CarRecordBook

Model year record

2015 Kia Sportage recalls & problems

The 2015 Kia Sportage has 2 safety recalls and 146 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine (84 complaints).

Recalls2safety recalls
Complaints146filed by owners
Crashes · fires7 · 11reported in complaints
NHTSA overall4–5 ★crash-test stars
2015 Kia Sportage in an NHTSA crash test
NHTSA crash test

1 recall for this model year carries an NHTSA park outside advisory. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Safety recalls

Service brakes, hydraulicFeb 2, 2022

Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module

Recall 22V051000126,747 vehicles

NHTSA advisory: park outside and away from buildings until repaired (fire risk).

Problem
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.
Risk
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix
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. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC227.
EngineDec 19, 2018

Engine

Recall 18V90700071,653 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem
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) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix
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.

Components: Engine; Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2015 Kia Sportage SUV FWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk17.4%

2015 Kia Sportage SUV AWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk15.5%
2015 Kia Sportage NHTSA side crash test
NHTSA side barrier crash test
2015 Kia Sportage NHTSA side pole crash test
NHTSA side pole crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Sportage FWD

23mpg combined
City / highway21 / 28 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,900/year to fuel

Sportage FWD

23mpg combined
City / highway20 / 26 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,900/year to fuel

Sportage AWD

22mpg combined
City / highway19 / 26 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 6-spd · All-Wheel Drive · about $3,050/year to fuel

Sportage SX FWD

22mpg combined
City / highway20 / 26 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,050/year to fuel

Sportage AWD

21mpg combined
City / highway19 / 24 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 6-spd · All-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

Sportage SX AWD

21mpg combined
City / highway19 / 25 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · All-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Engine8407091,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module2802095,000 mi
Unknown or other2504042,000 mi
Electrical systemWiring1805042,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion system7010—
Power trainAutomatic transmission600065,090 mi
Vehicle speed control510070,000 mi
Air bags550514,000 mi
Steering3000—
Service brakes3010—
Exterior lighting3000—
StructureBody2102—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations