RoadVitals

2011 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.
181
Latest Jun 20, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
15
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.
15

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2011 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

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

Engine

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

84
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. While accelerating to overtake a vehicle driving under the speed limit, the vehicle started to stall. The check engine light was flashing, and the vehicle went into ECO mode. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a misfire and engine failure due to an oil leak. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

NHTSA ID 11744681 · filed Jun 17, 2026

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle for the State Inspection, the vehicle failed the Emissions test. The State Inspector diagnosed a failure with the Evaporative Emissions Control System (EVAP). The contact was informed that the system was leaking. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 243,000.

NHTSA ID 11647495 · filed Mar 10, 2025
All 84 reports naming engine

Electrical

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

38
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Front headlights went out also rear brake lights now I have a problem with brake light and tailgate lamp staying on when car and lights are off. The suspension has had a issue ever since I bought it it makes awful loud noises when driving and especially hitting bumps in road. Passenger front and rear windows won't roll down. Had to replace battery as well. Inside door handles fell off as well as outside rear handles.tire pressure indicator light stays on as well as the park assist and drive train lights stay on.problem with car going in drive sometimes it locks up and have to restart and slam on brakes several times to unlock

NHTSA ID 11745422 · filed Jun 20, 2026

KIA issue a recall for my vehicle. Visited the dealership as instructed and the replacement part was not available. After a month and a half, they still don't know when they will receive the part. Driving a car with a safety recall (fire possible) is not ideal.

NHTSA ID 11619604 · filed Oct 14, 2024
All 38 reports naming electrical

Brakes

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

26
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2011 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 dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID 11647865 · filed Mar 12, 2025

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sportage. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 19V101000 (Engine) and 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer, a second dealer, Team Kia of El Cajon (619-444-7200), and a third dealer, Kearny Mesa Kia (858 223-3131) were 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 and a case was opened. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID 11615014 · filed Sep 17, 2024
All 26 reports naming brakes

Powertrain (other)

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

23
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

2011 Kia Sportage engine stalling/failure. Has been having oil pressure/heating/oil feed line/consumption issues. Taken to a Kia dealership on multiple occasions for all routine maintenance, including every 3000 oil changes. Owner was told that a catalytic converter was needed in 2021 due to engine stalling/ failure while driving 55-60mph on highway to a rapid deceleration and vehicle would go >20mph. Owner had car towed to Kia dealership and had a new catalytic converter put on in 2021 by dealership. Then in 2022 same engine stalling occurred again. Taken back to dealership and was told car needed waste gate actuator replaced. Owner agreed to cost/repairs. Then during repair was told that another catalytic converter was needed due to sludge/clogging, when one was put on less than 1.5 years prior. With less than 20k miles on new one. Car engine continues failing and will not accelerate above 20-25 mph. Check engine light has come on and been diagnosed numerous times from 2018, when oil issues started to 2023. Both dealership and manufacture are aware of recurrent issues.

NHTSA ID 11548411 · filed Oct 5, 2023

I was driving 65mph on the Freeway and all of a sudden I have no power. I press acceleration to the floor and it done nothing. Code p200a Intake Manifold Code p420 Exhaust Manifold I couldn’t go no faster than 25/30 mph on an incline. I live in West Virginia so there’s inclines every few miles. I’ve been looking on the internet and I’m not the only one that is experiencing this. It needs to be fixed ASAP. And Dealership’s charge an arm and a leg for things like this. The parts alone are expensive. I believe it is going to get worse before it gets any better. So my opinion and many others say it needs to be a Recall on the 2011 KIA SPORTAGE 2.4L I4 FI DOHC 16V. Thank you for your time.

NHTSA ID 11421346 · filed Jun 17, 2021
All 23 reports naming powertrain (other)

Driver assistance

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

14
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I was driving down the highway at 55 mph with the cruise control on and when I came to a stoplight where I had to make a right, the brakes would not depress they were frozen or a hard break pedal. Apparently in 2023 Kia recalled 98,944 Kia Sportage SUVs due to a brake booster issue. My Kia is a 2011. It was very scary and I am having my vehicle towed to a Kia Dealership

NHTSA ID 11600275 · filed Jul 8, 2024

2011 Kia Sportage engine stalling/failure. Has been having oil pressure/heating/oil feed line/consumption issues. Taken to a Kia dealership on multiple occasions for all routine maintenance, including every 3000 oil changes. Owner was told that a catalytic converter was needed in 2021 due to engine stalling/ failure while driving 55-60mph on highway to a rapid deceleration and vehicle would go >20mph. Owner had car towed to Kia dealership and had a new catalytic converter put on in 2021 by dealership. Then in 2022 same engine stalling occurred again. Taken back to dealership and was told car needed waste gate actuator replaced. Owner agreed to cost/repairs. Then during repair was told that another catalytic converter was needed due to sludge/clogging, when one was put on less than 1.5 years prior. With less than 20k miles on new one. Car engine continues failing and will not accelerate above 20-25 mph. Check engine light has come on and been diagnosed numerous times from 2018, when oil issues started to 2023. Both dealership and manufacture are aware of recurrent issues.

NHTSA ID 11548411 · filed Oct 5, 2023
All 14 reports naming driver assistance

Exterior lighting

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

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Front headlights went out also rear brake lights now I have a problem with brake light and tailgate lamp staying on when car and lights are off. The suspension has had a issue ever since I bought it it makes awful loud noises when driving and especially hitting bumps in road. Passenger front and rear windows won't roll down. Had to replace battery as well. Inside door handles fell off as well as outside rear handles.tire pressure indicator light stays on as well as the park assist and drive train lights stay on.problem with car going in drive sometimes it locks up and have to restart and slam on brakes several times to unlock

NHTSA ID 11745422 · filed Jun 20, 2026

My 2011 kia sportage had a recall #23V65200. On [XXX] my radio started smoking and my headlights would not shut off even with car off and keys out. You had to unplug cable from battery for lights to go off and not run battery down. I called kia in bloomington indiana they said to not drive and call customer service to have towed. i called on [XXX] and talked to a lady, she was very rude and dismissive. Said they would not tow due to my kia being a 2011 it was to old and they would only tow if above 2015. She then said I had to pay and only if the lights and smoke was because of recall they would pay. But I did not know or have extra money for this and nowhere in our papers about recall does it say it had to be a certain year to tow, only to stop driving and call. So my disabled husband drove it to the dealership in bloomington on [XXX] and dropped off even though they were at risk. I did not hear anything from kia and called to make sure they received auto. They had said they found my car and did not know it was there on June 19th. My husband told a person there he dropped it off and I guess they didn't get messages. After having my car and me telling them what had happened they then said they fixed recall but would have to run a diagnostic for them to see if the other problems were because of it. Bloomington then said they could not say it was not because of the recall this happened they did not know. So they sent my car to headquarters to engineers is what bloomington told me. Did not hear from them again until July 19th stating again they were not sure. And we had to pay for diagnostic check of 195.00. On Aug 6th they messaged us and said they found issues but it was not because of recall. And we would have to pay roughly 2500.00 to fix, yet they stated my washer fluid was fine when in fact it is not hooked up, line broke. How is that? I said I was going to talk with someone and get back with them. My car is still there. Not once did they offer INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION

NHTSA ID 11608112 · filed Aug 12, 2024
All 11 reports naming exterior lighting

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The engine light came on and it started making loud noise, then the car started pulling on its own and it stop in the middle of the road. My safety Issue was I had to keep my driver hood open so other visible drivers could know my car had an issue. later on, that day I took my car to the mechanic and the mechanic said I have an oil leak and that's why my car started acting like that. The mechanic told me my car was ready to go, so I paid him and left thinking my car was fine. I drive 6 miles away from the car shop and my car broke down in the middle of the road. so, I had to call the tow truck people to tow my car until I could really find out what's wrong with my car.

