic control unit free of charge. The recall began on april 13, 2005. Owners may contact KIA at 1-800-333-4542.

    Model years: 2005

  29. Buckle assembly (seat belts)

    NHTSA 04V305000 Reported 251,594 vehicles potentially affected KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

    On certain passenger and sport utility vehicles, the front safety belt buckles may emit a "click" sound during the buckling process that is similar to the sound emitted when a buckle is being latched, when it is not.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace both front seat belt buckles. The recall began august 16, 2004. Owners should contact KIA at 1-800-333-4542.

    Model years: 1999, 2000

  30. Buckle assembly (seat belts)

    NHTSA 02V216000 Reported 189,706 vehicles potentially affected KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

    On certain passenger vehicles, the safety belt buckle may "false latch" and expose the driver to unrestrained movement during a crash.

    Remedy: Owner notification began december 20, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact KIA at…

    Model years: 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998

  31. Electrical system

    NHTSA 00V205000 Reported 66,482 vehicles potentially affected KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

    Vehicle description: sport utility vehicle. These vehicles were distributed with owners manuals with an incorrect jump start diagram. The written instructions for jump starting are accurate. However, the diagram depicts the jumper cables attached to the wrong polarity terminals. If the diagram were followed without reference to the…

    Remedy: Owners will be provided with an adhesive label with the correct illustration to permanently affix to their respective owners manuals.

    Model years: 2000

  32. Electrical system: wiring

    NHTSA 99V325000 Reported 76,986 vehicles potentially affected KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

    Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The wires connected to the c123 and c124 connectors can be put under tension by movement of the engine, thus pulling the wires and connectors, loosening them and resulting in a loss of circuit continuity.

    Remedy: Dealers will install spring clips to lock the connectors together. In addition, the dealers will be instructed to solder a splice in the wire harness.

    Model years: 1997, 1998, 1999

  33. Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (service brakes)

    NHTSA 98V222000 Reported 39,656 vehicles potentially affected KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

    Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles without an anti-lock braking system (ABS). The steering intermediate shaft coupling can contact a hydraulic brake pipe causing fluid leakage.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, increase the clearance between the brake pipe and steering intermediate shaft coupling.

    Model years: 1998, 1999

  34. Lock (latches/locks/linkages)

    NHTSA 97V234000 Reported 23,493 vehicles potentially affected KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. A microswitch on the rear hatch lock cylinder can malfunction causing the power door locks to unlock inadvertently.

    Remedy: Dealers will modify the rear hatch door unlock circuit.

    Model years: 1996, 1997

  35. Accelerator pedal (vehicle speed control)

    NHTSA 96V131000 Reported 693 vehicles potentially affected KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

    The accelerator pedal assembly could bind or stick during operation.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the accelerator pedal assembly.

    Model years: 1996

  36. Suspension: rear

    NHTSA 95V073000 Reported 1,319 vehicles potentially affected KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

    The nuts attaching the rear axle bearing oil seal retainers and brake backing plates to the rear axle housing may be under- torqued causing these units to loosen or fall off.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and retorque the rear axle bearing oil seal retainer nuts.

    Model years: 1995

Other Kia models

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint databases and EPA fuel economy data, October 2026. Complaint counts are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. Recall counts are safety campaigns that list this model year; whether a particular car was already repaired depends on its VIN. How this data is compiled.