2008 Kia Sportage Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2008 Kia Sportage, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Electrical2720.1%
- Brakes2317.2%
- Engine2216.4%
- Body & structure139.7%
- Driver assistance107.5%
- Powertrain (other)96.7%
- Exterior lighting64.5%
- Airbags53.7%
- Tires & wheels43.0%
- Transmission32.2%
- Fuel system21.5%
- Suspension21.5%
- Interior & seats21.5%
- Other / unspecified21.5%
- Visibility21.5%
- Seat belts10.7%
- Steering10.7%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
Smoke was pouring out from the passenger front side of the motor compartment. The fuses for the ABS (I think) were taken out so it would stop. I was a told a control module could have something to do with it.
SO I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY FRONT RIGHT TIRE I FEEL THAT IT WIGGLES AND WOBBLES A CLOG MY ALIGNMENT TO GET MY STUFF AND I ALWAYS NEED WORK DONE ON IT ABOUT EVERY 2 TO 3 MONTHS. I HAVE ALSO BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS CONTINUOUSLY GETTING LOCKED OUT OF MY CAR. MY CAR ON OR OFF ALWAYS LOCKS ME OUT OF MY CAR. MY PASSENGER DOOR NEVER LOCKS UNLESS I LOCK IT MYSELF MANUALLY. MY TRUNK DOOR NEVER OPENS AS WELL WHEN I PUSH THE UNLOCK BUTTON AND THE KEY MAILED IT WON'T FIT IN IT TO UNLOCK IT THAT WAY I FEEL THAT THE CAR OVER OR HAS A WIRING ELECTRICAL PROBLEM
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owned a 2008 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 40-45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was shuddering. Additionally, the contact stated while driving on another occasion, the vehicle experienced brake failure, which nearly led to a crash. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact decided to total the vehicle. The vehicle was totaled. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.
The contact owns a 2008 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V800000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
Was parked and after driving to pick up please came back out and it was in flames
The contact owned a 2008 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 40-45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was shuddering. Additionally, the contact stated while driving on another occasion, the vehicle experienced brake failure, which nearly led to a crash. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact decided to total the vehicle. The vehicle was totaled. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
I bought my car July 27,2022 from Rt 119 Auto Sales and service. It came with a drive train warrenty. Nothing was said to me of a problem until I took it to get inspected then I found out my frame is rotted out on both sides.
The contact owns a 2008 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while checking the oil in their vehicle, the hood latch suddenly did not lock and the front hood of the vehicle fell down and on the contact's head which caused her nose to fracture. The contact stated she has a laceration on the bridge of their nose where they were bleeding and the contact has two black eyes. The contact did not receive any medical treatment at the scene or go to the hospital. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made of the failure. The failure mileage was 167,000.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2008 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the message "ESC Off" was displayed and the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and to several independent mechanics; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH THE CRUSE CONTROL SET AT 65 AND THE VECHILE STARTED TO INCREASE SPEED ON IT'S OWN I ATTEMPTED TO TURN OFF THE CRUSE CONTROL BY PRESSING THE BRAKE AND TURNING OFF THE SYSTEM THE CAR SLOWED UNTIL I REMOVED MY FOOT FROM THE BRAKE, THEN IT BEGAN TO ACCELERATE AGAIN. ONCE I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO TRY AND FORCE IT'S WAY BACK TO MOVING SPEED ON IT'S OWN, I WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND THE ENGINE SPEED INCREASED TO FULL THROTTLE ON IT'S OWN. I WAS ABLE TO SHUT DOWN THE ENGINE AND RESTART THE VEHICLE, IT WAS BEHAVING NORMALLY ABOUT 10 MINUTES OF DRIVING LATER I ATTEMPTED TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND THE PROBLEM RETURNED AND IT STARTED ACCELERATING AGAIN ON IT'S OWN. I WAS ABLE TO SHUT THE VEHICLE DOWN
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
Smoke was pouring out from the passenger front side of the motor compartment. The fuses for the ABS (I think) were taken out so it would stop. I was a told a control module could have something to do with it.
