RoadVitals

2010 Kia Sportage Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
20
Latest May 24, 2024
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
10
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
3

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2010 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

  • Brakes625.0%
  • Seat belts416.7%
  • Airbags416.7%
  • Engine28.3%
  • Driver assistance28.3%
  • Powertrain (other)28.3%
  • Exterior lighting14.2%
  • Steering14.2%
  • Body & structure14.2%
  • Electrical14.2%

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

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2010 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving at unknown speeds, the vehicle was jerking, and the electronic stability control warning light was illuminated. The failure recurred intermittently. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID 11586194 · filed Apr 30, 2024

The contact owns a 2010 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the battery had been replaced twice. The contact also stated that there was a burning rubber odor in the interior of the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle would not start. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID 11572889 · filed Feb 20, 2024

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.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I FILED A COMPLAINT BEFORE KIA CALLED AND SAID THEY WOULD REPLACE SEAT BELT AS A COURTESY BUT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY LABOR, DEALER SAID A MOUSE CHEWED IT, I HAD 2 PEOPLE LOOK AT IT AND IT IS FRAYED, ONLY ONE, NO OTHER SEAT BELT, COAT, TOWELS, WALMART TOTES NOTHING NOT EVEN THE PAPERS THAT CAME WITH CAR AND I AM THE ONLY ONE THAT DRIVES IT EXCEPT FOR DEALERSHIP MECHANICS. I AM NOT PAYING FOR SOMETHING THAT THEY KNOW IS THEIR FAULT. I FILED IN SEPTEMBER, AND THEY JUST CALLED A WEEK AGO AND TODAY, IF YOU CAN'T HELP ME I WILL TAKE THE MATTER TO THE STATE POLICE FOR THE SEATBELT FRAYED IS RIGHT ACROSS MY CHEST . NOTHING HAPPENED YET BUT IF I AM IN A ACCIDENT I WILL BE HURT

NHTSA ID 11144546 · filed Oct 31, 2018

INSIDE RIDER SEATBELT IS FRAYED BAD, WHEN ON IT IS ACROSS CHEST WHEN NOT USED FRAYED PART IS DOWN INSIDE, THE KIA GARAGE IS BLAMING A MOUSE CHEWED, NO WAY COULD A MOUSE GET IN THAT TINY PLACE THAT IS ONLY SIZE OF A THIN PAPER PLATE, KIA WHEN I CALLED HE HUNG UP ON ME,IF I AM IN A ACCIDENT INJURED OR DIE FROM THIS THEY WILL BE SUED, I DROVE FRIDAY,SATURDAY AND MONDAY WITH AIR ON NO SMELL, TUESDAY DRIVER SAID AS SOON AS HE GOT IN HE COULDN'T STAND THE SMELL ,THEY SAID ON MY COPY OF SERVICE PAPER THEY FOUND 2 MICE LIVING NONE DEAD, BUT PERSON AT GARAGE SAID HE FOUND 1DEAD, ONE LIVING, MY PAPER I GOT FROM GARAGE SAYS 2 LIVING NONE DEAD, THIS IS BESIDE THE POINT FOR I KNOW AND SO DOES GARAGE AND KIA MFG. KNOW THERE IS NO WAY A MOUSE COULD GET IN THERE AND CHEW, IT IS FRAYING LIKE IT IS CATCHING ON VERY THIN SPACE WHERE YOU GET IT OUT. I DON'T KNOW HOW TO GET KIA TO LISTEN AFTER KIA SERVICE SAID MICE PROBLEM,WHAT IS REALLY BAD IS KIA MFG. HANGING UP ON ME , GARAGE SAYING WHAT THEY SAID, AND SEAT BELT WILL NOT PROTECT ME IN A ACCIDENT

NHTSA ID 11127973 · filed Sep 6, 2018

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.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2010 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN ANIMAL RAN OUT ONTO THE ROAD AND CAUSED HIM TO CRASH INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED CHEST INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A TOW YARD. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED; HOWEVER, THE CALL WAS DISCONNECTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,000.

NHTSA ID 11141234 · filed Oct 18, 2018

VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A SIDE IMPACT YET THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE ACCIDENT RESULTED IN THE DEATH OF A REAR SEAT PASSENGER. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED BEFORE THE ACCIDENT SUCH AS "CHECK ENGINE" OR THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT. VEHICLE WAS TURNING LEFT ONTO A HIGHWAY AND WAS "T BONED" BY A UPS TRUCK TRAVELING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. FRONT AIRBAGS DEPLOYED BUT SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. FRONT PASSENGERS SURVIVED THE CRASH, ALBEIT WITH INJURIES REQUIRING HOSPITALIZATION. INSURANCE COMPANY WILL BE TAKING POSSESSION OF THE VEHICLE IN THE NEXT DAY OR TWO.

