Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/14/2026
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
The most-reported problem — Engine (58.2% of complaints) — was examined in a now-closed NHTSA investigation that did not result in a recall.
Engine complaints here are 4.7× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
2 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 4 rest on owner reports alone.
| Complaint category | Reports | Official status | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 71 · 58.2% | Investigation closed | DP22003 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 19 · 15.6% | Recalled | Recall 22V051000 |
| Electrical System | 7 · 5.7% | No official action | — |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 6 · 4.9% | Recalled | Recall 18V907000 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 4 · 3.3% | No official action | — |
| Power Train | 4 · 3.3% | No official action | — |
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 122 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
NHTSA campaign 18V907000 · 2018 · reported 12/19/2018
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 22V051000 · 2022 · reported 02/02/2022
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · Park outside · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 14V023000 · 2014 · reported 01/27/2014
Maintaining tire pressure below the recommmend specification could result in premature tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
“Engine went out , starter went out got it replaced been having issues since I purchased it . Makes a noise my engine oil and…”NHTSA complaint 11733904 — filed 04/26/2026 · ENGINE
“My Kia engine was replaced under recall. The replacement engine triggered P1326 KSDS failure while I was traveling overseas, placing the vehicle in limp mode…”NHTSA complaint 11704954 — filed 12/14/2025 · ENGINE
“The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle jerked and failed to accelerate as intended while…”NHTSA complaint 11691867 — filed 10/07/2025 · ENGINE
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 71 of 122 NHTSA complaints (58.2%), followed by service brakes, hydraulic (19), unspecified/other issues (14), electrical system (7). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
122 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 2 involved a crash, 1 involved a fire, and 3 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Yes — 3 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 18V907000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
2 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