WHILE DRIVING RPMS WOULD JUMP. HAD VEHICLE INSPECTED AND WAS TOLD I WOULD NEED TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION OR GET IT REBUILT. REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION BUT DIDN'T SEEM TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE. RPM'S STILL JUMP WHILE DRIVING. ALMOST AS IF I'M PUSHING THE GAS DOWN HARD THEN LETTING OFF. NOT SURE WHAT THE ISSUE MAY BE, IVE BEEN TOLD IT COULD BE THE CRUISE CONTROL OR POSSIBLY SHIFT SOLENOID. VEHICLE STALLS/JUMPS WHILE IN MOTION, HAPPENS ON INTERSTATE AS WELL AS CITY STREETS AND BACK ROADS. SEEMS TO JERK MORE AROUND 40MPH AND 80MPH BUT HAS DONE IT AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS AS WELL. OIL HAS BEEN CHANGED AS WELL AS FILTERS, ALL FLUIDS LOOK GOOD. UNSURE WHAT THE ISSUE MAY BE. *TR
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
LEFT HEADLIGHT PLUG IS DEFECTIVE
VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AFTER BEING PARKED LEFT RUNNING IDLE WITH LIGHTS ON FOR 20 MINUTES , THE FOG LIGHT BULB MELTED IT WAY THROUGH THE HOUSING AND INT THE FRONT BUMPER WERE OPEN FLAMES WERE VISIBLE AND HAD TO BE PUT OUT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
AIRBAG LIGHT HAS COME ON SEVERAL TIMES AND EACH TIME I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR. THEY HAVE REPLACED THE SEAT BOTTOM AND EVEN REWIRED THE CAR, BUT THE AIRBAG CONTINUES TO COME ON AND STAYS ON. DUE TO THE ONGOING ISSUE, DATES AND MILEAGE ARE ESTIMATES AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE FIRST DATE OF THE ORIGINAL ISSUE.
AIR BAG SING ON.I TALK TO KIA SERVICES THEY TOLD ME I HAVE TO PAY $129 FOR JUST CHECK UP.MY CAR MILLEGE ONLY 80K.I FEEL NOT COMFORTABLE AT ALL.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SPORTAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH HANKOOK OPTIMO H418 TIRES (NA), TIRE SIZE 235/60/16. THE DOT NUMBER WAS T7BNBWH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER AND DRIVER'S SIDE TIRES TREAD WERE COMPLETELY WORN. THE DEFECT OCCURRED ONE YEAR AFTER THE NEW REAR TIRES WERE MOUNTED ON THE VEHICLE. THE RECENT DEFECTIVE TIRES HAD NOT BEEN REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER CHANGED THE CONTROL PANEL SENSOR, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THEY STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
TRANSMISSION "SLAMS" WHEN SHIFTING FROM 2ND TO 3RD AFTER IT HAS A CHANCE TO WARM UP. THIS OCCURS FROM EITHER A STAND-STILL OR WHEN IT HAS BEEN ROLLING AND SHIFTS TO A HIGHER GEAR. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY ARE NOT AWARE OF ANY OTHER ISSUES OF THIS TYPE, BUT I HAD ANOTHER KIA IN THE PAST AND THE SAME THING OCCURRED. THE DEALER IS CURRENTLY LOOKING INTO WHAT MAY BE CAUSING THIS ISSUE AND ARE TRYING TO DETERMINE IF I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION OR NOT. *TT
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A TRAFFIC STOP AT SPEEDS OF 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE SURGED FROWARD AS THE TRANSMISSION STRUGGLED TO CHANGE GEARS. THE DEALER ADVISED THEY WERE AWARE OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE MANUFACTURE HAD NOT YET OFFERED A REMEDY TO CORRECT THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN SERVICED BY THE DEALER A TOTAL OF THREE TIMES. THE DEALER RESET THE VEHICLE ON EACH OCCASION. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO RECUR INTERMITTENTLY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,819 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 34,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
