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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

What owners actually said

146 reports
70,000 miles · Sep 15, 2020
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control

WHEN I ACCELERATE SOMETIMES THE CAR WILL JERK AND THE ENGINE WILL TRY TO STALL. THE CAR WILL STILL GO BUT STARTS TO SPUTTER AND START TO LOSE POWER. YOU HAVE TO PULL OVER AND SHUT THE ENGINE OFF AND SET THERE FOR A BIT AND RESTART THE ENGINE AND IT MAY DO IT AGAIN 2 OR 3 MORE TIMES AND IT MIGHT NOT DO IT FOR AWHILE. BUT VERY D…

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WHEN I ACCELERATE SOMETIMES THE CAR WILL JERK AND THE ENGINE WILL TRY TO STALL. THE CAR WILL STILL GO BUT STARTS TO SPUTTER AND START TO LOSE POWER. YOU HAVE TO PULL OVER AND SHUT THE ENGINE OFF AND SET THERE FOR A BIT AND RESTART THE ENGINE AND IT MAY DO IT AGAIN 2 OR 3 MORE TIMES AND IT MIGHT NOT DO IT FOR AWHILE. BUT VERY DANGEROUS WHEN PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC. IT WILL ALSO DO IT WHEN YOU TRY TO SPEED UP TO PASS OR JUST GAIN SPEED

NHTSA ODI #11355082

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

58,000 miles · Feb 27, 2020
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other

INTERMITTENT NON STARTING. REPLACED VEHICLE BATTERY AND FOB BATTERY. ALL ACCESSORIES WORK BUT WILL NOT START. PRESS THE START BUTTON AND IT WILL NOT START AND HAVE A HARD BRAKE PEDAL. WILL NOT START EVEN WHEN APPLY MORE PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. WAIT 5 TO 10 MINUTES LATER AND IT WILL START. BEEN BACK TO THE DEALER MANY TIMES …

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INTERMITTENT NON STARTING. REPLACED VEHICLE BATTERY AND FOB BATTERY. ALL ACCESSORIES WORK BUT WILL NOT START. PRESS THE START BUTTON AND IT WILL NOT START AND HAVE A HARD BRAKE PEDAL. WILL NOT START EVEN WHEN APPLY MORE PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. WAIT 5 TO 10 MINUTES LATER AND IT WILL START. BEEN BACK TO THE DEALER MANY TIMES AND THEIR COMPUTER SAYS THERE IS NOTHING WRONG. THEY CAN NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI #11311796

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

Mileage unknown · Dec 27, 2019
Unknown Or Other

I WAS DRIVING ALONG THE INTERSTATE AT A HIGH SPEED WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN I HEARD THIS TERRIFYING SOUND LIKE GLASS BREAKING AND THEN MY SUNROOF VIOLENTLY EXPLODED WITH THE GLASS HITTING THE DRIVERS BEHIND ME. THE SOUND ITSELF WAS EXTREMELY STARTLING AND I AM VERY LUCKY TO HAVE NOT CAUSED AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF IT. I AM THANKFUL TH…

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I WAS DRIVING ALONG THE INTERSTATE AT A HIGH SPEED WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN I HEARD THIS TERRIFYING SOUND LIKE GLASS BREAKING AND THEN MY SUNROOF VIOLENTLY EXPLODED WITH THE GLASS HITTING THE DRIVERS BEHIND ME. THE SOUND ITSELF WAS EXTREMELY STARTLING AND I AM VERY LUCKY TO HAVE NOT CAUSED AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF IT. I AM THANKFUL THAT MY SUNROOF SHADE WAS CLOSED DURING THIS INCIDENT SO I WASN'T INJURED. THERE WERE NO CRACKS IN MY SUNROOF AND I DID NOT HEAR ANYTHING HIT IT, LIKE A ROCK OR SOME OTHER HARD OBJECT PRIOR TO IT EXPLODING. I HAVE RESEARCHED AND IT LOOKS LIKE THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH KIA SPORTAGES YEARS 2011-2015 AND IT DOESN'T SEEM LIKE ANYTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE. MY INSURANCE IS GOING TO COVER THE REPLACEMENT, BUT I WANTED TO REPORT THIS INCIDENT TO HELP SAVE SOMEONE FROM A SIMILAR SITUATION.

NHTSA ODI #11291606

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

110,000 miles · Jul 31, 2019
Engine

THIS VEHICLE HAD A SERIOUS ENGINE PROBLEM. THE CAR STOPPED AND CUT OFF AT A STOPLIGHT RECENTLY. OIL LIGHT AND ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE CAR HAS A PROBLEM AND NOW HAS TO HAVE A REPLACEMENT OF THE ENGINE PART THAT CONTROLS EXHAUST, CAMSHAFT POSITION TIMING. THAT IS THE ENGINE CODE. THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE ENGINE WILL NOT OPER…

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THIS VEHICLE HAD A SERIOUS ENGINE PROBLEM. THE CAR STOPPED AND CUT OFF AT A STOPLIGHT RECENTLY. OIL LIGHT AND ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE CAR HAS A PROBLEM AND NOW HAS TO HAVE A REPLACEMENT OF THE ENGINE PART THAT CONTROLS EXHAUST, CAMSHAFT POSITION TIMING. THAT IS THE ENGINE CODE. THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE ENGINE WILL NOT OPERATE CORRECTLY. MECHANIC SUGGESTS THAT THE CAR HAS NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE TIMING BELT SOMETIMES WON'T LET ENGINE TURN OVER. AND THERE IS OIL LEAKING FROM IN FRONT OF THE MOTOR. THIS IS A PROBLEM COMBINED WITH A POOR SEAL ON MOTOR, AND THE OIL PAN HAD A SERIOUS LEAK. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION WHEN THE OIL BECAME A BIG PROBLEM. GOING TO WORK AND HAD TO STOP AND GET IT LOOKED AT. DRIVING ON A COUNTRY ROAD TOWARDS WORK, THANKFULLY A FARMER HELPED ME SINCE THE LEAK WAS BAD.

NHTSA ODI #11240933

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