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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.

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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

Unknown Or Other complaints

25 reports
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Mileage unknown · Nov 1, 2017
Unknown Or Other

WHEN THE A/C UNIT IS ON THERE IS A COOLANT SMELL INSIDE OF THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. I HAVE BROUGHT IT UP TO THE DEALER BUT THEY SAY IT IS NORMAL. I WAS A SERVICE MANAGER FOR YEARS AND IT IS NOT NORMAL.

NHTSA ODI #11042052

42,000 miles · Oct 27, 2017
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or OtherFire

DROVE VEHICLE APPROX 10 MINUTES SMELLED A BURNING SMELL, THOUGHT IT WAS THE VEHICLE DRIVING IN NEXT LANE, ABOUT 5 MINUTES LATER WHILE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT LIGHT, I NOTICED THE HEAVY SMOKE COMING FROM ENGINE, I EXITED VEHICLE AND JUST 1-2 MINUTES ENGINE WAS FULLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES.

NHTSA ODI #11040471

Mileage unknown · Jul 18, 2017
Electrical SystemUnknown Or OtherFire

CPSC:I HAD A TRAILER HITCH INSTALLED ON MY 2015 KIA SPORTAGE., I WAS EXISTING THE CASTLE ROCK MOTEL IN FRIENDSHIP, WI WHEN AN ELECTRICAL FIRE ERUPTED IN THE BACK OF THE CAR WHERE MY 1 YEAR OLD GRANDSON WAS STRAPPED INTO THE CAR SEAT. ONE OF THE HOTEL EMPLOYEES SAW ME STRUGGLE TO GET HIM OUT OF THE CAR SEAT AND CAME TO ASSIST, A…

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CPSC:I HAD A TRAILER HITCH INSTALLED ON MY 2015 KIA SPORTAGE., I WAS EXISTING THE CASTLE ROCK MOTEL IN FRIENDSHIP, WI WHEN AN ELECTRICAL FIRE ERUPTED IN THE BACK OF THE CAR WHERE MY 1 YEAR OLD GRANDSON WAS STRAPPED INTO THE CAR SEAT. ONE OF THE HOTEL EMPLOYEES SAW ME STRUGGLE TO GET HIM OUT OF THE CAR SEAT AND CAME TO ASSIST, AT THE SAME TIME DAUGHTER (WHO WAS ALSO IN THE CAR WITH ME) CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE HOTEL EMPLOYEE RETRIEVED SOME TOOLS AND DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT DISMANTLED THE BACK PANEL WHERE THE SMOKE WAS COMING FROM AND DETERMINED THE ROOT CAUSE WAS THE WIRING HARNESS "BLACK BOX." THEY ADVISED ME TO HAVE A MECHANIC CHECK THE CAR BEFORE CONTINUING TO DRIVE IT. *BF UPDATED 07/19/2017*JS

NHTSA ODI #11009830

Mileage unknown · Apr 19, 2017
Unknown Or Other

I BOUGHT MY CAR IN OCTOBER. I HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH THE GAS BUBBLING UP AFTER THE PUMP SHUTS OFF AND IT HAS SPRAYED OUT AND ON ME AND DOWN THE SIDE OF THE CAR. I CALLED THE DEALER THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED AND THEY SAID TO USE ANOTHER GAS STATION. THE CAR IS STATIONARY, THE PUMP AND STATIONS HAVE NO BEARING ON THE ISSUE. I HAVE …

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I BOUGHT MY CAR IN OCTOBER. I HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH THE GAS BUBBLING UP AFTER THE PUMP SHUTS OFF AND IT HAS SPRAYED OUT AND ON ME AND DOWN THE SIDE OF THE CAR. I CALLED THE DEALER THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED AND THEY SAID TO USE ANOTHER GAS STATION. THE CAR IS STATIONARY, THE PUMP AND STATIONS HAVE NO BEARING ON THE ISSUE. I HAVE REPORTED IT TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES. I MARCH MY CAR WAS THERE FOR A LIST OF ISSUES. I WAS TOLD THAT SOME PART WAS REPLACED. WHEN I CALLED BACK TO TELL THEM IT STILL BUBBLES UP AT ME, THEY SAID BUT ITS NOT SPRAYING OUT AT YOU RIGHT? NOT THIS TIME. THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME TO TAKE MY CAR TO ANOTHER DEALER BECAUSE, "I DON'T WANT TO ACCEPT WHAT THEY TELL ME ABOUT MY CAR." I SAID, THE SERVICE TECH SAID THE CHANGED A PART, BUT IT IS STILL BUBBLING. THAT "SOUND" YOU HEAR IS NORMAL FOR A KIA. WE JUST CHANGED THE PART TO "MAKE YOU HAPPY." THIS WAS ON 4/7/17 WHEN THE GAS SPRAYED OUT OF THE CAR AND DOWN THE SIDE OF MY CAR. I HAVE NEVER BEEN GIVEN ANY PAPERWORK ON THE COMPLAINTS AND REPAIRS OF MY CAR. I HAVE A VIDEO OF THE GAS TANK DOING BOTH ISSUES. I SENT IT TO THE SALESMAN WHO SAID HE WOULD FORWARD IT TO HIS GENERAL MANAGER THE NEXT DAY. AS OF TODAY, I HAVE HEARD NOTHING.

NHTSA ODI #10979396

20,000 miles · Apr 7, 2017
EngineUnknown Or Other

I HAVE AN ISSUE WITH MY CAR STALLING WHEN I PRESS THE GAS I CAN START TO GO AND THEN COME TO A DEAD STOP AND NOT MOVE THIS HAS HAPPENED WHEN PULLING ON A MAIN HWY AND HAS HAPPENED JUST DRIVEING DOWN THE ROAD... IT STALLS AND FEELS LIKE THE GEARS ARE NOT CHANGING THIS IS AN EVERYDAY THING BUT I WAS TOLD TO TAKE THE ECO OFF BUT HA…

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I HAVE AN ISSUE WITH MY CAR STALLING WHEN I PRESS THE GAS I CAN START TO GO AND THEN COME TO A DEAD STOP AND NOT MOVE THIS HAS HAPPENED WHEN PULLING ON A MAIN HWY AND HAS HAPPENED JUST DRIVEING DOWN THE ROAD... IT STALLS AND FEELS LIKE THE GEARS ARE NOT CHANGING THIS IS AN EVERYDAY THING BUT I WAS TOLD TO TAKE THE ECO OFF BUT HAS NOT HELPED. THIS OCCURS DAILY SINCE I DECEMBER 2016

NHTSA ODI #10971108

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.

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