Kia Sportage 2011–2016 problems by year and mileage
3rd generation (SL)
NHTSA data through 18 October 20261,358 complaints, 872 with mileageMethod
A DO NOT DRIVE recall covers part of this generation — check the VIN before driving it home.
Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.
The 2011 Kia Sportage
Close- Median failure report
- 78,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 181
- Recalls naming this year
- 6
Most reported on the 2011
- Engine77 reports · median 100,000 mi
- Electrical system38 reports
- Transmission and driveline23 reports
Recall areas Service brakes, hydraulic — antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Engine · Engine and engine cooling — engine
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2012 Kia Sportage
Close- Median failure report
- 98,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 392
- Recalls naming this year
- 5
Most reported on the 2012
- Engine328 reports · median 100,000 mi
- Electrical system29 reports
- Problems owners could not categorise23 reports
Recall areas Service brakes, hydraulic — antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Engine · Engine and engine cooling — engine
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2013 Kia Sportage
Close- Median failure report
- 98,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 381
- Recalls naming this year
- 3
Most reported on the 2013
- Engine301 reports · median 100,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise27 reports
- Electrical system22 reports
Recall areas Service brakes, hydraulic — antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Engine · Engine and engine cooling — engine
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2014 Kia Sportage
Close- Median failure report
- 80,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 124
- Recalls naming this year
- 3
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2014
- Engine72 reports · median 93,000 mi
- Hydraulic brake circuit21 reports
- Problems owners could not categorise14 reports
Recall areas Service brakes, hydraulic — antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Engine · Equipment — other
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2015 Kia Sportage
Close- Median failure report
- 75,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 146
- Recalls naming this year
- 2
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2015
- Engine84 reports · median 91,000 mi
- Hydraulic brake circuit28 reports
- Problems owners could not categorise25 reports
Recall areas Service brakes, hydraulic — antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Engine
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2016 Kia Sportage
Close- Median failure report
- 60,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 134
- Recalls naming this year
- 2
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2016
- Engine62 reports
- Hydraulic brake circuit31 reports
- Problems owners could not categorise18 reports
Recall areas Service brakes, hydraulic — antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Engine
Check the VIN at NHTSA
Tiles: each year’s median failure mileage. † Median likely runs low (complaints filed after 2020). Latest: the 2013; earliest: the 2016, and the 2013 is 3 years older (part of the gap is age).
The short answer
“Is the 2011–2016 Kia Sportage reliable?”
- Median of reported failures
- 91,000 mi
- 90% of reports came by
- 140,000 mi
- Reports with mileage
- 872
- Recalls
- 9
At least 40% of this generation’s complaints came after 2020, so its median likely runs low (why).
Most reported
- Engine68.0% of complaints · median 99,000 mi
- Electrical system9.7% of complaints · median 71,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise9.6% of complaints · median 71,000 mi
Owners filed 1,358 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011–2016 Kia Sportage; the engine leads with 68% of them, and half of the 872 that record an odometer reading came by 91,000 miles — complaints, not a failure rate.
No single peak: the middle half runs 64,000 to 118,000 miles.
Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
How many miles does a 2011–2016 Kia Sportage last?
On the 2011–2016 Kia Sportage, half of the 872 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 91,000 miles and 90% by 140,000 miles (why that is not a lifespan).
59 reports came in past 150,000 miles and 9 past 200,000 — each one proof that a Sportage reached that mileage, not that it failed there.
