repaired · 2024 Q1
Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
Park outsideRisk. An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
2015 Kia SportageProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 146 owner complaints about the 2015 Kia Sportage, most often about the engine. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 22V-051 the manufacturer reports only 48% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through July 7, 2026. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2015 Kia Sportage has problems
146 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
84Engine7 crash/fire/injury
28Service brakes, hydraulic2 crash/fire/injury
18Electrical system5 crash/fire/injury
7Fuel/propulsion system
6Power train
5Air bags
5Vehicle speed control
3Steering
3Exterior lighting
118 other systems5 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 84 | 7 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 28 | 2 |
| Electrical system | 18 | 5 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 7 | 1 |
| Power train | 6 | 0 |
| Air bags | 5 | 5 |
| Vehicle speed control | 5 | 1 |
| Steering | 3 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 3 | 0 |
| 8 other systems | 11 | 5 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2015 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 · 2020 Q2
Engine
Risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
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.
Mileage at failure
When do engine problems start?
91kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 37 engine complaints. 57% were reported before 100,000 miles.
Only 39% of complaints for this model year include a mileage.
7under 30k miles21under 100k miles16100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2015 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
2015 Kia Sportage safety ratings
2015 Kia Sportage SUV FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★Overall rating
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (17.4% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
2 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2015 Kia Sportage, and the recalls they led to.
- Hyundai and Kia ABS Module FiresOpen
- Loss of Motive PowerNo recall
In owners' words
What Sportage owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
Unjustified Denial of Engine Warranty Coverage - 2015 Kia Sportage "I am filing this complaint because Kia is denying warranty coverage for a known engine defect (rod bearing failure in the Theta II GDI engine) on my 2015 Kia Sportage. The manufacturer’s denial is based on the claim that I did not…
I own a 2015 Kia Sportage with an open safety recall (NHTSA Recall No. 22V051 / SC227B). The vehicle became undriveable years ago due to engine issues. I contacted both the dealership and Kia several times, but no one has responded or completed the recall. I received no notification letter. The…
The car just quit running as I was driving. It would not turn over using jumper cables. I had it towed to a local mechanic where they replaced the starter and the battery. Upon picking it up, it was making noises that it did not make previously.
Own a 2015 Sportage?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.