29 of the 6,792 complaints filed about the KIA Sportage are about the seats — 0% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2023.
29
Complaints
0%
Share of all complaints
6
Crashes
2
Fires
SEATS
Seat warmer started to catch on fire
NHTSA complaint #11746500 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEATS
Within just two years of normal use, the front driver-side leather seat in my vehicle has developed multiple cracks. I contacted the dealer and was dismissively told this obvious defect is considered “normal wear and tear” and therefore not covered under warranty. I then contacted Kia customer service, only to be told they “do not handle warranty issues” and that everything is the dealer’s responsibility. This complete lack of accountability is unacceptable. If Kia’s so-called “leather” seats cannot last more than two years, then the product is clearly substandard. Had I known the materials were this poor and customer support would be this unhelpful, I would never have purchased a Kia—let alone paid extra for a leather interior. Between the low-quality materials and the ineffective customer service, this has been an extremely disappointing ownership experience.
NHTSA complaint #11734114 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEATS
I purchased this car from a dealership. After getting home, I realized the rear safety head restraints were missing. After multiple attempts to contact and ask for this to be fixed, I don't get returned calls and have not received the replacement head restraints. I was NOT notified at the time of purchase these were missing. I will not let passengers sit in my rear seat without these safety headrests.
NHTSA complaint #11729982 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEATS
Vehicle caught fire while idling unattended with seat warmers activated. The driver seat ignited and fire spread across the seats to the headrest in the backseats and sunroof area. No one was inside the vehicle at the time. Multiple eyewitnesses confirm no one was near the vehicle. Surveillance footage captured the incident. Police report confirms no arson or external cause. A campus officer noted the fire may be related to the seat heater system. Vehicle is currently undrivable due to severe interior fire damage.
NHTSA complaint #11725134 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEATS
On Feb. 1, 2026 my 2022 Kia Sportage caught fire while parked and turned off. The vehicle had been stationary and was not running at the time the fire started. There were no warning lights, no prior overheating, and no collision or external cause. The fire appears to have originated from the engine/electrical area. This incident resulted in a total loss of the vehicle and posed a serious safety risk, as the fire occurred without warning. The vehicle was properly maintained and had no known modifications. This incident is concerning due to previous reports of Kia vehicles experiencing spontaneous fires related to electrical or engine components. I am requesting this incident be investigated for potential defects in electrical systems or engine components that may cause fires while the vehicle is parked and turned off.
NHTSA complaint #11714821 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEATS
Drivers seat reclines but gets sick in that position. You can toggle the control but sometimes it goes back into more of recline, and getting harder to get back up.
NHTSA complaint #11644771 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEATS
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that the driver's seat was inoperable. The contact stated that the driver's seat latch failed to function properly while attempting to adjust and move the seat forward. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.
NHTSA complaint #11643955 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEATS
We purchased a new 2023 Kia Sportage a month ago (January). There are several issues we’ve encountered. One week after purchase, the doors on the vehicle would lock on it’s own and we weren’t able to unlock them. The key fob nor trying to unlock the doors manually would not work. At times, we weren’t able to lock or unlock the doors and had to do it remotely from the Kia app on the phone. I spoke with the salesperson and manager from the dealership on two separate occasions. I was told to change the batteries in the key fobs, but the problem continues. The second issue is that we noticed the back seat on the driver’s side popped forward. At one point, the seatbelt warning would alarm when no one’s sitting there. The third problem is the airbag warning sign illuminating which started today. This is a major concern. The Kia service depart where we purchased the vehicle said it could be 3 months or more before they could check the vehicle. I called another dealership and they’re going to see service the vehicle next week.
NHTSA complaint #11507139 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEATS
The vehicle was purchased new from the dealer in May 2021. Parked in the driveway and while attempting to adjust the seat height manually, the lever snapped off locking the seat height into its last position. The lever and its "teeth" are made of plastic which appears obviously and ultimately designed to fail. This could be a potential safety issue if the driver attempts to adjust the seat height while the vehicle is in motion. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? NO; the dealer will be notified tomorrow. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? NO; the dealer will be notified tomorrow. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure? NO; the dealer will be notified tomorrow.
