NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Unknown Or Other complaints
19 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Jun 17, 2022
Unknown Or Other
Kia motors is at it again, my Disabled Husband took car in twice to Dealer, who is licensed to sell and fix your vehicles , promised loaner car, on fixed income, fighting Cancer, see attached documents, emails from KIA, been going on 7 years, first Soul now Sportage. COURTESY KIA OF BRANDON , months BACK came to our home and all…
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Kia motors is at it again, my Disabled Husband took car in twice to Dealer, who is licensed to sell and fix your vehicles , promised loaner car, on fixed income, fighting Cancer, see attached documents, emails from KIA, been going on 7 years, first Soul now Sportage. COURTESY KIA OF BRANDON , months BACK came to our home and allegedly did the LATEST RECALL ON FUSES, thought that was done, Courtesy KIA of Brandon told my husband NO OUTSTANDING recalls, now KIA writes and states needs to be done? Who is keeping records. We had kids put on couple years ago, then car went into limp mode almost got my husband killed. Kia had our car towed, brought loaner. WE CANNOT afford rental. That was halfway repair with ext on wiring harness???, now lights on dash going on and off. See attached, KIA could care less and now, we were lied to? The person they sent didn't repair the Fuses? Kia paid the Government a fortune in fines but the Defective car owners are always in danger and always getting the run around. [XXX], Mr. [XXX], plz excuse spelling. Even [XXX] from Safety Organization says these cars need to be off the road. Our car is malfunctioning, and we were blatantly lied to is RECALL ON FUSES? REPAIR. SENATOR [XXX] HELPED WITH THIS, we need someone to step up. [XXX] and [XXX], see all documents going back to 2015. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA ODI #11469707
Mileage unknown · Jan 26, 2022
SteeringUnknown Or OtherCrash
This Kia Sportage's alarm system does not go off when the passenger front window is broken. My car was broken into and the youth stripped the steering column and was able to start my car without needing the key nor having the key within the vehicle. This is a security issue and allows the vehicles to be easily stolen. These s…
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This Kia Sportage's alarm system does not go off when the passenger front window is broken. My car was broken into and the youth stripped the steering column and was able to start my car without needing the key nor having the key within the vehicle. This is a security issue and allows the vehicles to be easily stolen. These safety issues should be address and fixed immediately by Kia. The federal government should also hold Kia responsible for the spike in stolen vehicles across the U.S. seeing they know about the issue but have done nothing to fix it. The vehicle was then crashed and left running by the youth. I have included the estimate from Progressive to get it fixed.
NHTSA ODI #11449031
Mileage unknown · Jun 16, 2021
Unknown Or OtherFire
I was driving to work, sitting at a stoplight when my car started releasing smoke from under the hood. All warning lights lit up, the car stalled, and the smoke got darker and more intense. Within a minute, flames started appearing under the front of the vehicle and began spreading towards the back of the car
NHTSA ODI #11421190
18,000 miles · Jan 18, 2020
Unknown Or Other
I HAVE A 2018 KIA SPORTAGE THAT HAS AIR VENTS PEELING. I WENT TO THE KIA DEALERSHIP AND WAS HOPING THAT THE WARRANTY WOULD COVER THIS FIX, BUT THAT WAS NOT THE CASE. THE KIA DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THE VENTS PEELING IS BECAUSE OF THE CHEMICAL REACTION WITH THE PRODUCT THAT I WAS USING. I HAVE DETAILED MY CARS SINCE THE BEGINNING OF T…
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I HAVE A 2018 KIA SPORTAGE THAT HAS AIR VENTS PEELING. I WENT TO THE KIA DEALERSHIP AND WAS HOPING THAT THE WARRANTY WOULD COVER THIS FIX, BUT THAT WAS NOT THE CASE. THE KIA DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THE VENTS PEELING IS BECAUSE OF THE CHEMICAL REACTION WITH THE PRODUCT THAT I WAS USING. I HAVE DETAILED MY CARS SINCE THE BEGINNING OF TIME...AND HAVE SWORN BY MEGUIAR'S SUPREME SHINE. I STILL DO, AND I AM CERTAIN IT IS CRAPPY VENT MATERIAL THAT KIA HAS. I CONTACTED MEGUIAR'S AND THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE SAID THAT ALL THEIR PRODUCTS ARE WATER BASED AND IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR THIS TO HAPPEN. I HAVE USED THE SUPREME SHINE ON ALL THE RUBBER/PLASTIC MATERIAL AND NOTHING HAPPENED TO THE REST OF THE INTERIOR, EXCEPT THE AIR VENTS. SO, I CALLED KIA CONSUMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AND LISA ANSWERED... HOPING TO SEE IF THEY WILL STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT AND FIND THE SOLUTION. LISA SAID FOR ME TO GO TO OTHER DEALERSHIPS AND HOPEFULLY GET THEM TO FIND A SOLUTION IN MY FAVOR. THE WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THE WORST PRODUCT ON THE MARKET. THE WARRANTY THEY OFFER IS FAKE AND UNWORTHY.
