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  • Updated for 2026
Car Paperwork

Kia Sportage Recalls

NHTSA has issued 23 safety recalls for the Kia Sportage, covering model years 2007 through 2026. Brake faults account for 5 of them, more than any other part of the vehicle. The 2023 model year has the most, with 6 separate campaigns against it. The largest single recall covered 1,730,192 vehicles. The most recent was reported to NHTSA on January 26, 2026.

Urgent safety advisory on the Kia Sportage

6 recalls below tell owners to park outside and away from buildings, because the vehicle can catch fire while parked and switched off.

Check your own VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether these apply to your car.

Total recalls
23
Model years affected
20
Most recalled part
Brake
Latest recall
2026

Kia Sportage recalls by model year

How many campaigns were issued against each model year. One recall often covers several years at once, so these add up to more than the 23 total.

20261 recall20251 recall20243 recalls20236 recalls20221 recall20212 recalls20202 recalls20192 recalls20183 recalls20174 recalls20162 recalls20152 recalls20143 recalls20133 recalls20125 recalls20116 recalls20102 recalls20093 recalls20083 recalls20071 recall

All Kia Sportage recalls

Each entry is an official NHTSA campaign, shown with the defect, consequence, and remedy exactly as the manufacturer reported them, newest first.

26V046000Electrical systemReported January 26, 2026

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Model years affected: 2026

The problem

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 Kia K4, 2025-2026 Sorento, Sorento Hybrid, Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV), 2026 Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, Sportage PHEV, K5, EV9, Carnival, and Carnival Hybrid vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 101, "Controls and Displays" and 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring System."

What can happen

An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer, tire pressure, or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.

The fix

The instrument panel display software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 26, 2026. Owners may contact Kia Customer Service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC361. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 9, 2026.

Vehicles affected
42,677
Maker's recall no.
SC361
Owners notified
March 13, 2026
Safety standard
FMVSS 101
Read campaign 26V046000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
25V874000Trailer hitchReported December 17, 2025

TRAILER HITCHES

Model years affected: 2024–2025

The problem

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Sportage Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) and 2024-2025 Sportage vehicles equipped with a 4.2" screen and a Genuine Kia tow hitch harness accessory. Due to a software error, the instrument panel screen may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Controls and Displays."

What can happen

An instrument panel screen that fails to display critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.

The fix

Dealers will replace the tow hitch harness control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2026. Owners may contact Kia Customer Service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC359. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning December 31, 2025.

Vehicles affected
5,046
Maker's recall no.
SC359
Owners notified
February 13, 2026
Safety standard
FMVSS 101
Read campaign 25V874000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
24V422000SteeringReported June 7, 2024

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

Model years affected: 2024

The problem

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2024 Kia Sportage vehicles. The circuit board in the motor-driven power steering assembly may short circuit, resulting in a loss of power steering assist.

What can happen

A loss of power steering assist can increase the risk of a crash.

The fix

Dealers will replace the motor-driven power steering electric power pack, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 19, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC319.

Vehicles affected
1,075
Maker's recall no.
SC319
Owners notified
July 19, 2024
Read campaign 24V422000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
24V025000StructureReported January 18, 2024

STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

Model years affected: 2023–2024

The problem

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Sportage and 2022-2024 Carnival vehicles. The roof molding may loosen and detach.

What can happen

A detached roof molding can create a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix

Dealers will inspect the roof molding and replace or secure it as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 15, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC292.

Vehicles affected
101,049
Maker's recall no.
SC292
Owners notified
March 15, 2024
Read campaign 24V025000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
23V652000BrakeReported September 25, 2023
NHTSA advises: park outside, away from buildingsAffected vehicles can catch fire even when parked and switched off. Keep the vehicle away from structures until it is repaired.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Model years affected: 2010–2013

The problem

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.

What can happen

An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

The fix

Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.

Vehicles affected
1,730,192
Maker's recall no.
SC284
Owners notified
March 29, 2024
Read campaign 23V652000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
23V531000Power trainReported July 31, 2023
NHTSA advises: park outside, away from buildingsAffected vehicles can catch fire even when parked and switched off. Keep the vehicle away from structures until it is repaired.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:FLUID/LUBRICANT:PUMP

Model years affected: 2023

The problem

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Soul, Sportage, and 2023-2024 Seltos vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump to overheat.

