Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026
High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Engine — runs 3.4× the fleet median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
181Complaints
6Recalls
7Crashes
8Fires
8Injured
0Deaths
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Engine (42.5% of complaints) — is covered by 2 NHTSA recall campaigns.
Engine complaints here are 3.4× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
Complaint category
Reports
Official status
Reference
Engine
77 · 42.5%
Recalled
Recall 19V101000 · Recall 17V224000
Electrical System
37 · 20.4%
not available
—
Power Train
23 · 12.7%
not available
—
Service Brakes
12 · 6.6%
Recalled
Recall 23V652000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
12 · 6.6%
Recalled
Recall 23V652000
Steering
9 · 5%
not available
—
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 181 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.
Recalls — 6 campaigns
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of PARK without first applying the brake.… Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Whenever the brake switch is not working, the brake lights will not illuminate, reducing the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions of stopping, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
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
What owners report
“IVE BEEN LOSING OIL DUE TO A LEAK FROM OIL PAN, NOTICED AS OF 2/1/20 MY 2011 SPORTAGE HAS BEEN MAKING A KNOCKING SOUND AS…”NHTSA complaint 11307083 — filed 02/04/2020 · ENGINE
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, A SUDDEN CLANKING NOISE OCCURRED BEFORE THE ENGINE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED…”NHTSA complaint 11288091 — filed 12/10/2019 · ENGINE
“EVERYONE I KNOW THERE BLUETOOTH WILL NOT WORK. MOST IMPORTANT THE CHECK ENGINE HAS BEEN ON EVERY TIME AND IT SAIDS THAT IS OXYGEN SENSOR…”NHTSA complaint 11266108 — filed 10/04/2019 · ENGINE
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Kia Sportage?
Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 77 of 181 NHTSA complaints (42.5%), followed by electrical system (37), power train (23), unspecified/other issues (23). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2011 Kia Sportage have?
181 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 7 involved a crash, 8 involved a fire, and 8 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Does the 2011 Kia Sportage have any recalls?
Yes — 6 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 18V907000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2011 Kia Sportage's reported problems?
Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
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.
About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.
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