NHTSA ODI #11300239
Mileage unknown · Jan 7, 2020
SteeringUnknown Or OtherWheels
MY KIA SPORTAGE NEEDED A STEERING COLUMN REPLACEMENT AND AFTER IT WAS REPLACED THE CAR STARTED PULLING TO THE LEFT AND IT'S HARD TO KEEP STRAIGHT, I HAVE INFORMED THE DEALER AND TIRE ROTATION AND ALIGNMENT WAS DONE TO THE CAR BUT NEVER CHANGED THE CONDITION
NHTSA ODI #11297720
9,400 miles · Aug 13, 2019
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or Other
ADDENDUM # 2 FROM ORIGINAL COMPLAINT AND RESPONSE THROUGH SENATOR MARCO RUBIO OFFICE. 1ST ADDENDUM DATED AUGUST 9 2019. HUSBAND ARRIVED AT COURTESY KIA AND AS EXPECTED, NO LOANER VEHICLE. FINALLY I REACHED THE SALES MANAGER AND EXPLAINED HOW DISGUSTING IT WOULD BE FOR A DISABLED MAN WHO IS PAYING FOR A DEFECTIVE CAR AND PROMISE…
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ADDENDUM # 2 FROM ORIGINAL COMPLAINT AND RESPONSE THROUGH SENATOR MARCO RUBIO OFFICE. 1ST ADDENDUM DATED AUGUST 9 2019. HUSBAND ARRIVED AT COURTESY KIA AND AS EXPECTED, NO LOANER VEHICLE. FINALLY I REACHED THE SALES MANAGER AND EXPLAINED HOW DISGUSTING IT WOULD BE FOR A DISABLED MAN WHO IS PAYING FOR A DEFECTIVE CAR AND PROMISED A LOANER TO HAVE TO CALL UBER. HE AGREED TO LOAN ONE UNDER "TEST DRIVE" GUISE. FRIDAY 9,2019 HEARD NOTHING ABOUT OUR CAR. WE CALLED AT 4:30. FERNANDO STATED THAT THEY HAD IT IN BACK AND DID NOT KNOW WHAT WAS WRONG WITH IT. SATURDAY 10,2019..1:45, JENNY THE SERVICE ADVISOR CALLED AND STATED THAT OUR CAR WAS READY " WE PUT A KSDS WIRING HARNESS". NO FURTHER EXPLANATION. NOT EVEN VIA EMAIL. THE SERVICE TICKET ON STATES...ENGINE NOISE PASS, PUT WIRING HARNESS JUMPER. I LOOKED AT THE PROTOCOL ON NHTSA SITE. IT STATES CLEARLY. THE CAR MUST BE HOOKED UP TO INTERNET EVERYDAY AND A 21 STEP PROCEDURE TO CHECK FOR ENGINE NOISE. ON THE SERVICE TICKET, MILEAGE WAS IDENTICAL IN AND OUT. HOW DO YOU REALLY TEST A CAR WITHOUT DRIVING IT. THIS WAS A RUSH JOB ON THEIR PART... EMPLOYEES PRETENDING TO NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS MASSIVE DEFECT. THE 26 PAGE DOCUMENT ATTACHED SPEAKS VOLUMES. WE ASKED FOR A PHOTO OF THE WIRING HARNESS THAT WAS DAMAGED. THEY REFUSED, THEY ALSO STATED THAT IT IS BEING SENT BACK TO THE MANUFACTURER. MEANWHILE...TWO DISABLED PERSONS GET TO DRIVE IN FEAR, LIVE IN FEAR AND PAY FOR A DEFECTIVE ENGINE/CAR AND WAS SCAMMED BY CITRUS KIA, KIA MOTORS, KIA AMERICA. ATTORNEYS GENERAL, STATES ATTORNEYS, SENATORS, PLEASE HOLD KIA ACCOUNTABLE. PLEASE MAKE THEM ACTUALLY SHOW UP IN FRONT OF CONGRESS ♿ PLANT CITY....PER THE DOCUMENT. EVERYDAY DOESN'T MEAN , DAY AND HALF.
