KIA Sportage Power Train Problems
Owners have filed 457 complaints with NHTSA about power train problems on the KIA Sportage across 29 model years. The 1998 model year has the most (63).
- 457power train complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 19mention a crash
- 9mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 39%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
At what mileage do power train problems happen?
Based on 187 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 457 complaints, 19 mention a crash, 8 a fire, 9 an injury.
KIA Sportage power train complaints by model year
| Model year | Power Train complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Sportage | 6 | 11% | 10,750 |
| 2024 Sportage | 3 | 4% | — |
| 2023 Sportage | 19 | 10% | 21,638 |
| 2022 Sportage | 3 | 7% | 60,000 |
| 2021 Sportage | 4 | 7% | 10,000 |
| 2020 Sportage | 3 | 2% | 19,019 |
| 2019 Sportage | 7 | 10% | 7,000 |
| 2018 Sportage | 18 | 11% | 39,500 |
| 2017 Sportage | 41 | 10% | 37,000 |
| 2016 Sportage | 8 | 6% | 145,000 |
| 2015 Sportage | 6 | 4% | 65,091 |
| 2014 Sportage | 4 | 3% | 84,000 |
| 2013 Sportage | 18 | 5% | 89,000 |
| 2012 Sportage | 21 | 5% | 83,000 |
| 2011 Sportage | 23 | 13% | 63,909 |
| 2010 Sportage | 2 | 10% | 116,310 |
| 2009 Sportage | 3 | 4% | 75,000 |
| 2008 Sportage | 12 | 12% | 24,900 |
| 2007 Sportage | 3 | 4% | 69,000 |
| 2006 Sportage | 6 | 5% | 146,400 |
| 2005 Sportage | 1 | 1% | 65,311 |
| 2002 Sportage | 23 | 10% | 55,500 |
| 2001 Sportage | 22 | 10% | 45,000 |
| 2000 Sportage | 41 | 13% | 42,734 |
| 1999 Sportage | 57 | 20% | 67,500 |
| 1998 Sportage | 63 | 21% | 86,838 |
| 1997 Sportage | 25 | 14% | 64,659 |
| 1996 Sportage | 11 | 19% | — |
| 1995 Sportage | 4 | 7% | — |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Power train:automatic transmission:fluid/lubricant:pumpPark outside
Model years: 2023
Problem: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Soul, Sportage, and 2023-2024 Seltos vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump to overheat.
Risk: An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
Fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the electric oil pump controller, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 28, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC275.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
While traveling at highway speeds on the freeway, the engine experienced a sudden, catastrophic failure, causing the vehicle to lose power and violently force itself into an emergency low-speed "limp mode." This created an immediate, severe collision hazard with surrounding high-speed traffic. The…
When driving at speeds slightly above 50 mph between 1,700 and 1,900 RPM, maintaining light pressure on the accelerator pedal causes a noticeable physical vibration and shaking throughout both the pedal and the vehicle. To mitigate these concerning symptoms, I intentionally have to press down…
Severe structural manufacturing defect in my 2021 Kia Sportage. A physical hole has formed in the floorboard on the driver side directly next to the pedals, creating an immediate risk of a catastrophic accident. The vehicle also has chronic failure of the air conditioning system, documented by…
High oil consumption burning a quart of oil every 500-600 miles.
Purchased my Kia on the XXX then on the XXX, My engine light came on and my car went into Safety Mode . I at once took it to Auto Zone and their test came back with P1326 Knock signal range / performance. I then looked it up and found that a recall was put out quite a while back called an [XXX] #…
Frequently asked questions
Do all KIA Sportages have power train problems?
No. NHTSA has 457 owner complaints about power train for the KIA Sportage. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the KIA Sportage power train?
Yes: 1 safety recall list power train. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
Other KIA Sportage problems
See all KIA Sportage problems.