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2009 Kia Sportage

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2009 Kia Sportage do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 122.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

64 reports with mileage · 16 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.

  • Electrical System. Review the 18 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 16 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Steering. Review the 14 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

4 crash reports8 fire reports4 injury reports

Electronic Stability Control (esc) complaints

7 reports
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42,000 miles · Jul 23, 2018
Electronic Stability Control (esc)

THIS IS COMPLAINT 2 OF 2. THE OTHER COMPLAINT IS IN THE CATEGORY "AIR BAGS". WILL DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL "ESC" OFF INDICATOR LAMP ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CAME ON. AFTER SHUTTING THE VEHICLE OFF THE INDICATOR LIGHT WOULD GO OFF, ONLY TO COME ON AGAIN AFTER DRIVING A SHORT DISTANCE. I TOOK IT TO…

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THIS IS COMPLAINT 2 OF 2. THE OTHER COMPLAINT IS IN THE CATEGORY "AIR BAGS". WILL DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL "ESC" OFF INDICATOR LAMP ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CAME ON. AFTER SHUTTING THE VEHICLE OFF THE INDICATOR LIGHT WOULD GO OFF, ONLY TO COME ON AGAIN AFTER DRIVING A SHORT DISTANCE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THE TECHNICIAN MADE THE FOLLOWING COMMENT: "ESC LIGHT IS ON BECAUSE OF THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH IS SHORTING OUT INSIDE THE SWITCH." I EXPLAINED TO THE DEALER THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WAS REPLACED BY THEM AS PART OF A RECALL ON 9/7/13, AND THAT I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR A NEW SWITCH. THE DEALER HAD TO CONTACT KIA DIRECTLY, AND KIA AGREED TO REPLACE THE SWITCH FOR THE SECOND TIME. I NOW WORRY ABOUT THE SAFETY OF MY VEHICLE AND AS TO WHY THE REPLACEMENT SWITCH FAILED.

NHTSA ODI #11113191

53,000 miles · Feb 5, 2018
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Exterior LightingService Brakes

TL* 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…

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TL* 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.

NHTSA ODI #11067015

86,000 miles · Sep 20, 2016
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Service Brakes, Hydraulic

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE ESC INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE BRAKES ENGAGED WITHOUT THE BRAKE PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT AND OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HYDRAULIC CONTROL …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE ESC INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE BRAKES ENGAGED WITHOUT THE BRAKE PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT AND OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000.

NHTSA ODI #10908211

118,300 miles · Sep 8, 2016
Electronic Stability Control (esc)

LAST SUMMER STOP LIGHT SWITCH WAS REPLACED PER RECALL. DRIVING HOME AT NIGHT ABOUT 65MPH WHEN THE ESC LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR ENGINE STARTED LOSING POWER DOWN TO 20MPH. ACCELERATOR DIDN'T WORK. I WAS ONLY A FEW MILES FROM HOME. MADE IT HOME. NEXT DAY ESC OFF LIGHT OFF. DID CALL KIA DEALERSHIP - NO H…

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LAST SUMMER STOP LIGHT SWITCH WAS REPLACED PER RECALL. DRIVING HOME AT NIGHT ABOUT 65MPH WHEN THE ESC LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR ENGINE STARTED LOSING POWER DOWN TO 20MPH. ACCELERATOR DIDN'T WORK. I WAS ONLY A FEW MILES FROM HOME. MADE IT HOME. NEXT DAY ESC OFF LIGHT OFF. DID CALL KIA DEALERSHIP - NO HELP. NEXT DAY, DROVE 30MPH FOR ABOUT 1/2 MILE ESC OFF LIGHT CAME ON ON, LOST ENGINE POWER, MADE IT 1/2 MILE TO WORK. PUSHED ESC BUTTON. LATER THAT DAY, ESC OFF LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WERE OFF. DROVE 1 MILE DOWN A ROAD 50MPH WHEN THE ESC LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR ENGINE STARTED LOSING POWER DOWN TO 20MPH. ACCELERATOR DIDN'T WORK. DROVE 20MPH FOR ABOUT 1/2 MILE. MADE IT HOME. DANGEROUS SITUATION - DRIVING 60+ AND ESC OFF LIGHT ON AND CAR IMMEDIATELY DE-ACCELERATES. COULD HAVE BEEN REAR ENDED.

NHTSA ODI #10904818

86,000 miles · Jul 8, 2016
Electronic Stability Control (esc)EngineVehicle Speed Control

I WAS DRIVING DOWN A BUSY ROAD ABOUT 50MPH WHEN THE ESC LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR ENGINE STARTED LOSING POWER. I PULLED OVER, AFRAID TO DRIVE BUT THEN PROCEEDED AS I WAS ONLY A FEW MINUTES FROM HOME. I MADE IT HOME OK AND CONSULTED MY MANUAL AS TO WHAT THAT LIGHT MEANT. I PUSHED IT IN (SO THAT IT WAS NOW "ON" BECAUSE THE LIGHT S…

