2014 Kia Sportage problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 97 complaints with NHTSA about the 2014 Kia Sportage, most often about engine. There are 3 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
97
Recalls
3
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Median mileage
100,000 mi
at time of problem

Safety warning: at least one recall for this vehicle tells owners to park outside until it is repaired. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Key facts

  • Engine is the most-reported problem area, named in 61 of 97 complaints (63%).
  • Brakes (24) and electrical system (8) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 100,000 mi.
  • Owners reported 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 injuries.
  • The 2014 Kia Sportage has 3 recalls on file.
  • NHTSA has opened 2 defect investigations covering this vehicle.
  • It ranks 12th of 22 Kia Sportage model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
  • That is 51% fewer complaints than the 2013 model year (198).

2014 Kia Sportage problems by category

  • Engine
    61 complaints
  • Brakes
    24 complaints
  • Other / Unknown
    11 complaints
  • Electrical System
    8 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    7 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control
    3 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    3 complaints
  • Suspension · 1 crash
    3 complaints
  • Visibility & Wipers
    2 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    1 complaints
  • Airbags
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Engine59
Service brakes, hydraulic19
Unknown or other10
Electrical system7
Fuel/propulsion system5
Service brakes3
Power train3
Suspension3

When problems happen (mileage)

Under 10k210k–30k130k–60k1060k–100k11100k–150k3150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2014 Kia Sportage complaints that list mileage.

2014 Kia Sportage recalls (3)

  • Recall 22V051000Feb 2, 2022126,747 vehiclesPark outside
    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, which could result in an engine compartment fire.

    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 letters were mailed September 22, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC227.

  • Recall 18V907000Dec 19, 201871,653 vehicles
    ENGINE · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

    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 Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.

    Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

    Remedy: 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 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.

  • Recall 14V023000Jan 27, 201411,961 vehicles
    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 pressure information printed on it, listing a specification that is 1 or 2 psi below the correct information. Thus, these vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."

    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 February 2014. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall campaign number is SC103.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • AQ23002Opened Nov 17, 2023Open

    Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

    The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, …

  • DP22003Opened Sep 12, 2022Closed Dec 12, 2023

    Loss of Motive Power

    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complain…

Recent 2014 Kia Sportage complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Sep 28, 2026WICrashTowedSuspension
    While traveling approximately 45 mph on a paved road, there was a sudden loud bang and the vehicle abruptly went to the right and left the roadway. A person who stopped at the accident scene also stated that he heard the bang. The vehicle entered the ditch and rolled multiple times. After the accident, I observed that the left rear wheel had an extreme abnormal camber angle, with the top of the wheel tilted substantially outward. Photographs taken after the accident also…
    NHTSA complaint #11767401 · source
  2. Filed May 9, 2026PAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11736797 · source
  3. Filed Apr 26, 2026ILElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    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
    NHTSA complaint #11733904 · source
  4. Filed Dec 14, 2025ILEngine
    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.
    NHTSA complaint #11704954 · source
  5. Filed Oct 7, 202599,000 miCAEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11691867 · source
  6. Filed Aug 26, 2025TXEngineOther / Unknown
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11683260 · source
  7. Filed Jun 26, 2025103,000 miFLTowedEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11669548 · source
  8. Filed Jun 17, 2025UTEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11667423 · source

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Other 2014 Kia models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology