10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 6
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
64,921 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 #15

Oct 022023

Sportage

  • miles
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.

- Ruskin, FL, USA

problem #14

Apr 212023

Sportage

  • 93,157 miles
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.

- South Portsmouth, KY, USA

problem #13

Oct 212022

Sportage

  • miles
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.

- Riverdale, UT, USA

problem #12

Feb 012021

Sportage

  • 90,000 miles
Brake light circuit doesnt work

- Allentown, PA, USA

problem #11

Aug 042020

Sportage

  • 100,000 miles
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.

- Kissimmee, FL, USA

problem #10

Jun 282020

Sportage 4-cyl

  • 100,000 miles
Left side front corner under the hood started smoking. Had to disconnect battery to make it stop. Car was parked and turned off

- Conklin, NY, USA

problem #9

Aug 292019

Sportage

  • 133,000 miles
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 vehicle. Should've searched alittle better before purchasing. I somewhat feel like I am driving a death trap now. Would love some guidance and help with this situation. All these car fires, especially after being off for a long period of time is very scary. I have had a few people look at my vehicle and have pretty much all leaned towards tensioner pulley and serpentine belt now I wonder

- Lancaster, OH, USA

problem #8

Jul 012018

Sportage

  • 44,000 miles
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.

- Seven Hills, OH, USA

problem #7

Mar 292019

Sportage

  • 95,242 miles
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.

- Elkton, MD, USA

problem #6

Aug 282018

Sportage

  • 0 miles
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.

- Waukesha, WI, USA

problem #5

Dec 082016

Sportage

  • miles
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.

- Indigo Heights, MN, USA

problem #4

Jul 272015

Sportage

  • 107,914 miles
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.

- Chester , VA, USA

problem #3

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 #2

Mar 252014

Sportage

  • 91,000 miles
The contact owns a 2009 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that when using the turn signals, all the electronic devices blinked. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed the multi functional system needed to be replaced. No repairs were made to the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 91,000.

- Scottsboro, AL, USA

problem #1

Jul 072013

Sportage

  • 64,000 miles
The contact owns a 2009 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while parked, the vehicle caught on fire without warning. A police report was filed and the vehicle was towed to a independent mechanic. The contact mentioned the vehicle was inspected by an insurance adjuster, who concluded that the fire originated in the rear dashboard area. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was destroyed. The approximate failure and current mileage was 64,000.

- Duquesne, PA, USA