What can happen

An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.

The fix

Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the electric oil pump controller, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 28, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC275.

Vehicles affected
39,765
Maker's recall no.
SC275
Owners notified
September 28, 2023
Read campaign 23V531000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
23V410000BrakeReported June 7, 2023

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST

Model years affected: 2023

The problem

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Sportage vehicles. The brake booster diaphragm may become misaligned and cause an internal vacuum leak, which can result in a loss of power brake assist.

What can happen

A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix

Dealers will inspect and replace the brake booster as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC272.

Vehicles affected
98,944
Maker's recall no.
SC272
Owners notified
July 21, 2023
Read campaign 23V410000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
23V298000Electrical systemReported April 26, 2023

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Model years affected: 2023

The problem

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, Sportage Plug-in Hybrid, Niro Hybrid, Niro Plug-in Hybrid, Soul, and Telluride vehicles equipped with a digital instrument cluster containing a 4.2" LCD screen. The instrument cluster may fail to display any information when the vehicle is started. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 101, "Control and Displays," and 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."

What can happen

A blank instrument cluster display will not show critical information, such as tire pressure, warning messages, and warning lights, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix

Dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 26, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC270.

Vehicles affected
108,936
Maker's recall no.
SC270
Owners notified
May 26, 2023
Safety standard
FMVSS 101
Read campaign 23V298000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
22V878000AirbagReported November 28, 2022

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN

Model years affected: 2023

The problem

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Sportage vehicles. The side curtain air bags may have been twisted during installation.

What can happen

A twisted air bag can deploy improperly, increasing the risk of injury.

The fix

Dealers will inspect and reinstall the side curtain air bags as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 28, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC257.

Vehicles affected
76,918
Maker's recall no.
SC257
Owners notified
December 28, 2022
Read campaign 22V878000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
22V800000BrakeReported October 24, 2022
NHTSA advises: park outside, away from buildingsAffected vehicles can catch fire even when parked and switched off. Keep the vehicle away from structures until it is repaired.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Model years affected: 2008–2009

The problem

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2008-2009 Sportage vehicles previously recalled under recall 16V-815. An engine compartment fire originating from around the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may occur while parked or driving.

What can happen

A fire increases the risk of injury.

The fix

Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures and other vehicles until the recall repair has been performed. Dealers will inspect and replace the HECU, its wiring harness, and its fuses, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 22, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC253.

Vehicles affected
71,704
Maker's recall no.
SC253
Owners notified
December 22, 2022
Read campaign 22V800000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
22V703000Trailer hitchReported September 19, 2022
NHTSA advises: park outside, away from buildingsAffected vehicles can catch fire even when parked and switched off. Keep the vehicle away from structures until it is repaired.

TRAILER HITCHES

Model years affected: 2017–2022

The problem

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.

What can happen

A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

The fix

Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect the vehicle, and, as necessary, replace the fuse and/or tow hitch harness module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC249.

Vehicles affected
70,887
Maker's recall no.
SC249
Owners notified
July 27, 2023
Read campaign 22V703000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
22V651000Electrical systemReported August 29, 2022

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

Model years affected: 2023

The problem

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Sportage vehicles. The alternator battery positive terminal nut may loosen, which can result in an engine stall or an electrical surge.

What can happen

An engine stall increases the risk of a crash, and an electrical surge increases the risk of a fire.

The fix

Dealers will inspect and tighten the alternator battery positive terminal nut, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 23, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC248.

Vehicles affected
19,701
Maker's recall no.
SC248
Owners notified
September 23, 2022
Read campaign 22V651000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
22V051000BrakeReported February 2, 2022
NHTSA advises: park outside, away from buildingsAffected vehicles can catch fire even when parked and switched off. Keep the vehicle away from structures until it is repaired.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Model years affected: 2014–2016

The 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.

What can happen

An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

The 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.

Vehicles affected
126,747
Maker's recall no.
SC227
Owners notified
April 26, 2022
Read campaign 22V051000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
21V137000BrakeReported March 4, 2021
NHTSA advises: park outside, away from buildingsAffected vehicles can catch fire even when parked and switched off. Keep the vehicle away from structures until it is repaired.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Model years affected: 2017–2021

The problem

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Sportage and Cadenza vehicles. The electrical circuit in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may short-circuit, which can cause a fire in the engine compartment.

