KNAJE55538K5079942008 KIA SportageKM
2008 KIA Sportage was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 3 open recalls on record — these are safety-critical and should be addressed immediately. 98 o...
Executive Summary
2008 KIA Sportage
2008 KIA Sportage was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 3 open recalls on record — these are safety-critical and should be addressed immediately. 98 owner complaints include 5 reported injuries, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.
- 3 open recalls including safety-critical systems (Fire risk — park outdoors recall; Brake system recall)
- 5 injuries reported across 98 owner complaints
- High fire risk — 24 complaint(s) involved a fire
- Electrical is flagged in both recalls and owner complaints — double-confirmed failure pattern
- High lemon law risk indicators — multiple safety-critical recall and complaint patterns present
- Component failure cascade detected — a known defect pattern that typically leads to more severe downstream damage
Title Brand Check
Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull
No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.
Vehicle Specifications
Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database
- Make
- KIA
- Model
- Sportage
- Year
- 2008
- Trim / Series
- KM
- Vehicle Type
- PASSENGER CAR
- Drive Type
- 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4
- Manufacturer
- KIA CORPORATION
- GVWR
- Class 2F: 7,001 - 8,000 lb (3,175 - 3,629 kg)
Safety Intelligence
Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data
- ▸Fire risk — park outdoors recall
- ▸Brake system recall
- ▸24 complaint(s) involved a fire
- ▸1 recall(s) involve fire or ignition risk
- ⚠2 recalls on same component: Electrical
- ⚠2 recalls on same component: Brakes
- ⚠5 injuries reported in complaints
- ⚠Safety system appears in both official recalls and owner complaints
Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.
The same components appear in both official NHTSA recalls and owner-filed complaints — a double-confirmed failure signal.
Deferred Failure Risk
Components and defects approaching or past their known service milestones
A snapped timing belt causes immediate, catastrophic engine damage — bent valves, destroyed pistons. No warning. Replace before the interval, not after.
Worn chain tensioners cause timing chain skip or snap — common on GM 5.3L/6.2L, Ford EcoBoost, VW/Audi EA888, BMW N47/N63. Listen for cold-start rattles.
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
On 4WD/AWD vehicles, neglected differential or transfer case fluid causes metal-on-metal wear. Replacement costs $1,500–$4,000.
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.
One failed component has created stress on connected systems. Repair costs compound quickly — a $500 fix can become $3,000+ if cascade damage is ignored.
NHTSA Safety Recalls
3 RECALLSNHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 3 recalls below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Average repair completion across 3 recalls is ~69%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.
Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.
KIA completes recalls at a fair rate (86%). If this vehicle has open recalls, follow up with a dealer — average remedy time is ~20 months.
Avg time to remedy open recall: ~20 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
SummaryKia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2008-2009 Kia Sportage vehicles manufactured August 9, 2007, to May 13, 2009. The wire harness cover on the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may be improperly sealed allowing water to get onto the HECU circuit board. If the water is contaminated with salt, such as could occur from melted snow, the wire harness connector pins may corrode and the circuit board may short circuit.Read full details...
~36% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
SummaryKia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul, model year 2008-2011 Optima, model year 2010 Forte, model year 2007-2009 Amanti, and model year 2009 Borrego vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Kia recalled 623,658 model year 2007-2010 Rondo and Sportage, model year 2007-2011 Sorento, model year 2007 Sedona, model year 2010-2011 Soul, and model year 2011 Optima vehicles. In September 2013, Kia informed the agency that it was adding an additional 356,719 vehicles to this campaign. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 980,377. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake-transmission shift interlock feature preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.Read full details...
~32% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
SummaryKia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2008-2009 Sportage vehicles previously recalled under recall 16V-815. An engine compartment fire originating from around the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may occur while parked or driving.Read full details...
~24% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
Recall Intelligence
Detailed analysis of recall history and severity
⚠ One or more recalls have been open for over 5 years — may never have been repaired on this vehicle.
Recall Remedy Effectiveness — Complaints Continue After Fix
RECALL DIDN'T FIX ITOwner complaints filed AFTER recall remedies were issued for the same components
50% of complaints about "ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING" were filed AFTER recall campaign 16V815000 (2016-10-11) — the recall remedy may not have fully resolved the issue.
Continuing complaints after a recall may indicate an inadequate fix, a new failure mode, or that many vehicles never had the recall performed. Verify recall completion status directly with NHTSA.
Manufacturer Recall Response Time
Time between first owner complaint and recall issuance
First complaint was filed 4.4 years before the recall was issued — manufacturer was aware of this issue for years before acting.
Complaint Intelligence
98 complaints analyzed across 9 system categories
Owner Complaints
HIGH VOLUME98 safety complaints filed with NHTSA
The contact owns a 2008 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the message "ESC Off" was displayed and the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and to several independent mechanics; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Was parked and after driving to pick up please came back out and it was in flames
The contact owned a 2008 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 40-45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was shuddering. Additionally, the contact stated while driving on another occasion, the vehicle experienced brake failure, which nearly led to a crash. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact decided to total the vehicle. The vehicle was totaled. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.
The contact owns a 2008 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V800000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2008 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the brakes locked up. The contact removed the fuses. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. While his daughter was driving, an abnormal dinging sound was detected. The contact changed the calipers and noticed that the ABS box was stuck. The brake warning light was illuminated. The contact put the fuse back in the vehicle. Additionally, the vehicle was leaking brake fluid. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who stated that the brake pedal was soft and not to drive the vehicle. The dealer informed the contact that the parts were not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V800000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.
My ABS MODULE HAS MY BRAKES LOCKED UP
The radiator fan component was smoking. The car is available at anytime for inspection. I definitely feared that the car was going to explode in front of my baby cousins and elderly Aunt. The car has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealship or independent service center. It also has not been inpected by manufacturer or police, insurance. The vehicle was not going faster than 30 mph, when parked, the radiator expelled the all the water on floor. It began to let out white smoke, and than black smoke. A lot of black smoke, and than a loud pop sound. The hood of the car melted shut. Everything that surrounds the radiator and battery was melted.
The contact owns a 2008 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that after driving at approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle was shifted into reverse and the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact shifted the gear shifter several times and then drove for a short distance before the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated; the vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact stated that the ABS Hydraulic Control Unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed and determined that the ABS Hydraulic Control Unit needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.
The contact owns a 2008 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V800000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the vehicle needed to remain in dealer possession since the vehicle failed a safety test related to the recall. After several failed attempts to reach the dealer, the contact was informed that the part needed to repair the recall was discontinued and that she could pick up the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified, and a case was filed. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was unavailable. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2008 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that there was an abnormal burning odor detected. The vehicle failed to drive forward or reverse as needed. Additionally, the brakes seized. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the ABS hydraulic module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.
I bought my car July 27,2022 from Rt 119 Auto Sales and service. It came with a drive train warrenty. Nothing was said to me of a problem until I took it to get inspected then I found out my frame is rotted out on both sides.
2008 KIA SPORTAGE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO VEHICLE CATCHING FIRE WHILE PARKED THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WANTS TO BE COMPENSATED FOR THE LOSS OF THE VEHICLE.
The contact owns a 2008 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and unattended, the vehicle caught fire. The ABS warning light was illuminated before the failure. The fire department extinguished the fire. There were no reported injuries. A police report was filed under case number 22027268. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.
Smoke was pouring out from the passenger front side of the motor compartment. The fuses for the ABS (I think) were taken out so it would stop. I was a told a control module could have something to do with it.
The contact owns a 2008 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while checking the oil in their vehicle, the hood latch suddenly did not lock and the front hood of the vehicle fell down and on the contact's head which caused her nose to fracture. The contact stated she has a laceration on the bridge of their nose where they were bleeding and the contact has two black eyes. The contact did not receive any medical treatment at the scene or go to the hospital. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made of the failure. The failure mileage was 167,000.
The contact owns a 2008 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle back to the used car dealer where she purchased the vehicle and was informed that the 02 sensors and another unknown component needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 129,232.
The contact owns a 2008 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while inspecting under the vehicle, he noticed the subframe was corroded. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000.
