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2015 Kia Sportage

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2015 Kia Sportage do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 122.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

58 reports with mileage · 88 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 84 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 28 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 18 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

7 crash reports11 fire reports4 injury reports

Engine complaints

84 reports
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Mileage unknown · Feb 16, 2021
Engine

ENGINE USES APPROXIMATELY 1 QUART OF OIL PER MONTH WITH MINIMAL USAGE DUE TO COVID

NHTSA ODI #11396464

Mileage unknown · Jan 4, 2021
EngineUnknown Or Other

NOTICE THAT WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION OR STATIONARY, THE VEHICLE SHAKES AND THEN THE ENGINE SEEMS TO BE NORMAL AGAIN. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN HAPPENING NOW FOR THE PAST 4-5 MONTHS. I FIGURED IT HAD TO DO WITH THE LAST RECALL THAT WE HAD, BUT THAT CLEARLY NOT THE PROBLEM. I'M CONCERNED THAT THE CAR MAY SHUT DOWN WHILE I'M DRIVING AS …

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NOTICE THAT WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION OR STATIONARY, THE VEHICLE SHAKES AND THEN THE ENGINE SEEMS TO BE NORMAL AGAIN. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN HAPPENING NOW FOR THE PAST 4-5 MONTHS. I FIGURED IT HAD TO DO WITH THE LAST RECALL THAT WE HAD, BUT THAT CLEARLY NOT THE PROBLEM. I'M CONCERNED THAT THE CAR MAY SHUT DOWN WHILE I'M DRIVING AS THIS MAY CAUSE AND ACCIDENT.

NHTSA ODI #11386497

47,513 miles · Nov 21, 2020
Electrical SystemEngineSteering

RANDOMLY SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING

NHTSA ODI #11375691

93,723 miles · Oct 21, 2020
Engine

ON 10/9/2020 DRIVING SOUTH ON PA. TURNPIKE NE EXTENSION WHEN ENGINE STATED KNOCKING AND LOSING POWER. PULLED OVER ON THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND TRIED TO RESTART IT BUT IT WOULD NOT TURN OVER. CONTACTED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND HAD IT TOWED TO THE NEAREST SERVICE STATION. THEY COULD NOT LOOK AT IT UNTIL THE NEXT DAY AS THEY WERE…

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ON 10/9/2020 DRIVING SOUTH ON PA. TURNPIKE NE EXTENSION WHEN ENGINE STATED KNOCKING AND LOSING POWER. PULLED OVER ON THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND TRIED TO RESTART IT BUT IT WOULD NOT TURN OVER. CONTACTED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND HAD IT TOWED TO THE NEAREST SERVICE STATION. THEY COULD NOT LOOK AT IT UNTIL THE NEXT DAY AS THEY WERE VERY BUSY. WHEN THEY DID LOOK AT IT THEY SAID THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AS SOMETHING WENT WRONG INTERNALLY WITH THE ENGINE. THEY SAID THEY COULD GET IT TO START BUT THAT IT SHOULDN'T BE DRIVEN AS THE KNOCKING ON THE ENGINE WAS GETTING EXTREMELY LOUD WHEN YOU TRY TO ACCELERATE. THE CAR WAS THEN TOWED TO ANOTHER SERVICE STATION CLOSER TO HOME. IT SAT THERE FOR A WEEK BEFORE THEY COULD LOOK AT IT. THEY REACHED THE SAME CONCLUSION AFTER REPLACING THE ENGINE AIR FILTER, THE CABIN AIR FILTER, CAM SHAFT WT SOLENOID - EXHAUST WITH AN OEM PART. WHEN REPLACING THE SOLENOID THEY NOTICED METAL SHAVINGS IN THE MOTOR OIL. THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE ENGINE SHOULD PROBABLY BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAS JUST OVER 93735 MILES ON IT.

NHTSA ODI #11365597

70,000 miles · May 28, 2020
Engine

MY CAR STALLED AND EMIT A LARGE CLOUD OF EXHAUST WHEN STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT WITH NO PRIOR INDICATION OF ANY KIND OF PROBLEM. KIA HAS NOW TOLD ME I NEED A FULL ENGINE REPLACEMENT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11326407

148,000 miles · Jan 21, 2020
Engine

I OWN A 2015 KIA SPORTAGE WITH 148,898 MILES ON IT. NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS, I KEPT UP WITH MAINTENANCE OF THE VEHICLE AND GET OIL CHANGES REGULARLY. THE LAST OIL CHANGE WAS AT 143,122 MILES. FOUR DAYS AGO I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGH WAY AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND THE OIL LIGHT WENT ON THE CAR STARTED TO SLOW DOWN AND I …

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I OWN A 2015 KIA SPORTAGE WITH 148,898 MILES ON IT. NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS, I KEPT UP WITH MAINTENANCE OF THE VEHICLE AND GET OIL CHANGES REGULARLY. THE LAST OIL CHANGE WAS AT 143,122 MILES. FOUR DAYS AGO I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGH WAY AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND THE OIL LIGHT WENT ON THE CAR STARTED TO SLOW DOWN AND I COULD HEAR A KNOCK IN THE ENGINE. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER AND GOT A TOW TRUCK TO TOW ME TO THE CLOSEST MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC SAID THERE WAS NO OIL IN THE CAR AT ALL AND IT WAS BONE DRY BUT NO SIGNS OF LEAKING. THE ENGINE IS NOW RUINED.

