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2014 Kia Sportage

The Verdict

70 Solid Pick

The 2014 Kia Sportage has 118 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are engine (74 complaints) and body (19 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 70/100, it earns a "Solid Pick" rating. If you're shopping for a Kia Sportage, consider the 2003 model year which has 96% fewer complaints.

Safe Bet

The 2003 has 96% fewer complaints

View the 2003 Kia Sportage dashboard →

70

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.

Recalls 2

Active safety recalls from NHTSA for this vehicle year.

14V023000 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

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 pressur...

Risk

Maintaining tire pressure below the recommmend specification could result in premature tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Kia will notify owners, and dealers will correct the label information, and owners will also receive a sticker to put into the owners manual, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in Feb...

Reported Apr 10, 2026

22V051000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

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, w...

Risk

An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will install a new fuse for the HECU circuit board, free of charge. Owner notification let...

Reported Feb 2, 2022

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Under the Hood

Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.

YearBodyBrakesElectricalEngineTransmission
200081423912930
200162163210716
200250162413314
200310030
200525519190
200622951263
2007221230112
2008212026247
2009241527122
201065522
20113517268913
20122391633210
20132516153147
201419177741
2015162213883
2016142915633
201773205223216
201832919908
20191567373
2020451213831
20211704232
20221714200
2023632637489
202434511113
2025253984

By Category

Engine
74
Body
19
Brakes
17
Electrical
7
Transmission
1

By Severity

1
65
2
49
3
1
4
3

Worst Problems

Compare Against

See how the 2014 Kia Sportage stacks up against rivals.

Complaints

Engine 1

My vehicle stalled (104000mi) bought in 2024 looked up online was known between 2023-2024 engine recall I wasn't told or shown on Car Fax anything about this So [XXX] worked on engine 2. Mths no charge was to get new motor they replaced alternator.Told Done Engine light was on I went to drive it jerked and over dash said engine problems return to dealer ( 5 min) I did .They had it2 more weeks said Transmission box lied I found diagnostics in my dash says engine control problems.Theysaid I had to return loaner and take my vehicle It's not the transmission They are lying. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

2mo ago
Engine 1

Engine went out , starter went out got it replaced been having issues since I purchased it . Makes a noise my engine oil and gasoline was mixing my engine is locked now

2mo ago
Engine 1

Motor is knocking

6mo ago
Engine 1

My Kia engine was replaced under recall. The replacement engine triggered P1326 KSDS failure while I was traveling overseas, placing the vehicle in limp mode. Kia USA refuses to assist or authorize diagnosis, leaving me stranded. This is a repeat recall-related safety failure, even though there is a Kia Dealership near me.

7mo ago
Engine 2

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle jerked and failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. In addition, the vehicle hesitated and failed to exceed 40 MPH. The contact exited the freeway. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone, where it was diagnosed with a knock sensor failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the knock sensor however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle hesitated and failed to exceed 40 MPH. The contact exited the freeway with the check engine warning light intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the knock sensor had failed. The independent mechanic advised the contact to stop driving the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. Most recently, an abnormal sound was coming from the engine. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 99,000.

9mo ago
Engine 1

My truck consumes excessive engine oil.

10mo ago
Engine 2

My 2014 Kia Sportage experienced sudden and complete engine failure while I was driving on the highway at 75 mph. The engine locked up instantly, with no warning lights or alerts of any kind. The only prior issue was that the vehicle constantly burned oil and needed to be topped off frequently, but there was never any indication that the engine was about to fail. This sudden failure left me stranded in a dangerous situation. Thankfully, I was able to maneuver safely, but I am terrified of what could have happened to my daughter and grandson who were in the car or others on the road. Afterward, I learned that this defect was part of a recall. However, I was never notified in time. Kia Customer Service told me a notice had been sent in 2018, but my own research shows the recall was not actually issued until 2022. Because of this, I was denied the chance to have the recall repair performed before the failure. Now, Kia has refused goodwill assistance, leaving me with an $8,000+ repair bill. I am a single mother, a teacher, and caregiver to my daughter and grandson. This Sportage is the vehicle my daughter depends on to get my grandson to and from school safely. Safety Concern: This defect poses a severe safety risk. An engine seizing at highway speeds without warning could easily cause crashes, injuries, or deaths. I am deeply concerned that if Kia failed to notify me properly, other Kia owners may also be driving unsafe vehicles without realizing it. Requested Action: I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate Kia’s recall notification practices and ensure Kia is held accountable for leaving customers unprotected against such a serious safety hazard.

10mo ago
Engine 2

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the vehicle, after which the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V907000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 103,000.

