2009 Kia Sportage
The Verdict
The 2009 Kia Sportage has 80 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are electrical (27 complaints) and body (24 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 78/100, it earns a "Solid Pick" rating. If you're shopping for a Kia Sportage, consider the 2003 model year which has 95% fewer complaints.
Safe Bet
The 2003 has 95% fewer complaints
View the 2003 Kia Sportage dashboard →
Klunk Score: Solid Pick
Fewer complaints than most vehicles. Generally dependable, but check the top problems below.
How is this calculated?
The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.
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Under the Hood
Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.
| Year | Body | Brakes | Electrical | Engine | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 81 | 42 | 39 | 129 | 30 |
| 2001 | 62 | 16 | 32 | 107 | 16 |
| 2002 | 50 | 16 | 24 | 133 | 14 |
| 2003 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| 2005 | 25 | 5 | 19 | 19 | 0 |
| 2006 | 22 | 9 | 51 | 26 | 3 |
| 2007 | 22 | 12 | 30 | 11 | 2 |
| 2008 | 21 | 20 | 26 | 24 | 7 |
| 2009 | 24 | 15 | 27 | 12 | 2 |
| 2010 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 2 |
| 2011 | 35 | 17 | 26 | 89 | 13 |
| 2012 | 23 | 9 | 16 | 332 | 10 |
| 2013 | 25 | 16 | 15 | 314 | 7 |
| 2014 | 19 | 17 | 7 | 74 | 1 |
| 2015 | 16 | 22 | 13 | 88 | 3 |
| 2016 | 14 | 29 | 15 | 63 | 3 |
| 2017 | 73 | 20 | 52 | 232 | 16 |
| 2018 | 32 | 9 | 19 | 90 | 8 |
| 2019 | 15 | 6 | 7 | 37 | 3 |
| 2020 | 45 | 12 | 13 | 83 | 1 |
| 2021 | 17 | 0 | 4 | 23 | 2 |
| 2022 | 17 | 1 | 4 | 20 | 0 |
| 2023 | 63 | 26 | 37 | 48 | 9 |
| 2024 | 34 | 5 | 11 | 11 | 3 |
| 2025 | 25 | 3 | 9 | 8 | 4 |
By Category
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Worst Problems
Compare Against
See how the 2009 Kia Sportage stacks up against rivals.
Complaints
In 2018 my I was driving home when it just shut off and wouldn’t start. Smelled like burning and had it towed to my house and had several mechanics look at it and couldn’t find the problem then as it was parked on day it started to smoke and the engine was burning I put out the fire and then a couple months later I got the recall information the car was a total loss and could t be repaired and no compemsation was sent to me. Ive contacted the class action suit and they were very vague with the information. I waited and the car eventually disappeared in which I thought the Kia company picked it up. I still have t hear word from anyone and my car is no where to be found and I would like to be reimbursed for the car since it was paid off
The contact owns a 2009 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, and it was determined that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact to contact the dealer for assistance. The contact had heard an abnormal sound and noticed that the wiring harness had melted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2009 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V800000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had 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.
The contact owns a 2009 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle in the dealer's parking lot after the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 16V815000 (Electrical System) and 22V800000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) had been completed, the HECU, the ABS, the TPMS warning lights and other unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle back to the residence. The contact notified the dealer of the failure. The dealer advised the contact to take the vehicle in for the repair however, there would be a fee for the repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 93,157.
The frame has rusted out on this vehicle. The passenger side frame above the rear axle is completely rusted out. I can put my thumb through the rear frame on the driver's side. The exhaust system on this vehicle is still intact - ironic that the frame would rust out before the exhaust system.
I was parked at the grocery store with the car idling in park. The engine suddenly died and smoke was coming out from under the hood. I honestly thought the car was about to burst into flames. A good Samaritan looked under the hood and it was still smoking but eventually stopped. The electrical system is fried and even the emergency lights won't work. There was a very strong electrical fire smell that hung around for hours. I looked up this model and it shows there was a recall with the electrical system & that there was a risk of fire. But this vehicle's VIN is not listed as needing a repair. We have purchased this car used and contacted the original owner. They don't remember ever getting a recall notice or having to do a recall repair with this. I don't know how the car didn't go up in flames because there was so much smoke coming from under the hood.
