2011 Kia Sportage: raw data

Every record we hold for this vehicle, as plain tables, with nothing added. The consumer page shows the same records with the maintenance schedule, price ranges and nearby shops around them.

vehicle	2011 / kia / sportage
known issues	6 clusters (reviewed 2026-09-08)
complaints	181 on file (2011-04-13 → 2026-06-20)
recalls	6
investigations	4
fars	30 occupant deaths, crash years 2010-2024 (legacy-code)
indexed	yes
license	CC BY 4.0 (derived)

Known Issues clusters all years →

Electronic power steering drift at highway speedSTEERING5 complaints2011-04 → 2018-03sportage-2011-steering-drift-highway

10430329 THE ELECTRONIC STEERING ON MY 2011 SPORTAGES CAUSES A PROBLEM DURING TRAVEL AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. ALL CARS WILL SLOWLY DRIFT TO THE SIDE WHEN DRIVING ON A FLAT STRAIGHT ROAD BUT NORMALLY IT ONLY REQUIRES A SLIGHT PRESSURE ON THE STEERING WHEEL TO CORRECT
10425567 ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING ISSUE. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO TRACK VEHICLE STRAIGHT AT SPEEDS OVER 30 MPH. WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THE VEHICLE WILL DRIFT TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT. THE ONLY WAY TO MAINTAIN A STRAIGHT LINE IS TO CONSTANTLY MAKE CORRECTIONS WHILE DRIVING
11076590 THE STEERING WHEEL CONTROL IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY ESPECIALLY UNDER 60 MPH. I BELIEVE IT HAS A PROBLEM THAT COMES FROM THE FACTORY SETTINGS. I ALSO HAVE SEEN THAT MANY 2011 KIA SPORTAGE OWNERS HAVE THE SAME ISSUE WHICH IS VERY DANGEROUS

Stop lamp switch failure disabling shift lock and startELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES13 complaints2011-10 → 2021-12sportage-2011-stop-lamp-switch-shift-lock

11390243 RECALL NO. 13V114 HAS STILL NOT BEEN RESOLVED. WITH NO PREDICABLE FREQUENCY, MY DAUGHTER'S CAR WILL SUDDENLY BE DIFFICULT TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK AND THE STEERING WILL BECOME MORE DIFFICULT, THE STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE, THE CRUISE CONTROL WILL BE INOPERATIVE
10631138 THE STOP LAMP SWITCH IN THIS VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY MALFUNCTIONS. THE MALFUNCTIONING STOP LAMP SWITCH HAS CAUSED THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED
11089924 MY CAR'S SHIFT BUTTON SUDDENLY BECAME STUCK IN THE HANDLE AND I CANNOT "PARK" MY CAR OR TURN OFF THE KEY. I DROVE IT TO COLLEGE, AS I WAS STOPPED IN THE PARKING LOT, WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, AND PRESSED THE BUTTON TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK

Engine bearing wear leading to stall and seizureENGINE69 complaints2011-08 → 2026-06sportage-2011-engine-bearing-seizure

11055514 THERE CURRENTLY IS A RECALL ON CERTAIN 2011 KIA SPORTAGES WITH THE ENGINE BEARINGS PREMATURELY WEARING AND CAUSING THE ENGINE TO SEIZE. I HAVE A 2011 SPORTAGE THAT IS SHOWING SIGNS OF THIS. TWICE, MY SPORTAGE HAS JUST SHUT DOWN WHILE MY SON WAS DRIVING IT
11288091 TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, A SUDDEN CLANKING NOISE OCCURRED BEFORE THE ENGINE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE HAD BLOWN
11519512 The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V101000 (Engine). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled without warning

Brake control unit recall repair parts unavailableSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC13 complaints2023-11 → 2025-03sportage-2011-brake-hecu-recall-parts

11582906 My complaint is in regard to your safety recall, 23V652. I received a letter notice stating my 2011 Kia Sportage is unsafe to drive. it may start a fire in the Hydraulic Electronic control unit (HECU) whether the car is parked and not being used or while driving
11619604 KIA issue a recall for my vehicle. Visited the dealership as instructed and the replacement part was not available. After a month and a half, they still don't know when they will receive the part. Driving a car with a safety recall (fire possible) is not ideal
11563991 It's been close to 6 months since they did the hydraulic brake switch fuse recall. This is a pretty big deal with cars catching on fire out of nowhere. How long do they have to come up with a solution?

Under-hood and electrical fire with burning odorELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FIRERELATED9 complaints2013-07 → 2025-08sportage-2011-electrical-engine-fire

11679186 On [XXX], my 2011 Kia Sportage SX (VIN: [XXX] ) caught fire while I was driving. The vehicle rapidly filled with smoke, causing throat and eye irritation from smoke inhalation. My insurance company declared the vehicle a total loss
10531503 THE CAR WAS NOT RUNNING AND SMOKE STARTED TO COME OUT FROM UNDER THE DASH ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. I POPPED THE HOOD AND THERE WAS NO SMOKE PRESENT UNDERNEATH. THE CAR THEN STARTED ITSELF WITH NO KEY IN THE IGNITION
11098876 MY CAR WITH 87,942 WELL MAINTAINED MILES ALL OF A SUDDEN BLEW THE ENGINE AND CAUGHT FIRE.RECALL ON CERTAIN MODELS WITH THE SAME YEAR WITH CAM BEARINGS LETTING GO INTERNALLY

Panoramic sunroof shattering while drivingVISIBILITY, VISIBILITY/WIPER7 complaints2016-05 → 2018-07sportage-2011-sunroof-shatters

11080855 TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED. THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND GLASS SHATTERED INTO THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES
10910889 MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HER KIA SPORTAGE ON I-25 JUST NORTH OF CASTLE ROCK AT ABOUT 70 MPH WHEN THERE WAS A LOUD GUNSHOT NOISE AND SHE NOTICED THE SUNROOF HAD EXPLODED. SHE IS SURE THAT SHE DID NOT SEE ANYTHING STRIKE THE VEHICLE
11035232 TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED

NHTSA complaints (summary) all years →

count	earliest_date	latest_date	crash_flagged	fire_flagged	top_components
181	2011-04-13	2026-06-20	7	8	ENGINE:77; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:38; SERVICE BRAKES:25; UNKNOWN OR OTHER:23; POWER TRAIN:23

Recalls all years →

campaign_number	report_received_date	component	summary	consequence	remedy
18V907000	19/12/2018	FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS	Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.	A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.	Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
19V101000	15/02/2019	ENGINE	Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2012 Kia Sportage vehicles. The engine oil pan may leak and, if not addressed, the loss of oil may result in engine damage.	A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.	Kia has notified owners, and dealers will replace the oil pressure switch with an improved one, free of charge. In addition, dealers will inspect the oil pan for any oil leaks, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 3, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC174.
17V224000	31/03/2017	ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE	Kia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.	Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.	Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly, and replace the engine if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC147.
13V114000	01/04/2013	EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH	Kia 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.	Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of PARK without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.	Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall campaign number is SC098.
15V360000	09/06/2015	EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH	Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2011 Sportage vehicles manufactured March 7, 2011, to June 8, 2011. In the affected vehicles, the brake light switch may intermittently fail.	Whenever the brake switch is not working, the brake lights will not illuminate, reducing the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions of stopping, increasing the risk of a crash.	Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began on July 7, 2015. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC121.
23V652000	25/09/2023	SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE	Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.	An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.	Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.

Investigations all years →

action_number	status	subject	components	opened	closed	recall_campaign	summary
AQ23002	open	Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires	SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE	2023-11-17	·	·	The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.
DP22003	closed	Loss of Motive Power	ENGINE	2022-09-12	2023-12-12	·	The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complain
EA21003	closed	Engine Fires	ENGINE	2021-12-22	2024-02-05	23V877	On March 29, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened two Preliminary Evaluations (PE19-003 on Hyundai and PE19-004 on Kia) to broadly investigate incidents of non-crash fires (regardless of origin or operational status of the vehicle) on various model year Hyundai and Kia vehicles. During the PE investigations, Hyundai and Kia issued several recalls to address vehicle fires, including those due to engine failures involving various engine types. The remedies for the engine failure recalls typically involve engine inspection (to detect existing damage), and if necessary, engine
RQ17003	closed	Scope and Timeliness	ENGINE	2017-05-18	2021-12-22	17V224000	NHTSA opened Recall Query (RQ) 17-003 to investigate the timeliness and scope of Kia?s Theta II GDI engine recall (Recall No. 17V-224), and Kia?s compliance with reporting requirements. On November 23, 2020, the Agency entered into a Consent Order with Kia to administratively resolve NHTSA?s assertions of violations of law in connection with RQ17-003. NHTSA?s assertions included that Kia may be liable for civil penalties on multiple grounds, including that Recall No. 17V-224 was untimely and Kia?s recall report contained certain inaccuracies.Under the Consent Order, Kia agreed to a total civil

FARS occupant deaths all years →

crash_years	occupant_deaths	match_type	vpic_recovered
2010-2024	30	legacy-code	0

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road.

Cite this

Derived data is CC BY 4.0. Link back to the page you used. Text and BibTeX below.

Wrench.Pro (2026). 2011 Kia Sportage vehicle data [dataset]. https://www.wrench.pro/data/vehicles/2011/kia/sportage

@misc{wrenchpro_2011_kia_sportage_2026,
  author = {Wrench.Pro},
  title = {Wrench.Pro vehicle data: 2011 Kia Sportage},
  year = {2026},
  howpublished = {\url{https://www.wrench.pro/data/vehicles/2011/kia/sportage}},
  note = {Derived from NHTSA public records. CC BY 4.0.}
}

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