← New search

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.

About this comparison →

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

Service Brakes complaints

8 reports
Clear category filter
Mileage unknown · Mar 29, 2022
Service Brakes

Reference Kia SC138, Rev 1: DTC code C2380 has been pulled and the recall specifically calls for replacement of the HECU should this code occur. My dash panel's brake light, ESC light and ABS light all have come on alerting me to my car's problem. This recall was initially addressed on 2/6/2017 in Arizona checking for corrosi…

Read full complaint

Reference Kia SC138, Rev 1: DTC code C2380 has been pulled and the recall specifically calls for replacement of the HECU should this code occur. My dash panel's brake light, ESC light and ABS light all have come on alerting me to my car's problem. This recall was initially addressed on 2/6/2017 in Arizona checking for corrosion and/or moisture reaching the circuit board which I was told is common in harsh environments. I am told the cover was replaced. Cars in Arizona do not have a moisture or road salt issue reaching the engine compartment. Now it does. I purchased this low mileage Sportage with 55K miles in Iowa and I live in Wisconsin and now there is a failure of the circuit board from exposure to our weather. The dealer that examined the control unit during its first recall exam lengthened two of the brake lines 3-4 inches making it easier to reconnect the brake lines. This is why my dealer, Bergstrom Kia in Appleton, WI initially claimed they can not address the replacement of this HECU. Since I challenged their excuse with the assistance of my mechanic at Whitcomb Automotive in Kaukauna, WI Bergstrom now is saying they cannot fix my car under this recall because it is no longer under warranty and that it was examined in Arizona back in 2017. I was not of the understanding that safety recalls had a time limit. I currently am not allowing my family to drive the car fearing there could possibly be an engine compartment fire as described in the recall bulletin. The folks at Bergstrom have now given me 3 different reasons why they cannot perform this recall at 3 different challenges I have made with regard to their excuses, they just keep changing their story. I have spoken with Kia America and they tell me this is completely up to the dealer regarding the repair and that Kia Corp has zero influence for this being fixed. Can you help me?

NHTSA ODI #11458771

145,000 miles · Jul 15, 2018
Air BagsSeat BeltsService BrakesCrashInjury

ON 12 JULY 2018 AT 0530 AM I WAS DRIVING DOWN COUNTY ROAD 26 MANKATO MN TO PICKUP MY SEMI AS I WAS APROACHING 3RD AVE STOP SIGN I APPLIED THE BRAKES PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR I WENT THROUGH INTERSECTION SLAMMED INTO A BOULDER WALL HEAD ON AT AN ESTIMATED SPEED OF 40-45MPH. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY,SEAT BELT TENSIONER BROKE,WONT RETRACT…

Read full complaint

ON 12 JULY 2018 AT 0530 AM I WAS DRIVING DOWN COUNTY ROAD 26 MANKATO MN TO PICKUP MY SEMI AS I WAS APROACHING 3RD AVE STOP SIGN I APPLIED THE BRAKES PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR I WENT THROUGH INTERSECTION SLAMMED INTO A BOULDER WALL HEAD ON AT AN ESTIMATED SPEED OF 40-45MPH. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY,SEAT BELT TENSIONER BROKE,WONT RETRACT BACK INTO HOLDER. AFTER GETTING CAR TOWED CAN SEE THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR WAS CRUSHED BUT NO DEPLOYMENT SPENT 2 DAYS IN HOSPITAL. THANKFULLY NOTHING BROKE JUST ALOT OF BRUISING. CANNOT FIGURE OUT WHY BRAKES DIDNT WORK ENDED UP USING EMERGENCY BRAKE TO TRY SLOWING DOWN IMPACT.

NHTSA ODI #11111418

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…

Read full complaint

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

55,498 miles · Mar 25, 2015
Electrical SystemService BrakesFire

TL* 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…

Read full complaint

TL* 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.

NHTSA ODI #10701559

Mileage unknown · Feb 23, 2015
Service BrakesCrashInjury

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE VIOLENTLY JERKED FORWARD. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE AND A CURB. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE RIGHT FOOT THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENT…

Read full complaint

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE VIOLENTLY JERKED FORWARD. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE AND A CURB. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE RIGHT FOOT THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 13V114000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) BUT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10690085

Mileage unknown · Oct 17, 2014
Service Brakes

MY ANTI LOCK BRAKES MODULE OR CALLED ABS. I TOOK THE CAR TO MY MECHANIC AND HE SAID, THE ABS SHOULD NOT HAVE WENT OUT THIS SOON. HE ALSO SAID THE ABS IS LEAKING BRAKE FLUID. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD. A ABS MODULE SHOULD NOT LEAK BRAKE, EVEN IF IT IS NOT WORKING. IF I HAVE NOT WENT TO MY MECHANIC, I COULD HAVE LOST MY BRAKES. I GO…

Read full complaint

MY ANTI LOCK BRAKES MODULE OR CALLED ABS. I TOOK THE CAR TO MY MECHANIC AND HE SAID, THE ABS SHOULD NOT HAVE WENT OUT THIS SOON. HE ALSO SAID THE ABS IS LEAKING BRAKE FLUID. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD. A ABS MODULE SHOULD NOT LEAK BRAKE, EVEN IF IT IS NOT WORKING. IF I HAVE NOT WENT TO MY MECHANIC, I COULD HAVE LOST MY BRAKES. I GOT IT AT KIA OF BRADLEY 1010 TIGHE DR, BRADLEY, IL 60914 (815) 932-1000. THEY WANT TO CHARGE AROUND $2500.00 TO REPLACE WHEN IT IS A DEFECTIVE PART AND SAFETY HAZARD. MY WINDOWS ICE UP ON THE INSIDE IN THE WINTER. I TOOK IT TO THEM, THEY TOLD DRILL HOLES IN MY DOOR SEALS. I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH THIS DEALERSHIP. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10648371

2,800 miles · Jun 13, 2013
Service Brakes

THE SPORTAGE WAS GARAGED DURING A WINTER VACATION. UPON RETURN WE FOUND THE BRAKES SEIZED UP. AFTER GETTING THEM RELEASED, WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE. THERE WAS CORROSION SO THE REAR BRAKE ROTORS AND PADS WERE REPLACED ON JUNE 11, 2010. THE SAME FAILURE HAPPENED AGAIN IN 2011, 2012 AND IN 2013 THE SEIZURE AND CORROSION…

Read full complaint

THE SPORTAGE WAS GARAGED DURING A WINTER VACATION. UPON RETURN WE FOUND THE BRAKES SEIZED UP. AFTER GETTING THEM RELEASED, WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE. THERE WAS CORROSION SO THE REAR BRAKE ROTORS AND PADS WERE REPLACED ON JUNE 11, 2010. THE SAME FAILURE HAPPENED AGAIN IN 2011, 2012 AND IN 2013 THE SEIZURE AND CORROSION ARE SEVERE. THIS WILL LEAD TO PREMATURE BRAKE FAILURE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10519698

25,848 miles · May 9, 2013
Exterior LightingService BrakesService Brakes, Hydraulic

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ESC OFF SWITCH ILLUMINATED AS THE BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STOP LAMP SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUD…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ESC OFF SWITCH ILLUMINATED AS THE BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STOP LAMP SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER : 13V114000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING , SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 25,848. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10511311

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