Reference Kia SC138, Rev 1: DTC code C2380 has been pulled and the recall specifically calls for replacement of the HECU should this code occur. My dash panel's brake light, ESC light and ABS light all have come on alerting me to my car's problem. This recall was initially addressed on 2/6/2017 in Arizona checking for corrosion and/or moisture reaching the circuit board which I was told is common in harsh environments. I am told the cover was replaced. Cars in Arizona do not have a moisture or road salt issue reaching the engine compartment. Now it does. I purchased this low mileage Sportage with 55K miles in Iowa and I live in Wisconsin and now there is a failure of the circuit board from exposure to our weather. The dealer that examined the control unit during its first recall exam lengthened two of the brake lines 3-4 inches making it easier to reconnect the brake lines. This is why my dealer, Bergstrom Kia in Appleton, WI initially claimed they can not address the replacement of this HECU. Since I challenged their excuse with the assistance of my mechanic at Whitcomb Automotive in Kaukauna, WI Bergstrom now is saying they cannot fix my car under this recall because it is no longer under warranty and that it was examined in Arizona back in 2017. I was not of the understanding that safety recalls had a time limit. I currently am not allowing my family to drive the car fearing there could possibly be an engine compartment fire as described in the recall bulletin. The folks at Bergstrom have now given me 3 different reasons why they cannot perform this recall at 3 different challenges I have made with regard to their excuses, they just keep changing their story. I have spoken with Kia America and they tell me this is completely up to the dealer regarding the repair and that Kia Corp has zero influence for this being fixed. Can you help me?
6 months ago air bag indicator light came on for 2 days. That went out and another one came on (can't remember which one) and that stayed on for 2 days. Then all was good for 5 months. Now air bag indicator light is on again. Yes, it's available upon request. Have appt with dealer on 2/25/22. Of course the air bag indicator light could cause risk if there is something wrong with the bags. I'm wondering if it is just an electrical problem with the lights.
The brakes lock up with pressure and will not allow me to brake when immediate breaking is needed. When continuing to try to break hard to prevent hitting the car in front of me, the brake pedal immediately drops to the floor releasing the exuberant brake pressure still not allowing any braking needed. This issue has gone on for over a year as it comes and goes in an odd fashion. We had the brakes fully replaced by a local, good mechanic. We will contact Kia, but do not know how to explain the issue since it is not the brakes. It seems to be the anti-locking system or electrical system not controlling or allowing the brakes to respond properly. It seems to be affected if the under car has gotten wet. I fear for my life and for what may happen if someone jumps out in front of me and the brakes do not function properly. I looked for a possible recall, yet my VIN was not included in the 2 recalls which seems to match my issue. There are no warning lights or any indications that my anti-lock braking has failed. I love my 2009 Kia Sportage V6 and have not had accident, yet. (Knock on wood!)
BRAKE LIGHT CIRCUIT DOESNT WORK
WHILE THE CAR WAS OFF AND PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE MOTOR. THE ENTIRE FRONT PART OF THE CAR WAS TOTALED.
AT APPROXIMATELY 40,000 MILES THE CLOCK SPRING MALFUNCTIONED DISABLING THE AIR BAGS AND HORN.
LEFT SIDE FRONT CORNER UNDER THE HOOD STARTED SMOKING. HAD TO DISCONNECT BATTERY TO MAKE IT STOP. CAR WAS PARKED AND TURNED OFF