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH THE CRUSE CONTROL SET AT 65 AND THE VECHILE STARTED TO INCREASE SPEED ON IT'S OWN I ATTEMPTED TO TURN OFF THE CRUSE CONTROL BY PRESSING THE BRAKE AND TURNING OFF THE SYSTEM THE CAR SLOWED UNTIL I REMOVED MY FOOT FROM THE BRAKE, THEN IT BEGAN TO ACCELERATE AGAIN. ONCE I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO TRY AND FORCE IT'S WAY BACK TO MOVING SPEED ON IT'S OWN, I WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND THE ENGINE SPEED INCREASED TO FULL THROTTLE ON IT'S OWN. I WAS ABLE TO SHUT DOWN THE ENGINE AND RESTART THE VEHICLE, IT WAS BEHAVING NORMALLY ABOUT 10 MINUTES OF DRIVING LATER I ATTEMPTED TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND THE PROBLEM RETURNED AND IT STARTED ACCELERATING AGAIN ON IT'S OWN. I WAS ABLE TO SHUT THE VEHICLE DOWN
WHILE DRIVING RPMS WOULD JUMP. HAD VEHICLE INSPECTED AND WAS TOLD I WOULD NEED TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION OR GET IT REBUILT. REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION BUT DIDN'T SEEM TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE. RPM'S STILL JUMP WHILE DRIVING. ALMOST AS IF I'M PUSHING THE GAS DOWN HARD THEN LETTING OFF. NOT SURE WHAT THE ISSUE MAY BE, IVE BEEN TOLD IT COULD BE THE CRUISE CONTROL OR POSSIBLY SHIFT SOLENOID. VEHICLE STALLS/JUMPS WHILE IN MOTION, HAPPENS ON INTERSTATE AS WELL AS CITY STREETS AND BACK ROADS. SEEMS TO JERK MORE AROUND 40MPH AND 80MPH BUT HAS DONE IT AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS AS WELL. OIL HAS BEEN CHANGED AS WELL AS FILTERS, ALL FLUIDS LOOK GOOD. UNSURE WHAT THE ISSUE MAY BE. *TR
WHILE DRIVING AT A CONTINUOUS SPEED OF 55MPH ON THE MAIN ROAD, THE ESC LIGHT RANDOMLY CAME ON AND THE CAR JOLTED INTO 1ST GEAR. I WAS UNABLE TO MOVE IT AND IT WAS TOWED BACK TO MY HOUSE. SINCE THEN, THE BRAKE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR WITHOUT STOPPING THE VEHICLE.
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
MY KIA SPORTAGE WAS PARKED IN FRONT OF A GARAGE WAS NOT TURNED ON AND WAS IN PARK WHEN THE ENGINE SUDDENLY CAUGHT FIRE IT SOUNDED LIKE A LOUD BOMB. THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SALVAGEABLE.
CATALYTIC CONVERTER PROBLEMS. KEEPS FAILING EMISSIONS INSPECTION
RUSTED OUT ROCKER PANEL DUE TO HAVING A RECALL WITH THE UNDERSIDE COATING . KINDA GUESSING WHEN I TOOK MY CAR TO DO THE UNDERSIDE AT THE CENTURY 3 KIA DEALERSHIP
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
CAR WAS SITTING IN DRIVE WAY FOR A DAY AND HALF AT 335 IN THE MORNING ELECTRICAL SHORT STARTED A FIRE WAS CAUGHT ON NEIGHBOR SECURITY CAMERA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INSURANCE TOW LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V815000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN EMAIL WAS SENT TO THE KIA MANUFACTURER WITH DOCUMENTED PROOF, BUT A RESPONSE HAD NOT BEEN RECEIVED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
LEFT HEADLIGHT PLUG IS DEFECTIVE
I BOUGHT A 2008 KIA SPORTAGE AT OSAGE BEACH MO ON JULY 12, 2016. I SENT IT TO GHANA IN AUGUST, 2016 AND CLEARED FROM THE PORT IN NOVEMBER, 2016. THE SAID CAR WAS PARKED FOR SEVERAL HOURS AT HOSPITAL ON AUGUST 21, 2018 AND CAUGHT FIRE AT 10.00PM THE SAME DAY. THE FIRE SERVICE WAS CALLED AND PUT OUT THE FIRE. AFTER EXAMINATION THE STATED IT WAS ELECTRICAL FIRE CAUSED BY THE WIRING HARNESS. I THEN LEARNT AFTER THE INCIDENT THAT THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL ( # 16V815000 / SC 138) ISSUED ON NOVEMBER 10, 2016 OF WHICH I WASN'T NOTIFIED. ATTACHED, PLEASE FIND PICTURES OF THE DAMAGE KIA SPORTAGE AND ORIGINAL TITLE. I AM WAITING FOR A DETAILED REPORT FORM FIRE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT ESSAM, GHANA, WHICH I WILL SEND TO YOUR OFFICE UPON RECEIPT. BY THIS COMPLAINT, I AM THERE REQUESTING KIA MOTORS AMERICA TO REPAIR ALL DAMAGES CAUSED BY THE FIRE OR REPLACE THE VEHICLE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE CONTACT'S DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. A POLICE REPORT AND A FIRE REPORT WERE FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD AND DEEMED DESTROYED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED FOR A DETERMINATION OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V815000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED BY THE FIRE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
2008 KIA SPORTAGE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ENGINE CATCHING FIRE AND IS SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE VALUE OF VEHICLE AND DAMAGE TO THE HOME. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER DECLINED ASSISTANCE DUE TO THE VEHICLE NOT BEING AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION. *JS
MY CAR HAS BEEN TAKEN CARE OF VERY WELL. THERE HAS BEEN NO MISUSE OR ABUSE. NOW, I HAVE HAD 2 DOOR HANDLES BREAK OFF. EVERY TIME, I RECEIVED A JOLT BACKWARDS. THE CAR WAS STATIONARY. I AM A 59 YEARS OLD, LAST PERSON TO GET INTO MY CAR WAS MY 92 YEAR OLD FATHER, WHO IS VERY FRAIL AND UNSTABLE ON HIS FEET. I THANK GOD, IT WAS ME WHO WAS THE VICTIM WHEN THE DOOR HANDLES BROKE OFF, MY FATHER WOULD HAVE FALLEN BACKWARDS, AND COULD HAVE FALLEN AND DIED. THIS HAPPENED TWICE, BOTH TO THE PASSENGER SIDE. I AM NOW AFRAID TO EVEN OPEN THE OTHER DOOR HANDLES. IF I LOSE THEM, I HAVE TO GET IN FROM THE TRUNK, AND CLIMB OVER. I HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH BOTH GRIECO KIA IN DELRAY AND THE CORPORATE OFFICE. THEY JUST KEEP SAYING THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY, AS IT IS OLDER. I DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO PAY TO FIX THESE HANDLES. I DO NOT THINK A DOOR HANDLE SHOULD EVER BREAK OFF. PLEASE NOTE THERE ARE VIDEOS WITH THOUSANDS, OF VIEWERS WATCHING HOW TO FIX A BROKEN CAR HANDLE. THIS MEANS IT HAS HAPPENED TO THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE. KIA SHOULD PAY FOR IT. THEY REFUSE TO TAKE ANY ACCOUNTABILITY.
WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE, THE KIA STARTED TO SMOKE THEN FLAMES APPEARED. IN ABOUT FIVE MINUTES THE ENTIRE CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES.
12/03/17, 03:15 A.M. WHILE PARKED, NOT RUNNING, VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD AND BECAME FULLY ENGULFED. VEHICLE HAD BEEN PARKED FOR SEVERAL HOURS PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT. CAR WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. RESIDENCE WAS BUILT WITH VINYL SIDING, AND FRONT OF HOUSE WAS DAMAGED (MELTED VINYL). PARKED AT PRIVATE RESIDENCE. FAMILY ASLEEP INSIDE RESIDENCE WHEN FIRE ERUPTED. FOR 2 WEEKS PRIOR TO FIRE, THE ABS INDICATOR LAMP ON THE DASH PANEL WAS ILLUMINATED. BRAKES HAD BEEN INSPECTED, AND WERE IN GOOD BRAKING ORDER. I HAVE THE VEHICLE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION BY ANY INTERESTED PARTY.
AIRBAG LIGHT HAS COME ON SEVERAL TIMES AND EACH TIME I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR. THEY HAVE REPLACED THE SEAT BOTTOM AND EVEN REWIRED THE CAR, BUT THE AIRBAG CONTINUES TO COME ON AND STAYS ON. DUE TO THE ONGOING ISSUE, DATES AND MILEAGE ARE ESTIMATES AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE FIRST DATE OF THE ORIGINAL ISSUE.
VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AFTER BEING PARKED LEFT RUNNING IDLE WITH LIGHTS ON FOR 20 MINUTES , THE FOG LIGHT BULB MELTED IT WAY THROUGH THE HOUSING AND INT THE FRONT BUMPER WERE OPEN FLAMES WERE VISIBLE AND HAD TO BE PUT OUT
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HOOD LATCH WAS CORRODED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO HAVE THE ROUTINE OIL MAINTENANCE PERFORMED DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000. UPDATED 06/13/17*LJ *CN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V815000 (ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. UPDATED 04/05/17 LJ *CN
MY FAULTY 2008 KIA SPORTAGE STRIKES AGAIN. THE LAST 2 MAJOR INCIDENCES WITH MY KIA ARE DOCUMENTED IN MY NHTSA COMPLAINT (10621705) OCCURRED ON AUG 2013 -W/11K MILES( TRANSMISSION & ELECTRICAL) AND W/12K MILES -AUGUST 2014 ( ALTERNATOR &ABS PUMP). IT'S NOW JANUARY 2017 - CAR HAS 17.5K TOTAL MILES AND I NEEDED TO TOW MY KIA SPORTAGE 2008 TO A SERVICE CENTER AFTER THE CAR STALLED ON A MAJOR ROAD WITH 2 OF MY KIDS IN THE CAR. THE CAR IS BEHAVING SIMILARLY TO HOW IT BEHAVED IN 2013 ' ENGINE KNOCKS AS IT SHIFTS INTO GEARS EVENTUALLY STALLING. IN 2013 ' KIA REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION AND ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. AS I STATED IN MY PREVIOUS COMPLAINT, THERE MUST BE A DESIGN FLAW ASSOCIATED WITH THE CAR SINCE IT NOW APPEARS I HAVE THE SAME TRANSMISSION/ELECTRICAL PROBLEM AGAIN 6K MILES LATER SINCE THE LAST INCIDENT . JUST LEARNED TODAY THAT MY KIA NEEDS A NEW TRANSMISSION ! 3 TRANSMISSIONS IN 17,000 MILES ' JUST DOESN'T ADD UP. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V815000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING FAILED. THE CONTACT BANGED ON THE DASHBOARD AND THE LIGHTS CAME BACK ON, BUT THEN FADED OUT AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
WENT TO KIA OF CHEYENNE ON SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT DATE FOR RECALL NOTICE AND THEY DIDN'T HAVE THE PART. I WAS TOLD TO CHECK BACK IN A WEEK. WHEN I CALLED TO CHECK ON REPAIR DATE BECAUSE I HAVE TO TRAVEL FROM NEBRASKA I WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART IS ON BACK ORDER AND TO CHECK BACK ON THE 31ST OF JANUARY. MY VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE DUE TO ELECTRICAL FIRE HAZARD AND NO ABS BRAKES DUE TO THE SEAL OF HECU BEING BAD. I COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS ISSUE IN 2013, THEY REFUSED TO FIX BECAUSE THE CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY.
2008 KIA SPORTAGE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO REPLACEMENT PARTS NOT AVAILABLE TO REPAIR HYDRAULIC ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT RECALL NOTICE. *SMD
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V815000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
AIR BAG SING ON.I TALK TO KIA SERVICES THEY TOLD ME I HAVE TO PAY $129 FOR JUST CHECK UP.MY CAR MILLEGE ONLY 80K.I FEEL NOT COMFORTABLE AT ALL.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SPORTAGE. UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, IT MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE TO START AFTER MORE THAN TWO ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO REPLICATE AND DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. A FIRE ERUPTED AND EXTINGUISHED ITSELF. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN DUE TO THE FAILURE AND FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT THE CONTACT'S RESIDENTIAL PARKING AREA. THE CONTACT LATER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V815000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
I WAS DRIVING WHEN THE BRAKES WAS PRESSED THERE WAS A TERRIBLE NOISE AND NO BRAKES. THE GARAGE SAID THAT IT WAS THE ABS SYSTEM. THE BRAKE FLUID HAD LEAKED INTO THE ABS BOX AND SHORTED IT OUT. THEY WANTED 3100.00 DOLLARS TO FIX IT. I DONT HAVE THAT KIND OF MONEY. PLEASE HELP BY GETTING KIA TO DO A RECALL. MY HUSBAND AND I WAS OK. PLEASE HELP BEFORE IT HAPPENS TO SOMEONE ELSE. I AM OUT OF A VEHICLE BECAUSE I CANNOT AFFORD TO GET IT FIXED AND IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD. I TRIED TALKING TO KIA HEADQUARTERS THEY WERE NO HELP.
LAST MARCH, I WAS TRYING TO STOP TO AVOID REAR ENDING A VEHICLE TURNING LEFT INTO AN APARTMENT COMPLEX. I WAS DOING LESS THAN 25MPH WHEN I SAW HER BRAKE LIGHTS AND TURN SIGNAL. ADDITIONALLY, I HAD PLENTY OF TIME AND DISTANCE TO STOP SAFELY. HOWEVER, AS I DEPRESSED THE BRAKE THE ESC, BRAKE WARNING AND BRAKE LIGHTS ALL CAME ON AND THE CAR DID NOT SLOW DOWN. I PRESSED HARDER AND HARDER UNTIL THE PEDAL WAS TO THE FLOOR. AT THIS POINT THEY LOCKED UP PREVENTING ME FROM STEERING AWAY FROM THE CAR THAT I THEN HIT. AFTER THE COLLISION REPAIRS, I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO MY MECHANIC WHO TOLD ME THE ABS COMPUTER FAILED CAUSING THE BRAKING FAILURE. HE SUGGESTED TAKING IT TO KIA. THE DEALERSHIP THEN CONFIRMED THAT THE ABS COMPUTER MODULE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AT THAT TIME MY CAR ONLY HAD 78,000 MILES ON IT. THERE IS NO REASON FOR THE ABS MODULE TO FAIL WITH LESS THAN 100,000 MOSTLY HIGHWAY (NO BRAKING NECESSARY FOR THE MAJORITY OF THE DRIVE) MILES ON THE CAR. THE IS, OBVIOUSLY, A SAFETY ISSUE AND THEY WANT $2,500 TO REPAIR AN ISSUE THAT THEY KNOW ABOUT. I WAS TOLD THEY HAVE REPLACED QUITE A FEW OF THESE MODULES BECAUSE OF THIS FAILURE. ADDITIONALLY, I HAVE A SEATBELT/AIRBAG SENSOR DINGING ALL THE TIME SO THAT'S ANOTHER SAFETY ISSUE WITH MY RESTRAINT SYSTEM!
THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT HAS COME ON WHILE CAR IS RUNNING .
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CLOCKSPRING MALFUNCTIONED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AS NEEDING THE CLOCKSPRING REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 154,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND NUMEROUS WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE IF THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V114000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,000.
KIA IS RIPPING PEOPLE OFF TO THE TUNE OF $1,700 TO $1,800 FOR THEIR FAULTY ABS BRAKE CONTROLLERS PLUS LABOR. IT IS A WIDELY KNOW PROBLEM THAT BRAKE FLUID SEEPS OUT OF THE BACK OF THIS UNIT ONTO THE CIRCUIT BOARD AND CAUSES A VARIETY OF SAFETY AND MECHANICAL ISSUES. A YEAR AND A HALF AGO I EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM WITH THE ESC TRACTION LIGHT COMING ON, FOLLOWED BY A FLASHING 4X4 LIGHT AND THEN FINALLY A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. THE WORST PART ABOUT THIS IS THAT IT THEN SLAMS ITSELF INTO FIRST GEAR GOING DOWN THE ROAD! YES, YOU HEARD THAT CORRECTLY. THIS CAN HAPPEN VERY QUICKLY. KIA, YOU HAVE A SAFETY ISSUE! I REPLACED THE UNIT WITH A USED ONE FOR $350 PLUS INSTALLATION AND NOW IT HAS THE SAME PROBLEM A YEAR AND A HALF LATER. THERE WERE TWO POSSIBLE CONTROLLER UNITS FOR THE 2008 SPORTAGE AND THEY LOOK IDENTICAL BUT ARE NOT INTERCHANGEABLE. THE OTHER ONE I CAN PURCHASE NEW, DIRECT FROM SOUTH KOREA AS AN OEM PART IN A KIA/HYUNDAI BOX FOR AROUND $500. BUT NOT THIS ONE, THEY KNOW THEY HAVE A SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM AS THIS CAN UNEXPECTEDLY PULL YOU DOWN TO A CRAWL IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. THEY ALSO HAVE KEPT THE PRICE EXTREMELY HIGH ON THIS UNIT TO MAXIMIZE PROFITS ON A SAFETY ITEM THEY REFUSE TO FIX. I'M LOOKING FOR ANOTHER USED UNIT AND THEN I'LL DUMP THIS LEMON.
