NHTSA (USA)CriticalPark Outside
At a glance
What can fail
The hydraulic electronic control unit may short electrically, potentially causing an engine compartment fire while the vehicle is parked or driving.
This page covers 7 recalls, 179 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2011 Kia Sportage.
22–23 mpg combined
10.2–10.7 L/100km
Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 3 tested variants for this model year.
Engine complaints dominate the 2011 Kia Sportage owner reports, with the electrical system and powertrain following at a distance. On the engine side, owners frequently describe failures that result in the vehicle being undriveable, and a recurring thread involves fire or smoke while driving. Electrical complaints cover a range of symptoms without a single dominant failure mode. On the powertrain side, owners report drivability issues though specifics vary across reports. A handful of owners also mention the evaporative emissions control system (EVAP) triggering a check engine light and failing emissions tests due to detected leaks. Parts availability comes up repeatedly as a frustration, owners describe being told a repair part is unavailable and waiting weeks or longer with no resolution in sight.
179
Total Complaints
7
Crash-Related
8
Fire-Related
8
With Injuries
By System
The 2011 Kia Sportage has 7 recalls, the most serious involving engine defects that can cause sudden stalling or an engine fire, with some vehicles also at risk of a fire from the ABS control module.
Several recalls address engine problems that overlap in consequence. On 2.4L engines, the oil pan seal can leak, and if oil loss goes unaddressed, the engine can seize or catch fire. A separate issue affects 2.0L and 2.4L engines where metallic debris from the factory can restrict oil flow to internal bearings, accelerating wear and eventually causing the engine to seize without warning. Vehicles that previously had an engine replaced under an earlier recall may also have a fuel leak near the engine, which raises the fire risk further. The ABS control module can overheat and ignite on its own, even while the vehicle is parked. There is also a brake light switch that can fail intermittently on vehicles built during a specific window in 2011, causing the brake lights to go dark and leaving following drivers without warning that the car is slowing.
At a glance
What can fail
The hydraulic electronic control unit may short electrically, potentially causing an engine compartment fire while the vehicle is parked or driving.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the HECU fuse at no charge to restore proper electrical function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine oil pan seal may leak on some 2.4L engines. If not repaired, the oil loss can eventually damage or completely fail the engine.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the oil pressure switch. If an oil leak is found, they will also replace the oil pan.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine oil pan may leak, causing oil loss that can damage the engine if not corrected.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the oil pressure switch with an improved version and inspect the oil pan, replacing it if leaking.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The high pressure fuel pipe connecting to the fuel pump may have been damaged, misaligned, or improperly torqued during a previous engine replacement, causing potential fuel leaks.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe as needed at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Metal particles from manufacturing may remain inside the engine, potentially blocking oil flow to bearings and causing premature wear. Worn bearings could fail, causing the engine to stall while driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the engine and replace the engine sub-assembly if necessary.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Manufacturing errors during engine production may cause bearings inside the engine to wear out prematurely.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect your engine and replace it if needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake light switch may intermittently fail, causing brake lights to not function properly.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the brake light switch at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
