156 of the
6,792 complaints filed about the KIA Sportage
are about the suspension —
2% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 1998.
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 complaint #11745422 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 behavior under normal driving conditions. At highway speeds (approximately 50–70 mph), the vehicle exhibits excessive lateral movement and instability, especially after hitting potholes or uneven road surfaces. The car shifts horizontally after impacts, requiring immediate steering correction to maintain lane position. On grooved concrete highways (such as interstate routes toward [XXX] [XXX] ), the vehicle feels like it is floating and swaying continuously, even without strong wind conditions. The vehicle is also highly sensitive to moderate crosswinds (around 20–25 mph). At highway speeds, this results in noticeable rear-end drift and instability, requiring frequent steering corrections and creating concern about potential loss of control. Overall, the handling behavior is beyond normal expectations for this vehicle class and creates a safety concern at highway speeds. Safety Concern These conditions create a risk of loss of vehicle control, particularly: -After hitting potholes at highway speeds -During moderate crosswinds -On grooved or uneven concrete highways The instability increases driver workload and raises concern about potential accident risk if overcorrection occurs. Repair Attempts The issue has been reported to the dealer and service center three times, but no permanent resolution has been achieved. The problem remains reproducible under normal driving conditions. Additional Notes Concern exists regarding whether proper pre-delivery inspection (PDI) or alignment verification was fully completed prior to delivery, as the issue has been present since early ownership and persists at ~6,000 miles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11735477 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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, informed me that a metal undershield was not secure and recommended its removal due to not being vital to the safety, which I agreed to. However, the main concerns of swaying and brake issues remained unresolved. the master mechanic, test-drove the vehicle but was unable to reproduce the issue. I was told that a possible cause could be a messed-up air gap or a toe ring starting to split. That it would be $500 if that’s not the issue. I need to mention I have a warranty. I scheduled another service appointment for January 16th, 2026, hoping for a resolution. However, the service advisor, informed me that the technician was unable to find any issues with the vehicle after a test drive. I questioned the findings, pointing out that the mileage in and out was only 3 miles, making it impossible to properly diagnose the issue at highway speeds and was told it was taken down [XXX] which is not doable in 3 miles. Given the circumstances, I am concerned about the trustworthiness of the diagnostics and repairs performed on my vehicle, including the recall. I have audio and video evidence to support my claims. I would appreciate answers to the following questions: 1. How are complimentary car washes handled? 2. How was my vehicle driven on [XXX] to diagnose the swaying and inability to keep the vehicle straight in 3 miles or zero miles? 3. Why was I advised that I would be charged $500 for a new axle if that was not the issue when I brought the vehicle in for diagnostic testing? 4. How is my vehicle being diagnosed at highway speeds with no mileage or 3 miles added to the odometer? 5. How vital is the removed metal heat shield to the safety of the car? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5
NHTSA complaint #11712135 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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
NHTSA complaint #11682714 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Excessive body roll causes instability and loss of control. While driving on the interstate at normal speeds, driving over bumps such as bridge joints cause instability. Dealer investigated concern but stated this is normal on all sportage.
NHTSA complaint #11590175 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I took my car to the Kia dealer because I burn I was smelling burn oil. They told me that it wasn’t burn oil. It was the rubber burning I replace the inner and I’m still smelling the oil burning. I’m putting in oil four times a week, and they still not tell me why I’m putting so much oil then I want to say because I do too much highway mileage that’s why I probably burn it so much oil, but that should be impossible.
NHTSA complaint #11581422 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
We were driving down the road and heard a whine. About 2 minutes later there was a pop in both front wheels locked we could not move and we cannot get them to unlock
NHTSA complaint #11580042 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brakes keep squealing and as of a result of previous recall service my engine drink oil fast and not to mention the oil pan gasket is leaking oil. The engine smoke and have a burning smell that seep inside the car vents.
NHTSA complaint #11557805 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The frame has rusted out on this vehicle. The passenger side frame above the rear axle is completely rusted out. I can put my thumb through the rear frame on the driver's side. The exhaust system on this vehicle is still intact - ironic that the frame would rust out before the exhaust system.
NHTSA complaint #11519996 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
July 14, 2020 To whom it may concern I [XXX] is owner of Kia Sportage 2006 [XXX] I purchase this vehicle 12/2005 from Kia in Paramus NJ. This vehicle now has 137,296 miles also what make note it has not never been in accident or given me big issues. In May 2018, I received a recall on this vehicle for application of additional anti- corrosion material (SC104) which I brought my vehicle to Tenafly NJ (which is now closed) •Only July 2, 2020 appropriately 5:20 pm I was driven home to pick up my mother, I heard a weird sound coming from left back wheel. And continuing driving the sound got louder, I taken the vehicle to my mechanic and left there. •July 3, 2020, I went to pick up the vehicle and the mechanic showed me underneath the vehicle how the vehicle corrupted (photos include). The mechanic advises me not to drive the car that it is very hazardous to me and others on the road and I should notify the dealership. •July 5,2020, I called the customer relation of Kia which they stated that they will look at it and have vehicle towed to nearness Kia, which is Jack Daniels Motors, Inc Kia in Fairlawn NJ. The vehicle arrived 9:30 am. I received phone at 3:30 pm from Service Advisor [XXX], who actual ask me to come in and sign papers. I could not come on July 5,2020 •On July 6, 2020 I arrived at Kia Jack Daniels Motors, Inc at 5:30 pm to talk to Service Advisor [XXX], he stated that the vehicle was out of warranty and it was out of his hands and someone will get back to me. •On July 10, 2020 I received a phone call from Service Advisor [XXX] that the vehicle pass the warranty and they cannot help me with the issue. I should call customer relation. Then I called customer relation again, I talk to [XXX] ext. [XXX]. The customer servant, [XXX] stated that I should call my insurance company to pay for repairs, (out pocket). I told him that this issue is not my insurance company issue. The issue is Kia, which ha INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11500739 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My 2005 Kia Sportage dropped on the rear drivers side. The rear drivers side rear constant velocity axle fell out when the rear sub-frame separated from the suspension and split apart. This caused the tire and wheel to angle to 45 degrees out from bottom to top. The rust and corrosion caused a complete failure of the sub-frame's ability to hold the rear wheels on. This was at low speed. This is a well maintained vehicle with no other problems, the engine had been replaced 5-6 years ago. The Kia Sportage of this year range is a commonly used car still utilized today. If this had happened at highway speed it would have been a disaster.