THIS CAR IS 12 YEARS OLD AND IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THAT IS WHAT THE MECHANIC JUST TOLD ME WHEN I TRIED TO GET AN ALIGNMENT. THE WHOLE REAR SUBFRAME IS RUSTED OUT.WHICH IS RIDICULOUS FOR A 2008 VEHICLE.CAR PULLS DRASTICALLY TO THE RIGHT ALSO NEEDS NEW BALL JOINTSALSO NEEDS A NEW OXYGEN SENSOR
2008 KIA SPORTAGE DO NOT HAVE A PROTECTIVE SHIELD UNDER THE GAS TANK. CONSUMER HAS A HOLE IN THE GAS TANK AFTER DRIVING OVER AN OBJECT IN THE ROAD. *NJ
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
THIS CAR IS 12 YEARS OLD AND IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THAT IS WHAT THE MECHANIC JUST TOLD ME WHEN I TRIED TO GET AN ALIGNMENT. THE WHOLE REAR SUBFRAME IS RUSTED OUT.WHICH IS RIDICULOUS FOR A 2008 VEHICLE.CAR PULLS DRASTICALLY TO THE RIGHT ALSO NEEDS NEW BALL JOINTSALSO NEEDS A NEW OXYGEN SENSOR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT HAS EXPERIENCED SEVERAL FAILURES WITH THE VEHICLE EVER SINCE ITS DATE OF PURCHASE. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES ILLUMINATED AND BEGAN TO FAIL. SOON AFTER, THE VEHICLE FAILED COMPLETELY; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SAFELY MANEUVER THE VEHICLE TO HER DESTINATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE ELECTRONIC STEERING CONTROL MODULE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. TWO MONTHS LATER, THE CONTACT NOTICED A NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE TWO FRONT STRUT BOLTS WERE LOOSE FROM THE SPINDLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR FURTHER INSPECTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 900 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 4,230.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HOOD LATCH WAS CORRODED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO HAVE THE ROUTINE OIL MAINTENANCE PERFORMED DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000. UPDATED 06/13/17*LJ *CN
I WAS RECENTLY INJURED WHEN USING A 2008 KIA SPORTAGE. AS I WAS OPENING THE BACK DOOR, THE RING FINGER ON MY LEFT HAND WAS CAUGHT IN THE LATCH, BELOW THE EXTERIOR METAL PORTION WHERE YOU PUSH THE DOOR SHUT. THE END OF THAT FINGER WAS CRUSHED IN THE LOCK HIDDEN UNDER THE LATCH. IT BLED PROFUSELY AND HURT TERRIBLY. IT CONTINUED TO BLEED, AND WAS HORRIFICALLY BRUISED, ALTHOUGH I HAD IT IN ICE FOR OVER AN HOUR. THE INJURY KEPT ME UP DURING THE NIGHT, AND CONTINUED TO HURT, ANY TIME THE FINGER TOUCHED ANYTHING. WE RE-BANDAGED IT, ALWAYS PUTTING NEOSPORIN ON IT, THROUGHOUT THE FOLLOWING WEEKS. THE USE OF MY HAND WAS GREATLY LIMITED FOR THAT WEEK AND WELL INTO THE THIRD WEEK AFTER THE INCIDENT. I WAS TERRIBLY INCONVENIENCED WHEN TRYING TO TYPE, OF COURSE. THE INJURY CONTINUES TO CAUSE PAIN OFF AND ON, NEARLY FOUR WEEKS LATER. DURING THE FIRST WEEK, I DID NOT SLEEP THROUGH A SINGLE NIGHT WITHOUT BEING AWAKENED BY THE SHARP PAIN CAUSED WHEN THE FINGER BRUSHED AGAINST SOMETHING. IT CONTINUES TO HURT, HOWEVER, WHEN THE HAND IS