FaultScore

KIA Sportage wheel problems

45 of the 6,792 complaints filed about the KIA Sportage are about the wheels — 1% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 1998.

45

Complaints

1%

Share of all complaints

6

Crashes

2

Fires

Wheels complaints by model year

1995 Sportage 1 2.2%
1996 Sportage 2 4.4%
1997 Sportage 2 4.4%
1998 Sportage 7 15.6%
1999 Sportage 3 6.7%
2000 Sportage 2 4.4%

Median failure at 50,000 miles

2001 Sportage 1 2.2%

Median failure at 20,000 miles

2002 Sportage 3 6.7%

Median failure at 2,380 miles

2005 Sportage 1 2.2%
2006 Sportage 4 8.9%

Median failure at 39,500 miles

2007 Sportage 1 2.2%

Median failure at 54,000 miles

2008 Sportage 1 2.2%
2012 Sportage 2 4.4%

Median failure at 3,600 miles

2013 Sportage 2 4.4%

Median failure at 92,055 miles

2016 Sportage 1 2.2%

Median failure at 15,900 miles

2017 Sportage 6 13.3%

Median failure at 1,774 miles

2018 Sportage 1 2.2%
2019 Sportage 1 2.2%
2020 Sportage 1 2.2%
2023 Sportage 2 4.4%
2024 Sportage 1 2.2%

What owners said

2017 KIA Sportage Hornell, NY

WHEELS

Unexplainable issues with brake pedal. Makes noise inside cabin that sounds like a squeaky door. Happens when depressing brake pedal at 20mph or less and does not in reverse. Pedal feels odd, somewhat pulsating and when turning, I believe, the front passenger wheel pulls. Steering wheel is noticeably affected also, noting a jerking sensation. Several mechanics are unable to identify the issue. There are no dash lights on.

NHTSA complaint #11744368 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 KIA Sportage Templeton, MA

WHEELS

AWD lock engaged but not functioning and no error lights indicating the such. This made the vehicle slip aggressively on lightly snowed roads. Once parked it needed to be winched out as only the front wheels spun, not engaging the rear tires.

NHTSA complaint #11704111 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 KIA Sportage Glandale, AZ

WHEELS

Air conditioner, have short circuit, it works at liveral. A wired is coming out from box underneath steering wheel. And the worst problem is the tires were totally unsafe to drive, found out this problem on Nov. 14, 2025 (bought car on September 27,2025) when took car to tire center. Right rear tire was a explosion to happen, was bold and bumped, after inspection was performed.

NHTSA complaint #11700981 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 KIA Sportage Honolulu, HI Crash 1 injured

WHEELS

Car rolled down the hill despite being on Park with Parking breaks engaged

NHTSA complaint #11627876 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2024 KIA Sportage Denver, CO

WHEELS

Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is not working correctly. It is under reporting pressure by over 3-5 PSI on Cold and Hot Tire. My vehicle is available for inspection upon request. TPMS is flagging in the system and pushing to over fill tire with air over prescribed pressure by the manufacturer. It is safety risk. I got my vehicle air pressure checked twice in 2 weeks by a national tire chain shop. It didn't happen before. it is first time. Issue first appeared 4 weeks back.

NHTSA complaint #11623808 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 KIA Sportage Indio, CA

WHEELS

Purchased a brand new 2023 Kia Sportage and at 10,000 miles my brakes felt like they were worn out, the car had a wobbling to it and a grinding sound. Took it into the dealer and they told me my brakes and rotors are worn out. They wanted $900.00. I complained to the manager and he said they would do it as a courtesy. Now again at 20,000 I am having the same issue. Again took it back and they told me they need to talk to me about my braking habits! Also they said they will do it again as a courtesy, which I am extremely grateful! But I do not want to change out my brakes and rotor every 10,000 Miles... We have purchased 3 brand new Kia for my family in the last year as we love them. But I am not feeling so safe driving my Sportage right now. I have had many cars [XXX] and never once had to replace brakes and rotors every 10,000 miles! 20,000 , 30,000 or even 50,000 Miles..The braking system is not correct and it has a wobble to it. I have read many complaints on line about the same issue. It needs to be looked into. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11590607 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2005 KIA Sportage Tucson az, AZ

WHEELS

My ESP button stays on and including the air bag light and I've tried everything trying to turn it off as well as my engine light and my hard parking brake which keeps turning on and won't turn off while driving and it feels harder to press the gas and I lost complete control on the freeway some how but I believe its due to my ESP button, idk much about cars so this is the best way I can describe it, not many cars around on the freeway but I would've died if there was.. the fuel system is always having issues as well amd ive changed it many times but I'm more worried about the fact that I lost control and the fact that when i use my parking break that the car won't hold completely so please please launch an investigation so I can get my car fixed, thank you.

