Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
570–25K
2325–50K
4250–75K
3075–100K
25100–150K
4150K+
181 reports with mileage · 218 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 219 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 62 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Power Train. Review the 40 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
14 crash reports27 fire reports17 injury reports
What owners actually said
399 reports
83,044 miles · Jan 9, 2017
Electrical SystemFuel System, GasolineFire
TL* THE CONTACT RENTED A 2017 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PULLING INTO AN ARMY BASE AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. A WITNESS INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE FLAMES SPREAD TO THE HOOD AND WRAPPED AROUND TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEH…
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TL* THE CONTACT RENTED A 2017 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PULLING INTO AN ARMY BASE AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. A WITNESS INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE FLAMES SPREAD TO THE HOOD AND WRAPPED AROUND TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AS IT ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE CONTACT OBSERVED THAT THERE WAS A TRAIL OF FUEL COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE WAS DISTINGUISHED BY THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE RENTAL COMPANY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,044. UPDATED 02/03/17*LJ UPDATED 09/07/2017*JS
NHTSA ODI #10943749
1,000 miles · Jan 3, 2017
Engine
WHEN PUSHING ON THE GAS THE RPM GO UP BUT THE CAR DOESN'T KICK IN RIGHT AWAY. THE TRANSMISSION? IT LIKE YOU HAVE A MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND YOU HAVEN'T LET OUT ON THE GAS. DOESN'T DO IT ALL THE TIME, BUT IS DOING IT ABOUT ONCE EVERY TIME I DRIVE. IT IS GETTING MORE FREQUENT, WONDERING IF ITS DUE TO COLD WEATHER.
NHTSA ODI #10939172
10,000 miles · Dec 29, 2016
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON ANOTHER OCCASION WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BE REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AS HAVING A FAULTY SPARK PLUG A…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON ANOTHER OCCASION WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BE REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AS HAVING A FAULTY SPARK PLUG AND THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.
NHTSA ODI #10938503
36 miles · Nov 2, 2016
SteeringUnknown Or Other
THE CAR SLIGHTLY VEERED TO THE LEFT, AT FIRST. I BROUGHT IT UP TO THE SALES PERSON DURING THE DRIVE. THERE WAS ALSO A SLIGHT BURNING SMELL WHEN I DROVE THE CAR HOME IN THE EVENING FROM THE DEALER. I BROUGHT IT BACK THE NEXT DAY TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT, AND THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID THAT HE COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING. ONE OF THE S…
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THE CAR SLIGHTLY VEERED TO THE LEFT, AT FIRST. I BROUGHT IT UP TO THE SALES PERSON DURING THE DRIVE. THERE WAS ALSO A SLIGHT BURNING SMELL WHEN I DROVE THE CAR HOME IN THE EVENING FROM THE DEALER. I BROUGHT IT BACK THE NEXT DAY TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT, AND THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID THAT HE COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING. ONE OF THE SALES' PEOPLE STATED THAT SOME NEW CARS HAVE SMELLS IN THE BEGINNING AND TO RUN THE AIR THROUGH THE CAR.
NHTSA ODI #10923939
1,900 miles · Sep 29, 2016
Fuel/propulsion System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, A STRONG FUEL ODOR EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT AN ANIMAL CHEWED THE PLASTIC FUEL LINE AND CAUSED A FUEL LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, A STRONG FUEL ODOR EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT AN ANIMAL CHEWED THE PLASTIC FUEL LINE AND CAUSED A FUEL LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,900.
NHTSA ODI #10910527
500 miles · Sep 7, 2016
Steering
WHILE DRIVING , ESPECIALLY ON THE HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE VEERS SLIGHTLY TO LEFT OR RIGHT AND TAKES CONSTANT CORRECTIONS TO KEEP IT DRIVING STRAIGHT. THE STEERING REQUIRES CONSTANT OVER CORRECTIONS AND THE STEERING ALSO FEELS VERY LOOSE. IT FEELS LIKE DRIVING ON ICE. I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER AND THE ALIGNMENT AND OTHER FACTORS …
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WHILE DRIVING , ESPECIALLY ON THE HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE VEERS SLIGHTLY TO LEFT OR RIGHT AND TAKES CONSTANT CORRECTIONS TO KEEP IT DRIVING STRAIGHT. THE STEERING REQUIRES CONSTANT OVER CORRECTIONS AND THE STEERING ALSO FEELS VERY LOOSE. IT FEELS LIKE DRIVING ON ICE. I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER AND THE ALIGNMENT AND OTHER FACTORS HAVE BEEN CHECKED AND THEY SAY THERE IS NOTHING PER SAY WRONG WITH THE CAR.
NHTSA ODI #10904405
810 miles · Aug 26, 2016
Service Brakes
WHILE DRIVING ON A 4-LANE STREET IN MY COMMUNITY I STOPPED FOR A RED LIGHT. I STEPPED ON BRAKES AND THE PEDDLE WENT DOWN TO THE FLOOR. MY CAR GLIDED TO A STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF INTERSECTION. MY CAR'S MILEAGE WAS 810 MILES. I CALLED KIA AUTO REPAIR. THEY TOOK ME IN THE FOLLOWING MORNING. THE BRAKE CYLINDER HAD TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA ODI #10899004
1,000 miles · Jul 5, 2016
Electrical SystemEngineSteering
2017 KIA SPORTAGE. DRIVER REMOTE STARTS VEHICLE, UNLOCKS VEHICLE AND IMMEDIATELY SHIFTS FROM PARK TO ANY OTHER GEAR, WITHOUT PUSHING START/STOP BUTTON, AND WITHIN 10 SECONDS ENGINE SHUTS OFF WHILE IN DRIVE, NEUTRAL OR REVERSE. ANTI-THEFT PROGRAMMED TO SHUT OFF ENGINE 10 SECONDS AFTER UNLOCKING DOORS UNLESS THE START/STOP BUTTON…
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2017 KIA SPORTAGE. DRIVER REMOTE STARTS VEHICLE, UNLOCKS VEHICLE AND IMMEDIATELY SHIFTS FROM PARK TO ANY OTHER GEAR, WITHOUT PUSHING START/STOP BUTTON, AND WITHIN 10 SECONDS ENGINE SHUTS OFF WHILE IN DRIVE, NEUTRAL OR REVERSE. ANTI-THEFT PROGRAMMED TO SHUT OFF ENGINE 10 SECONDS AFTER UNLOCKING DOORS UNLESS THE START/STOP BUTTON HAS BEEN PUSHED. THERE IS NO WAY THAT DRIVER SHOULD BE CAPABLE OF SHIFTING OUT OF PARK UNTIL THE AFTER THE START/STOP BUTTON HAS BEEN ACTIVATED. NOTE: THIS IS A CORRECTION FOR COMPLAINT # 10872312, REFERENCE 970797
NHTSA ODI #10882617
1,000 miles · Jun 3, 2016
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA SPORTAGE. AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE WITH THE REMOTE STARTER AND SHIFTING FROM THE PARK POSITION TO REVERSE, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA SPORTAGE. AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE WITH THE REMOTE STARTER AND SHIFTING FROM THE PARK POSITION TO REVERSE, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000. UPDATED 07/12/16*LJ *CN
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 hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A 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 inspect the vehicle, and, as necessary, replace the fuse and/or tow hitch harness module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC249.
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury.
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 equipped with an electronic parking brake (EPB) will also receive a HECU software update. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on April 30, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC206.
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 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 hitch module, may result in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
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 is SC142.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Trailer Hitches
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 hitch module, may result in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
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 is SC142.
Electrical System
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 hitch module, may result in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
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 is SC142.
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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