NHTSA ODI #11243454
9,500 miles · Aug 8, 2019
EngineUnknown Or OtherVehicle Speed Control
ADDENDUM TO THE COMPLAINT DATED JANUARY THROUGH SENATOR MARCO RUBIO OFFICE. I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM NHTSA DOT THAT THE INVESTIGATION IS OPEN AS TO THE "SOFTWARE UPGRADE", SHOULD BE LABELED RECALL AND INTO THE "THETA ENGINE", SEE ATTACHED. AS I WRITE THIS, MY DISABLED HUSBAND IS IN A TOW TRUCK WITH THE DRIVER BECAUSE HE WENT TO …
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ADDENDUM TO THE COMPLAINT DATED JANUARY THROUGH SENATOR MARCO RUBIO OFFICE. I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM NHTSA DOT THAT THE INVESTIGATION IS OPEN AS TO THE "SOFTWARE UPGRADE", SHOULD BE LABELED RECALL AND INTO THE "THETA ENGINE", SEE ATTACHED. AS I WRITE THIS, MY DISABLED HUSBAND IS IN A TOW TRUCK WITH THE DRIVER BECAUSE HE WENT TO THE DOLLAR GENERAL STORE, TURNED THE CORNER ONTO A BUSY HIGHWAY AND THE CAR LIMP MODE LIGHT CAME ON, CAR SHUT DOWN DANGEROUSLY SLOW. LUCKILY HE WAS NOT REAR-ENDED. THIS IS PATHETIC FOR KIA MOTORS, KIA AMERICA TO GET AWAY WITH THIS. THESE VEHICLES NEED TO BE BOUGHT BACK. THEY HAVE NO CLUE WHAT IS REALLY HAPPENING. WE TOOK OUR CAR IN A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO TO COURTESY KIA FOR AN OIL CHANGE. THEY SAID ALL WAS GOOD. CLEARLY IT IS NOT ! KIA DID US, TWO DISABLED AMERICANS WRONG. SOUL 1ST, SCAMMED INTO GOING MORE IN DEPTH BECAUSE SOUL WAS BAD... KNOWING THERE IS A MAJOR DEFECT. THAT IS DECEPTIVE TRADE PRACTICE. PLAIN AND SIMPLE AND DEALER'S ARE COMPLICIT. PLEASE GET THESE CARS OFF OF THE RODE. IT HAS BEEN NOTED ON FORUMS THAT KIA IS PUTTING USED MOTORS. PLEASE DO SOMETHING. WE ARE NOT SAFE, OUR GRANDCHILDREN ARE NOT SAFE. STATES ATTORNEYS, ATTORNEY GENERAL'S, SENATORS, ETC. HELP ALL OF US. WE LOST OUR HOME TO TOXIC DRYWALL , NOW THIS. PLANT CITY. ♿
NHTSA ODI #11242698
11,000 miles · Jun 19, 2019
EngineUnknown Or Other
DRIVING MY KIA SPORTAGE (GT LINE) AT ABOUT 30-40 MILES/HOUR, DESCENDING RED HILLS (JAMAICA) AND WITHOUT WARNING THE CAR WENT DEAD, ALL THE LIGHT COMES ON THE DASH AND THE SPEED CUT DRASTICALLY. IT WAS SCARY AND I CAN ONLY IMAGINE IF IT WAS ON THE HIGHWAY. AFRAID TO DRIVE IT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #11221187
7,600 miles · Dec 11, 2018
Unknown Or Other
I HAD MY KIA SPORTAGE OIL CHANGED, WAS TOLD MY A/C COMPRESSOR HOSE AT THE COMPRESSOR WAS LEAKING, CRIMP FIT, FACTORY DEFECT IS WHAT HE SAID
NHTSA ODI #11160722
Official recalls
3Sep 19, 2022
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A 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 inspect the vehicle, and, as necessary, replace the fuse and/or tow hitch harness module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC249.
Mar 4, 2021
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Sportage and Cadenza vehicles. The electrical circuit in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may short-circuit, which can cause a fire in the engine compartment.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace certain fuses in the electrical junction box. Vehicles equipped with an electronic parking brake (EPB) will also receive a HECU software update. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on April 30, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC206.
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
1AQ23002 · 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.