NHTSA (USA)CriticalPark Outside
At a glance
What can fail
The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit module can malfunction and cause an electrical short in the engine compartment, potentially resulting in fire.
This page covers 6 recalls, 122 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2014 Kia Sportage.
21–22 mpg combined
10.7–11.2 L/100km
Small 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 2 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Engine complaints dominate the 2014 Kia Sportage owner reports by a wide margin. Owners frequently describe sudden engine failure, often while driving at highway speeds, sometimes with no prior warning lights. A recurring pattern involves excessive oil consumption leading to engine seizure or complete lockup, and several owners report oil and fuel mixing internally before the engine fails entirely. The check engine light, hesitation, and loss of acceleration appear together in many reports, with some vehicles entering a reduced-power mode that limits speed to around 40 mph. Brake complaints are the second most-reported area, with owners describing reduced stopping performance or pedal feel concerns with the hydraulic brake system. On the engine side, starter failures and repeat problems following engine replacement are mentioned across multiple reports, suggesting some owners cycle through more than one repair attempt before resolving the underlying issue.
122
Total Complaints
2
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
3
With Injuries
By System
The 2014 Kia Sportage has 6 recalls, the most serious involving the brake control module, which can short circuit and start an engine compartment fire even while the vehicle is parked and turned off.
A separate engine recall covers vehicles that previously had their engine replaced under an earlier recall or warranty repair: a fuel leak near an ignition source can also result in a fire. There is also an engine control module software update for certain vehicles where the module cannot detect early signs of engine trouble, which can lead to a sudden loss of power and an inability to restart while driving. Two label recalls round out the list: the certification label on certain vehicles lists tire pressure 1 to 2 psi below the correct specification, which can cause premature tire wear over time. The correct pressure information appears on the tire loading label just below the certification label.
At a glance
What can fail
The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit module can malfunction and cause an electrical short in the engine compartment, potentially resulting in fire.
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
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 install a new fuse for the HECU circuit board at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake hydraulic electronic control unit may short circuit, potentially affecting brake system operation.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the ABS multi-fuse to correct the electrical short circuit.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine control module may not detect developing problems, potentially leading to sudden engine failure and loss of power with no ability to restart.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a software update to the engine control module to detect potential problems before engine failure occurs.
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
The certification label on the vehicle has incorrect tire pressure information, which does not meet Canadian safety standards.
What the fix does
Dealers will apply a label overlay to cover the error and add a sticker with correct tire pressures to the Owner's manual.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The tire pressure label on the driver's door shows incorrect tire pressure specifications—1 to 2 psi lower than the correct values.
What the fix does
Dealers will correct the label information and provide a sticker for your owner's manual at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
