Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
100–25K
425–50K
1050–75K
1175–100K
14100–150K
3150K+
52 reports with mileage · 70 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Engine. Review the 71 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 21 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 8 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
2 crash reports1 fire reports3 injury reports
What owners actually said
122 reports
23,000 miles · Aug 28, 2017
Unknown Or Other
ON 8/26/17 MY KIA WAS IN THE DRIVEWAY PARKED THE TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE WAS 69 DEGREES SO IT WASN'T A HOT DAY ALL OF A SUDDEN THERE WAS A LOUD BOOM, SOUNDED LIKE SOMETHING EXPLODED OR A BOMB WENT OFF THERE WAS NOTHING THAT HIT THE SUNROOF IT JUST EXPLODED FOR NO REASON, THANK GOODNESS I WAS NOT DRIVING, I COULD HAVE HURT SOMEONE ON…
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ON 8/26/17 MY KIA WAS IN THE DRIVEWAY PARKED THE TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE WAS 69 DEGREES SO IT WASN'T A HOT DAY ALL OF A SUDDEN THERE WAS A LOUD BOOM, SOUNDED LIKE SOMETHING EXPLODED OR A BOMB WENT OFF THERE WAS NOTHING THAT HIT THE SUNROOF IT JUST EXPLODED FOR NO REASON, THANK GOODNESS I WAS NOT DRIVING, I COULD HAVE HURT SOMEONE ON THE ROAD FROM THE SOUND I WOULD HAVE PANICKED HAD I HAVE BEEN DRIVING.
NHTSA ODI #11020123
31,800 miles · Apr 16, 2017
Structure
THE FRAME NUTS HOLDING THE TRAILER HITCH PULLED LOOSE FROM THE FRAME. THE MAX WEIGHT FOR THE HITCH IS 200 LBS. I USE AN ELECTRIC SCHOTER T GET AROUND. THEIR IS ALOFT ATTACHED TO THE HITCH. THE COMBINED WEIGHT OF THE SCOTER AND LIFT DOES NOT EXCEED THE 200 LBS LIMIT. I WAS DRIVING AND THE HITCH/FRAME MOUNT FAILED. I WAS TRAVELING…
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THE FRAME NUTS HOLDING THE TRAILER HITCH PULLED LOOSE FROM THE FRAME. THE MAX WEIGHT FOR THE HITCH IS 200 LBS. I USE AN ELECTRIC SCHOTER T GET AROUND. THEIR IS ALOFT ATTACHED TO THE HITCH. THE COMBINED WEIGHT OF THE SCOTER AND LIFT DOES NOT EXCEED THE 200 LBS LIMIT. I WAS DRIVING AND THE HITCH/FRAME MOUNT FAILED. I WAS TRAVELING APPROX 25 MPH AND THE MOUNT FAILED DROPPING THE LIFT AND SCOOTER TO THE CITY STREET.
NHTSA ODI #10978691
43,500 miles · Apr 12, 2017
Visibility/wiper
WHILE BACKING MY 2014 KIA SPORTAGE OUT OF MY GARAGE, I HEARD A LOUD NOISE. IT ALMOST SOUNDED LIKE A TIRE BLOWOUT. UPON INSPECTION, ALL 4 TIRES WERE FINE. THE ENTIRE FRONT SEPARATE PORTION OF THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF HAD EXPLODED / SHATTERED.
NHTSA ODI #10971994
82,000 miles · Sep 21, 2016
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, HOT AIR SUDDENLY EMITTED FROM THE VENTILATION UNIT WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE COMPRESSOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWO DAYS AF…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, HOT AIR SUDDENLY EMITTED FROM THE VENTILATION UNIT WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE COMPRESSOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWO DAYS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR AN OIL CHANGE. IN ADDITION, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF, AN ABNORMAL SOUND EMITTED FROM THE MUFFLER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000.
