2015 Kia Sportage
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of 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 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
58% of complaints: engine — 84 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
Engine fire which led to explosion and total loss.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260613
THE 2015 KIA SPORTAGE WAS IN THE PARKING LOT AT THE MEDICAL CENTER WHERE MY WIFE HAD A DOCTOR APPOINTMENT. SHE WAS INSIDE APPROXIMATELY 10-15 MINUTES WHEN AN ANNOUNCEMENT WAS MADE ABOUT A RED KIA IN THE PARKING LOT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180312
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, ALL THE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING AND BRAKING ABILITY. THE ODOMETER ALSO FAILED TO ILLUMINATE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150922
18% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 27 distinct reports on file.
FIRE12% of complaints: electrical system — 17 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
THE 2015 KIA SPORTAGE WAS IN THE PARKING LOT AT THE MEDICAL CENTER WHERE MY WIFE HAD A DOCTOR APPOINTMENT. SHE WAS INSIDE APPROXIMATELY 10-15 MINUTES WHEN AN ANNOUNCEMENT WAS MADE ABOUT A RED KIA IN THE PARKING LOT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180312
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, ALL THE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING AND BRAKING ABILITY. THE ODOMETER ALSO FAILED TO ILLUMINATE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150922
5% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 7 distinct reports on file.
FIRE3% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 5 distinct reports on file.
CRASHSAFETY TIMELINE
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)...
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.
Campaign 18V907000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 22V051000 — check if this car was fixed
Loss of Motive Power
Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2015 Kia Sportage — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (84 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (27 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (17 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 18V907000 (engine, fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V051000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2015 Kia Sportage reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2015 Kia Sportage is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2015 Kia Sportage?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 58% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2015 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.