NHTSA ID 11539580 · filed Aug 19, 2023

PURCHASED VEHICLE AT A REPUTABLE DEALERSHIP IN MARCH 2019. ON JUNE 12,2020, VEHICLE WOULD NOT START WHILE STATIONARY IN THE DRIVEWAY OF MY RESIDENCE. ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE DIAGNOSED DEAD BATTERY. TOOK VEHICLE TO THE KIA DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR TO REQUEST NEW BATTERY. THEY ARE STATING THAT THE CAR NOW NEEDS A NEW BATTERY AND A FUEL PUMP. I HAD NO ELECTRICAL OR FUEL RELATED BEFORE JUNE 12, 2020.

NHTSA ID 11329897 · filed Jun 21, 2020
All 10 reports naming fuel system

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

RECALL NO. 13V114 HAS STILL NOT BEEN RESOLVED. WITH NO PREDICABLE FREQUENCY, MY DAUGHTER'S CAR WILL SUDDENLY BE DIFFICULT TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK AND THE STEERING WILL BECOME MORE DIFFICULT, THE STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE, THE CRUISE CONTROL WILL BE INOPERATIVE, THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES WILL BECOME INOPERATIVE, BECAUSE THE STOP LAMP SWITCH CONNECTED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL IS MALFUNCTIONING. I BELIEVE THIS CAN BE REPAIRED BY A REPLACEMENT STOP LAMP SWITCH, AT LEAST TEMPORARILY. I DO NOT KNOW IF KIA HAS AN ALTERNATE SWITCH AVAILABLE TO INSTALL. IT HAS BEEN ALMOST EIGHT YEARS SINCE THIS RECALL STARTED. PLEASE PUT PRESSURE ON KIA TO RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM. I WANT TO GET THIS PROBLEM FIXED ON MY DAUGHTER'S CAR BUT I'D RATHER NOT PAY FOR IT MYSELF, BUT I WANT TO GET IT REPAIRED THIS YEAR. THANK YOU!

NHTSA ID 11390243 · filed Jan 27, 2021

THE STEERING WHEEL CONTROL IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY ESPECIALLY UNDER 60 MPH. I BELIEVE IT HAS A PROBLEM THAT COMES FROM THE FACTORY SETTINGS. I ALSO HAVE SEEN THAT MANY 2011 KIA SPORTAGE OWNERS HAVE THE SAME ISSUE WHICH IS VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE IT BECOMES VERY HARD TO KEEP THE CAR IN THE LINE.

NHTSA ID 11076590 · filed Mar 7, 2018
All 9 reports naming steering

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

MY SUNROOF SHATTERED OUT OF KNOW WHERE.

NHTSA ID 11110887 · filed Jul 11, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED. THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND GLASS SHATTERED INTO THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MURRAY KIA IN CONSHOHOCKEN, PENNSYLVANIA TO BE EXAMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED THE CONTACT WITH CASE NUMBER: 12665943. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71,010. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID 11080855 · filed Mar 22, 2018

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.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK WITH A FRIEND ON THE 10 FREEWAY IN SAN BERNADINO. WE HEARD A LARGE EXPLOSION AND GLASS STARTED COMING IN THE CAR FROM THE SUN ROOF AREA. APPARENTLY OUR SUNROOF SPONTANEOUSLY EXPLODED, HAVEN'T USED THE SUNROOF IN YEARS. LOOKED IT UP ONLINE AND APPARENTLY IT'S A THING THAT HAPPENS TO THESE KIAS.