NHTSA complaint #11463977 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
the car was bought certified used from Galpin Kia which is no longer in business. That location closed down. I had gone 2 times with the same issue and they refused to look under the car & mechanic basically said chill out it’s fine. Sent me to galpin Ford to which I talked to 2 employees and In tears expressed my fear and concern yet was told to relax and nothing was wrong .took to Kia new location 2 times was told to come back and 3rd I refused to leave till it was looked at. Mechanic said it was not in good shape and rep told me to not drive unless a emergency & would email me that night which was Saturday what labor it needed and prices and I’ve yet to hear back I followed up twice since and still no response ..the fact I was told not to drive & it mechanic stated to rep in Spanish, basically something with wheels and tires being eaten away while driving also a ball bearing cracked and they asked if I had receipts as it could be a lemon.. I try to keep all my conversations via chat or email for this very reason i also have emails I’ve communicated with corporate about the situation to which I had no response and most of the repairs that I got were at certified kia service stations. It needed alignment 4-6 within 6 months. Car pulling badly and needed tires changed or alignment each time. Car feels like it’s gonna fall apart and at times the wheel kinda tightens up and I feel i don’t have control. I’ve been dealing with this over a year and no one has even bothered to check after my constant emails, calls voicing my concern & fear of driving. It sits in garage since while trying to get Kia to do something, pandemic hit and coincidentally the warranty conveniently expired. Please help
NHTSA complaint #11445377 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
BOUGHT VEHICLE FROM TEAM GUNTHER KIA - DAPHNE, AL. VEHICLE ARRIVED IN COLORADO WITH ILLEGALLY LOW TIRE TREAD DEPTH AND UNUSUAL RATTLING IN THE REAR OF VEHICLE WHICH REQUIRES A HEAT SHIELD REPLACEMENT (I25 KIA IN COLORADO). VEHICLE ONLY HAS 23,000 MILES. ONE OWNER, CLEAN CARFAX REPORT. KIA REFUSES TO PAY FOR HEAT SHIELD REPLACEMENT AS VEHICLE RAN OUT OF WARRANT JUNE OF 2019 AND 10 YEAR POWERTRAIN WARRANTY WILL NOT SUFFICE DESPITE INCOMPLETE SALE (CASE NUMBER: 13917735). TIRES SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN SO POOR (HANKOOK) AT 4/32NDS AND EXTREME TIRE ROT WITH ONLY 23,000 ORIGINAL MILES. SUSPICIOUS LACK OF DOCUMENTATION REGARDING ODOMETER CHECK THAT HAS DELAYED REGISTRATION OF VEHICLE IN COLORADO. THE VEHICLE CONDITION UPON ARRIVAL WOULD HAVE BEEN AN ILLEGAL SALE IN THE STATE OF COLORADO.
NHTSA complaint #11387013 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, WHEN SHE DROVE OVER A POTHOLE AND DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR WHEELS SHIFTED. THE CONTACT DROVE TO HER RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC HOWEVER, WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,000.
NHTSA complaint #11327394 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THIS CAR IS 12 YEARS OLD AND IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THAT IS WHAT THE MECHANIC JUST TOLD ME WHEN I TRIED TO GET AN ALIGNMENT. THE WHOLE REAR SUBFRAME IS RUSTED OUT.WHICH IS RIDICULOUS FOR A 2008 VEHICLE.CAR PULLS DRASTICALLY TO THE RIGHT ALSO NEEDS NEW BALL JOINTSALSO NEEDS A NEW OXYGEN SENSOR
NHTSA complaint #11318807 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WHEN I PULLED IN MY YARD I HEARD A CLICKING IN THE WHEEL AND WHEN I GOT OUT THE WHEEL HAD SQUATTED OUT ON THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT.AXLE IS OFF. I WAS IN MOTION WHEN IT HAPPENED
NHTSA complaint #11268385 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LEFT REAR WHEEL MAKES A NOISE LIKE IT'S AN OLD OLD CAR, AS YOU DRIVING LOW SPEED. OR EVEN IF IT IS STATIONARY, IT MAKES THAT NOISE AS YOU GET IN OR GET OUT FROM THE VEHICLE. CAN'T PIN POINT, WHERE THE SOUND COMING FROM. ANNOYING.
NHTSA complaint #11221384 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL BEARINGS STARTED TO WEAR. THEY WERE REPLACED AND SEIZED UP WHILE DRIVING. A NEW WHEEL BEARINGS WAS REPLACED AND REPAIRED. AGAIN IT SEIZED UP WHILE DRIVING. CAR IS BEING TOWED TO SHOP FOR THIRD REPAIR. IT WAS RECOMMENDED I LOOK UP RECALL ON CAR NOTICED THERE WAS ONE RECALL AND 114 COMPLAINTS FOR SAME ISSUE FOR 2011-2014 SPORTAGES.
NHTSA complaint #11176379 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.