Figure 1 · Kia Sportage 2011–2016 · 872 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
10,000-mile bins, 0 to 200,000 miles, linear scale; tallest bar 109 complaints
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 9 complaints (1.0%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 20,000
- 25%
- 64,000
- Median
- 91,000
- 75%
- 118,000
- 90%
- 140,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–10,000 | 57 | 6.5% |
| 10,000–20,000 | 31 | 3.6% |
| 20,000–30,000 | 26 | 3.0% |
| 30,000–40,000 | 21 | 2.4% |
| 40,000–50,000 | 25 | 2.9% |
| 50,000–60,000 | 36 | 4.1% |
| 60,000–70,000 | 57 | 6.5% |
| 70,000–80,000 | 73 | 8.4% |
| 80,000–90,000 | 94 | 10.8% |
| 90,000–100,000 | 67 | 7.7% |
| 100,000–110,000 | 109 | 12.5% |
| 110,000–120,000 | 63 | 7.2% |
| 120,000–130,000 | 74 | 8.5% |
| 130,000–140,000 | 45 | 5.2% |
| 140,000–150,000 | 35 | 4.0% |
| 150,000–160,000 | 25 | 2.9% |
| 160,000–170,000 | 8 | 0.9% |
| 170,000–180,000 | 8 | 0.9% |
| 180,000–190,000 | 8 | 0.9% |
| 190,000–200,000 | 1 | 0.1% |
| 200,000+ | 9 | 1.0% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
Common Sportage problems, and when they happen
Figure 2 · Kia Sportage 2011–2016
When each system fails
Bar: middle half of reports · notch: median · proportional (log) scale (how to read it)
- Fuel and propulsion system42 reportsmedian 68,000middle half 22,000–118,000
- Throttle and speed control33 reportsmedian 70,000middle half 22,000–106,000
- Electrical system132 reportsmedian 71,000middle half 30,000–118,000
- Problems owners could not categorise130 reportsmedian 71,000middle half 37,000–93,000
- Transmission and driveline80 reportsmedian 79,000middle half 55,000–101,000
- Hydraulic brake circuit122 reportsmedian 86,000middle half 55,000–135,000
- Engine924 reportsmedian 99,000middle half 73,000–120,000
- Your odometer, once entered below
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first.
All systems in a table
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 924 | 68.0% | 99,000 | 73,000–120,000 |
| Electrical system | 132 | 9.7% | 71,000 | 30,000–118,000 |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 130 | 9.6% | 71,000 | 37,000–93,000 |
| Hydraulic brake circuit | 122 | 9.0% | 86,000 | 55,000–135,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 80 | 5.9% | 79,000 | 55,000–101,000 |
| Fuel and propulsion system | 42 | 3.1% | 68,000 | 22,000–118,000 |
| Throttle and speed control | 33 | 2.4% | 70,000 | 22,000–106,000 |
| Brakes | 31 | 2.3% | 25,000 | 18,000–75,000 |
| Engine and its cooling system | 29 | 2.1% | 113,000 | 100,000–158,000 |
| Airbag system | 25 | 1.8% | 21,000 | 17,000–78,000 |
Known problems with the 2011–2016 Sportage
Engine - Bearings 2011–2016
Theta II GDI connecting rod bearing failure. Mechanism: metallic debris left in the engine block oil galleries during machining restricts oil flow to the rod bearings, which then wear and seize; presents as a deep knock, then loss of power and engine seizure, in some cases with non-crash engine-compartment fire. Kia began with a 2016 campaign on 2011-2014 Optima/Sorento/Sportage, followed by formal recalls in 2017 and later, a knock-sensor detection software campaign, and a $1.3B consolidated class settlement covering roughly 2011-2019 Hyundai and Kia models including the Sportage.
Fire Risk 2011–2016
Non-crash engine-compartment fires reported on Theta II vehicles; NHTSA's investigation of Hyundai/Kia handling of these engine defects produced record civil penalties.
Before you buy a 2011–2016 Sportage: the 3-minute check
Generated from 872 mileage-tagged complaints, 9 recall campaigns, 2 documented problem areas.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 9 campaigns cover this generation.
- Check engine - bearings on 2011–2016 (2.4L GDI and 2.0T) cars. What each looks like: Known problems.
- Check fire risk on 2011–2016 cars.
- Years differ here: from 124 to 392 complaints a year — compare them by model year.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car.
Sportage problems by mileage: where your car sits
Type your odometer, or read the table.
| System | Middle half of reports, mi | At 60k mi22% below | At 90k mi48% below | At 120k mi76% below | At 150k mi93% below | At 200k mi99% below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 73,000–120,000 | later | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Electrical system | 30,000–118,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 37,000–93,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Hydraulic brake circuit | 55,000–135,000 | in window | in window | in window | earlier | earlier |
| Transmission and driveline | 55,000–101,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Fuel and propulsion system | 22,000–118,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Throttle and speed control | 22,000–106,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
Figure 3 · Kia Sportage 2011–2016 · 872 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Steps at bin edges (how to read it)
- 60,000 mi — 22% of reports below
- 90,000 mi — 48% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 76% of reports below
- 150,000 mi — 93% of reports below
- 200,000 mi — 99% of reports below
- Median (the 50% line)
- Your odometer, once entered
Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
2011–2016 Kia Sportage recalls (9)
NHTSA records 9 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation (what a recall is).