I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE WHEN MY ESC LIGHT, BRAKE LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON . I JUST GOT THE CAR INSPECTED AND IT PASSED FINE. I TOOK IT TO THE SHOP WHERE THEY SAID AN OIL SENSOR WAS BAD. THEY REPLACED THAT. THE VERY NEXT DAY THE LIGHTS WENT ON AGAIN AND THE CAR WAS HAVING TROUBLE SHIFTING INTO GEARS. IT WAS JUMPING AND ACCELERATING INTERMITTENTLY. I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE SHOP AND THEY SAID I HAD 4 TRANSMISSION CODES. THEY SAID THE ABS SYSTEM NEEDED TO ALSO BE REPLACED WHICH THE PART ALONE WAS OVER $2000.00. THIS CAR ONLY HAD 88,000 MILES. I DROVE THE CAR TO MCCAFFERTY FORD WHERE THEY ADVISED ME TO NOT FIX VEHICLE THE COST WAS FAR MORE THAN WHAT I WOULD GET AS A TRADE. IT NEEDED A NEW ABS BOX WHICH ALONE WAS OVER 2000 WITHOUT LABOR. IT NEEDED A TIMING CHAIN 600 AND SOME MAINTANCE STUFF 700. THIS CAR NEVER NEEDED ANYTING BUT TIRES, BRAKES, OIL CHANGES ETC. I FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE AT 88, 000 ALL THIS COULD GO WRONG UNLESS THERE WAS A DEFECT IN THE ABS OR TRANSMISSION. AFTER LOOKING THIS UP I SEE THAT THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS ISSUE AND CONCERN. I TRADED IN VEHICLE AND WAS ONLY GIVE 500 AS A TRADE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES WERE NOT RESPONDING WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V114000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION AND DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN COMPLETED THE REPAIR BY ORDERING THE PART FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE CONTACT WAS TO DETERMINE FROM THE MANUFACTURER WHEN THE VEHICLE COULD BE SCHEDULED FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
DUE TO DASHBOARD LIGHTS OF ABS, ESC, TRACTION CONTROL, ... I WAS TOLD THE HYDRAULIC ASSEMBLY NEEDS TO BE REPLACED, EST COST OF ... ABS PUMP AND MODULE AND THAT IT WOULD COST ME $2700 TO FIX.
CAR WAS PARKED FOR REPAIRS AND NOT DRIVEN FOR MANY MONTHS OTHER THAN MOVING AROUND OUR PARKING AREA DUE TO DASHBOARD LIGHTS OF ABS, ESC, TRACTION CONTROL, BRAKE LIGHTS LIT. HAD DIAGNOSTICS DONE ON CAR DUE TO ALL LIGHTS ON DASH LIGHTING, ABS, BRAKE, ESC, TRACTION CONTROL. DIAGNOSTICS VIA SHORKEY KIA SHOWED ABS BAD ALONG WITH OIL PAN RUSTING DUE TO WISHING TO GET IT ROAD WORTHY AND INSPECTED. REPLACED OIL PAN AND MOVED CAR OUT OF GARAGE AND IN TO PARKING AREA IN FRONT OF SECOND GARAGE DOOR NEAR HOUSE. CAR WAS PARKED ABOUT ONE HOUR WHEN CAR IGNITED AND CAUGHT FIRE. FIRE ORIGINATED ON RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AROUND ABS AREA AND SPREAD THROUGH ENGINE AND IN TO PASSENGER AREA OF CAR PRIMARILY ON PASSENGER SIDE. CAR A TOTAL LOSS, 112,000 MILES ON IT.
VEHICLE WAS SITTING FOR HOURS IN DRIVEWAY. SMOKE BEGAN POURING FROM UNDER HOOD AND DAMAGED UNDERHOOD ACCESSORIES SUCH AS HEADLAMP HOUSING,ABS MODULE, PAINT, WINDSHIELD WASHER RESERVOIR. THE WIRING HARNESS WAS DAMAGED, THE EXTERIOR PAINT WAS BLISTERED AND NOW THE VEHICLE CANNOT BE DRIVEN. THE FIRE APPARENTLY BEGAN IN THE ABS MODULE AT THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL APRON. EVERYTHING PLASTIC IS DAMAGED AND SOOT COVERS MOST OF THE UNDERHOOD COMPONENTS. THE VEHICLE HAS 48K MILES ON IT AND HAS NEVER BEEN IN A COLLISION.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE. ..UPDATED 10/26/16 *BF...UPDATED 11/09/16 *BF .. *JS
BRAKE FLUID HAD LEAKED INTO THE ABS CONTROL MODULE DISABLING THE ABS, ESC AND BRAKES
HYDRAULIC MODULE ASSEMBLY NEEDED REPLACED-ABS,ESC,BRAKE LIGHTS ALL CAME ON. TOOK TO DEALER WHO STATED "BRAINS" OF THE ABS SYSTEM NEEDED REPLACED.VEHICLE ONLY HAS 32,200 MILES.
I PURCHASED MY 2008 KIA SPORTAGE BRAND NEW, I TAKE VERY GOOD CARE OF IT. CURRENTLY I HAVE 55,000 MILES ON IT, LAST WEEK THE ABS, PARKING BRAKE AND ESC LIGHTS CAME ON. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THEY RAN A DIAGNOSTIC TEST $90.00. I WAS TOLD THE HYDRAULIC ASSEMBLY NEEDS TO BE REPLACED, EST COST OF $2,311.25 AND THAT MY CAR IS NOW UNSAFE TO DRIVE. WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND INFORMED ME THAT THIS WAS UNUSUAL. THEREFORE MY CONCERN IS SHOULD THIS BE A RECALL ITEM? *TR
MY SISTER IN LAW'S 08 KIA SPORTAGE EX HAD ALL THE DASH WARNING LIGHTS COME ON, THE CODE SHOWED P0501 WHEEL SPEED SENSOR MALFUNCTION. I REPLACED RT FRT SENSOR AND STILL SAME CODE. TOOK IT TO LOCAL SHOP AND THEY SAID SOMETHING IS SHORTED BECAUSE THEY CAN'T READ ALL THE LIGHTS ON. I CHECKED SOME FUSES BUT FOUND NONE BLOWN. IT SEEMED LIKE THE BRAKES WERE A LITTLE WEAK AND I DROVE IT FOR A TEST AND NOTICED IT WAS PULLING HARD TO THE RIGHT, THEN IT STARTED TO PULSE AS IF THE ABS WAS STUCK ON. I TURNED FOR HOME AND PARKED IT. NEXT DAY WENT TO TRY IT AGAIN AND IT WAS DEAD, I CHARGED BATTERY, THE DOOR LOCKS WERE CLICKING ON/OFF AND HORN BLOWING. I UNHOOKED BATTERY TERMINALS TO CHARGE BATTERY AND WHEN IT WAS FULLY CHARGED I HOOKED IT UP AND THE ABS MODULE ON FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF CAR WAS RUNNING AND GETTING HOT. LIKE SOME ONE ELSE ON THIS SITE, I'M SURE IT WOULD HAVE CAUGHT FIRE BUT I PULLED THE BATTERY CABLES. AFTER LOOKING INTO PURCHASING THE MODULE I REALIZE WHY KIA HAS NOT RECALLED THIS PART, PRICE IS AROUND $1000 TO $1800 FOR THIS ABS MODULE. THIS IS A DANGEROUS PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR SINCE YOU ARE DEALING WITH BRAKES AND ALSO AUTO FIRES. KIA NEEDS TO STEP IT UP AND RECALL THIS ISSUE. I HOPE OTHERS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM ALSO PUT IN A COMPLAINT. *TR
ANOTHER VEHICLE TURNED IN FRONT OF ME AND MY CAR IMPACTED THE OTHER VEHICLES PASSENGER SIDE. THERE WAS NO AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. MY KIA SPORTAGE WAS DECLARED TOTALED. *TR
I AM AN OWNER OF A KIA 2008 SPORTAGE WITH APPROXIMATELY 12,000 MILES. ABOUT 9 MONTHS AGO, THE ENGINE AND BRAKE LIGHTS WENT ON. IT WAS EVIDENT THAT CAR HAD A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM, YOU CAN HEAR THE ENGINE KNOCKING WHEN YOU WOULD GO PARK TO DRIVE OR REVERSE TO DRIVE ETC... THE DEALERSHIP SAID I NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION AND ALL NEW BRAKES. THEY COULDN'T EXPLAIN WHY THE TRANSMISSION WAS FAULTY ON A CAR THAT HAD AT THE TIME LESS THAN 11,000 MILES. THE CAR WAS AT THE DEALER FOR A MONTH BECAUSE THEY LEARNED THAT THE COMPUTER SYSTEM NEEDED REPAIRING AS WELL WHICH WASN'T COVERED UNDER MY PLAN THEY NEEDED CORPORATE TO PROVIDE AN APPROVAL TO REPAIR. IT EVENTUALLY GOT REPAIRED. 3 WEEKS AGO AT 12K MILES, MY DRIVERS PANEL TURNED INTO A CHRISTMAS TREE. THE ESC ON/OFF, ABS, BRAKES, ENGINE AND TPMS LIGHTS ARE ALL ON. I ALSO FEEL THE ENGINE BEGINNING TO KNOCK AGAIN. THE DEALER SAID I NEED A NEW ABS PUMP AND MODULE AND THAT IT WOULD COST ME $2700 TO FIX. I DECIDED NOT TO REPAIR BECAUSE I BELIEVE THEIR SOME TYPE OF ELECTRICAL DESIGN FLAW CAUSING THESE ISSUE. I HAVE READ THAT ABS AND TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS ARE VERY COMMON FOR KAI SPORTAGE OWNERS - I HAVE READ THAT ENGINE FIRES HAVE BEEN REPORTED IN THESE CARS. I FEEL UNSAFE FOR MYSELF AND MY FAMILY AND I AM LOOKING FOR ADVICE ON HOW BEST TO HANDLE THIS PROBLEM. KIA REFUSES TO TAKE OWNERSHIP OF THESE PROBLEMS. *TR
