Our promise. We provide a buying advantage with verified reviews and unbiased editorial research.
About Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage is a compact SUV that's available in three different trim levels. Read more Kia reviews to learn about other models.
Kia Sportage Reviews
A link has directed you to this review. Its location on this page may change next time you visit.
- 4,244,075 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
- We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
- We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
- Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.
Engine on Kia Sportage seized. I did not get an update done in 2018 (I probably did get a notice in 2018, but do not recall - I get so much junk mail from Kia....likely ignored). So, Kia will not cover the seized engine even though the updated would not have prevented the engine issue. Time to go shop for another vehicle - NOT a Kia or company associated with Kia.
Shop anywhere else but KIA. Got my car at KIA Wagner, MA less than 3 months ago and it is been on the shop for 5 days now, between there and Kia in Lancaster, MA for different issues. The car shutting off while driving twice, the car now doesn't lock or unlock, and they can't figure it out. Piece of junk!
The engine on my 2013 Kia Sportage suddenly went out in the same exact way outlined in a recent recall on the 2013 Kia Sportage but Kia refuses to repair the engine. I tried contacted the corporation directly with no resolve. They basically said by phone that my car is out of warranty so I’d have to pay for the engine myself at $10,000 to replace! I researched this vehicle for months before I purchased it, now I am regretful in my purchase from Kia!
My 2013 Kia Sportage started having issues in the winter of 2018. It was lagging and making grinding sounds. Finally after many contacts Kia replaced the Engine with a brand new one in February of 2019 advising me that there were metal shavings in the engine that were basically their fault. The engine was fully replaced. Then a check engine light came on 5/2020 and the code was mechanical failure. Full failure of the engine they supplied me with. And as it was 15 months it was beyond the one year of the warranty. And customer service said they could do nothing for us. So Kia makes the manufacturing error, replaces the engine with one that fails and doesn’t stand up to their product. I have a car that is worthless and none of it is our fault. I would never buy another Kia again. This is not how a company should stand behind their product.
I purchased my 2020 Kia Sportage the end of October 2019. Obviously that is winter and I haven't had to use my AC. At Christmas I went to South GA and it was hot, I turned on the AC it was blowing hot air. I didn't feel I need to run down to the dealer (Atlanta West Kia) to it repaired since it should be covered by the warranty and its winter, I thought I would have them look at it when I took it in for an oil change. I took my car on Friday (01/24/2020) and dropped off at the dealer to have the oil changed and my AC checked. At 1 pm and hours of trying to see what was going on, I find out my compressor is out (they say it has a pinhole leak) I need a new one. But then I was informed it was not covered by the warranty and I will have to pay $1500 to repair it on a car I haven't even made the 4th payment on yet. I am livid. I have filed a complaint with consumer affairs.
On Saturday I got in my car it told me I need to change my oil. I reached out the dealer and come to find out, they had my car for 7.5 hours and did not change my oil which was the initial reason for me bringing my car in. I will never take my car to that service department (Atlanta West Kia) again unless I absolutely have to! I have never seen such poor service and this experience really has me rethinking ever buying another Kia. This is my 4th Kia. I can't imagine how my AC is not covered by the warranty on a brand new car that just now hit 10,000 miles! I am completely disgusted!!!!
I felt I needed to warn people about this dealer and this company. Back in July of 2019 my husband and I purchased 2 brand new Kia Sportage’s from this dealer. We were sick of leasing and wanted a affordable and reliable car, where we didn’t have to worry about repairs. A month later I receive a recall notice from Kia about the faulty engines and that I could have engine failure. They offered us a sensor that will warn us that the engine is about to blow. It stated that the car goes into this like airplane mode and that we had only so many miles to get it to a Kia dealers from them to honor any repairs to the engine. They stated that they would know how long you drove on it in that condition but there is no way for us to know. Furthermore they don’t tell you how long or how many miles you have before it blows. They just state to bring it in as soon as the sensor goes off.
