2024 Kia Sportage Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2024 Kia Sportage carries 3 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering roof and pillars and electric power assist system. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Spontaneous panoramic sunroof shattering.” Kia uses Hyundai Motor Group's powertrains, so service intervals mirror Hyundai's. Kia Promise covers the first 3 years / 36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance. Kia owners with the Theta II 2.0L/2.4L (Optima, Sorento, Sportage 2011-2019) should adhere strictly to oil intervals due to known oil-consumption issues in Kia TSBs.

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3 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

Campaign #24V025000 · Jan 18, 2024

Issue: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Sportage and 2022-2024 Carnival vehicles. The roof molding may loosen and detach.

Risk: A detached roof molding can create a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the roof molding and replace or secure it as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 15, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC292.

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

Campaign #24V422000 · Jul 6, 2024

Issue: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2024 Kia Sportage vehicles. The circuit board in the motor-driven power steering assembly may short circuit, resulting in a loss of power steering assist.

Risk: A loss of power steering assist can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the motor-driven power steering electric power pack, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 19, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC319.

TRAILER HITCHES

Campaign #25V874000 · Dec 17, 2025

Issue: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Sportage Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) and 2024-2025 Sportage vehicles equipped with a 4.2" screen and a Genuine Kia tow hitch harness accessory. Due to a software error, the instrument panel screen may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Controls and Displays."

Risk: An instrument panel screen that fails to display critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the tow hitch harness control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2026. Owners may contact Kia Customer Service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC359. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning December 31, 2025.

Recall data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2024 Kia Sportage.

Reported to NHTSA

Spontaneous panoramic sunroof shattering

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

16 NHTSA complaints · 2023-10 → 2026-05

“While traveling at approx 65 mph on a clear, debris-free Alaska highway in -5°F temperatures, the panoramic sunroof of my 2024 Kia Sportage spontaneously shattered with an explosive sound”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11706279
“The component that failed is the sunroof (glass) The sunroof exploded while driving down the street, glass splattered in my head, face, and body. I almost wrecked because it sounded like a gunshot”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11695094
“The sunroof exploded all of the sudden. I was driving on the I-675 highway toward Wright-Patt Air Force Base and the sunroof exploded, barely maintained vehicle control. The shattered glass hit my head and my child legs”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11557569

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Premature front brake rotor wear

SERVICE BRAKES

5 NHTSA complaints · 2024-07 → 2026-07

“Front brake rotors are warped on new 2024 KIA Sportage with only 4000 miles on the vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11617100
“The front rotors had to be turned with less than 18K miles. They have since been completely replaced twice at my expense and the car is less than 2 years old”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11675759
“Second Occurrence: Around 23,000 miles, I began to notice progressively worsening shaking and a disturbing sensation of the brakes skipping or slipping—particularly during highway downgrades”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11685500

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine stall or shutdown while driving

ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

10 NHTSA complaints · 2024-05 → 2026-06

“On December 24, 2025, while driving in traffic, my Kia Sportage experienced severe lurching, bucking, and jerking, causing the engine to shut down. All dashboard warning lights illuminated, including a message prompting me to "turn engine back on."”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11725255
“While driving, the vehicle engine shut off while making a turn. Before the engine stalled, the engine began to sputter as I made the turn. I was stranded on the roadway as I could not restart the vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11650023
“When we were entering a major intersection, car strolled and rolled forward and stopped 3/4 thru the intersection. It would not restart immediately while cars were speeding by on both sides”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11656699

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Forward collision system false braking event

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

3 NHTSA complaints · 2025-02 → 2026-03

“Forward collision warning systems check error light hard braking occurred and scared the pee out of me. Camera blockage obstruction error”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11725384
“A car in left lane took a turn to cut through median and my car thought it was a collision and hard braked and took my vehicle from 60mph to 35mph in a few seconds. If a car had been behind me, I would have been rear ended”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11693745
“While traveling on a 4-lane highway and using cruise control, a car in the left-hand lane was making a left turn across a median cut through, and my car's sensors detected a collision and took me from 60 mph down to 35 mph in about five seconds”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11641033

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag non-deployment in frontal collision

AIR BAGS

3 NHTSA complaints · 2024-04 → 2025-10

“The contact owned a 2024 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at 77 MPH, the vehicle was involved in a front-impact crash with a large-sized deer. The air bags did not deploy”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11581139
“Description of Crash: On [XXX], I was involved in a front-end collision while driving my 2024 Kia Sportage. Despite the impact, the airbags did not deploy”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11690901
“The ECU malfunctioned and the passenger side airbag didn’t go off and should have. There were error codes and I told KIA service department about it but they weren’t to concerned and said they would look at it at my first service appointment”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11642932

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Instrument cluster screen blackout while driving

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

6 NHTSA complaints · 2024-04 → 2025-12

“Blank Instrument Panel Screen. abnormal CAN message which can cause certain instrument clusters with a 4.2” screen to reboot while driving”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11708050
“The Dashboard with all the instrumentation goes blank while driving causing loss of all instrumentation gauges and headlights shut off”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11650407
“Cluster screen goes black The dealership has replaced the screen & completed a software update”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11647454

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Windshield cracking without impact

VISIBILITY/WIPER

4 NHTSA complaints · 2024-02 → 2025-12

“The contact owns a 2024 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the windshield cracked without impact”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11622218
“Not really sure what happened, but last week the temperature suddenly dropped below freezing and there was ice built up on the windshield”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11572706
“6” Snow ice storm & negative degree temps 12/13/25 used heated windshield deicer. On 12/15 driving to work on a country road no other traffic, heard pop cracking noise above my head checked sunroof snow ice melting no visible cracks thought noise from thawing ice”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11706746

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 3,750 mi

Severe service: every 3,750 miles. Normal: 7,500 miles. Theta II 2.0L/2.4L on Optima, Sorento, Sportage (2011-2019): full synthetic only, never extend.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. Telluride and Sorento AWD owners benefit from rotation every 5,000 miles to prevent uneven wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads and rotors every 7,500 miles. Forte and Soul front pads typically last 40,000-55,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 24 months. Required for ABS and ESC pump longevity.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Severe or dusty conditions: 15,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Severe service: every 30,000 miles. Normal: 60,000 miles. Use Kia SP-IV — same as Hyundai.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 105,000 mi

Iridium-tipped plugs rated 105,000 miles on most Kia engines. 1.6T (Forte GT, Soul Turbo): 60,000 miles. 3.5L Lambda II V6 (Telluride, Sorento): 105,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Long-Life Coolant

Every 30,000 mi

Kia Long-Life Coolant (pink, same as Hyundai): first change at 60,000 miles, then every 30,000. Do not mix with green or orange coolant.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Transfer Case / Rear Diff (AWD)

Every 60,000 mi

On AWD models, replace transfer case fluid and rear differential fluid every 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 15,000 miles. Located behind the glove box on Optima, Forte, and Sportage; behind the dashboard panel on Telluride.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

7 crashes 1990–2024

How the 7 occupant deaths break down

5

driver deaths

2

passenger deaths

7

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2023 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

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. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

7

complaints mentioning a crash

0

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2024 Kia Sportage reflects Kia's published service intervals and the Service Reminder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.