2008
Kia Sportage
EPA MPG:
21 mpg
Owner Reported MPG:
EPA MPG:
21 mpg
Owner Reported MPG:
RECALL ALERT:
There are 3 recalls on this vehicle.
Learn More.
There are 3 recalls on this vehicle.
Learn More.
RECALL ALERT:
There are 3 recalls on this vehicle.
Learn More.
There are 3 recalls on this vehicle.
Learn More.
Reliability
Overall Reliability
We expect the 2025 Sportage will be more reliable than the average new car. This prediction is based on data from 2023 and 2024 models.
The 2008 Kia Sportage has been recalled 3 times by NHTSA.
View Recalls
The 2008 Kia Sportage has been recalled 3 times by NHTSA.
View Recalls
2008 SUVs Reliability
This Car
0
100
0 - 100
Kia Sportage
Kia Sportage
NA
vs. Similar Cars
Ford Escape
Ford Escape
Honda CR-V
Honda CR-V
Honda Element
Honda Element
Subaru Forester
Subaru Forester
Toyota RAV4
Toyota RAV4
Kia vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability
Reliability History
*
Redesign year
Overall Reliability Verdict
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Engine Major
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Minor
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Cooling
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Electrical
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Transmission Major
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Transmission Minor
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Drive System
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Fuel System/Emissions
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Exhaust
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Suspension/Steering
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Brakes
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Climate System
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Electrical Accessories
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Body Hardware
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Paint/Trim
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Noises/Leaks
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
In-car Electronics
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Overall Reliability Verdict
Potential Trouble Spots
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
2004
2005*
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
NA
2015
NA
2016
NA
2017*
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023*
2024
Powertrain
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
2004
2005*
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
NA
2015
NA
2016
NA
2017*
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023*
2024
Engine Major
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
2004
2005*
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
NA
2015
NA
2016
NA
2017*
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023*
2024
Engine Minor
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
2004
2005*
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
NA
2015
NA
2016
NA
2017*
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023*
2024
Engine Cooling
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
2004
2005*
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
NA
2015
NA
2016
NA
2017*
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023*
2024
Engine Electrical
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
2004
2005*
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
NA
2015
NA
2016
NA
2017*
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023*
2024
Transmission Major
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
2004
2005*
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
NA
2015
NA
2016
NA
2017*
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023*
2024
Transmission Minor
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
2004
2005*
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
NA
2015
NA
2016
NA
2017*
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023*
2024
Drive System
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
2004
2005*
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
NA
2015
NA
2016
NA
2017*
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023*
2024
Fuel System/Emissions
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
2004
2005*
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
NA
2015
NA
2016
NA
2017*
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023*
2024
Exhaust
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
2004
2005*
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
NA
2015
NA
2016
NA
2017*
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023*
2024
Show all Powertrain Trouble Spots
Suspension/Steering
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
2004
2005*
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
NA
2015
NA
2016
NA
2017*
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023*
2024
Brakes
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
2004
2005*
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
NA
2015
NA
2016
NA
2017*
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023*
2024
Climate System
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
2004
2005*
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
NA
2015
NA
2016
NA
2017*
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023*
2024
Build Quality
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
2004
2005*
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
NA
2015
NA
2016
NA
2017*
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023*
2024
Electrical Accessories
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
2004
2005*
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
NA
2015
NA
2016
NA
2017*
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023*
2024
Body Hardware
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
2004
2005*
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
NA
2015
NA
2016
NA
2017*
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023*
2024
Paint/Trim
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
2004
2005*
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
NA
2015
NA
2016
NA
2017*
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023*
2024
Noises/Leaks
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
2004
2005*
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
NA
2015
NA
2016
NA
2017*
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023*
2024
Show all Build Quality Trouble Spots
In-car Electronics
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
2004
2005*
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
NA
2015
NA
2016
NA
2017*
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023*
2024
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting
how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive
reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest
subscriber survey for over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give
you a rundown on how 2000 through 2024 vehicles are holding up in 20
potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and
brakes to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide
data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Oct 24, 2022
A fire increases the risk of injury.
Summary:
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2008-2009 Sportage vehicles previously recalled under recall 16V-815. An engine compartment fire originating from around the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may occur while parked or driving.
What should you do:
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures and other vehicles until the recall repair has been performed. Dealers will inspect and replace the HECU, its wiring harness, and its fuses, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 22, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC253.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
22V800000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
71704
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Nov 10, 2016
If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
Summary:
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2008-2009 Kia Sportage vehicles manufactured August 9, 2007, to May 13, 2009. The wire harness cover on the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may be improperly sealed allowing water to get onto the HECU circuit board. If the water is contaminated with salt, such as could occur from melted snow, the wire harness connector pins may corrode and the circuit board may short circuit.
What should you do:
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the connector pins for corrosion, if no corrosion is found, the connector cover will be replaced. If corrosion is present, the dealer will replace the HECU assembly and the connector cover, free of charge. The recall began on November 28, 2016. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC138.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
16V815000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
71704
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Apr 01, 2013
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.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
13V114000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
980377
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