2009 Kia Sportage
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 80
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 2009
Opened by NHTSA
23% of complaints
Complaints per year
2009: 80 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 56 |
| 1996 | 57 |
| 1997 | 181 |
| 1998 | 303 |
| 1999 | 284 |
| 2000 | 304 |
| 2001 | 228 |
| 2002 | 234 |
| 2003 | 4 |
| 2005 | 68 |
| 2006 | 111 |
| 2007 | 77 |
| 2008 | 98 |
| 2009 | 80 |
| 2010 | 20 |
| 2011 | 181 |
| 2012 | 392 |
| 2013 | 381 |
| 2014 | 125 |
| 2015 | 146 |
| 2016 | 134 |
| 2017 | 402 |
| 2018 | 164 |
| 2019 | 71 |
| 2020 | 166 |
| 2021 | 53 |
| 2022 | 46 |
| 2023 | 195 |
| 2024 | 74 |
| 2025 | 54 |
| 2026 | 28 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Electrical system
23% · 18 reportsMost commonly citing ignition and instrument cluster/panel.
Show complaint excerpts
In 2018 my I was driving home when it just shut off and wouldnât start.
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-09-23
Also filed under Engine and fuel/propulsion system
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that smoke appeared from the ignition switch, which was located on a corner connected to the steering column and dashboard.
NHTSA ODI report, 2015-03-25
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while parked, the vehicle caught on fire without warning. A police report was filed and the vehicle was towed to a independent mechanic.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-07-26
Air bags
20% · 16 reportsShow complaint excerpts
On 12 July 2018 at 0530 am I was driving down county road 26 mankato mn to pickup my semi as I was aproaching 3RD ave stop sign I applied the brakes pedal went to floor I went through intersection slammed into a boulder wall head on at an estimated...
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-07-15
We really do not know what went wrong, we were on route 19 n. At hico,wv and we turned onto a side road,the car sled on the gravel we hit the bank and turned on our side.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-04-26
Also filed under Seat belts
Service brakes
20% · 16 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl*the contact owns a 2009 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed and the vehicle violently jerked forward. As a result, the contact crashed into the rear of another vehicle and a curb. A police report was not filed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2015-02-23
Steering
18% · 14 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Kia Sportage. While driving approximately 6 MPH he experienced difficult steering. Also the vehicle failed to convey to the fuel economy recommended standards of 16 to 24 mpg for in the city driving.
NHTSA ODI report, 2009-10-26
Also filed under Fuel system, gasoline
Engine
13% · 10 reportsSafety timeline
3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2013-04-19Exterior lighting13V114000 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…
Remedy: 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.…
-
R
2016-12-28Electrical system16V815000 Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2008-2009 Kia Sportage vehicles manufactured August 9, 2007, to May 13, 2009.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the connector pins for corrosion, if no corrosion is found, the connector cover will be replaced.
-
R
2022-12-22Service brakes, hydraulic22V800000 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.
Remedy: 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.
-
I
2023-11-17Audit queryOpen Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
Buy-smart checklist
2009 Kia Sportage — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 18 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 16 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 16 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 13V114000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 16V815000 · Electrical system
- Recall 22V800000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2009 Kia Sportage reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2009 Kia Sportage is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2009 Kia Sportage?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 23% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2009 Kia Sportage have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.