I PARKED MY CAR AT 6AM WENT IN TO WORK AT ABOUT NOON MY COWORKERS WERE TELLING ME MY CAR WAS SMOKING WENT OUTSIDE AND SMOKE WAS COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD SO WE POPPED THE HOOD AND MY ELECTRICAL BOX WAS SMOKING PRETTY BAD A GUY USED A EXTINGUISHER ON IT TO FIND IT WAS STILL SMOKING SO HE DISCONNECTED.THE BATTERY ALL THE WIRES IN BOX ARE BURNED I ONLY HAD A LITTLE OVER 100000 MILES ON IT SO NATURALLY ITS EXPIRED. *TR
I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE WHEN IT STALLED, RESTARTED THAN STALLED AGAIN. HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR. ON 6/25/14 THE SAME HAPPENED AGAIN (INTERMIT, RUNS ROUGH THEN STALLS OUT. *TR THIS TIME THE DEALER FOUND A PIN ON MASS AIR FLOW CONNECTOR WAS BAD AND THE REPLACED CLIP ASSEMBLY. TODAY, 06/28/2014 THE VEHICLE STALLED OUT AND I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO LOANED ME ONE OF THEIR VEHICLES BECAUSE I HAD TO LEAVE MY VEHICLE. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS NOT BEING PRESSED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 13V114000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) WAS PERFORMED BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 51,000.
THE KIA SPORTAGE 2008, HAS THE MODULES MISFIRE AND THE KIA SPORTAGE COMPLETELY TURNS ITSELF OFF WHILE IN DRIVE AT 45 MILES PER HOUR. THIS HAPPENED TO ME ON FIVE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS RANDOMLY, AND THE KIA DEPOT IN SANTA ANA, SAID THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM ON THE VEHICLE, AND DECIDED NOT TO KEEP THE VEHICLE LONGER TO FIND OUT WHAT WAS CAUSING THIS PROBLEM THAT COULD BE A FATAL HAZARD FOR ANYONE THAT WOULD BE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE. I WAS ALMOST HIT BY OTHER CARS WHILE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE. KIA DEPOT HAS SO FAR NOT DONE ANYTHING AT ALL TO ASSIST ME FOR MY CAR AND TOLD ME I HAD TWO DAYS TO GET THIS CAR OFF THERE LOT THERE AT KIA DEPOT SANTA ANA, OR THEY WOULD START CHARGING ME FOR KEEPING MY CAR THERE. *TR
I HAVE HAD AN ONGOING SQUEAL/GRIND IN THE REAR LEFT. THEY DEALERSHIP SAID IT WAS BRAKES AND I PAID A LOT OF MONEY FOR BRAKES WHICH I CHALLENGED GIVEN ONLY 45000 MILES. I STILL HAVE THE ISSUE AND OF COURSE CANT FIND A THING. I BELIEVE ITS THE CV JOINT OR AXLE. WARRANTY WILL NOT COVER ACCORDING TO DEALERSHIP. THIS CAR CANT BE THE ONLY ONE HAVING THIS ISSUE. THANKS FOR ALLOWING ME TO POST THIS. *TR
THIS IS PART 2 OF 3... WE GOT A NEW BATTERY INSTALLED AT ADVANCED AUTO. CAR RAN FINE. THE NEXT MORNING , SHE STARTED THE CAR AND THEN WENT INTO THE HOUSE. MY NIECE WAS THERE AND SAID SHE HEARD A POP AND LOOK OUTSIDE TO SEE THE CAR ON FIRE. THE WHOLE FRONT END INCLUDING THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT WAS BURNT TO A CRISP. I BELIEVE WHAT HAPPENED WAS A FAULTY PART IN THE ABS (CAUSING THE LIGHT TO COME ON) WAS SHORTING OR SOMETHING AND THAT KEPT DRAINING THE BATTERY. WITH THE BATTERY LOW, THE BATTERY WOULD DIE BEFORE ENOUGH HEAT COULD BUILD UP, HOWEVER, WITH THE NEW BATTERY, IT COULD CONTINUE TO PULL POWER AND HEAT UP WHATEVER FAULTY PART WAS SHORTING OUT AND THEN GOT HOT ENOUGH TO BLOW AND CAUSE FIRE. (CONTINUED IN NEXT POST) 3 OF 3... *TR
SHE IS 73 YEARS OLD AND ON A FIXED INCOME. SHE HAS ALREADY PAID THOUSANDS FOR THE CAR AND NOW DOES NOT HAVE A CAR DUE TO A FAULTY PART. NO CAR SHOULD CATCH ON FIRE DUE TO NORMAL USE. NOW SHE IS GOING TO HAVE TO FIND A WAY TO PAY FOR ANOTHER CAR. HOPEFULLY THAT CAR MANUFACTURER PRODUCES A VEHICLE THAT DOES NOT JUST CATCH FIRE AT RANDOM AND IF IT DOES, THEY TAKE CREDIT FOR BUILDING AND SELLING YOU A VEHICLE WITH A FAULT THAT IS THERE OWN. SHE STRUGGLED TO PAY THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS FOR A CAR THAT SHE TOOK GOOD CARE OF TO JUST BURN UP INFRONT OF HER. SHE LOOKED FORWARD TO FINISH PAYING THE CAR OFF. BLUE BOOK IS ROUGHLY $9,000.00 SHE PAID MORE THAT HALF OF IT OFF AND STILL OWES $7,000.00 BUT NOW, INSURANCE WILL GIVE HER THE $9,000.00 OF WHICH SHE WILL HAVE TO PAY $7,000.00 OUT TO PAY IT OFF, LEAVING HER WITH $2,000.00. WHAT CAN YOU BUY WITH $2,000.00 - NOTHING! SO NOW SHE MUST START OVER AND USE THE $2,000.00 TO GET BACK INTO A FULL CAR PAYMENT AND STRUGGLE AGAIN FOR ANOTHER 5 YEARS OR MORE. W.T.F.!?!? I SEE ON THIS WEBSITE, PEOPLE TALKING ABOUT THE SAME THING HAPPENING TO THEM. IF THERE IS MORE THAN 1 OR 2 CARS THAT HAVE CAUGHT ON FIRE THE SAME WAY, WHY ISN'T IT LOOKED INTO, AND WHY ISN'T THERE A RECALL. SURE IT MAYBE HARD FOR KIA TO REPLACE MANY VEHICLES, HOWEVER, I THINK IT IS HARDER FOR MY MOTHER OF 73 TO GO OUT AND BUY ANOTHER VEHICLE AT $15,000.00 - $20,000.00 JUST BECAUSE THE ONE SHE TRUSTED TO BE A SOLID VEHICLE WAS BUILD CRAPPY. IT IS KIA'S DESIGN AND MECHANICS THAT CAUSED THE PROBLEM, THEY SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE. AND IT SHOULD BE ILLEGAL FOR THEM TO KEEP SELLING THE VEHICLES TO PEOPLE WITH A PROBLEM AS SUCH. *TR