What can happen

An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury.

The fix

Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace certain fuses in the electrical junction box. Vehicles equipped with an electronic parking brake (EPB) will also receive a HECU software update. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on April 30, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC206.

Vehicles affected
379,931
Maker's recall no.
SC206
Owners notified
April 30, 2021
Read campaign 21V137000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
20V750000Reported December 2, 2020

ENGINE

Model years affected: 2012

The problem

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.

What can happen

An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

The fix

Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine compartment for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs, including engine replacement, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, Kia dealers will update the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software, free of charge. The recall began January 27, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC200.

Vehicles affected
294,756
Maker's recall no.
SC200
Owners notified
January 25, 2021
Read campaign 20V750000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
19V101000Reported February 15, 2019

ENGINE

Model years affected: 2011–2012

The problem

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2012 Kia Sportage vehicles. The engine oil pan may leak and, if not addressed, the loss of oil may result in engine damage.

What can happen

A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix

Kia has notified owners, and dealers will replace the oil pressure switch with an improved one, free of charge. In addition, dealers will inspect the oil pan for any oil leaks, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 3, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC174.

Vehicles affected
32,296
Maker's recall no.
SC174
Owners notified
July 3, 2019
Read campaign 19V101000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
18V907000Reported December 19, 2018

ENGINE

Model years affected: 2011–2018

The 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.

What can happen

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

The 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.

Vehicles affected
71,653
Maker's recall no.
SC172
Owners notified
January 17, 2019
Read campaign 18V907000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
17V224000Engine and coolingReported March 31, 2017

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

Model years affected: 2011–2013

The problem

Kia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.

What can happen

Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix

Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly, and replace the engine if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC147.

Vehicles affected
618,160
Maker's recall no.
SC147
Owners notified
June 20, 2017
Read campaign 17V224000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
16V862000Trailer hitchReported November 30, 2016

TRAILER HITCHES

Model years affected: 2017

The problem

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Sorento vehicles manufactured October 27, 2014, to August 25, 2016, and 2017 Sportage vehicles manufactured December 10, 2015, to August 26, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness that, due to a malfunction of the tow hitch module, may result in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

What can happen

If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix

Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the trailer tow hitch harness, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC142.

Vehicles affected
10,212
Maker's recall no.
SC142
Owners notified
January 19, 2017
Safety standard
FMVSS 108
Read campaign 16V862000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
16V815000Electrical systemReported November 10, 2016

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Model years affected: 2008–2009

The problem

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2008-2009 Kia Sportage vehicles manufactured August 9, 2007, to May 13, 2009. The wire harness cover on the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may be improperly sealed allowing water to get onto the HECU circuit board. If the water is contaminated with salt, such as could occur from melted snow, the wire harness connector pins may corrode and the circuit board may short circuit.

What can happen

If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.

The fix

Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the connector pins for corrosion, if no corrosion is found, the connector cover will be replaced. If corrosion is present, the dealer will replace the HECU assembly and the connector cover, free of charge. The recall began on November 28, 2016. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC138.

Vehicles affected
71,704
Maker's recall no.
SC138
Owners notified
December 28, 2016
Read campaign 16V815000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
15V360000Exterior lightingReported June 9, 2015

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

Model years affected: 2011

The problem

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2011 Sportage vehicles manufactured March 7, 2011, to June 8, 2011. In the affected vehicles, the brake light switch may intermittently fail.

What can happen

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.

The fix

Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began on July 7, 2015. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC121.

Vehicles affected
7,722
Maker's recall no.
SC121
Owners notified
July 7, 2015
Read campaign 15V360000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
14V023000Reported January 27, 2014

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Model years affected: 2014

The problem

Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2014 Kia Sportage vehicles manufactured September 30, 2013, through January 11, 2014. The certification label has incorrect tire pressure information printed on it, listing a specification that is 1 or 2 psi below the correct information. Thus, these vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."

What can happen

Maintaining tire pressure below the recommmend specification could result in premature tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix

Kia will notify owners, and dealers will correct the label information, and owners will also receive a sticker to put into the owners manual, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in February 2014. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall campaign number is SC103.