I was so upset because I was not informed of this problem in which they were fully aware of when selling both cars. I did my research and there has been two class act lawsuits against them. One man even died. I certainly would have purchased them. First I went to the dealers to see if they would buy them be there was only like 1200 miles on each car, and we owed about $21 on each one. They offered us $16 for each. Now I have put up a lawyer in hopes that they do the right thing and take these cars back. I cannot and will not sell these death traps to anyone. I feel like we are hostage in our own cars because we cannot travel anywhere due to the unknown of what might happen. The worst part is that I have a escape plan set with me 6 & 7 year old in case of a blast or fire. ☹ So please you don’t have to believe me. Just do your research and you will see.
Bought the car used in mid Just. I do a lot of driving, car has been great. Just had our 1st Major snow storm. AWD worked great. Got me through the sleet and snow. So far I've put close to 14000 miles on the car. Very satisfied. Averaging close to 25mpg, 27 to 28 on long highway runs.
In 35+ years of car ownership, I have only paid off 1 car. Usually I get tired of them, something bothers me about them, mechanical problems etc. Until I got my Kia Sportage. Almost 6 years later, 3 payments away from payoff and I just bought a new set of 65,000 mile tires. There's nothing I don't like about this car. And even when I see newer models, I don't like the look as much as my own. I would highly recommend the Kia Sportage for safety, reliability and ease of ownership!
I love the value of this vehicle. The warranty can't be beat and the price is very reasonable. This is my first Kia and I have no complaints. My 2018 Sportage is a perfect car for myself and my family. Plenty of room. Durable interior.
I have owned several makes and models, this car has been the best hands down on maintenance, replacement, recalls, passing inspection with no problems. It rides as well as when I first drove it off the car lot.
I have had several recall items on my 2017 Kia Sportage. Any recall done has required a second trip to the dealership to repair their repair. My latest frustration is a blinking engine light that shuts me down and requires a tow. The first repair took 3 weeks. I only got a new harness and code entry to resolve this issue. My second blinking engine light and tow was resent in only a few days. Nonetheless, I have been stuck on the side of the road twice. On my first tow customer service treated me like a valued customer. On my second tow and contact to customer service I was advised I had used up my goodwill. Kia’s response being, “sorry”. I agree Kia is a sorry company. If you make a faulty product have some excellent customer service. I feel like a victim. Shame on you Kia. I am driving a car that I can’t rely on.
I really love my Kia. It runs well and smooth. I love the color. It is called Black Cherry so it is black with red sparkly bits in it. Very pretty when it is clean. It gets really good gas mileage, especially on the highway. I would recommend it to anyone. I do think anyone with teenage children would benefit as well. Good vehicle, lower insurance rates and good gas mileage. Would be a good reliable vehicle.
I purchased a 2018 Kia Sportage in Jan 2018. About three weeks ago, the brakes began to make a noise while driving. The noise would subside when the brakes were applied. I took it to the Kia dealer who informed me that the front brake pads and rotors need to be replaced due to wear from excessive rust. I find that explanation to be absurd for a number of reasons. I did not observe any rust on the brake pads or rotors ( i took photos) and I doubt that rust is abrasive enough to cause wear. Ferrous oxide is not very hard compared to the material of which brake pads and rotors are made. After failed attempts to reach the kia Factory representative, I filed a complaint via the Kia Consumer Assitance Center, but have had no response. I have purchased an extended warranty in addition to the 10 year, 100,000 mile factory warranty, however, brakes are not covered. BEWARE of this VEHICLE and the KIA's lack of concern for their customer.
I have the 2020 Kia Sportage. My husband has the Kia Sorento and I like how it handles the road. It’s smooth, handles bumps well and mine not so much. It also doesn’t have turning signals on the mirrors or any bells and whistle; very disappointing. I was attracted to the color, Pacific Blue, with these sporty new black rims, very eye catching but over time I wished the car had more. The 2020 does not come with a satellite ready radio. I guess a smart phone can lend the car it needed capabilities. It has a nice kick on the road for a 4 cylinder. All and all the car lacks a lot of simple amenities and if I had to buy it again I would go up to the S model. The lane assist sucks and the rear view mirror is a bit small.
