repaired · 2024 Q3
Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
Park outsideRisk. A fire increases the risk of injury.
2008 Kia SportageProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 98 owner complaints about the 2008 Kia Sportage, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 22V-800 the manufacturer reports only 19% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 27, 2024. Updated daily. Photo: SsmIntrigue, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2008 Kia Sportage has problems
98 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
27Electrical system14 crash/fire/injury
17Engine7 crash/fire/injury
15Service brakes3 crash/fire/injury
13Structure9 crash/fire/injury
12Power train1 crash/fire/injury
9Electronic stability control (ESC)
7Exterior lighting
7Service brakes, hydraulic
5Air bags
2313 other systems4 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 27 | 14 |
| Engine | 17 | 7 |
| Service brakes | 15 | 3 |
| Structure | 13 | 9 |
| Power train | 12 | 1 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 9 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 7 | 2 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 7 | 0 |
| Air bags | 5 | 1 |
| 13 other systems | 23 | 4 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2008 Kia Sportage recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2018 Q2
Electrical system: wiring
Risk. If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
no report yet
Brake lights: switch
Risk. Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Kia.
Best & worst years
2008 vs. every other Sportage year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Sportage median. How we score
'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2008 Kia Sportage safety ratings
2008 Kia Sportage 4-DR w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Frontal crashNot rated
Side barrierNot rated
- Rollover: 4 stars (17.4% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2008 Kia Sportage, and the recalls they led to.
- Hyundai and Kia ABS Module FiresOpen
In owners' words
What Sportage owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
Smoke was pouring out from the passenger front side of the motor compartment. The fuses for the ABS (I think) were taken out so it would stop. I was a told a control module could have something to do with it.
SO I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY FRONT RIGHT TIRE I FEEL THAT IT WIGGLES AND WOBBLES A CLOG MY ALIGNMENT TO GET MY STUFF AND I ALWAYS NEED WORK DONE ON IT ABOUT EVERY 2 TO 3 MONTHS. I HAVE ALSO BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS CONTINUOUSLY GETTING LOCKED OUT OF MY CAR. MY CAR ON OR OFF ALWAYS LOCKS ME…
CAR WAS SITTING IN DRIVE WAY FOR A DAY AND HALF AT 335 IN THE MORNING ELECTRICAL SHORT STARTED A FIRE WAS CAUGHT ON NEIGHBOR SECURITY CAMERA
Own a 2008 Sportage?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.