Vehicles affected
11,961
Maker's recall no.
SC103
Owners notified
March 6, 2014
Safety standard
FMVSS 110
Read campaign 14V023000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
13V114000Exterior lightingReported April 1, 2013

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

Model years affected: 2007–2011

The problem

Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul, model year 2008-2011 Optima, model year 2010 Forte, model year 2007-2009 Amanti, and model year 2009 Borrego vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Kia recalled 623,658 model year 2007-2010 Rondo and Sportage, model year 2007-2011 Sorento, model year 2007 Sedona, model year 2010-2011 Soul, and model year 2011 Optima vehicles. In September 2013, Kia informed the agency that it was adding an additional 356,719 vehicles to this campaign. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 980,377. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake-transmission shift interlock feature preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.

What can happen

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. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.

The fix

Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall campaign number is SC098.

Vehicles affected
980,377
Maker's recall no.
SC098
Owners notified
April 19, 2013
Read campaign 13V114000 on NHTSA.gov ↗

What to do if your Kia Sportage is on this list

A recall listed here applies to a range of vehicles, not to every car of that model year. Manufacturers narrow it down by build date and VIN, so the only way to know whether yours is included is to check the VIN. You can do that free on NHTSA's recall lookup, or by calling any franchised dealer for that brand with your VIN in hand.

Recall repairs are free. Under federal law the manufacturer has to fix a safety defect at no charge, and there is no mileage limit and no expiry on that obligation for vehicles under 15 years old. A dealer cannot charge you for the parts, the labour, or the diagnosis on a recall repair, and you do not need to have bought the car there. If a dealer asks you to pay, that is worth escalating to the manufacturer's customer line, which is listed in the remedy text of each recall above.

Recalls do not block a title transfer or registration in any state. You can legally buy, sell, or register a car with an open recall, and sellers are generally not required to fix one first. That said, an open recall is worth raising before money changes hands, especially one with a do-not-drive advisory. If you are buying, run the VIN before you hand over the payment; if you are selling, telling the buyer about an open recall costs you nothing and avoids a dispute later.

Kia Sportage recall questions

How many recalls does the Kia Sportage have?

NHTSA lists 23 recall campaigns for the Kia Sportage across model years 2007 to 2026. That count covers recalls filed from 2010 onward. Not every campaign applies to every car of that model year, because manufacturers limit recalls by build date and VIN.

Which Kia Sportage model year has the most recalls?

The 2023 Kia Sportage carries the most, with 6 recall campaigns. A high count does not automatically mean a worse car: a single supplier fault can trigger a recall across an entire production run, and manufacturers that report problems quickly tend to show more campaigns.

Are Kia Sportage recall repairs free?

Yes. Federal law requires the manufacturer to repair a safety recall at no cost, including parts and labour, on vehicles under 15 years old. There is no mileage limit, and you do not have to be the original owner or have bought the car from that dealer.

Can I sell or register a Kia Sportage with an open recall?

Yes. An open recall does not stop a title transfer or registration in any state, and private sellers are generally not required to repair one first. Dealers face stricter rules on some safety recalls. If you are buying, check the VIN before you pay; the repair is free, but you want to know what you are taking on.

Other Kia recalls

Kia Sorento recalls38Kia Telluride recalls19Kia Forte recalls18Kia Optima recalls18Kia Soul recalls15Kia Sedona recalls14

Where this data comes from

Every recall on this page is published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the federal agency that oversees vehicle safety recalls in the United States. We pull the full recall file from NHTSA and reproduce the campaign number, defect description, consequence, and remedy exactly as the manufacturer reported them. NHTSA data is in the public domain.

Source:
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
NHTSA data as of:
July 18, 2026
Coverage:
Recalls from 2010 onward
Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov ↗

Buying or selling this car?

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Last reviewed: 2026-07-18 · Reviewed by the Car Paperwork editorial team · Independent resource · Not legal advice

⚠ Independent resource — check your VIN before actingCar Paperwork is not affiliated with NHTSA, any manufacturer, or any dealer. This page lists recalls issued for a model, which is not the same as a recall on your car: only a VIN check confirms that. Recall records are also updated by NHTSA continuously, so treat this as a starting point and confirm anything urgent with NHTSA or a franchised dealer. Nothing here is legal or repair advice.