THIS WILL BE 1 OF 3 PART STATEMENT... ABOUT A WEEK AGO (GIVE OR TAKE A FEW DAYS), A COUPLE OF MY MOTHER'S 2008 KIA SPORTAGE'S DASH LIGHTS CAME ON. THE ABS LIGHT, THE ESC LIGHT, AND I THINK ONE OTHER (POSSIBLY THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT BUT MIND YOU THIS IS NOT MY CAR AND I AM NOT THAT FAMILIAR WITH HER DASH). SHE WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR A PART THAT WAS CAUSING ONE OF THE LIGHTS TO COME ON (I BELIEVE THE ESC LIGHT). SHE TOOK THE CAR TO GET THE PART REPLACED, HOWEVER, THE LIGHTS DID NOT GO OFF. I HAVE WHEEL HUBS ON MY SUV CROSSOVER AND I TOLD HER THAT WHEN MY WHEEL BEARING/SENSOR STARTS GOING BAD THAT IS WHEN MY LIGHT COMES ON. WELL A COUPLE DAYS LATER, HER DRIVER SIDE WHEEL BEARING STARTED TO ROAR, SO WE FIGURED THAT THE ABS LIGHT WAS ON DUE TO THAT. SHE TOOK IT BACK TO THE KIA DEALERSHIP SHOP AND THEY REPLACED THE BEARING AND ALTHOUGH THE RIDE WAS QUIETER DUE TO THE NEW BEARING REPLACEMENT, THE ABS LIGHT AND OTHER LIGHTS DID NOT GO OFF. THE MECHANIC TOLD HER THAT SHE DOES NOT HAVE A WHEEL HUB WITH SENSOR AND BEARING IN THE HUB BUT THAT ALL OF HER PARTS WERE SEPARATE. HE SAID THAT THE LIGHT MAY BE ON DUE THE SENSOR MAY HAVE DEBRIS FROM THE WHEEL BEARING GOING BAD OR POSSIBLY THE SENSOR IS GOING BAD ITSELF. I PLANNED ON PULLING AND CLEANING THE SENSOR FOR HER IN THE UPCOMING WEEKEND. WELL BEFORE THE WEEKEND, SHE WENT SHOPPING AT THE GROCERY STORE AND WHEN SHE CAME OUT, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE BATTERY WAS DEAD. WE CALL A TOW TRUCK DRIVER WHO CAME AND GAVE IT A QUICK JUMP AND SAID SHE MUST HAVE LEFT HER LIGHTS ON. SHE DROVE HOME, PULLED IN DRIVEWAY AND I TOLD HER TO LEAVE IT RUN A BIT TO CHARGE THE BATTERY BACK UP. SHE DID SO AND THEN AFTER ABOUT 10 MINUTES, SHUT IT OFF AND IMMEDIATELY STARTED IT AGAIN TO ENSURE THE BATTERY WAS CHARGED. LATER THAT DAY, IT WOULD NOT START AGAIN...BATTERY DEAD AGAIN. (CONTINUED IN NEXT POST) 2 OF 3... *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SPORTAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH HANKOOK OPTIMO H418 TIRES (NA), TIRE SIZE 235/60/16. THE DOT NUMBER WAS T7BNBWH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER AND DRIVER'S SIDE TIRES TREAD WERE COMPLETELY WORN. THE DEFECT OCCURRED ONE YEAR AFTER THE NEW REAR TIRES WERE MOUNTED ON THE VEHICLE. THE RECENT DEFECTIVE TIRES HAD NOT BEEN REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
I RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE FOR THE STOP LAMP SWITCH. I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH MY LOCAL KIA DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE RECALL WORK DONE. WHEN I FIRST MOVED TO THE AREA, I WAS UNSUCCESSFUL IN SCHEDULING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE WITH THE SAME DEALERSHIP. WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND? *TR
VEHICLE PARKED, NOT RUNNING, BUT WITH THE RADIO ON, THERE WAS A LOUD POP AND SMOKE FROM UNDER THE HOOD. RELASED LOCK AND LOOKED INSIDE, SMALL BOX MOUNTED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WALL, UNDER THE HOOD, OVER THE WHEEL WELL, A SMALL SQUARE BOX, I THINK IT WAS THE ABS BOX WAS ON FIRE. EVERYTHING THAT WAS BURNABLE UNDER THE HOOD BURNT BEFORE THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED. *TR
I WAS IN THE CAR, PARKED IN A WENDYS PARKING LOT, ENGINE OFF, RADIO ON. THERE WAS A LOUD POP FOLLOWED BY SMOKE, A GENTLEMAN IN A TRUCK 3 SPACES AWAY HEARD IT AND SAW IT. WE GOT OUT TO LOOK AT IT AND THE SMOKE WAS INCREASING, I OPENED THE HOOD AND YOU COULD SEE FLAMES ABOUT 2 INCHES HIGH AROUND THE BOX MOUNTED INSIDE THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, ON THE PASSENGER SIDE UP NEAR THE HEADLIGHTS AND OVER THE WHEEL WELL. WE SHUT IT AND WAITED FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT, EVERYTHING INSIDE THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT THAT COULD MELT DID MELT, ALL THE PAINT ON THE HOOD ETC, PASSENGER DOOR WILL NOT OPEN OR SHUT WITHOUT NOISE AND AN EXTRA PUSH OR PULL. I AM NOT A MECHANIC BUT I AM PRETTY SURE THAT THE LITTLE BLACK BOX WAS THE ABS CONTROLLER. JUST LUCKY THAT I WASN'T DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. I HAVE SEEN THAT THERE ARE SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME THING. *TR
APPROXIMATELY, TWO WEEKS AFTER PURCHASE IN 01/2013, "ESC OFF," LIGHT CAME ON MULTIPLE TIMES AT VARIOUS SPEEDS INCLUDING VEHICLE START UP. I MADE SEVERAL CALLS TO PLACE OF PURCHASE REGARDING INTERMITTENT, "ESC OFF," LIGHT. PRESSING " ESC OFF," DASH BUTTON HAS NO EFFECT AND THE LIGHT STAYS ILLUMINATED. DEALER OF PURCHASE TOOK VEHICLE TO KIA SERVICE AND THE DIAGNOSTIC WAS TPMS LIGHT IS ON, ADVISE. AT NO TIME DID THE TPMS LIGHT EVER COME ON, NOR WAS IT REPORTED AS SUCH. VEHICLE WAS RETURNED WITH NO WORK DONE, AND PLACE OF PURCHASE WAS INFORMED THAT TIRE(S) WERE LOW. CURRENTLY, THE "ESC OFF," LIGHT IS STILL ILLUMINATING AND BRAKE LIGHTS HAVE FAILED. TIRE PRESSURE CHECK BY RECENT SERVICE (OIL CHANGE) WAS REPORTED AS NORMAL. ACCORDING TO KIA CUSTOMER SUPPORT AND THE KIA DEALERSHIP OF SERVICE, THIS VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ISSUED 01 APRIL, 2013. PURCHASE MILEAGE 27,476, MILEAGE AT KIA SERVICE 30,328 ON 21 FEB, 2013. SEVERAL ONLINE FORUMS INCLUDING KIA-FORUMS.COM REPORT THIS PROBLEM AS FAR BACK AS 2007 MODELS. *TR
THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTS VERY SHARP AND ROUGH FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR, APPROXIMATELY AT 25 MPH. ON 17 MAR 11, THE DEALER RE-PROGRAMMED A COMPUTER CHIP FOR THE TRANSMISSION UNDER THEIR SERVICE BULLETIN TSB ENG 075--ECM UPGRADE. THE TRANSMISSION WAS FINE FOR ABOUT 8 MONTHS, BUT THEN SAME PROBLEM STARTED. THE CAR WAS BROUGHT IN AGAIN AT THE BEGINNING OF MARCH 2012, AND I WAS TOLD THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS BLOWN, AND A NEW ONE PROVIDED UNDER WARRANTY. I WAS TOLD TO STAND BY AND THEY WILL CALL WHEN IT IS READY. I CALLED ONCE A WEEK FOR A MONTH TO INQUIRE, AS I RECEIVED NO CALLS, BEING TOLD THAT THE APPROVAL PROCESS WAS UNDERWAY. TODAY, 06 APR 12, I WAS TOLD THAT THE CHIP NEEDED TO BE RE-PROGRAMMED AGAIN. IT DIDN'T WORK BEFORE, WHY WOULD IT WORK NOW? I JUST WANT MY CAR PROPERLY FIXED, AND THE DEALER DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WILLING TO DO IT. *TR
I PURCHASED A KIA SPORTAGE 2008 AUG OF 2010 ABOUT 1 MONTH AFTER PURCHASING I NOTICED THE ESC LIGHT THAT CAME ON, WHEN THIS LIGHT COMES ON THE ENGINE FORCES ITSELF TO DO MORE WORK, THE CAR WON'T GO MORE THEN 40MPH, I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER THEY SAID IT WAS FIXED, 2 MONTHS LATER IT HAPPENED AGAIN, HERE WE ARE 1YR LATER AND IT'S STILL HAPPENING. THE DEALER I TAKE IT TO TELLS ME "THIS ALWAYS HAPPENS THIS TYPE OF CAR" AND KNOW THE BATTERY LIGHT IS COMING ON AT THE SAME TIME THE ECS LIGHT IS COMING ON. I HAVE AN APPT. TO GO TO THE DEALER BACK ON MONDAY FOR THE SAME PROBLEM AND I'M STILL GETTING NO ANSWERS. *TR
TRANSMISSION "SLAMS" WHEN SHIFTING FROM 2ND TO 3RD AFTER IT HAS A CHANCE TO WARM UP. THIS OCCURS FROM EITHER A STAND-STILL OR WHEN IT HAS BEEN ROLLING AND SHIFTS TO A HIGHER GEAR. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY ARE NOT AWARE OF ANY OTHER ISSUES OF THIS TYPE, BUT I HAD ANOTHER KIA IN THE PAST AND THE SAME THING OCCURRED. THE DEALER IS CURRENTLY LOOKING INTO WHAT MAY BE CAUSING THIS ISSUE AND ARE TRYING TO DETERMINE IF I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION OR NOT. *TT