Door handles should never break off a car, Never. Although I like my Kia, there are over 30,000 views on youtube about videos and door handles breaking off. Yet, Kia does not see this as an issue, they should take care of. For this reason, I will never buy another KIA, and I will never go to the Kia Dealer where I bought my car.
I have a 2017 Sportage with 60,800 miles. The heater does not work, only cold air comes out, and the driver's side rear door won't open. The locks open and close but the door won't open. I brought it in to my local Kia Service and because I am over my warranty by 800 miles, I will have to pay over $1200 to repair both problems. I have NEVER had a 3 year old vehicle that has had these types of issues. I have filed a case with Kia Consumer Affairs and am waiting on their decision.
I am a 67 year old grandmother. I leased the 2017 Sportage thinking it would be a safe vehicle to transport my grandchild in. I began to question my decision upon hearing of the numerous spontaneous engine fires in Kia vehicles. I eventually turned the car in 3 months early. I made the payments for the months I didn't have it. The car was in mint condition with a little over 5000 miles on it. I was allowed 36000 miles for the 3 year lease. Imagine my surprise when I got a $427 bill three months later! I called Kia Motors to ask what the charge was for. It was a "lease termination" charge. I am so sorry I leased a Kia vehicle. I will never deal with Kia Motors again. Lessee Beware!!
I love driving my 2017 Kia Sportage. It handles very well and has a lot of nice features. The dealerships have been great taking care of any problems we have had and keeping us notified of any recalls that need attention. A problem I have been experiencing is the location of the rear turn signal indicators. I live in an area where folks like to drive near the bumper of the vehicle in front of them. Due to the signals being so low and wrapping around the side of the Sportage, the driver following cannot see the signal when engaged...especially in the day time hours. I have been nearly hit from behind multiple times and several have even passed me when I was in the process of making the left turn. Trying to change lanes when the roads are packed with other commuters is also hard to accomplish due to the signal not being noticed.
If the turn indicator could be integrated into the brake light, it could be seen by everyone...no one seems to pay attention to anything below the license plate and near the bumper. This is a safety issue and a design flaw. I called the Kia consumer affairs department and all they said was the design team would be notified...I do not feel that was a satisfying answer.
OKAY I believe Kia customers support line was ridiculous!!! They need to retrained they’re employees on giving information telling them that Kia will cover something for you when you have full coverage warranty and then go around saying they won’t!! I’ve been dealing with my case for month and half now and Kia still won’t cover it!! What’s the put of having warranty when they do nothing for you!! In my eye I believe with that employee on the phone telling me kia will cover the bill that Kia should still cover it since your employer is telling customer wrong information but now they’re saying it denied.. Very RIDICULOUS!!!
Was driving on highway and motor lost power (very dangerous, thank God I was not with my kids!) and noticed weird noise from motor. Took to Kia and seems to be the bearings. Known issue on Sorento with same motor however since out of warranty and no recall for the Sportage, I was quoted $7000 to fix. Called Kia Canada and got the cold shoulder. Not happy. I take care of my car and is like new. No reason for motor to go.
I have a 2018 Kia Sportage and love it except for the driver's seat which has become uncomfortable over the past several months. It feels like I am sitting on metal after a short while. I have had it for 18 months. Otherwise, it is a great car.
Have a '17 Kia Sportage that just rolled 100k and the motor burned up. And Kia Is saying that it's not their fault because when clearly the engine is junk. No way a motor should die in less than 3 years. Don't buy a Kia. They won't stand behind it.
Love the Sportage but the engine began ticking while on the interstate. Within minutes the ticking turning into local banging. No engine warning lights, nothing at all. Engine is blown. We have meticulously maintained this car and gave the records. 139K miles and it is now dead. Dealer diagnosed engine failure consistent with other recalled Kia/Hyundai motors but they refused to replace engine. Kia corporate (consumer affairs) was very helpful at first but as soon as the dealer confirmed a defective engine consumer affairs has gone silent. They do not return calls after at least 10 messages.
