KIA Sportage Suspension Problems
Owners have filed 153 complaints with NHTSA about suspension problems on the KIA Sportage across 21 model years. The 1998 model year has the most (26). The words owners use most often: “front end” (10% of reports).
- 153suspension complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 13mention a crash
- 2mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 33%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Front end: mentioned in 16 of 153 complaints (10%)
- Wheel bearings: mentioned in 8 of 153 complaints (5%)
At what mileage do suspension problems happen?
Based on 56 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 153 complaints, 13 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 2 an injury.
KIA Sportage suspension complaints by model year
| Model year | Suspension complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Sportage | 1 | 2% | — |
| 2023 Sportage | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2020 Sportage | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2017 Sportage | 1 | 0% | — |
| 2016 Sportage | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2014 Sportage | 3 | 2% | — |
| 2013 Sportage | 6 | 2% | 72,601 |
| 2011 Sportage | 5 | 3% | 28,254 |
| 2009 Sportage | 2 | 3% | 127,000 |
| 2008 Sportage | 2 | 2% | 900 |
| 2007 Sportage | 2 | 3% | — |
| 2006 Sportage | 5 | 5% | 81,321 |
| 2005 Sportage | 7 | 10% | 126,000 |
| 2002 Sportage | 12 | 5% | 56,700 |
| 2001 Sportage | 20 | 9% | 65,500 |
| 2000 Sportage | 23 | 8% | 83,774 |
| 1999 Sportage | 19 | 7% | 122,500 |
| 1998 Sportage | 26 | 9% | 79,000 |
| 1997 Sportage | 7 | 4% | 38,037 |
| 1996 Sportage | 3 | 5% | — |
| 1995 Sportage | 6 | 11% | — |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Suspension:rear
Model years: 1995
Problem: The nuts attaching the rear axle bearing oil seal retainers and brake backing plates to the rear axle housing may be under- torqued causing these units to loosen or fall off.
Risk: This condition can cause (1) oil leakage into the rear brake and onto the brake linings; (2) rear brake damage from the axle nutsfalling into the rear brake drums; or (3) separation of the rear wheel/axleshaft from the vehicle resulting in an increased potential for a vehicle accident.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and retorque the rear axle bearing oil seal retainer nuts.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
While traveling approximately 45 mph on a paved road, there was a sudden loud bang and the vehicle abruptly went to the right and left the roadway. A person who stopped at the accident scene also stated that he heard the bang. The vehicle entered the ditch and rolled multiple times. After the…
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…
Safety Complaint Description Vehicle: 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid LX 2025 Mileage: ~6,000 miles Issue status: Ongoing, multiple dealer visits (3 attempts), unresolved Related Kia case number: [XXX] Problem Description The vehicle demonstrates significant highway instability and unsafe handling…
On [XXX], I had a scheduled repair appointment for my 2020 Kia Sportage, which is experiencing swaying and instability, and unable to keep the vehicle straight at highway speeds in the front end, and ABS/brake issue on the driver-side front wheel. During the service appointment, my service advisor…
the rear subframe is completely rusted out the car only has 120,000 miles was able to get it home but something under it is making a banging noise looked under it and the subframe is rusted out
Frequently asked questions
Do all KIA Sportages have suspension problems?
No. NHTSA has 153 owner complaints about suspension 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 suspension?
Yes: 1 safety recall list suspension. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about suspension problems on the KIA Sportage?
The most frequent phrase is “front end”, in 16 of 153 complaints, followed by “wheel bearings” (8).
Other KIA Sportage problems
- Engine problems (1,506)
- Electrical System problems (630)
- Engine and Engine Cooling problems (480)
- Power Train problems (457)
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic problems (429)
- Air Bags problems (293)
- Structure problems (276)
- Fuel System, Gasoline problems (266)
See all KIA Sportage problems.