I GOT THIS VEHICLE BACK IN AUGUST 2019. FROM THE TIME I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE PASSANGER SIDE WINDOW WOULD ONLY ROLL UP FROM DRIVERS SIDE SWITCH, WOULDN'T ROLL ITS DOWN BUT WILL ROLL UP AND DOWN FROM ITS DOOR SWITCH AND THE BACK DRIVERS DOOR WINDOW WOULDN'T ROLL UP OR DOWN AT ALL FROM EITHER SWITCH. ALSO MY BACK HATCH HAS BEEN STUCK IN UNLOCK, CAN HEAR IT WORKING LIKE ITS LOCKING IT BUT IT DOESNT ACTUALLY LOCK FROM THE DOOR OR THE GLASS. MY DRIVER SIDE DOOR ALSO HAS ISSUES WITH THE POWER LOCKS, IT WILL WORK FINE FOR A WEEK OR SO AND THEN STOP WORKING AND I HAVE TO MANUALLY LOCK AND UNLOCK FOR A FEW WEEKS, CAN HEAR IT LIKE IT'S WORKING ONLY IT DOESNT, JUST LIKE THE HATCH ONLY THE HATCH HAS NEVER WORKED. ALSO MY CIGARETTE LIGHTER AND FRONT 12V OUTLET DID NOT WORK. CHECKED ALL FUSES, EVEN CHANGED GOOD FUSES WITH BRAND NEW FUSES. DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM SO I HAVE JUST DEALT WITH IT. WELL THINGS HAVE ONLY GOTTEN WORSE. SHORTLY AFTER MY PURCHASE I STARTED HAVING ISSUES WITH SQUEALING SOUNDS COMING FROM UPFRONT AND MY POWER STEERING JUST GOING OUT WHEN FIRST STARTING THE VEHICLE, WHEN GOING SLOW TO SWITCH LANES, AND GOING INTO TURNS OR MAKING TURNS. WHEN THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT IT'S LIKE THE POWER TO THE ENGINE ALSO CUTS OUT AND WHEN THE SQUEALING STOP I FEEL THE POWER COME BACK. ALSO MY CRUISE CONTROL ONLY WORKS WHEN IT WANTS TO AND I AM CONSTANTLY HAVING MY LOW TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR GO OFF. I SOMEHOW FEE LIKE AS THOUGH THIS IS ALL RELATED? I HAVE READ MANY MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT MY VEHICLE. SHOULD'VE SEARCHED ALITTLE BETTER BEFORE PURCHASING. I SOMEWHAT FEEL LIKE I AM DRIVING A DEATH TRAP NOW. WOULD LOVE SOME GUIDANCE AND HELP WITH THIS SITUATION. ALL THESE CAR FIRES, ESPECIALLY AFTER BEING OFF FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME IS VERY SCARY. I HAVE HAD A FEW PEOPLE LOOK AT MY VEHICLE AND HAVE PRETTY MUCH ALL LEANED TOWARDS TENSIONER PULLEY AND SERPENTINE BELT NOW I WONDER
THE CAR HAS A ROUGH IDLE. IT WILL STALL RANDOMLY, SOMETIMES WHILE IN TRAFFIC. THE COMPUTER HAS BEEN REPLACED AND NUMEROUS SENSORS HAVE BEEN CHECKED. THE PROBLEMS OCCURRED WHEN WE FIRST BOUGHT THE CAR USED IN DECEMBER 2009. IT WAS FIXED BUT BEGAN HAPPENING AGAIN IN THE FALL OF 2018. THE RANDOM STALLING OCCURRED AGAIN IN LATE SUMMER 2019 AND HAS BEEN A PROBLEM EVER SINCE.
HEADING DOWN HIGHWAY 198 FROM MABANK TX TO CANTON TX WE HAD HIT DEER TWO JUMP OUT ABOUT 2 FEET IN FROM OF US . WE MISS THE FIRST DEER AND SECOND ONE WE HIT DEAD SMACK IN FRONT OF CAR, IT DID SO MUCH DAMAGE HAD TO REPLACE MOST OF THE FRONT END INCLUDING RADIATOR AND COOLING FAN AND BATTERY BECAUSE IT HAD POP HOLE IN FRONT BATTERY. BUT AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. AND THAT MORNING NOTICE WHEN PERSON SITTING IN PASSENGER SIDE THE AIR BAG LIGHT ABOVE DASH SAYS PASSENGER AIR BAG ON THAN SAYS OFF. THERE PIC ATTACH SHOWS DAMAGED HAD TO REPLACED COST ABOUT 1400 DOLLARS OR MORE IN DAMAGE . AIR BAGS SHOULD DEPLOYED
WHEN I PULLED IN MY YARD I HEARD A CLICKING IN THE WHEEL AND WHEN I GOT OUT THE WHEEL HAD SQUATTED OUT ON THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT.AXLE IS OFF. I WAS IN MOTION WHEN IT HAPPENED
THE CLOCK SPRING IS NOT WORKING WHICH DEACTIVATES THE AIR BAG SYSTEM AND HORN. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS CONDITION. THIS SHOULD RESULT IN A RECALL IMMEDIATELY.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE TRACTION CONTROL AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS SUDDENLY ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE AND VIBRATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL KIA DEALER KOCOUREK (2700 N. 20TH AVE, WAUSAU WI) WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A FAULTY WIRE HARNESS THAT HAD MELTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
AIRBAG ABOVE PASSENGER CURTAIN HAS DEFECTIVE MODULE. VEHICLE HAS ONLY 53375 MILES ON IT, IS ALWAYS GARAGED. KIA HAS ISSUED 507,000 VEHICLE RECALL FOR AIRBAGS DEFECTS, GOING BACK TO YEAR 2010. NORMAL WARRENTY IS 5 YEARS OR 60,000 MILES. KIA TOLD ME I AM NOT A LOYAL KIA CUSTOMER BECAUSE I DO NOT ROUTINELY BRING MY CAR TO DEALERS FOR SERVICES, OPPOSED TO MY LOCAL GARAGE. REPLACEMENT OF AIRBAG IS $1956.00 NOT INCLUDING LABOR AND TAX.
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