NHTSA complaint #11456991 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEATS
PASSANGER SEAT HAD A L SHEAP BURN APEAR AFTER TURNNING ON THE SEAT WARMER.
NHTSA complaint #11243456 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEATS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WAS TOO LOW AND COULD NOT BE ADJUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THREE DIFFERENT DEALERS, INCLUDING CHINO HILLS FORD (909-203-5700, LOCATED AT 4480 CHINO HILLS PKWY, CHINO, CA 91710), BUT THEY STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT IT WAS A KNOWN FAILURE, BUT THEY COULD NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REMEDIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 34,000.
NHTSA complaint #11186625 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEATS
HEATING COIL THAT WARM THE SEAT CAUSE SEAT TO MELT AND L SHAPE. PATTERN ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. IT'S LOCATION IS TO THERE REAR OF THE BOTTOM WHERE THE RIGHT SIDE OF YOUR BUTT WITH REST. THE OUT SIDE TEMPERATURE WAS 42 DEGREES. THE CAR WAS SETTING IN THE DRIVEWAY OF HOUSE. WE HAD THE SEAT SET TO IT HIGHEST SETTING OF THERE DOTTED LINES.
NHTSA complaint #11156657 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEATS
THE DRIVER'S SEAT BACK EXHIBITS MOVEMENT WHEN IT IS IN A LOCKED POSITION. WHILE DRIVING AND WITH THE SEAT BELT FASTEN, CAN FEEL THE SEAT BACK MOVE SLIGHTLY FORWARD DURING BRAKING OR WHILE BRAKING GOING DOWNHILL. WHILE DRIVING ON A FLAT ROAD SURFACE, CANNOT FEEL SEAT BACK MOVEMENT. UPON NOTICING MOVEMENT, TRIED PHYSICALLY TO MOVE SEAT BACK (WHILE NOT SITTING IN THE SEAT) AND THE SEAT BACK DOES EXHIBIT MOVEMENT WHILE MOVING THE SEAT IN A ROCKING SIDE TO SIDE (LEFT TO RIGHT) MOTION, BUT CANNOT FEEL MOVEMENT WHEN MOVING THE SEAT IN A ROCKING (FRONT TO BACK) MOTION. WHILE THE PASSENGER SEAT EXHIBITS A SLIGHT MOVEMENT JUST LIKE THE DRIVER'S SEAT, THE MOVEMENT IS MORE NOTICEABLE WITH THE DRIVER'S SEAT. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A KIA DEALERSHIP SERVICE DPT. AND WAS TOLD THE MOVEMENT WAS NORMAL AND THERE WERE NO ISSUES WITH THE SEATS. VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED USED AND ISSUE FIRST NOTICED WITHIN A MONTH OF PURCHASE.
NHTSA complaint #11031540 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEATS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE CONTACT SMELLED A BURNING ODOR AND FLAMES ERUPTED UNDER THE DRIVER SEAT. THE CONTACT PLACED THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND EXITED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE CONTACT WAS UNINJURED, BUT WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,000.
NHTSA complaint #10860134 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEATS
THE AIRBAG LIGHT HAS COME ON TWICE IN THE PAST YEAR. THE DEALER RESETS THE CODE/LIGHT AND CLAIMS I NEED TO HAVE THE PASSENGER SEAT REPLACED FOR APPROX. $2,000! THERE ARE OTHER 2006 KIA MODELS THAT HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR FAULTY PASSENGER SEATS BUT NOT THE SPORTAGE. MY FAMILIES SAFETY IS BEING COMPROMISED AND THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE THAT SHOULD HAVE A RECALL. I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PAY OUT OF MY OWN POCKET TO REPAIR A FAULTY SAFETY ITEM. IF IT'S A BIG ENOUGH ISSUE TO HAVE A REPAIR BULLETIN ISSUED IT SHOULD BE RECALLED IMMEDIATELY.