NHTSA ID 11101169 · filed Jun 11, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2010 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 Service Brakes, Hydraulic however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts are not available. 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID 11560288 · filed Dec 15, 2023

CAR WAS RUNNING AND BEGAN TO LEAVE STORE PARKING LOT, CAR WAS KNOCKING, AND THEN ENTIRE CAR STOPPED WORKING-POWER STEERING, LIGHTS, BRAKES. CAR WOULD NOT START AGAIN. AFTER TOW AND DIAGNOSIS, THE ENGINE WOULD NOT TURN OVER. NO OIL WAS FOUND IN THE ENGINE. THE OIL LIGHT HAD BEEN INTERMITTENTLY LIT ON HILLS BUT WAS NOT ON CONSISTENTLY. CAR HAD BEEN KNOCKING INTERMITTENTLY THE WEEK PRIOR. TECHNICIAN SAID THAT IT WAS POSSIBLE ROD FAILURE. THERE WERE NO OIL LEAKS UNDER THE CAR. THERE WAS NO UNUSUAL SMELL UNTIL IT DIED. OIL HAD BEEN CHANGED LESS THAN 3 MONTHS PRIOR.

NHTSA ID 11110944 · filed Jul 12, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2010 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving at unknown speeds, the vehicle was jerking, and the electronic stability control warning light was illuminated. The failure recurred intermittently. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID 11586194 · filed Apr 30, 2024

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO DEACTIVATE WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000.

NHTSA ID 11395431 · filed Feb 9, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2010 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the ABS and the 4WD warning lights illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID 11570381 · filed Feb 6, 2024

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY BECAME STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND HE WAS ABLE TO SHIFT THROUGH THE GEARS WITHOUT DEPRESSING THE GEAR SHIFT BUTTON. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 62,619.

NHTSA ID 10486083 · filed Nov 26, 2012

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

WHEN TURNING ON THE VEHICLE IT SOUNDS LIKE SOMEONE IS PUSHING ON THE GAS PEDAL .SOMETIME THE START UP AND SOME TIMES IT DOESN'T. NOW ALL THE INTERIOR LIGHTS WENT OUT AND ALSO THE BRAKE LIGHTS AND THE REGULAR LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING . THEY JUST STOP

NHTSA ID 11318776 · filed Mar 20, 2020

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

WHEN TURNING ON THE VEHICLE IT SOUNDS LIKE SOMEONE IS PUSHING ON THE GAS PEDAL .SOMETIME THE START UP AND SOME TIMES IT DOESN'T. NOW ALL THE INTERIOR LIGHTS WENT OUT AND ALSO THE BRAKE LIGHTS AND THE REGULAR LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING . THEY JUST STOP

NHTSA ID 11318776 · filed Mar 20, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

WHEN TURNING ON THE VEHICLE IT SOUNDS LIKE SOMEONE IS PUSHING ON THE GAS PEDAL .SOMETIME THE START UP AND SOME TIMES IT DOESN'T. NOW ALL THE INTERIOR LIGHTS WENT OUT AND ALSO THE BRAKE LIGHTS AND THE REGULAR LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING . THEY JUST STOP

NHTSA ID 11318776 · filed Mar 20, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ON 11/28/2016 NHTSA RECALL #: 16V815 AND IMMEDIATELY CALLED BERGSTROM KIA IN OSHKOSH, WI TO SCHEDULE REPAIR. WAS TOLD PARTS NEEDED TO BE ORDERED AND WOULD RECEIVE NOTICE WHEN PARTS WERE IN. CALLED AGAIN ON 1/23/2017 AND WAS TOLD PARTS HAD NOT ARRIVED AND DEALER HAD BEEN TOLD THAT KIA COULD NOT PROVIDE DATE WHEN PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. CONTINUING TO PARK VEHICLE OUTSIDE BECAUSE OF FIRE HAZARD AS RECOMMENDED IN RECALL NOTICE. NOT VERY CONVENIENT IN WISCONSIN IN WINTER.

NHTSA ID 10947065 · filed Jan 23, 2017

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

Data on this page last refreshed .