NHTSA complaint #11555961 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 KIA Sportage Birmingham, AL

WHEELS

The AWD/4WD is failing in multiple 2023 sportages. I have a 2023 Sportage X-Pro that was purchased 12/30/2022. Current mileage is 7,731. The viscous coupling is faulty/failing in these vehicles. The sensor does come on in the car. The dealer has deemed the car “unsafe to drive”. The vehicle has been at the dealership since 8/29/2023. Currently the car has been dispatched to 4 different Kia master technicians for diagnosis, but no repairs have been done and no additional communication from the dealer service department. I spoke to Kia consumer services and they didn’t care one bit.

NHTSA complaint #11544630 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 KIA Sportage Parma, OH 2 injured

WHEELS

The tire suddenly exploded and the curtain air bag on the drivers side exploded too for some reason. I have a huge black eye and a concussion.

NHTSA complaint #11508465 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2012 KIA Sportage Springdale, AR

WHEELS

The day I drove the car off the lot after purchasing (roughly 4 years ago) the low tire pressure sensor came on and I was unable to get it to go off. Mentioned it to the dealership whenever I went back for my first oil change and they told me they were able to “wake it up” whenever they checked the tire pressure. It continues to not accurately read if the tire pressure is low or not. A couple of months ago (summertime) my sunroof would not close. I finally got it to close completely after having to turn the car on and off multiple times and I have not risked trying it again since. The biggest issue I’m having now is about a month ago (November) I went to start my car and not only would the engine not turn over, but all the lights kept flickering as if the alternator was going out. I not only replaced the alternator, but also have to get a brand new battery because it was completely drained and would not jump within a day. Now, a couple days ago, I went to start it again and it did something similar - though after doing some troubleshooting I think it might be a bad starter this time that has now killed my battery. Both of these times my car did not show any type of warning lights. My concern comes from the fact that several recalls for the exact same make/model/year of the vehicle I’m driving have been coming out and one of them includes the engine just “freezing up” or “dies for no reason” including while people are driving at highway speeds. No recall has been posted for my specific VIN number yet, but I’m concerned it’s just a matter of time based on these continued issues I’ve been having.

NHTSA complaint #11498733 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 KIA Sportage Miami, FL

WHEELS

My 2017 KIA Sportage was purchased in 2016 and does not have any recalls showing under my VIN number for this issue but I have all of the signs of a serious malfunction and the dealer won't respond. My car has less than 23k miles on it, I barely drive it because I work from home and all of the ABS warning lights are on including the ABS, Hill Descent, Tire Pressure, Traction/Stability Control, Emergency Brake Light. My dashboard light to Check TPMS also pops on the screen consistently and there is a weird smell coming from my dashboard. My husband is a certified mechanic for Largo Honda and he claims it is a safety issue in the vehicle that should be recalled. In addition to this issue, my windows will not go down and this will be the third time I have to take the car to the dealer to get fixed in the short period that I've had the car.

NHTSA complaint #11480594 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 KIA Sportage Indianapolis, IN

WHEELS

The vehicle will stall upon starting with push to start feature and you’d only hear clicking sound.

