Engine
2.0L 4-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 96 of 98 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 63 of 98 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Electrical system
27 complaint records14 fire reports
"2008 KIA SPORTAGE HAD PROBLEMS FROM DAY ONE. CONSUMER HAD PROBLEM WITH CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. *NJ..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Brakes
23 complaint records4 fire reports
"HYDRAULIC MODULE ASSEMBLY NEEDED REPLACED-ABS,ESC,BRAKE LIGHTS ALL CAME ON. TOOK TO DEALER WHO STATED "BRAINS" OF THE ABS SYSTEM NEEDED REPLACED.VEHICLE ONLY HAS 32,200 MILES...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →
Engine & cooling
22 complaint records9 fire reports
"2008 KIA SPORTAGE HAD PROBLEMS FROM DAY ONE. CONSUMER HAD PROBLEM WITH CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. *NJ..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| AQ23002 opened Nov 2023 | OPEN | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires 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. |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22V800000PARK OUTSIDE | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2008-2009 Sportage vehicles previously recalled under recall 16V-815. | Normally free |
| 16V815000 | Electrical System | Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2008-2009 Kia Sportage vehicles manufactured August 9, 2007, to May 13, 2009. | Normally free |
| 13V114000 | Exterior Lighting | 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... | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022607 2022-10-25 | Electrical | 10,115 | Issue: On certain vehicles, the brake hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU) could short circuit. Note: This recall replaces RC107 (Transport Canada recall 2016-562). |
| 2016562 2016-11-14 | Electrical | 10,115 | This recall was replaced by Transport Canada Recall No. 2022-607. On certain vehicles, the connector pins within the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) assembly can corrode due to improper sealing of the HECU's wire harness cover. |
| 2013098 2013-04-03 | Brakes | 106,098 | On certain vehicles, the stop lamp switch may fail and cause intermittent operation of the brake lights. Failure of the brake lights to illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed could result in a crash causing property damage and/or... |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| TSB_TRA046_R5 Apr 2025 | Power Train | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. | |
| TSB_TRA046_R4 May 2024 | Power Train | This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced. | |
| TSB_TRA046_R3 Nov 2022 | Power Train | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. | |
| TSB_BOD055_R1 Sep 2021 | Exterior Lighting | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. | |
| PS539 Mar 2018 | Engine And Engine Cooling | PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine. |
Show 19 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| TSB-GEN085R1 Jan 2017 | Equipment | TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly intended for ?one time use.? | |
| TSB-GEN085 Nov 2016 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. | |
| PS443 Apr 2016 | Electrical System | TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides information regarding the use of USB ports and 12V power outlets to connect/charge mobile phones. | |
| PS382 Mar 2015 | Exterior Lighting | PITSTOP: STOP LAMP SWITCH IDENTIFICATION MATRIX (SC098) - KMA HAS RECEIVED A NUMBER OF INCORRECT WARRANTY RETURN PARTS RELATED TO CAMPAIGN SC098 AND HAS DETERMINED THAT AT TIMES DEALER STAFF MAY HAVE DIFFICULTY IN QUICKLY AND EASILY IDENTIFYING THE CORRECT SWITCHES WHILE... | |
| SC104 Jun 2014 | Structure | SOME KIA SPORTAGE MODELS VEHICLES ARE AFFECTED BY CORROSION WHICH NEEDS ANTI CORROSION PROTECTION. 06/04/14*LJ | |
| TSB-SC104 Apr 2014 | Equipment | VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: APPLICATION OF ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL (SC104) - To improve customer satisfaction, Kia is launching this bulletin to apply additional anti-corrosion protection to various vehicle underbody components on some Sportage (KM) vehicles, built... | |
| SC104DP Apr 2014 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO: Attention: All Dealer Principals - Kia Motors America, Inc. will be conducting a voluntary service campaign, as a preventative measure, to apply additional anti-corrosion material to the vehicle underbody on certain 2005-2010 MY Sportage vehicles,... | |
| SC104DPSM Apr 2014 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | DEALER PARTS & SERVICE MANAGER MEMO: Attention: All Kia Parts & Service Managers - Kia Motors America, Inc. is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign on certain 2005-2010 MY Sportage vehicles produced from June 24, 2004 through January 26, 2010, to add additional anti-corrosion... | |
| SC104OWNER Apr 2014 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER - Dear Kia Sportage Owner: Kia Motors America, Inc. is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to add additional anti-corrosion wax and undercoating to the underbody of certain 2005-2010 MY Sportage vehicles. | |
| SC104QA Apr 2014 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | Q AND A - SC104 ? 2005-2010 MY Sportage - Application of Additional Anti-Corrosion Material to Underbody of Vehicle Voluntary Service Campaign | |
| TT027 Nov 2013 | Equipment | SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE. | |
| TSBBOD095 Mar 2013 | Visibility/Wiper | TSB: WINDSHIELD WASHER PUMP INLET FILTER REPLACEMENT - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO POSSIBLE FOREIGN DEBRIS ACCUMULATION ON THE WINDSHIELD WASHER PUMP INLET FILTER. | |
| SC 080 Jan 2011 | Engine And Engine Cooling | KIA MOTORS: FOR FUEL ADAPTION IMPROVEMENT THERE IS A SOFTWARE UPDATE FOR THE 2007-2008 SPORTAGE. *RM | |
| SC-084 Sep 2010 | Structure | KIA: APPLICATION OF ADDITIONAL ANTICORROSION TREATMENT FOR REAR FLOOR MEMBERS. PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO CERTAIN VEHICLES FOR PROCEDURE TO APPLY ADDITIONAL ANTICORROSION PROTECTION TO THE REAR FLOOR SIDE AND CROSS MEMBERS. *PE | |
| TSB-075 Jul 2010 | Electrical System | KIA: COMBINED TSB/SERVICE ACTION-ECM UPGRADE-MIL O WITH DTC P0130/P0150. PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATED TO AN ECM/ECU/PCM SOFTWARE UPGRADE OF SOME MODEL VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.7L ENGINES WHICH MAY EXPERIENCE A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH ECM (ELECTRONIC CONTROL... | |
| TSB-027 Jul 2010 | Tires | KIA: TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) RECEIVER UPGRADE; CHANGE OF TPMS SOFTWARE (SA049). SOME VEHICLES HAVE LOW LINE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS). | |
| TSB-022 May 2009 | Equipment | KIA: LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY LABEL REQUIREMENTS AND INSTRUCTIONS TO COMPLY WITH FMVSS 110. PROVIDING INFORMATION FOR THE NEW REQUIREMENTS RELATED TO LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY (LCC) WHEN CERTAIN ACCESSORIES ARE ADDED TO A COMPLETED VEHICLE PRI0R TO FIRST RETAIL SALE. *PE | |
| KT-2008082201 Aug 2008 | Parking Brake | KIA: ALL MODELS. ARTICLE PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO THE IMPROVED DURABILITY OF BULB LIFE FOR REAR COMBINATION BULB; REAR STOP LAMP/TAIL LAMP BULB UTILIZED ON MULTIPLE KIA MODELS. *PE | |
| 021 Mar 2008 | Seats | SPORTAGE (KM) PASSIVE OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM INFORMATION - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES SYSTEM INFORMATION RELATED TO SPORTAGE (KM) MODELS REGARDING PASSIVE OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM (PODS) PRODUCED FROM 10/28/2004. *NJ |
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 3 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Kia Sportage →