Kia

Sportage (SL)

2011-2016 · Compact SUV · 2 engines
Best Engine ⚠️ Caution (2.0)
1,340 NHTSA Complaints
9 Recalls
61 Fire Reports
36 Crash Reports
View all 4 generations of the Kia Sportage → 📋 Inspection checklist

Engine Reliability Ratings

T-GDI Theta-ii

2.0L Turbo
⚠️ Caution (2.0)
84 complaints 14.0 per year Gasoline
5 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
53
brakes
15
electrical
14
transmission
9
other
6

Known Issues

Engine Issues (53 complaints)
Typical onset: 33,500–98,500 mi
Brakes Issues (15 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (14 complaints)

MPI Theta-ii

2.4L
Avoid (1.0)
1,181 complaints 237.0 per year Gasoline
50 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
843
brakes
133
electrical
110
other
68
transmission
65

Known Issues

Engine Issues (843 complaints)
Typical onset: 83,150–127,250 mi Est. repair: $517–$7,256 (103 reports)
Brakes Issues (133 complaints)
Typical onset: 55,000–121,062 mi
Electrical System Issues (110 complaints)
Typical onset: 48,000–130,822 mi Est. repair: $200–$5,000 (5 reports)

Same engine used in

1 additional engine variant with fewer than 10 complaints not shown.

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Kia Sportage regardless of engine variant.

Engine Issues (897 complaints)
engine critical
Brakes Issues (148 complaints)
brakes critical
Electrical System Issues (125 complaints)
electrical critical
Transmission Issues (65 complaints)
transmission critical

Recalls (9)

23V652000Sep 24, 2023serious
Service Brakes

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.

22V051000Feb 1, 2022serious
Service Brakes

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2018 K900 and 2014-2016 Sportage vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire.

20V750000Feb 11, 2020serious
Engine

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.

19V101000Feb 14, 2019serious
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.

18V907000Dec 18, 2018serious
Fuel System

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.

17V224000Mar 30, 2017serious
Engine & Cooling

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.

15V360000Sep 5, 2015serious
Exterior Lighting

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.

14V023000Jan 26, 2014serious
Equipment

Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2014 Kia Sportage vehicles manufactured September 30, 2013, through January 11, 2014. The certification label has incorrect tire pressure information printed on it, listing a specification that is 1 or 2 psi below the correct information. Thus, these vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."

13V114000Jan 3, 2013serious
Exterior Lighting

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2011-2016 Kia Sportage problems?

The 2011-2016 Kia Sportage has accumulated 1,340 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Engine, Brakes, Electrical System. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Kia Sportage engine is most reliable?

The 2011-2016 Kia Sportage was offered with 3 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2.4L ?-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2011-2016 Kia Sportage a good used car?

The 2011-2016 Kia Sportage can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 1,340 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2011-2016 Kia Sportage have?

The 2011-2016 Kia Sportage has 1,340 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2011-2016 Kia Sportage?

There are 9 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2011-2016 Kia Sportage vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Kia Sportage?

Before buying a used Kia Sportage, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Engine, Brakes, Electrical System, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

Does the Sportage have NHTSA crash test ratings?

NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2011-2016 Kia Sportage. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 1,340 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-07.

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