12mo ago
Engine 1

I own a 2014 Kia Sportage (VIN: [XXX] ) that qualifies under Recall SC147 for engine seizure. The vehicle’s engine has seized randomly with no check engine lights. Was running and driving perfectly and shut off. However, Kia and the local dealership are refusing to repair the vehicle under the recall because the vehicle is not currently registered. This is a clear violation of NHTSA recall requirements, which mandate free recall repairs regardless of ownership or registration. I am requesting NHTSA review and enforcement. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

13mo ago
Engine 1

While driving on an interstate, our vehicle experienced complete engine failure. It was towed to auto garage and examined. We were advised the timing chain had stretched and there were metal shavings in the oil (only roughly 100,000 miles on vehicle). Auto garage advised this was a known issue that was associated with high engine oil consumption and that there was an engine recall. They advised we should contact a Kia dealer for repair. Contacted Kia dealer and was advised the vin for our Kia was not included in the recall, however our Kia also has the Theta 2 engine, which was the subject of the recall of other models and/or years and we are experiencing the same issues. I contacted Kia Corporate and was advised that because the vin of our vehicle was not included in the recall, they would not assist in any way. When this incident occurred, we were 200 miles from home driving on a 4 lane highway and navigating an interchange. Thankfully, we were able to navigate traffic and get to the side of the road, however we felt extremely vulnerable and unsafe, and it left us with no means to return home. Generally, my [XXX] daughter drives this vehicle and had she been driving at the time of this incident, I fear she would not have known what to do to get to safety and could have resulted in a tragedy. I believe this to be a significant safety issue that is the same or at least very closely related to the recalls already in place. We purchased this vehicle in good faith, believing the manufacturer was providing a vehicle that was safe and reliable, however that turned out not to be the case and Kia is not willing to hear our concerns or help with a solution. Please contact me if any additional information is needed and I welcome your feedback. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

14mo ago
Electrical 2

The rear hatch door no longer opens. This could pose a safety risk in an emergency situation. Upon research it appears to be very common issue among Kias from this year.

17mo ago
Engine 1

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the service engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle went in LIMP Mode. The contact stated that the engine started to overheat. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the turbo charger, radiator, and the catalytic convertor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 132,000.

19mo ago
Engine 1

Engine has failed. Mechanic at home has found aluminum shavings in the cam shaft area. This model doesn’t have a recall, but should for engine failure. I have 70,000 miles and it’s on year 10. Should be lasting longer with no engine issues. Never had prior warnings for the engine, just engine failure randomly and shavings built up. Available for inspection. Car stalled and could have resulted in accident. A few months prior, oil smell and burning occurred as well, mechanic was able to fix it. Kia has made it difficult to make an appt for an engine issue, Fette Kia in Clifton NJ says they have emergency slots, but they will only “talk” to me and not look at the car. This seems like an emergency to me. Finally made an appointment for 20 days from now at another dealership.

24mo ago
Engine 1

Engine failure which was ran through a diagnostic test a the Kia dealership 2 years ago after my car cut off on the interstate. Nothing was found however I have been having problems since

27mo ago
Engine 2

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25–35 MPH, the engine seized. There was smoke coming from the engine compartment. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the engine had seized. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine failed and needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced, but the failure recurred two years later. While driving at low speeds, the engine seized. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the local dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

30mo ago
Engine 1

Brakes keep squealing and as of a result of previous recall service my engine drink oil fast and not to mention the oil pan gasket is leaking oil. The engine smoke and have a burning smell that seep inside the car vents.

32mo ago
Body 2

The driver side door has issues with opening from outside.

32mo ago
Engine 2

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated and sputtered while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and was serviced; however, the failure persisted. After a recent failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to Infiniti of Denver (2990 S Havana St, Aurora, CO 80014) where the vehicle was diagnosed with a misfire in cylinder #2. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 111,500.

32mo ago
Engine 1

The engine stopped working. And although there was a recall on this issue the dealership is demanding i pay for the repair

32mo ago
Engine 2

On Sunday May 7th 2023, while traveling on the thruway, the car started to slow down and was no longer accelerating as I was pressing on the accelerator. There was a burning smell coming from the engine, causing me to cough for a week. I could not stop for a mile because there was no shoulder on that portion of the highway. I turned on my hazard lights and kept going until I pulled over a mile down at a rest stop. As soon as I took the exit into that rest stop, all the lights came on the dashboard and the car stopped on its own without me turning it off and without me making it completely into the rest stop. I had the car towed by an authorized thruway towing service to the closest shop and then had Kia tow it from that shop to Healey Brothers Kia dealership. The car does not drive at the moment and Kia does not want to assume any responsibility.

33mo ago

118 total

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