2010 Kia Sportage
Only 20 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
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.
Only 20 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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 | 380 |
| 2014 | 122 |
| 2015 | 146 |
| 2016 | 130 |
| 2017 | 394 |
| 2018 | 158 |
| 2019 | 68 |
| 2020 | 153 |
| 2021 | 46 |
| 2022 | 42 |
| 2023 | 182 |
| 2024 | 64 |
| 2025 | 49 |
| 2026 | 19 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 20 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
4 of 20 total reports mention: service brakes, hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2010 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240117
The contact owns a 2010 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231201
4 of 20 total reports mention: air bags.
CRASH INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A SIDE IMPACT YET THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE ACCIDENT RESULTED IN THE DEATH OF A REAR SEAT PASSENGER.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180611
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2010 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, A DEER JUMPED IN FRONT OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE AND DAMAGED THE WINDSHIELD. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT FAILED TO RESPOND. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180109
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20131219
3 of 20 total reports mention: seat belts.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20131219
2 of 20 total reports mention: service brakes.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2010 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, A DEER JUMPED IN FRONT OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE AND DAMAGED THE WINDSHIELD. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT FAILED TO RESPOND. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180109
2 of 20 total reports mention: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY BECAME STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND HE WAS ABLE TO SHIFT THROUGH THE GEARS WITHOUT DEPRESSING THE GEAR SHIFT BUTTON. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A MECHANIC.
NHTSA ODI report, 20121126
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
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. Owners
Campaign 13V114000 — check if this car was fixed
Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
Kia America, Inc.
Remedy: 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 the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023.
Campaign 23V652000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2010 Kia Sportage — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 13V114000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V652000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2010 Kia Sportage reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2010 Kia Sportage?
The most-reported component is service brakes, hydraulic, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2010 Kia Sportage have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.