NHTSA ODI #11300639

104,000 miles · Jan 17, 2020
Engine

ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. RATTLING IN ENGINE. GOT CODE CHECKED AND P0014. DID PROPER MAINTENANCE FOR THE ERROR AND THE SLUGGISH ENGINE AND RATTLING PERSISTED. I THEN TOOK CAR FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WHICH REVEALED METAL IN THE OIL AND CONTAMINATED THE ENGINE. THEY RECOMMEND A NEW ENGINE. THIS ALL TOOK PLACE IN A TWO DAY SPAN AFTER DRI…

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ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. RATTLING IN ENGINE. GOT CODE CHECKED AND P0014. DID PROPER MAINTENANCE FOR THE ERROR AND THE SLUGGISH ENGINE AND RATTLING PERSISTED. I THEN TOOK CAR FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WHICH REVEALED METAL IN THE OIL AND CONTAMINATED THE ENGINE. THEY RECOMMEND A NEW ENGINE. THIS ALL TOOK PLACE IN A TWO DAY SPAN AFTER DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY TO WORK ONE MORNING (THE DAY THE LIGHT CAME ON).

NHTSA ODI #11300066

18,400 miles · Nov 29, 2019
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC BECAUSE HE SUSPECTED AN ISSUE WITH THE SERPENTINE BELT. THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE AND THE ENGINE SEIZED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO WESTGATE KIA (10956 STAR RD, WAKE FOREST, NC 27587, (919) 263-3061) WHERE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC BECAUSE HE SUSPECTED AN ISSUE WITH THE SERPENTINE BELT. THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE AND THE ENGINE SEIZED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO WESTGATE KIA (10956 STAR RD, WAKE FOREST, NC 27587, (919) 263-3061) WHERE AN UNKNOWN RECALL WAS DISCOVERED. THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED PER THE RECALL AND THE CONTACT WAS PROVIDED A LOANER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED WITH THE VEHICLE NOT STARTING. THE DEALER CAME TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE BATTERY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED, BUT THE DEALER REFUSED TO PAY TO TOW THE VEHICLE BACK TO THEIR FACILITY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,400. *JS

NHTSA ODI #11282832

17,000 miles · Nov 11, 2019
Electrical SystemEngine

MY CAR STALLS. IT STALLS WHILE IDLING, AT A LIGHT OR WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH. ALTHOUGH THE LAST IS LESS COMMON IT HAS HAPPENED ENOUGH TO BE FRIGHTENING. I PURCHASED THE CAR 3 YEARS AGO AND IT STALLED UPON LEAVING THE DEALERSHIP. IT WAS IN 3 TIME IMMEDIAATELY. SINCE THEN THE KIA DEALERSHIP IN CORAL SPRINGS FLORI…

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MY CAR STALLS. IT STALLS WHILE IDLING, AT A LIGHT OR WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH. ALTHOUGH THE LAST IS LESS COMMON IT HAS HAPPENED ENOUGH TO BE FRIGHTENING. I PURCHASED THE CAR 3 YEARS AGO AND IT STALLED UPON LEAVING THE DEALERSHIP. IT WAS IN 3 TIME IMMEDIAATELY. SINCE THEN THE KIA DEALERSHIP IN CORAL SPRINGS FLORIDA HAS TOLD ME THEY FIND NOTHING WRONG. SOMETIMES IS SEEMS TO BACKFIRE BEFORE STALLING AND OTHERS STALL QUIETLY. IT IS RARE FIR THE CAR TO GET THROUGH BUMPER TO BUMPER TRAFFIC WITHOUT STALLING. IF I IDLE FOR FIVE OR SIX MINUTES IT STALLS. GOING AROUND CLOVER LEAVES ON HIGHWAYS IT STALL. IT HAS STALLED HUNDRED OF TIMES.

NHTSA ODI #11279398

111,000 miles · Oct 3, 2019
Engine

I WAS GETTING OFF OF THE INTERSTATE, APPROACHING A STOP SIGN ON THE OFF RAMP, AND MY CAR SHUT OFF. I CRANKED IT BACK UP AND IMMEDIATELY WENT TO A MECHANIC. IT BEGAN MAKING A NOISE (ONLY WHEN I FIRST PRESSED ON THE GAS). THE MECHANIC DROVE IT AND LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD AND QUICKLY DETERMINED THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE BOTTOM…

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I WAS GETTING OFF OF THE INTERSTATE, APPROACHING A STOP SIGN ON THE OFF RAMP, AND MY CAR SHUT OFF. I CRANKED IT BACK UP AND IMMEDIATELY WENT TO A MECHANIC. IT BEGAN MAKING A NOISE (ONLY WHEN I FIRST PRESSED ON THE GAS). THE MECHANIC DROVE IT AND LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD AND QUICKLY DETERMINED THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE BOTTOM END OF MY MOTOR.

NHTSA ODI #11265950

Official recalls

2

22V051000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

Feb 2, 2022

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.

18V907000 · Engine; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Dec 19, 2018

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.

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.

Go deeper into Kia Sportage problems