BEWARE of the 2.0L and the 2.4L Theta II engines. They are defective. Kia recalled only a small number of them. A large number are failing. Google "Kia engine failure" and start reading. Never ever buy a used Kia. Even replacement engines are failing. Don't expect Kia/Hyundai to stand behind their products. 131 complaints on NHTSA site on this specific make, year, and model.
2 problems I have with my Kia Sportage 2017. After a few months this happens and has been doing it inconsistently. When the car goes 40 miles an hour the rpm shoots up and I then put my foot on the gas pedal to the floor and nothing happens!!!! This can happen twice a day. Cannot happen for a week! Brought it to the dealer few times and they say well the engine light is not on they cannot do anything. They cannot figure out the problem when checking it out. They tell me to take a picture!! A joke!! Also the sunroof keeps slowing down and won't shut! I have to manually close it right now!! Will not get another Kia! It is leased.
I bought a 2013 KIA Sportage in 2015, paid cash for this vehicle because everyone raved how these vehicles are so good and dependable, had the vehicle for 3 yrs., and my engine blew. I was at a stop light and went to take off and my car sounded horrible, I pulled in to a gas station and called my brother and asked him what it was he replied shut it off your motor sounds blown. So I had to pay out of pocket to have it towed to the closet Kia dealership where they diagnosed my car as having a blown engine due to the bearings, and that my estimate was $5,768.90 to be fixed.
That’s when they told me about the recall for several different types of Kia's however unfortunately my engine isn't covered under the recall. Which after reading several other peoples complaints it doesn’t appear theirs is covered either. Which is confusing to ME!! Right now there are approximately 1.4 million Kia customers that are experiencing this same dilemma. And to find out Kia isn't going to help me replace my motor! I have taken care of my vehicle and have had it serviced FAITHFULLY EVERY 3,000 MILES.
I have went through every step there is through Kia to see about them adding my engine to the recall or some kind of “goodwill” assistance to cover this expense and they told me that my car has to many miles, or I’m the second owner, to you name it I’ve heard every excuse, My miles on this car is 139,864. And the recall claims unlimited miles. So explain that to me. I have had the run around from so many Kia employees at the customer assistance center it’s unreal. This is ridiculous. There are thousands and thousands of recalls for this issue, and Kia knew these motors were bad and still sold the vehicles.
For someone who is single like myself and rely on driving something dependable and can't afford something else or the outstanding amount for the repairs, Kia leaves me with nothing. Now do I not only have nothing to drive, have to gets rides to work, or borrow a vehicle, while still paying monthly insurance on my vehicle because I don’t want to be in trouble for having a vehicle in my name and not having insurance on it, but paying for something I can’t drive! Not to mention try to figure out how to come up with over 5, 000 dollars to fix this issue, Thank you Kia!!! I will never purchase another Kia again.
Something needs to be done about this issue not just for myself but all the other people who are going through the same thing I am. This is such a financial burden on me all the way around!!! And yet Kia does nothing. It shouldn’t matter how many miles I have on my car, or if there’s a warranty, they knew the engines were bad and still sold them anyway, I didn’t pay for a car or an engine that was only going to work for 3 years!!!! I tried to get a loan to replace the engine and nope who’s going to give me a loan for an engine. Back to square one.
UPDATE: as of the beginning of March 2019 Kia offered to pay half of my motor, they only paid 1,600 which sticks me with the remainder of the bill that I would like them to pay for. Not to mention because my engine blew my car sat for approx. 6 mo. waiting to get a motor, I ended up having to replace my brakes all the way around my car from sitting outside all winter long and my brakes were rusted and when I drove it they would stick. I’m still paying on a loan for 4,168.00 and not to mention the mental anguish for the whole situation because of having to take time off from work, and not having anything to drive, and having to borrow a vehicle to drive to get to work, due to the fault of Kia and their faulty engines.
Purchased by 2017 Sportage March 2017, December 2018 started getting bad vibration in the engine. March 2019 complete engine failure. New engine installation March 2019. Now it's April 2019 with only 4,000 miles on this engine cylinder 3 failure again. This has to be a bad design and Kia need to own up to it.
