CSR

Kia · NHTSA safety record

2014 Kia Sportage

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

122

Complaints

2

Crashes

1

Fires

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

Owners of the 2014 Kia Sportage have filed 122 safety complaints with NHTSA between June 2014 and May 2026. The most complained-about system is the engine, named in 71 of them (58%). The typical failure was reported at 79,500 miles, the median across the 52 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

NHTSA has issued 3 recalls covering this vehicle. A further 1 defect investigation is open and unresolved.

Recalls (3)

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

22V051000 · February 2, 2022

Park outside until repaired

The defect
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2018 K900 and 2014-2016 Sportage vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire.
The risk
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The remedy
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will install a new fuse for the HECU circuit board, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 22, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC227.

Kia Motors America · up to 126,747 vehicles across all model years covered

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

18V907000 · December 19, 2018

The defect
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
The risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The remedy
Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.

Kia Motors America · up to 71,653 vehicles across all model years covered

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

14V023000 · January 27, 2014

The defect
Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2014 Kia Sportage vehicles manufactured September 30, 2013, through January 11, 2014. The certification label has incorrect tire pressure information printed on it, listing a specification that is 1 or 2 psi below the correct information. Thus, these vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."
The risk
Maintaining tire pressure below the recommmend specification could result in premature tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will correct the label information, and owners will also receive a sticker to put into the owners manual, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in February 2014. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall campaign number is SC103.

Kia Motors Corporation · up to 11,961 vehicles across all model years covered

Defect investigations (2)

An investigation means NHTSA has decided a pattern is worth examining. A preliminary evaluation is often closed with no action; an engineering analysis is the stage that usually precedes a recall.

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

AQ23002

Still open audit query · opened November 17, 2023

the hydraulic brakes

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.

Loss of Motive Power

DP22003

Closed defect petition · opened September 12, 2022 · closed December 12, 2023

the engine

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing.  There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

What owners report

Complaints naming each system. One complaint can name several, so these add up to more than 122.

ENGINE 71 58%
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 21 17%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 14 11%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 8 7%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 6 5%
POWER TRAIN 4 3%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 4 3%
VISIBILITY 4 3%
AIR BAGS 3 2%
SERVICE BRAKES 3 2%
STRUCTURE 3 2%
VISIBILITY/WIPER 3 2%

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2022 at 43.

2014 2022 2026
2014 to 2026, the last of them a part year

In owners' own words

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

AIR BAGS

1 injured · crash · towed · 1,905 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2014 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A ROAD SIGN, A POLE, AND ROLLED OVER SEVERAL TIMES. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUFFERED KNEE INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,905. ...01/04/17 *BF UPDATED 12/11/2017*JS

NHTSA complaint 10870011. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS

1 injured · crash · towed · 77,974 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2014 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE PASSED THE CONTACT ILLEGALLY ON THE SHOULDER. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO MOVE THE VEHICLE OVER A LITTLE WHEN THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE STRUCK GRAVEL AND LOST CONTROL. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE WENT AIRBORNE AND CRASHED INTO A GUARDRAIL. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED CHRONIC WHIPLASH, A CONCUSSION, A SORE ARM, AND BACK INJURIES. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS RECEIVED. THE OTHER VEHICLE FLED THE SCENE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND DEEMED TOTALED BY THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER. THE DEALER WAS NOT

NHTSA complaint 11169871, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STRUCTURE:BODY

1 injured · 100 miles

MY 5YEARS DAUGHTER HAVE HER WINDOW LITTLE OPEN WHEN SHE HAS HER FINGER ON THE WINDOW. I CLOSED THE WINDOW WITHOUT NOTICED THAT SHE HAS HER FINGER THERE. REALLY HURTS HER AND DIDN'T GET SO BAD BECAUSE SHE WAS FASTER IM WONDERING IF KIA DOESN'T PROVIDE A SAFETY LOCKER FOR WINDOWS PLEASEEEEEEEEEEE *TR

NHTSA complaint 10616427. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

fire · towed · 137,000 miles

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact opened the hood and noticed an abnormal burning odor. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed the oil was not entering the engine and an engine replacement was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 137,000. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number 22V051000 ( Service Brakes, Hydraulic).

NHTSA complaint 11462496. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
My vehicle stalled (104000mi) bought in 2024 looked up online was known between 2023-2024 engine recall I wasn't told or shown on Car Fax anything about this So [XXX] worked on engine 2. Mths no charge was to get new motor they replaced alternator.Told Done Engine light was on I went to drive it jerked and over dash said engine problems return to dealer ( 5 min) I did .They had it2 more weeks said Transmission box lied I found diagnostics in my dash says engine control problems.Theysaid I had to return loaner and take my vehicle It's not the transmission They are lying. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint 11736797. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
Engine went out , starter went out got it replaced been having issues since I purchased it . Makes a noise my engine oil and gasoline was mixing my engine is locked now

NHTSA complaint 11733904. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
Motor is knocking

NHTSA complaint 11709967. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
My Kia engine was replaced under recall. The replacement engine triggered P1326 KSDS failure while I was traveling overseas, placing the vehicle in limp mode. Kia USA refuses to assist or authorize diagnosis, leaving me stranded. This is a repeat recall-related safety failure, even though there is a Kia Dealership near me.

NHTSA complaint 11704954. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE

99,000 miles

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle jerked and failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. In addition, the vehicle hesitated and failed to exceed 40 MPH. The contact exited the freeway. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone, where it was diagnosed with a knock sensor failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the knock sensor however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle hesitated

NHTSA complaint 11691867, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
My truck consumes excessive engine oil.

NHTSA complaint 11685794. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Kia Sportage

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2026 25 1
2025 49 1
2024 66 3
2023 185 6
2022 45 1
2021 49 2
2020 159 2
2019 69 2
2018 162 3
2017 398 4
2016 130 2
2015 146 2
2013 380 3
2012 392 5
2011 181 6
2010 20 2 1

Other 2014 Kia models

Every Kia on this site — 176 vehicles, 208 recall campaigns and 1 open investigation .

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. What each state asks for , read from the statutes.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by
Independent developer and analyst