10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
35,268 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

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problem #8

Mar 242022

Sportage

  • miles
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 at Bergstrom have now given me 3 different reasons why they cannot perform this recall at 3 different challenges I have made with regard to their excuses, they just keep changing their story. I have spoken with Kia America and they tell me this is completely up to the dealer regarding the repair and that Kia Corp has zero influence for this being fixed. Can you help me?

- Kaukauna, WI, USA

problem #7

Jul 122018

Sportage

  • 145,000 miles
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.

- Mankato, MN, USA

problem #6

Feb 022018

Sportage

  • 53,000 miles
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.

- Miller Place, NY, USA

problem #5

Mar 252015

Sportage

  • 55,498 miles
The contact owns a 2009 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that smoke appeared from the ignition switch, which was located on a corner connected to the steering column and dashboard. The brakes failed to work when the failure occurred and the contact was unable to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the cause of the failure was not determined. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was 55,498.

- Idianapolis, IN, USA

problem #4

Feb 172015

Sportage

  • miles
The contact owns a 2009 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed and the vehicle violently jerked forward. As a result, the contact crashed into the rear of another vehicle and a curb. A police report was not filed. The contact sustained injuries to the right foot that did not require medical attention. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign id number: 13V114000 (exterior lighting, service brakes, hydraulic) but the part was not available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

problem #3

May 311991

Sportage

  • miles
My anti lock brakes module or called ABS. I took the car to my mechanic and he said, the ABS should not have went out this soon. He also said the ABS is leaking brake fluid. This is a safety hazard. A ABS module should not leak brake, even if it is not working. If I have not went to my mechanic, I could have lost my brakes. I got it at Kia of bradley 1010 tighe dr, bradley, il 60914 (815) 932-1000. They want to charge around $2500 to replace when it is a defective part and safety hazard. My windows ice up on the inside in the winter. I took it to them, they told drill holes in my door seals. I have had nothing but problems with this dealership. Something needs to be done.

- Kankakee, IL, USA

problem #2

May 172010

Sportage 6-cyl

  • 2,800 miles
The Sportage was garaged during a winter vacation. Upon return we found the brakes seized up. After getting them released, we took it to the dealer for service. There was corrosion so the rear brake rotors and pads were replaced on June 11, 2010. The same failure happened again in 2011, 2012 and in 2013 the seizure and corrosion are severe. This will lead to premature brake failure.

- Ogdensburg, NY, USA

problem #1

May 062013

Sportage 4-cyl

  • 25,848 miles
The contact owns a 2009 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that the ESC off switch illuminated as the brake lights failed. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was diagnosed that the stop lamp switch needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number : 13V114000 (exterior lighting, service brakes, hydraulic). The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 25,848.

- Grand Junction, CO, USA