2 of these carry a severe advisory — do not drive or park outside; check those first by VIN.
The campaigns cluster around the engine (3), the hydraulic brake circuit (2), the exterior lighting (2) (why one area can repeat).
Sep 2023 · 2011–2013 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic park outsideAn engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The defect. 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…
What can happen. An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The free fix. Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of…
Feb 2022 · 2014–2016 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic park outsideAn engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The defect. 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.
What can happen. An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The free fix. 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 letters…
Dec 2020 · 2012 · EngineAn engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
The defect. 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.
What can happen. An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
The free fix. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine compartment for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs, including engine replacement, as necessary, free…
Feb 2019 · 2011–2012 · EngineA damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a…
The defect. 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.
What can happen. A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Kia has notified owners, and dealers will replace the oil pressure switch with an improved one, free of charge. In addition, dealers will inspect the oil pan for any oil leaks, replacing it if…
Dec 2018 · 2011–2016 · EngineA fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The defect. 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…
What can happen. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The free fix. Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at…
Mar 2017 · 2011–2013 · Engine and Engine CoolingBearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. 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.
What can happen. Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly, and replace the engine if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at…
Jun 2015 · 2011 · Exterior LightingWhenever the brake switch is not working, the brake lights will not illuminate, reducing the ability to warn…
The defect. 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.
What can happen. Whenever the brake switch is not working, the brake lights will not illuminate, reducing the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions of stopping, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began on July 7, 2015. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for…
Jan 2014 · 2014 · EquipmentMaintaining tire pressure below the recommmend specification could result in premature tire wear, increasing…
The defect. 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…
What can happen. Maintaining tire pressure below the recommmend specification could result in premature tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. 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…
Apr 2013 · 2011 · Exterior LightingFailure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could…
The defect. 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…
What can happen. 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…
The free fix. 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…
Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported
Out of 1,358 complaints against this generation, owners also reported:
- Crashes
- 37 (2.7%)
- Fires
- 63
- Injury reports
- 34
- Fatality reports
- 0
Sportage problems by model year
The 2012 drew the most complaints of this generation, 392, most of them about the engine, and the 2014 the fewest, 124. A typical year drew about 164.
That makes the 2012 stand out at roughly 2.4 times a typical year (what a yearly count can and cannot say).
| Year | Complaints | With mileage | Median miles | Most reported | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 181 | 122 | 78,000 | Engine (77) | 6 |
| 2012 | 392 | 314 | 98,000 | Engine (328) | 5 |
| 2013 | 381 | 280 | 98,000 | Engine (301) | 3 |
| 2014 | 124 | 52 | 80,000† | Engine (72) | 3 |
| 2015 | 146 | 57 | 75,000† | Engine (84) | 2 |
| 2016 | 134 | 47 | 60,000† | Engine (62) | 2 |
What Sportage owners reported
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. While accelerating to overtake a vehicle driving under the speed limit, the vehicle started to stall. The check engine light was flashing, and the vehicle went into ECO mode. The contact associated the…
2011 · 180,000 miles · Engine and its cooling system
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the transmission failed to properly change gears. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated and there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was…
2016 · 180,000 miles · Engine
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while attempting to open to the front driver's side door from the inside of the vehicle, the contact heard an unknown part inside the door fall, and the door required to be opened manually by pulling on the exterior door handle. A dealer was contacted. The…
2012 · 104,000 miles · Latches and locks
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…
2014 · 99,000 miles · Engine
Built from 872 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-10-20 · open data · how it is built
Other Sportage generations
- Sportage 1995–2002 567 reports with mileage, most about the engine and its cooling system
- Sportage 2005–2010 340 reports with mileage, most about the electrical system
- Sportage 2017–2022 313 reports with mileage, most about the engine