USED FOR NORMAL ACTIVITIES SUCH AS GRIPPING THE STEERING WHEEL TO MAKE A SHARP TURN, PICKING ITEMS UP AT THE GROCERY STORE, WASHING MY HAIR, OR WHEN I INADVERTENTLY STRIKE MY HAND, EVEN LIGHTLY, SO THAT THE TIP OF MY HAND STRIKES A SURFACE. IT CONTINUES TO CAUSE PAIN THROUGHOUT THE DAY AND SOMETIMES EVEN NOW DURING THE NIGHT. OTHER USERS OF VEHICLES WITH MECHANISMS SUCH AS THIS SHOULD BE WARNED OF THE INJURY THEY CAN CAUSE. RENTAL CUSTOMERS, ESPECIALLY, SHOULD BE WARNED OF THIS POTENTIAL DANGER. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
SO I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY FRONT RIGHT TIRE I FEEL THAT IT WIGGLES AND WOBBLES A CLOG MY ALIGNMENT TO GET MY STUFF AND I ALWAYS NEED WORK DONE ON IT ABOUT EVERY 2 TO 3 MONTHS. I HAVE ALSO BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS CONTINUOUSLY GETTING LOCKED OUT OF MY CAR. MY CAR ON OR OFF ALWAYS LOCKS ME OUT OF MY CAR. MY PASSENGER DOOR NEVER LOCKS UNLESS I LOCK IT MYSELF MANUALLY. MY TRUNK DOOR NEVER OPENS AS WELL WHEN I PUSH THE UNLOCK BUTTON AND THE KEY MAILED IT WON'T FIT IN IT TO UNLOCK IT THAT WAY I FEEL THAT THE CAR OVER OR HAS A WIRING ELECTRICAL PROBLEM
ELECTRONIC STABILITY SYSTEM (ESS) DOESN'T WORK ON COLD DAYS. WHEN STARTING CAR ESS OFF LIGHT IS ON AND THE ESS SYSTEM WON'T WORK. TOOK CAR TO DEALER IN SPRING 2010 AND DEALER INDICATED THAT PROBLEM WAS A BAD BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. DEALER REPLACED SWITCH AND ESS APPEARED TO BE REPAIRED. COLD WEATHER HIT AGAIN AND THE ESS DOESN'T WORK AGAIN. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING SOUTH ON RT33, NEAR SNYDERSVILLE PA,AT ABOUT 60MPH THE DRIVER'S WINDOW "EXPLODED" I.E. SHATTERED INTO THOUSANDS OF PIECES. THERE WAS NO WARNING OF IMPENDING BREAKING-UP. THIS IS THE ONLY OCCURRENCE AT THIS TIME. NO ONE WAS INJURED AND I KNOW OF NO WITNESSES. I SHALL ATTEMPT TO HAVE THE DAMAGE REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY. *TR
TPMS - TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM AND HEATING UNIT. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE PURCHASED A 2008 KIA SPORTAGE AND I AM DISABLED AND OBESE. I TELEPHONED KIA TO REQUEST A SEAT BELT EXTENSION AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT NHTSA SAID THAT THEY WERE NOT ALLOWED TO MAKE THEM. WHY DO ALL OTHER AUTO MANUFACTURERS FORD,CHRYSLER,CADILLAC OFFER SEAT BELT EXTENSIONS? *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT HAS EXPERIENCED SEVERAL FAILURES WITH THE VEHICLE EVER SINCE ITS DATE OF PURCHASE. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES ILLUMINATED AND BEGAN TO FAIL. SOON AFTER, THE VEHICLE FAILED COMPLETELY; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SAFELY MANEUVER THE VEHICLE TO HER DESTINATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE ELECTRONIC STEERING CONTROL MODULE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. TWO MONTHS LATER, THE CONTACT NOTICED A NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE TWO FRONT STRUT BOLTS WERE LOOSE FROM THE SPINDLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR FURTHER INSPECTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 900 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 4,230.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .