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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.

About this comparison →

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
Mileage unknown · Oct 24, 2022
EngineService Brakes, Hydraulic

2015 KIA SPORTAGE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO NHTSA SAFETY RECALL 22V-051.

NHTSA ODI #11490540

Mileage unknown · Oct 13, 2022
Engine

My Kia Sportage drove perfectly fine the past 5 years, out of no where going up a hill it wouldn’t go past 20 mph, was kicking and sputtering. Like it was giving out in a way. I made it home but my check engine light was on. Their was no warning signs, my car ran perfect always. It was very sudden. Had a mechanic look at it and …

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My Kia Sportage drove perfectly fine the past 5 years, out of no where going up a hill it wouldn’t go past 20 mph, was kicking and sputtering. Like it was giving out in a way. I made it home but my check engine light was on. Their was no warning signs, my car ran perfect always. It was very sudden. Had a mechanic look at it and he said a valve from where I put oil in had a leak and caused it to burn up all the oil? Which messed up my motor and needs replaced now. I’m not very good with car specifics but that’s what I was told. My car is now not even drivable.

NHTSA ODI #11489224

Mileage unknown · Oct 11, 2022
Engine

I took my kia to the dealer because the check engine light was on. They said 2 parts were recalled and they would fix it. I went to pick it up and its still sputtering the check engine light is still on. They were supposed to fix the knock sensor. They did not.

NHTSA ODI #11488848

Mileage unknown · Oct 11, 2022
Power Train

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle was stalling and was not accelerating despite depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light, along with two other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact managed to pull over and stated…

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The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle was stalling and was not accelerating despite depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light, along with two other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact managed to pull over and stated that the vehicle had not lost motive power, however, the vehicle was inoperable. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was not diagnosed or repaired and the contact was advised to have the vehicle towed to a local dealer for further diagnosis and repair. The vehicle was then towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine would need to be removed for further diagnosis. The vehicle remained at the dealer awaiting repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI #11488806

Mileage unknown · Oct 5, 2022
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or Other

Two weeks ago my car began making a loud knocking noise from the bottom end and emitting a burning smell from the engine out of nowhere, without any warning lamps. I took it to a mechanic I trust. As soon as he heard the noise and looked at it he told me it was bad and that I could not drive my car, it concerned a HECU unit and/…

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Two weeks ago my car began making a loud knocking noise from the bottom end and emitting a burning smell from the engine out of nowhere, without any warning lamps. I took it to a mechanic I trust. As soon as he heard the noise and looked at it he told me it was bad and that I could not drive my car, it concerned a HECU unit and/or fuse and could potentially lock up or start on fire. He gave me a printout with NHTSA Recall# 22V051 on it and told me I would need a new engine. When I called Kia Customer Care they did not have the recall number. I gave it to them and they put me on hold for 45 minutes so they could do some research; the representative and her supervisor eventually found the recall and authorized a safety tow to Peak Kia in Denver, CO At Peak Kia they told me they looked at my car and it would need a new engine, but there was nothing they could do because my car was past warranty. That was the first time I had ever heard of anything about a warranty or it being past due. The service clerk told me it would be an out of pocket expense of 6 -12,000$ for a new engine and explained that this was because my car had gone past 100,000 miles, and the engine had already failed so the warranty could not be extended. She also told me to contact my dealership because they could be at fault. I left that building scared, because I still owe about 8000$ on my loan. I purchased the vehicle in Rapid City, SD with my parents at a non Kia dealership called Granite Nissan. When we called the dealership they said they had not been informed of a recall by the previous owner or Kia manufacturers. Neither had I at the time of purchase, or since. My dad and I checked Kelley Blue Book to make sure. I was then informed that the dealership does not have legal responsibility to alert buyers of this info. Now we are being repeatedly told that this will be my expense, and it is a scam. Kia made a car that promised reliability and safety, but have left the defects up to the owner.

NHTSA ODI #11488099

Mileage unknown · Oct 3, 2022
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V051000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made …

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The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V051000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI #11487742

Mileage unknown · Sep 26, 2022
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V051000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. …

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The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V051000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI #11486384

Mileage unknown · Sep 19, 2022
Engine

2015 Kia Sportage I purchased on September 6th stalled on the highway on September 9th. No warning lights, no smoke, no indication of any problems up until it stalled. Since it was on the highway and difficult to get to the side of the road, this could definitely pose a safety risk. The place I purchased the vehicle from could …

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2015 Kia Sportage I purchased on September 6th stalled on the highway on September 9th. No warning lights, no smoke, no indication of any problems up until it stalled. Since it was on the highway and difficult to get to the side of the road, this could definitely pose a safety risk. The place I purchased the vehicle from could not detect the malfunction. It was towed to Gerald Kia of North Aurora where after a week of waiting, they informed me the engine would need to be replaced and was not covered under warranty or the current recall regarding the engine.

NHTSA ODI #11485261

Mileage unknown · Sep 16, 2022
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V051000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the is…

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The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V051000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI #11484854

Mileage unknown · Sep 15, 2022
Engine

Vehicle stalled on the highway 4 days after purchasing from The Car Store in Aurora, IL. No warning, no indicator lights. Steering wheel was hard to control while attempting to safely pull over to the side of the road. All dash lights came on as the car stalled. At my expense, had it towed to The Car Store where they were no…

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Vehicle stalled on the highway 4 days after purchasing from The Car Store in Aurora, IL. No warning, no indicator lights. Steering wheel was hard to control while attempting to safely pull over to the side of the road. All dash lights came on as the car stalled. At my expense, had it towed to The Car Store where they were not able to diagnose cause. Had it towed to Gerald Kia of Aurora. Stated engine will have to be replaced. Not covered under any current recalls. I’m reporting this as a safety issue since there was problems pulling off the highway. Hopefully Kia will look into this issue. Not just for safety, but I’m obviously kinda screwed buying a vehicle on the 6th of September that died on the 9th of September with a huge investment into getting it running again.

NHTSA ODI #11484585

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