I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2008 KIA SPORTAGE AT AN AUCTION. IT HAS SUSTAINED AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE THAT APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY THE WIRING HARNESS AND / OR ABS PUMP. THIS IS THE LX MODEL WITH 2.7 V6 AUTOMATIC 4WD. I JUST SAW ANOTHER SPORTAGE 2010 MODEL THAT HAD A FIRE IN THE SAME ABS PUMP AREA AT AN AUCTION. THOUGHT YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED AS THERE SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM .. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, SHE NOTICED SPARKS SHOOTING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE TAIL LIGHT. THE CONTACT THEN BEGAN TO SMELL A BURNING ODOR AND PULLED OVER TO INVESTIGATE THE FAILURE. THERE WERE NO MORE SPARKS COMING FROM THE VEHICLE BUT THE BURNING ODOR WAS STILL PRESENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS PERFORMED. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER STILL WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR LOCATE A FAILURE WITHIN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO HAVE THE DEALER DIAGNOSE AND INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED WITH THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE AND TRADED IT FOR ANOTHER MODEL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 54,000 AND THE CURRENT WAS 59,917.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY SYSTEM (ESS) DOESN'T WORK ON COLD DAYS. WHEN STARTING CAR ESS OFF LIGHT IS ON AND THE ESS SYSTEM WON'T WORK. TOOK CAR TO DEALER IN SPRING 2010 AND DEALER INDICATED THAT PROBLEM WAS A BAD BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. DEALER REPLACED SWITCH AND ESS APPEARED TO BE REPAIRED. COLD WEATHER HIT AGAIN AND THE ESS DOESN'T WORK AGAIN. *TR
ACCELERATED AFTER A STOP SIGN AND THE TRANSMISSION FELT LIKE IT AS STRUGGLING TO SWITCH GEARS. LIKE IT WAS SLIPPING. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A TRAFFIC STOP AT SPEEDS OF 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE SURGED FROWARD AS THE TRANSMISSION STRUGGLED TO CHANGE GEARS. THE DEALER ADVISED THEY WERE AWARE OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE MANUFACTURE HAD NOT YET OFFERED A REMEDY TO CORRECT THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN SERVICED BY THE DEALER A TOTAL OF THREE TIMES. THE DEALER RESET THE VEHICLE ON EACH OCCASION. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO RECUR INTERMITTENTLY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,819 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 34,000.
INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) PURCHASED KIA SPORTAGE XL ON 5-22-2008 WITH ABS BRAKE SYSTEM; DURING THE SUBSEQUENT WINTER MONTH, I APPLIED BRAKES AND WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL STEERING; FRONT WHEELS APPEARED TO BE LOCKED IN STRAIGHT POSITION; CAR CONTINUED SKIDDING THROUGH INTERSECTION, DESPITE APPLICATION OF BRAKES. TOOK CAR IN TO KIA (ED NAPLETON) IN ELMHURST A COUPLE TIMES, BUT WAS TOLD IT WAS A NORMAL FUNCTION OF THE ABS SYSTEM, AND I HAD TO INCREASE MY STOPPING LENGTH TO ENSURE I DIDN'T GO THROUGH THE INTERSECTION. IT IS LIKE GUESS WORK, BECAUSE SNOW IS DIFFERENT FROM ICE AND WATER, AND ONE NEVER KNOWS HOW THE SYSTEM WILL REACT OR HOW FAR YOU MUST APPLY BRAKES BEFORE GETTING TO INTERSECTION, TO GET THE EFFECT YOU NEED TO MAKE YOU FEELS SAFE AND ALLOW THE CAR TO STOP. I CALLED 18003334542 WHERE I WAS TOLD TO TAKE VEHICLE IN TO ED NAPLETON 18663528276 AND HAVE SYSTEM CHECKED; WHICH I DID A COUPLE TIMES, BUT AFTER A WHILE WAS TOLD I HAD TO GET ACCUSTOMED TO THE SYSTEM. STAFF AT 1-800 NUMBER ADVISED TO HAVE STAFF AT ED NAPLETON TEST DRIVE VEHICLE WITH ME & REPRODUCE MOTION/ACTION IN QUESTION, BUT THEY SAID IT WAS NORMAL. I FEEL VERY UNSAFE DRIVING THE VEHICLE DURING THE WINTER, AND HAVE TRIED NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AS MUCH AS I CAN. I'VE HAD NIGHTMARES ABOUT ENDING UP AT LOYOLA UNIVERSITY'S TRAUMA CENTER, WHICH IS SUBJECTIVE, BUT I'M NOT WORKING RIGHT NOW AND CAN'T WORK ON GETTING A DIFFERENT VEHICLE. DATES: 8-15-08 (JD POWER EVALUATION COMPLETED); 12-1-08 8AM (CAR IN FOR BRAKE CHECK); 12-3-01 (AGAIN); 12-10-10 CALLED 1800 NUMBER RE: BRAKES; 12-12-10 CALLED 1-866 TO GET APPT & HAVE BRAKES CHECKED AGAIN 3-7-09 TOOK CAR IN FOR OIL CHANGE, SPOKE TO GLENN J MUNGO RE: BRAKE EFFECT, REPEATED SAME THINGS OTHERS DID (THAT IT WAS A NORMAL RESPONSE TO PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL). CASE # [XXX] *TR
WHILE DRIVING SOUTH ON RT33, NEAR SNYDERSVILLE PA,AT ABOUT 60MPH THE DRIVER'S WINDOW "EXPLODED" I.E. SHATTERED INTO THOUSANDS OF PIECES. THERE WAS NO WARNING OF IMPENDING BREAKING-UP. THIS IS THE ONLY OCCURRENCE AT THIS TIME. NO ONE WAS INJURED AND I KNOW OF NO WITNESSES. I SHALL ATTEMPT TO HAVE THE DAMAGE REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT HAS EXPERIENCED SEVERAL FAILURES WITH THE VEHICLE EVER SINCE ITS DATE OF PURCHASE. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES ILLUMINATED AND BEGAN TO FAIL. SOON AFTER, THE VEHICLE FAILED COMPLETELY; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SAFELY MANEUVER THE VEHICLE TO HER DESTINATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE ELECTRONIC STEERING CONTROL MODULE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. TWO MONTHS LATER, THE CONTACT NOTICED A NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE TWO FRONT STRUT BOLTS WERE LOOSE FROM THE SPINDLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR FURTHER INSPECTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 900 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 4,230.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER CHANGED THE CONTROL PANEL SENSOR, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THEY STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
2008 KIA SPORTAGE DO NOT HAVE A PROTECTIVE SHIELD UNDER THE GAS TANK. CONSUMER HAS A HOLE IN THE GAS TANK AFTER DRIVING OVER AN OBJECT IN THE ROAD. *NJ
I HAVE PURCHASED A 2008 KIA SPORTAGE AND I AM DISABLED AND OBESE. I TELEPHONED KIA TO REQUEST A SEAT BELT EXTENSION AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT NHTSA SAID THAT THEY WERE NOT ALLOWED TO MAKE THEM. WHY DO ALL OTHER AUTO MANUFACTURERS FORD,CHRYSLER,CADILLAC OFFER SEAT BELT EXTENSIONS? *TR