NHTSA complaint #10631559 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEATS
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
NHTSA complaint #10421376 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT
THE HEADREST POSITION IN NEW VEHICLES HAS CAUSED THORACIC OUTLET SYNDROME IN THIS DRIVER WHO IS 5'4". MY CERVICAL SPINE IS FORCED OUT OF ALIGNMENT WITH MY THORACIC AND LUMBAR SPINE. AFTER DRIVING FOUR OR FIVE HOURS WHICH I DO FOR WORK, I EXPERIENCE NECK AND SHOULDER PAIN. ARM AND HAND TINGLING/NUMBNESS AND PAIN IS SO SEVERE THAT IT HAS INTERFERED WITH THE PERFORMANCE OF MY JOB. I CAN PROMISE YOU THAT IF I EXPERIENCED A REAR-END COLLISION, I WOULD SUFFER A CLOSED HEAD INJURY AS MY HEAD AND NOT MY NECK RESTS DIRECTLY AGAINST THE HEADREST. I'D RATHER TAKE MY CHANCES WITH WHIPLASH. JUST AS ALL DRIVERS DON'T HAVE THE SAME LEG LENGTHS, NEITHER DO ALL DRIVERS HAVE THE SAME TORSO LENGTH. THERE WILL BE MANY, MANY, MANY MORE SEVERE INJURIES IN SHORTER PEOPLE. JUST WATCH THE DATA, WHICH WILL SPEAK VOLUMES. THERE ARE INJURIES NOW WITHOUT COLLISION. THERE IS NO ADJUSTMENT AVAILABLE TO LOWER THE HEADREST TO ITS INTENDED POSITION, AGAINST THE NECK. THE ONLY ALTERNATIVE IS TO REMOVE IT COMPLETELY.
NHTSA complaint #10398341 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEATS
I WAS RECENTLY IN AN ACCIDENT IN WHICH I WAS REAR ENDED BY A BUS. AT THE INSTANT THAT THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED MY AIRBAGS WENT OFF AND MY DRIVERS SEAT COLLAPSED BACKWARDS. AFTER THE ACCIDENT I LOOKED AT THE SEAT AND SAW THAT THE HINGES THAT HOLD THE CUSHION AND SEATBACK TOGETHER BOTH SNAPPED CAUSING THE SEAT TO COLLAPSE BACKWARDS. IT IS A GOOD THING NO ONE WAS SITTING BEHIND ME AS THEIR LEGS WOULD HAVE BEEN CRUSHED.
NHTSA complaint #10214012 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
I WAS DRIVING A KIA SPORTAGE 2001 AND WAS STRUCK IN THE REAR BY A TRACTOR TRAILER. THE IMPACT WAS SO GREAT IT BROKE THE BACK SUPPORT OF MY SEAT. THE TRUCK FORCED ME INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME SO HARD THAT I CRUMBLED THE TRUNK OF THAT VEHICLE. IN ALL 5 VEHICLES RECEIVED DAMAGE. MY VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. MY SEAT BROKE AND MY AIRBAGS INCLUDING A KNEE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. I RECEIVED WHIPLASH TO THE NECK AND DAMAGE TO MY RIGHT LEG. I FEEL THAT HAD MY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED I WOULD NOT HAVE RECEIVED THE DAMAGE TO MY LEG. ALSO I BELIEVE HAD MY SEAT BACK SUPPORT STAYED UPRIGHT I WOULD NOT HAVE RECEIVED THE INJURIES AS BAD. *NLM
NHTSA complaint #10016912 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
I WAS STOPPED BEHIND TWO CARS WAITING TO MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN. I WAS REARENDED BY A MAN GOING APPROXIMATELY 50MPH AT IMPACT, I WAS SLAMMED IN TO THE PERSON IN FRONT OF ME, AND SHE HIT THE PERSON IN FRONT OF HER KNOCKING THAT SUV IN TO ON COMING TRAFFIC. ALL FOUR CARS WERE TOTALLED AND EVERYONE'S AIRBAGS WENT OFF EXCEPT FOR MINE. MY FACE TOOK OUT THE VISOR AND HIT THE STEERING WHEEL. THE FRONT SEATS RECLINED AT IMPACT AS WELL.
NHTSA complaint #10007687 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.