NHTSA complaint #11478927 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2006 KIA Sportage Tucson, AZ Fire

WHEELS

I purchased this vehicle from a private seller in August 2021 and attempted to obtain records of the vehicle Kia America Case ID #14353653 which Kia America has yet to provide me any information. I had a full diagnostic done by a certified mechanic at Borst Automotive in the state of Arizona on 09/18/21 where several concerns were reported to me that Kia failed to report. There is a new and concerning grinding with the engine on my 2006 Kia Sportage LX that sounds like it might be an exhaust leak. I hear loud grinding sounds now when turning on the car that immediately sound when it is fired up, and when accelerating is the worst, but the sound starts loud and is immediate when I turn on the vehicle and fire up the engine. Two days ago on 10-01-21 which was the last night I drove it as it feels unsafe to drive now, I did not get far before the front driver's tire closest to the engine completely blew out/ and exploded coming off of it's wheel and cap hinting at a potential engine problem or recalled defect. I had to immediately pull over and call AAA to come put the spare donut on my car to get it back home to park. The engine appears to have something wrong with the exhaust system and it sounds bad. I reported this today to Kia America case ID #14407655. I always make it a point to to check fluids and something is not right here. The car is overheated but Radiator is fine and coolant, and all other engine fluids are full but could be an engine issue that is dangerous. This engine sounds like it will burst at any minute its grinding and stalling so bad. Made an appointment with Royal Kia in my hometown Tucson, AZ for October 12, 2021 to have the fuel tank straps replaced and towed as apparently they are faulty and this was the soonest this dealership could perform this. I know the 2010-2021 Sportage models were recalled under Safety Recall 20V-750 but since this recall is somewhat new and yet to discover other Kia Sportage’s that might also be affected. Consumer also noticed malfunctioning of brake and tail lig

NHTSA complaint #11435323 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2013 KIA Sportage at 107,000 miles DES Moines, IA

WHEELS

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.

2018 KIA Sportage Frederick, MD

WHEELS

MY KIA SPORTAGE NEEDED A STEERING COLUMN REPLACEMENT AND AFTER IT WAS REPLACED THE CAR STARTED PULLING TO THE LEFT AND IT'S HARD TO KEEP STRAIGHT, I HAVE INFORMED THE DEALER AND TIRE ROTATION AND ALIGNMENT WAS DONE TO THE CAR BUT NEVER CHANGED THE CONDITION

NHTSA complaint #11297720 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2008 KIA Sportage Rochester, NY

WHEELS

SO I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY FRONT RIGHT TIRE I FEEL THAT IT WIGGLES AND WOBBLES A CLOG MY ALIGNMENT TO GET MY STUFF AND I ALWAYS NEED WORK DONE ON IT ABOUT EVERY 2 TO 3 MONTHS. I HAVE ALSO BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS CONTINUOUSLY GETTING LOCKED OUT OF MY CAR. MY CAR ON OR OFF ALWAYS LOCKS ME OUT OF MY CAR. MY PASSENGER DOOR NEVER LOCKS UNLESS I LOCK IT MYSELF MANUALLY. MY TRUNK DOOR NEVER OPENS AS WELL WHEN I PUSH THE UNLOCK BUTTON AND THE KEY MAILED IT WON'T FIT IN IT TO UNLOCK IT THAT WAY I FEEL THAT THE CAR OVER OR HAS A WIRING ELECTRICAL PROBLEM

NHTSA complaint #11205130 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2013 KIA Sportage at 77,111 miles Port Orchard, WA

WHEELS

I HAVE HAD MY VEHICLE LOOKED AT NUMEROUS TIMES SINCE I BOUGHT IT 3 YEARS AGO. THERE IS A ODD THUMPING/HUMMING LIKE SOUND COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD OR AXLE AREA, WHILE DRIVING, AT ANY SPEED. NOTHING HAS BEEN FOUND. MY VEHICLE SHAKES OCCASIONALLY WHILE DRIVING OVER 45 MPH. MY AIR PRESSURE LIGHT CONTINUES TO BE ON CONSTANTLY, EVEN AFTER SHELLING OUT THE MONEY TO HAVE THE SENSORS REPLACED. I ALWAYS FEEL LIKE I HAVE FLAT TIRES, ALTHOUGH THEY SEEM FINE WHEN I CHECK THEM. I AM CONCERNED FOR MY SAFETY, MY CHILDREN AND OTHER DRIVERS ON THE ROAD WHILE I AM DRIVING. I HAVE SEARCHED NUMEROUS TIMES FOR RECALLS AND FOUND NOTHING FOR MY VIN. HOWEVER, I WAS TOLD BY A DEALER THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR SAFETY CAMPAIGN (SOME UNDERBODY ADDL ANTI-CORROSION: SL). I HAVE HAD MY RADIO HEAD UNIT REPLACED AS IT WAS GLITCHING WHEN USING BACKUP CAMERA. THE RADIO STOPPED PLAYING THROUGH THE SPEAKERS, ALTHOUGH IT STILL SHOWED I HAD FULL CONTROL OVER THE VOLUME AND TOGGLING STATIONS. MY PHONE WOULD CONNECT VIA BLUETOOTH BUT I WAS UNABLE TO USE IT. I FEEL MY VEHICLE IS PART OF MANY RECALLS THAT HAVE PREVIOUSLY AFFECTED AND ARE CURRENTLY AFFECTING MANY KIA'S AND WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE IT IF IT CAN BE ADDED TO THE LIST SO I CAN HAVE A SAFE VEHICLE TO DRIVE AROUND FOR MY FAMILY. BELOW I PUT MY LAST SERVICE DATE AS WHEN IT STARTED HAPPENING, AGAIN IT HAPPENED JUST SHORTLY AFTER I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE IN 2016.