I RENTED A KIA SPORTAGE AND WHILE CLOSING THE TAILGATE THE TOP HINGED PORTION OF THE TAILGATE LIFTED UP AND THEN SLAMMED DOWN ON MY FINGER CAUSING A PAINFUL CONTUSION AND EXTENSIVE DISCOLORATION UNDER THE FINGERNAIL. I HAD ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA THAT THE UPPER PORTION OF THE TAILGATE WAS HINGED OR I NEVER WOULD HAVE HAD MY HANDS LOCATED ANYWHERE NEAR THE GLASS PART OF THE TAILGATE. *TR
TPMS - TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM AND HEATING UNIT. *TR
WE HAVE A NEW 2008 KIA SPORTAGE. THE TPMS (TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM) COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY, FOUR TIMES IN 10,000 MILES. WE HAVE HAD TO TAKE THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER ON TWO OCCASIONS TO HAVE THE LIGHT TURNED OFF. IT WENT OFF BY ITSELF ON THE OTHER TWO OCCASIONS. THE DEALER SAYS THE TPMS SYSTEM IS NEW AND WE SHOULD NOT WORRY ABOUT IT. THEY ALSO STATED IT HAPPENS FREQUENTLY ON OTHER MODELS, NOT JUST OUR VEHICLE. I BELIEVE THIS COULD BE A SAFETY HAZARD AND SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED. HOW ARE WE SUPPOSED TO NOW IF WE REALLY HAVE LOW TIRE PRESSURE? *TR
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON FROM DAY ONE. ALMOST ALWAYS WHEN TANK OF GAS WAS AT THE 3/4 MARK. COMPRESSOR MAKES LOUD NOISE AFTER IDLING A WHILE, AND TRANSMISSION SLIPS AND DOES NOT CHANGE PROPERLY. *TR
2008 KIA SPORTAGE HAD PROBLEMS FROM DAY ONE. CONSUMER HAD PROBLEM WITH CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. *NJ
I WAS RECENTLY INJURED WHEN USING A 2008 KIA SPORTAGE. AS I WAS OPENING THE BACK DOOR, THE RING FINGER ON MY LEFT HAND WAS CAUGHT IN THE LATCH, BELOW THE EXTERIOR METAL PORTION WHERE YOU PUSH THE DOOR SHUT. THE END OF THAT FINGER WAS CRUSHED IN THE LOCK HIDDEN UNDER THE LATCH. IT BLED PROFUSELY AND HURT TERRIBLY. IT CONTINUED TO BLEED, AND WAS HORRIFICALLY BRUISED, ALTHOUGH I HAD IT IN ICE FOR OVER AN HOUR. THE INJURY KEPT ME UP DURING THE NIGHT, AND CONTINUED TO HURT, ANY TIME THE FINGER TOUCHED ANYTHING. WE RE-BANDAGED IT, ALWAYS PUTTING NEOSPORIN ON IT, THROUGHOUT THE FOLLOWING WEEKS. THE USE OF MY HAND WAS GREATLY LIMITED FOR THAT WEEK AND WELL INTO THE THIRD WEEK AFTER THE INCIDENT. I WAS TERRIBLY INCONVENIENCED WHEN TRYING TO TYPE, OF COURSE. THE INJURY CONTINUES TO CAUSE PAIN OFF AND ON, NEARLY FOUR WEEKS LATER. DURING THE FIRST WEEK, I DID NOT SLEEP THROUGH A SINGLE NIGHT WITHOUT BEING AWAKENED BY THE SHARP PAIN CAUSED WHEN THE FINGER BRUSHED AGAINST SOMETHING. IT CONTINUES TO HURT, HOWEVER, WHEN THE HAND IS USED FOR NORMAL ACTIVITIES SUCH AS GRIPPING THE STEERING WHEEL TO MAKE A SHARP TURN, PICKING ITEMS UP AT THE GROCERY STORE, WASHING MY HAIR, OR WHEN I INADVERTENTLY STRIKE MY HAND, EVEN LIGHTLY, SO THAT THE TIP OF MY HAND STRIKES A SURFACE. IT CONTINUES TO CAUSE PAIN THROUGHOUT THE DAY AND SOMETIMES EVEN NOW DURING THE NIGHT. OTHER USERS OF VEHICLES WITH MECHANISMS SUCH AS THIS SHOULD BE WARNED OF THE INJURY THEY CAN CAUSE. RENTAL CUSTOMERS, ESPECIALLY, SHOULD BE WARNED OF THIS POTENTIAL DANGER. *TR
Component Failure Cascade Risk
Known patterns where one defect leads to more severe downstream failures
▸ Valve and piston damage — timing chain/belt failure causes immediate catastrophic engine damage at any speed
▸ Loss of brake assist and ABS in emergency — can significantly extend stopping distances
▸ Complete transmission failure — repair costs $3,000–$8,000+; vehicle may become undriveable
Complaint & Reliability Timeline
Annual complaints (blue) vs. composite reliability score (amber) — recall years marked in red
The blue line shows 98 total NHTSA complaints filed over 17 years, with the worst year being 2016 (13 complaints, including 1 crash report).
The amber reliability line shows an improving trend — scores have risen from the earlier years toward 74/100 more recently, suggesting the most serious issues are older and may have been addressed through repairs or recalls.
The red dashed lines mark recall issuance — the first recall came 5 years after owners began filing complaints, a lag that indicates the manufacturer was slow to formally acknowledge these problems.
Red dots on the amber line flag 2 years (2014, 2016) where complaints included crash events — these are the highest-severity incidents in the dataset.
Legal & Regulatory Actions
Known class action lawsuits, settlements, and manufacturer extended warranty programs
5-Year Total Cost of Ownership
Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation
Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $53,614 (~$894/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.
Negotiation Ammunition
Use these data-backed findings to negotiate the price down
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Tailored for the 2008 KIA Sportage — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list
Recall Probability Forecast
Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals
5% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.
Maintenance Schedule
OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle
Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.
Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.
Auction History
Public sale records from Copart, IAAI, and auction aggregators
Searching Public Auction Records
Checking Copart, IAAI, BidFax, and other sources for KNAJE55538K507994. Results appear automatically when found.
Insurance Cost Estimate
Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings
Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.
Manufacturer NHTSA Penalty History
Federal fines issued for recall delays and safety violations
KIA has been fined $27M+ by NHTSA. Most recently in 2020: Failure to promptly conduct recalls for Theta II engine defect.
State-Specific Legal Protections
What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state
Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.
Complete Data Table
All decoded fields in a single flattened view
Vehicle Identity
| VIN | KNAJE55538K507994 |
| Model Year | 2008 |
| Make | KIA |
| Model | Sportage |
| Trim | KM |
| Vehicle Type | PASSENGER CAR |
Body & Configuration
| Drive Type | 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4 |
Manufacturer
| Manufacturer | KIA CORPORATION |
VIN Structure
| WMI (Chars 1–3) | KNA |
| Check Digit (Char 9) | 3 |
| Model Year Code (Char 10) | 8 |
| Plant Code (Char 11) | K |
| Sequence (Chars 12–17) | 507994 |
Safety Data
| NHTSA Recall Count | 3 |
| NHTSA Complaint Count | 98 |
VIN Structure Decode
ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number
Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 6/9/2026, 9:15:38 PM.