NHTSA ODI #10908443
Mileage unknown · Sep 21, 2016
Unknown Or Other
MY SUV IS 2YRS OLD AND THE COMPRESSOR BLEW OUT. I HAVE HAD IT DIAGNOSED BY ONE OF WEST SIDE KIA. I'M NOT UNDERSTANDING WHY KIA AMERICA MOTORS IS COVER UP WHAT CAUSE THIS PROBLEM .
NHTSA ODI #10908436
24,135 miles · Aug 28, 2016
Engine
WHILE DRIVING MY LEASED 2014 KIA SPORTAGE, THERE WAS NONSTOP CONTINUOUS HESITATION "BUCKING", WITH WHITE SMOKE BLOWING OUT OF THE TAILPIPE, LOSS OF SPEED THEREFORE HAVING TO PRESS HARD ON GAS PEDAL TO AVOID ACCIDENT BY TRYING PULL OFF ROAD. THIS HAPPENS ON CITY ROADS AND HIGHWAY. NO DASHBOARD LIGHT INDICATED THERE WAS A PROB…
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WHILE DRIVING MY LEASED 2014 KIA SPORTAGE, THERE WAS NONSTOP CONTINUOUS HESITATION "BUCKING", WITH WHITE SMOKE BLOWING OUT OF THE TAILPIPE, LOSS OF SPEED THEREFORE HAVING TO PRESS HARD ON GAS PEDAL TO AVOID ACCIDENT BY TRYING PULL OFF ROAD. THIS HAPPENS ON CITY ROADS AND HIGHWAY. NO DASHBOARD LIGHT INDICATED THERE WAS A PROBLEM. THE SERVICE ADVISOR AT DESTINATION KIA SAID MY MODEL DOES NOT COME WITH WARNING LIGHTS. IT APPEARS TO BE AN OIL PROBLEM. OIL LEVEL GOES DOWN WITH NO VISIBLE SIGNS OF LEAKING. I ONLY HAVE 24,000 ON MY KIA SPORTAGE, WITH ONE YEAR LEFT ON MY LEASE. I AM NOT ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AS I AM IN FEAR OF STALLING IN TRAFFIC CAUSING MYSELF OR OTHERS TO BE INJURED.
NHTSA ODI #10902014
1,905 miles · May 20, 2016
Air BagsCrashInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2014 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A ROAD SIGN, A POLE, AND ROLLED OVER SEVERAL TIMES. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUFFERED KNEE INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEH…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2014 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A ROAD SIGN, A POLE, AND ROLLED OVER SEVERAL TIMES. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUFFERED KNEE INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,905. ...01/04/17 *BF UPDATED 12/11/2017*JS
NHTSA ODI #10870011
4,500 miles · Mar 3, 2015
Visibility
WHILE DRIVING ON THE 91 FREEWAY ON SATURDAY FEB 28TH THE SUNROOF BLEW OUT ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT - DON'T HAVE ANY REASON WHY THIS HAPPENED NOTHING HIT THE CAR IT JUST SIMPLY BLEW OUT AND SHATTERED GLASS ALL OVER THE BACK SEATS AND THE CARS DRIVING BEHIND ME. I ALMOST VEERED INTO THE NEXT LANE AND ALMOST CAUSED A MAJOR COLLI…
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WHILE DRIVING ON THE 91 FREEWAY ON SATURDAY FEB 28TH THE SUNROOF BLEW OUT ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT - DON'T HAVE ANY REASON WHY THIS HAPPENED NOTHING HIT THE CAR IT JUST SIMPLY BLEW OUT AND SHATTERED GLASS ALL OVER THE BACK SEATS AND THE CARS DRIVING BEHIND ME. I ALMOST VEERED INTO THE NEXT LANE AND ALMOST CAUSED A MAJOR COLLISION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10691787
15,000 miles · Feb 24, 2015
Visibility
MY SUNROOF EXPLODED. I HAD JUST ENTERED THE HIGHWAY (THERE WAS NO OVERPASS NEAR ME) MERGING INTO TRAFFIC. I HEARD A LOUD POP LIKE A GUN SHOT AND GLASS RAINED DOWN ON ME. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED MY DEALERSHIP AND DROVE IT IN. THERE WAS NO DETERMINATION AS TO THE CAUSE. DEALERSHIP HAD TO COMPLETELY REPLACE THE SUNROOF. HAD TO CLAIM O…