NHTSA complaint #11182898 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 KIA Sportage at 1,774 miles Evanston, IL

WHEELS

I HAVE HAD MY CAR FOR 30 DAYS & AFTER DRIVING FOR ABOUT 5 MILES THIS MORNING MY TIRE WARNING LIGHT SAID THE PSI WAS AT 19 FOR MY REAR DRIVER SIDE, SECONDS LATER IT WAS A 0. I PULLED INTO A GAS STATION WHERE WE DISCOVERED A HUGE TEAR IN THE SIDE WALL OF MY TIRE. THIS IS DEFINITELY A DEFECT AS I HAVE NOT BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT OR SCRAPPED ANY CURBS HOWEVER, ONCE I GOT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY SAID THAT THIS HAD TO BE CAUSED BY ME POSSIBLY HITTING SOMETHING. I THINK I WOULD REMEMBER HITTING SOMETHING THAT WOULD CAUSE A SLICE ACROSS MY PASSENGER REAR TIRE. SO IN A NUTSHELL I WAS FORCED TO BUY A NEW TIRE $181.00 FOR A CAR I HAVE HAD FOR 30 DAYS. NEITHER GROSSINGER KIA DEALERSHIP OR HANKOOK TIRE WOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. I WAS JUST ABOUT TO GET ON THE EXPRESSWAY AND THANK GOODNESS THE TIRE MALFUNCTIONED BEFORE I DID.

NHTSA complaint #11044659 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 KIA Sportage at 15,900 miles Hayden, ID Crash 1 injured

WHEELS

ON SEPT 3 2017 I WAS INVLOVED IN AN ACCIDENT IN WHICH MY DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED LEAVING ME WITH SEVERE BRUISES ON ABDOMAN AND BURN MARKS ON MY LEFT FOREARM. I WENT TO HOPSPITAL AND HAD AN ULTRASOUND DONE. OUR CAR WAS TOTALLED AND WANTED TO MAKE SURE THAT I AM GOING TO NOT HAVE ANY FURTHER MEDICAL ISSUES I HAVE POLICE REPORTS AND MEDICAL REPORT TO BACK THIS UP. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'

NHTSA complaint #11043829 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2001 KIA Sportage at 20,000 miles Fort Walton Beach, FL

WHEELS

BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE WITH ONLY 11K MILES FROM AN ELDERLY COUPLE THAT HARDLY DROVE IT. NOW AT 21K MILES, THERE IS A GAS SMELL COMING INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND ALSO OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. HAS A ROUGH IDLE AND GAS SPEWS OUT OF TANK WHILE I'M PUMPING GAS. THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE SOUNDS LIKE IT'S ABOUT TO FALL OFF. HAD TO REPLACE SPARK PLUGS TWICE ALREADY. ALSO, THE DRIVERSIDE SEATBELT WILL NOT RETRACT. I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE WITH ONLY 11K MILES THINKING IT WILL LAST FOR AWHILE, BUT I'VE HAD SO MANY ISSUES WITH IT.

NHTSA complaint #10940367 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other KIA Sportage problems