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I WAS DRIVING DOWN A BUSY ROAD ABOUT 50MPH WHEN THE ESC LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR ENGINE STARTED LOSING POWER. I PULLED OVER, AFRAID TO DRIVE BUT THEN PROCEEDED AS I WAS ONLY A FEW MINUTES FROM HOME. I MADE IT HOME OK AND CONSULTED MY MANUAL AS TO WHAT THAT LIGHT MEANT. I PUSHED IT IN (SO THAT IT WAS NOW "ON" BECAUSE THE LIGHT SAID "OFF" AND IT DROVE OK FOR ABOUT A DAY. THEN WITH NO LIGHT COMING BACK ON, THE ENGINE JUST STARTED REVING UP REALLY HARD AND LOUD..LIKE IT WAS STUCK IN NEUTRAL AND IT STARTED TO LOSE POWER. I BARELY MADE IT HOME SAFELY AND NOE I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE IT. IT JUST CAME OUT OF NOWHERE...TOTALLY RANDOM. I HAVE AN APPT TO BRING IT IN TO KIA SERVICE CENTER MON. MORNING AND AM CURRENTLY DRIVING A RENTAL CAR. IT WAS A VERY SCAREY EVENT BECAUSE BOTH TIME IT GAVE NO WARNING AT ALL!!

NHTSA ODI #10883542

65,000 miles · Jun 11, 2015
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Exterior Lighting

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA SPORTAGE. WHEN THE GEAR WAS SHIFTED FROM PARK INTO DRIVE OR IN REVERSE, THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA SPORTAGE. WHEN THE GEAR WAS SHIFTED FROM PARK INTO DRIVE OR IN REVERSE, THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V130000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING); HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.

NHTSA ODI #10724763

51,000 miles · Feb 17, 2015
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Exterior LightingService Brakes, Hydraulic

I WAS GETTING MY OIL CHANGED AT VALVOLINE OIL CHANGE IN LIVERPOOL, NY. DURING THE ROUTINE LIGHT CHECK, THE TECH SAID THAT MY BRAKE LIGHTS WEREN'T COMING ON WHEN I BRAKE, ONLY THE TOP BRAKE LIGHT STRIP IN REAR MIDDLE. I HAD SEEN THE "ESC OFF" LIGHT COME ON WITHOUT ANY REASON IN THE LAST FEW WEEKS. I ALSO NOTICED THAT WHEN GETT…

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I WAS GETTING MY OIL CHANGED AT VALVOLINE OIL CHANGE IN LIVERPOOL, NY. DURING THE ROUTINE LIGHT CHECK, THE TECH SAID THAT MY BRAKE LIGHTS WEREN'T COMING ON WHEN I BRAKE, ONLY THE TOP BRAKE LIGHT STRIP IN REAR MIDDLE. I HAD SEEN THE "ESC OFF" LIGHT COME ON WITHOUT ANY REASON IN THE LAST FEW WEEKS. I ALSO NOTICED THAT WHEN GETTING ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY, MY CRUISE CONTROL WOULD TURN ON, BUT NOT SET/ENGAGE. I RESEARCHED ONLINE FOR THESE SYMPTOMS, AND FOUND THERE WAS A RECALL OF KIA SPORTAGES BOTH IN 2009 AND IN 2013 FOR A STOP LAMP SWITCH CAUSING THE EXACT SAME SYMPTOMS. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN WAS #13V114000. IN CALLING THE BURDICK KIA TO GET THIS REPLACED BECAUSE OF THE RECALL, THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THAT THE SWITCH WAS REPLACED ON AUGUST 2013, IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE RECALL. BECAUSE OF THIS, I CAN'T GET THE SWITCH REPLACED FOR FREE. I AM JUST LETTING YOU KNOW THAT THERE IS STILL AN ISSUE WITH THIS CONDITION, EVEN WITH THE 2013 RECALL AND REPLACEMENT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10683798

Official recalls

3

22V800000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

Oct 24, 2022

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2008-2009 Sportage vehicles previously recalled under recall 16V-815. An engine compartment fire originating from around the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may occur while parked or driving.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures and other vehicles until the recall repair has been performed. Dealers will inspect and replace the HECU, its wiring harness, and its fuses, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 22, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC253.

16V815000 · Electrical System:wiring

Nov 10, 2016

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2008-2009 Kia Sportage vehicles manufactured August 9, 2007, to May 13, 2009. The wire harness cover on the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may be improperly sealed allowing water to get onto the HECU circuit board. If the water is contaminated with salt, such as could occur from melted snow, the wire harness connector pins may corrode and the circuit board may short circuit.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the connector pins for corrosion, if no corrosion is found, the connector cover will be replaced. If corrosion is present, the dealer will replace the HECU assembly and the connector cover, free of charge. The recall began on November 28, 2016. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC138.

13V114000 · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch

Apr 1, 2013

Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul, model year 2008-2011 Optima, model year 2010 Forte, model year 2007-2009 Amanti, and model year 2009 Borrego vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Kia recalled 623,658 model year 2007-2010 Rondo and Sportage, model year 2007-2011 Sorento, model year 2007 Sedona, model year 2010-2011 Soul, and model year 2011 Optima vehicles. In September 2013, Kia informed the agency that it was adding an additional 356,719 vehicles to this campaign. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 980,377. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake-transmission shift interlock feature preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of PARK without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall campaign number is SC098.

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

1

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.

Go deeper into Kia Sportage problems