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MY SUNROOF EXPLODED. I HAD JUST ENTERED THE HIGHWAY (THERE WAS NO OVERPASS NEAR ME) MERGING INTO TRAFFIC. I HEARD A LOUD POP LIKE A GUN SHOT AND GLASS RAINED DOWN ON ME. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED MY DEALERSHIP AND DROVE IT IN. THERE WAS NO DETERMINATION AS TO THE CAUSE. DEALERSHIP HAD TO COMPLETELY REPLACE THE SUNROOF. HAD TO CLAIM ON MY INSURANCE AND PAY THE DEDUCTIBLE - ROUGHLY TOTAL REPAIR COST WAS 1200.00. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10690204
3,000 miles · Feb 19, 2015
Tires
WHILE PARKED IN NEUTRAL I NOTICED THE LOW TIRE WARNING LIGHT BLINKING. THE VEHICLE HAD APPROXIMATELY 3000 MILES ON IT. AFTER CHECKING THE PRESSURE I DECIDED THAT THE PROBLEM HAD TO BE A SENSOR. I BROUGHT IT TO MYRTLE BEACH KIA ON HIGHWAY 501 IN S.C. I WAS TOLD THAT THE PROBLEM WAS IN THE BOARD NOT THE SENSOR IN THE TIRES AND AL…
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WHILE PARKED IN NEUTRAL I NOTICED THE LOW TIRE WARNING LIGHT BLINKING. THE VEHICLE HAD APPROXIMATELY 3000 MILES ON IT. AFTER CHECKING THE PRESSURE I DECIDED THAT THE PROBLEM HAD TO BE A SENSOR. I BROUGHT IT TO MYRTLE BEACH KIA ON HIGHWAY 501 IN S.C. I WAS TOLD THAT THE PROBLEM WAS IN THE BOARD NOT THE SENSOR IN THE TIRES AND ALL THEY COULD DO WAS RESET THE CODE. THE DEALER MANGER SAID THAT THEY HAD TO GET PERMISSION FROM CORPORATE TO REPLACE THE PART. I WAS ASSURED THAT THERE WAS A RECORD OF THE PROBLEM IN THE COMPUTER FOR ANY DEALER THAT I CHOOSE TO VISIT. THE LIGHT STAYED OFF FOR ABOUT 7000 MILES. DURING THIS TIME I DID NOT KNOW IF IT WAS WORKING PROPERLY OR JUST GOING TO GIVE ME A FALSE SIGNAL. MY NEXT ATTEMPT TO HAVE THE PROBLEM RESOLVED WAS AT DANBURY KIA IN DANBURY CONN. TO MY AMAZEMENT THERE WAS NO RECORD OF THE PROBLEM IN THE COMPUTER. A CALL TO THE OTHER DEALER CONFIRMED MY VISIT BUT NO RECORD OF THE TIRE SENSOR PROBLEM. AGAIN THEY RESET THE CODE, THE LIGHT IS OUT, BUT THAT LEAVES ME AND MY FAMILY WITHOUT THE PROTECTION THAT THIS WARNING SYSTEM WAS MANDATED FOR. *TR
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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 install a new fuse for the HECU circuit board, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 22, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC227.
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 outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
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 this recall is SC172.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Engine
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 outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
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 this recall is SC172.
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
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 outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
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 this recall is SC172.
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 Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Maintaining tire pressure below the recommmend specification could result in premature tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
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 contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall campaign number is SC103.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2
AQ23002 · Hyundai And Kia Abs Module Fires
Opened Nov 17, 2023 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.
DP22003 · Loss Of Motive Power
Opened Sep 12, 2022 · Closed Dec 12, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing. There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
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