NHTSA ID 10955612 · filed Feb 20, 2017

DUE TO KIA NOT APPLYING ENOUGH RUST PROTECTION/UNDERCOATING ON MY SPORTAGE. I AM EXPERIENCING RUST ALL UNDERNEATH MY CAR. I HAVE CONTACTED KIA AND THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT, TRYING TO GET THEM TO RECTIFY THE SITUATION AND BOTH HAVE REFUSED, EACH BLAMING THE OTHER FOR THE CAUSE. IN THE MEANTIME, I AM DRIVING MY SPORTAGE IN SNOW, ICE, WATER AND SALT IN MASSACHUSETTS. I HAVE ALSO TOLD THEM THAT MY CATALYIC CONVERTER WAS ALSO RUSTING TO THE POINT THAT THE ENTIRE EXHAUST SYSTEM NEEDS REPLACING. I AM ALSO VERY SCARED THAT THERE IS SUSPENSION DAMAGE FROM THIS HAPPENING. I AM CONSTANTLY HEARING GROANS, SCREECHING AND WHINING NOISES WHILE TRAVELING IN MY SUV.

NHTSA ID 10948143 · filed Jan 28, 2017

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.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Front headlights went out also rear brake lights now I have a problem with brake light and tailgate lamp staying on when car and lights are off. The suspension has had a issue ever since I bought it it makes awful loud noises when driving and especially hitting bumps in road. Passenger front and rear windows won't roll down. Had to replace battery as well. Inside door handles fell off as well as outside rear handles.tire pressure indicator light stays on as well as the park assist and drive train lights stay on.problem with car going in drive sometimes it locks up and have to restart and slam on brakes several times to unlock

NHTSA ID 11745422 · filed Jun 20, 2026

ENGINE IS BROKE

NHTSA ID 11193689 · filed Apr 3, 2019

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

The contact owned a 2011 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving at approximately 55 MPH she rolled over a large puddle of water on the roadway. The contact stated that she hydroplaned and she lost control of the vehicle. The contact stated that she drove off of the roadway and down an embankment and rolled over several times before coming to a stop at the bottom of the embankment. The contact was transported by ambulance to a hospital. The contact stated she was diagnosed with a concussion, bruises to both arms, a sprained left ankle, and cuts to her hands and feet. The contact stated that she was conscious when she was removed from the vehicle and noted that only the side air bags had deployed. The driver's front air bag had not deployed. The contact stated that the police were on the scene but was not sure if a report had been written. The contact stated that the vehicle had been towed to an impound lot and declared a total loss by her insurance provider. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

NHTSA ID 11609590 · filed Aug 20, 2024

Airbag Clock Spring does not work properly. It has been recalled on other KIA's but not mine. I was told to just turn the steering wheel to get the cruise to work, but don't know if that will make the airbag work in case of an accident if it's not fixed!!

NHTSA ID 11427038 · filed Jul 29, 2021

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the cabin started filling up with white smoke and she could smell a burning plastic odor. The contact continued driving to her destination. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact attempted to place the vehicle into park(P) and the shift knob failed to move to park(P). The contact was able to shift to drive (D), neutral(N), and reverse(R). The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who took the console apart and was able to get the knob from being stuck. The vehicle had not been taken to a dealer to be diagnosed for the burning odor. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000.

NHTSA ID 11495776 · filed Dec 2, 2022

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SPORTAGE EQUIPPED WITH KUMHO SOLUS TIRES, SIZE 225/60 R17. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL FOUR TIRE BELTS WERE WEARING PREMATURELY. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE TO THE CONTACT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO NOTIFIED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE TIRES WERE NOT REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE ON THE TIRES AND THE VEHICLE WAS 23,340.

NHTSA ID 10502529 · filed Mar 12, 2013

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ADJUSTMENT HANDLE FOR THE FRONT DRIVER SEAT FRACTURED UPON ENGAGING. THE CONTACT WAS IN THE PROCESS OF TAKING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,852. UPDATED 09/21/11*LJ UPDATED 2/23/12 *CN

NHTSA ID 10421376 · filed Aug 24, 2011

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 .