2015 Sportage. 38000 miles. Blown engine. We purchased this car for the warranty. It seemed to be a good fit for my wife to do shopping and small trips. Now we’re into renting a car. Waiting for the Generation Kia dealer to replace the blown motor. They did not provide me with a loaner car, I have to pay out of pocket to rent a car. (Co. office in California said they will reimburse for rental when it’s repaired.) ((I hope.)) There is no commitment from the dealer as to when this will be this will be resolved. Generation Kia. Bohemia, NY. R. M. W.
When going on a normal speed of 25-65 miles per hour the car will do the following:
Issue:
1. RPMS drop while trying to accelerate.2. The car will jerk like something was hit.
3. Feels like the gears disengage and then reengage.
4. Coming out of a turn and accelerating it seems like it moves very slow.
I’ve taken the vehicle to Kia of Irvine, 45 Oldfield, Irvine, CA 92618, 3 times, plus once on the 11th of April which they claim they have fixed it (I will see). Plus called and spoke to the Service Mgr that the car was doing the issues mentioned above. The first the technician diagnosed that the transmission had to be reprogrammed. Well according to them the vehicle was reprogrammed. Then that was not the issue. They tested the vehicle again and it was determined the voltage of the battery was low. So, a new battery was purchased and installed by Kia of Irvine, 45 Oldfield, Irvine, CA 92618.
*Neither the reprogramming of the transmission and new battery has fixed the issue. * The issue has been ongoing. Then on the 4th of April 9, 2019 @ ABOUT 01045, the vehicle did the something mentioned above – going at 60 mph, the car jerked real bad. Reoccurrence of the issues mentioned above: March 26, 2019 – 2135 – vehicle had the issues above. April 9, 2019 – 01045 – vehicle had the issues above. April 9, 2019 – 12045pm – vehicle had the issues above. 4th attempt to fix the issue - On the 11th of April 15, 2019, the dealer in Irvine, Ca reprogrammed the transmission again for a second time. So, if the first time the tech reprogrammed the transmission, what makes them think that the second time will resolve the issue?
My 2018 KIA Sportage had a complete engine failure with just over 18,000 miles. The dealer says it could be months before they receive a new engine. I called my insurance carrier USAA and the girl I spoke with said I am the third person she has spoken within the last week with the exact same problem with a 2018 KIA Sportage engine and the person she last spoke with only had 17,000 miles on their 2018 KIA Sportage.
I bought a 2018 Kia Sportage less than a year ago. I bought it for four main reasons. Reported reliability (failed), Panoramic Sunroof (failed 2x), Warranty (they can't seem to fix anything), and the dealership's service agreement and extended warranty (dealer no longer exists). So, as you can see Kia has failed miserably with every single reason I chose to buy this car. At about 6K miles, the Sunroof stopped working and wouldn't close. The dealer (same one I bought it from) told me there was "nothing they could do to help me" and that I "should put it in a garage." Eventually they replaced the motor in it, but it still doesn't work. Closes part way and then reopens. I have to manually push it shut.
But, it gets better... At 17K miles it breaks down and goes into limp mode over an hour from my home. After an extraordinarily stressful and miserable time stuck on the side of the highway in the cold for over six hours. Kia tells me that IF it's a warranty issue, they will reimburse me (partially) for the car I had to rent. Now, three weeks later, Kia tells me they won't honor the lemon law (12K mile limit, though it's less than a year old) and they don't know when I will have it back. They have offered to reimburse my car payment for the downtime.
But here's the thing, they replaced the sunroof motor, and it still doesn't work, what on earth makes me believe that if they replace the engine in the car that it will work and that I won't be trapped on the side of a highway somewhere again? I can never trust this vehicle again. It is a lemon and Kia refuses to make it right by offering me a new one. I will never buy another Kia again, and as soon as this lemon is paid off, it's being traded in. Buyer beware.
Kia Sportage Company Information
- Company Name:
- Kia Sportage
- Website:
- www.kia.com
You’re signed up
We’ll start sending you the news you need delivered straight to you. We value your privacy. Unsubscribe easily.