Kia · Sportage · 2014
3
Recalls
120
Complaints
5/5
Safety Rating
The 2014 Kia Sportage has 3 recalls and 120 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Most reported issue: engine (53 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 22, 2026
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
Frontal Crash Test

Side Crash Test

Overall Frontal Rating
Driver and Passenger Assessment
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Overall Side Rating
Side Barrier and Side Pole Tests
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Rollover Resistance
15.5% rollover risk in single-vehicle crash
Safety Features
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.
Remedy Status
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.
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."
Remedy Status
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.
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.
Remedy Status
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.
Motor is knocking
My Kia engine was replaced under recall. The replacement engine triggered P1326 KSDS failure while I was traveling overseas, placing the vehicle in limp mode. Kia USA refuses to assist or authorize diagnosis, leaving me stranded. This is a repeat recall-related safety failure, even though there is a Kia Dealership near me.
My truck consumes excessive engine oil.
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the vehicle, after which the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V907000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 103,000.
I own a 2014 Kia Sportage (VIN: [XXX] ) that qualifies under Recall SC147 for engine seizure. The vehicle’s engine has seized randomly with no check engine lights. Was running and driving perfectly and shut off. However, Kia and the local dealership are refusing to repair the vehicle under the recall because the vehicle is not currently registered. This is a clear violation of NHTSA recall requirements, which mandate free recall repairs regardless of ownership or registration. I am requesting NHTSA review and enforcement. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
My 2014 Kia Sportage experienced sudden and complete engine failure while I was driving on the highway at 75 mph. The engine locked up instantly, with no warning lights or alerts of any kind. The only prior issue was that the vehicle constantly burned oil and needed to be topped off frequently, but there was never any indication that the engine was about to fail. This sudden failure left me stranded in a dangerous situation. Thankfully, I was able to maneuver safely, but I am terrified of what could have happened to my daughter and grandson who were in the car or others on the road. Afterward, I learned that this defect was part of a recall. However, I was never notified in time. Kia Customer Service told me a notice had been sent in 2018, but my own research shows the recall was not actually issued until 2022. Because of this, I was denied the chance to have the recall repair performed before the failure. Now, Kia has refused goodwill assistance, leaving me with an $8,000+ repair bill. I am a single mother, a teacher, and caregiver to my daughter and grandson. This Sportage is the vehicle my daughter depends on to get my grandson to and from school safely. Safety Concern: This defect poses a severe safety risk. An engine seizing at highway speeds without warning could easily cause crashes, injuries, or deaths. I am deeply concerned that if Kia failed to notify me properly, other Kia owners may also be driving unsafe vehicles without realizing it. Requested Action: I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate Kia’s recall notification practices and ensure Kia is held accountable for leaving customers unprotected against such a serious safety hazard.
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle jerked and failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. In addition, the vehicle hesitated and failed to exceed 40 MPH. The contact exited the freeway. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone, where it was diagnosed with a knock sensor failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the knock sensor however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle hesitated and failed to exceed 40 MPH. The contact exited the freeway with the check engine warning light intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the knock sensor had failed. The independent mechanic advised the contact to stop driving the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. Most recently, an abnormal sound was coming from the engine. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 99,000.
The rear hatch door no longer opens. This could pose a safety risk in an emergency situation. Upon research it appears to be very common issue among Kias from this year.
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the service engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle went in LIMP Mode. The contact stated that the engine started to overheat. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the turbo charger, radiator, and the catalytic convertor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 132,000.
While driving on an interstate, our vehicle experienced complete engine failure. It was towed to auto garage and examined. We were advised the timing chain had stretched and there were metal shavings in the oil (only roughly 100,000 miles on vehicle). Auto garage advised this was a known issue that was associated with high engine oil consumption and that there was an engine recall. They advised we should contact a Kia dealer for repair. Contacted Kia dealer and was advised the vin for our Kia was not included in the recall, however our Kia also has the Theta 2 engine, which was the subject of the recall of other models and/or years and we are experiencing the same issues. I contacted Kia Corporate and was advised that because the vin of our vehicle was not included in the recall, they would not assist in any way. When this incident occurred, we were 200 miles from home driving on a 4 lane highway and navigating an interchange. Thankfully, we were able to navigate traffic and get to the side of the road, however we felt extremely vulnerable and unsafe, and it left us with no means to return home. Generally, my [XXX] daughter drives this vehicle and had she been driving at the time of this incident, I fear she would not have known what to do to get to safety and could have resulted in a tragedy. I believe this to be a significant safety issue that is the same or at least very closely related to the recalls already in place. We purchased this vehicle in good faith, believing the manufacturer was providing a vehicle that was safe and reliable, however that turned out not to be the case and Kia is not willing to hear our concerns or help with a solution. Please contact me if any additional information is needed and I welcome your feedback. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine has failed. Mechanic at home has found aluminum shavings in the cam shaft area. This model doesn’t have a recall, but should for engine failure. I have 70,000 miles and it’s on year 10. Should be lasting longer with no engine issues. Never had prior warnings for the engine, just engine failure randomly and shavings built up. Available for inspection. Car stalled and could have resulted in accident. A few months prior, oil smell and burning occurred as well, mechanic was able to fix it. Kia has made it difficult to make an appt for an engine issue, Fette Kia in Clifton NJ says they have emergency slots, but they will only “talk” to me and not look at the car. This seems like an emergency to me. Finally made an appointment for 20 days from now at another dealership.
The engine stopped working. And although there was a recall on this issue the dealership is demanding i pay for the repair
Brakes keep squealing and as of a result of previous recall service my engine drink oil fast and not to mention the oil pan gasket is leaking oil. The engine smoke and have a burning smell that seep inside the car vents.
The driver side door has issues with opening from outside.
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 35-40 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, added pressure and pumping of the brake pedal was needed to slow and eventually stop the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was currently awaiting diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 121,062.
Last Tuesday I was taking my Ill mother to the Dr 30 min away. All of a sudden the engine light came on and the car died. Would not do anything after that it was 100 degrees that day I had to get a ride for my mother in the hot day back to the facility she lived call a tow truck and call the dealership where I bought the car. I had to pay for the towing and to top it off I have to pay partially for a rental car The engine is blown in the vehicle I just bought this car in april how could it of blown already? I did the oil changes and checked it also. There is a extended contract on the vehicle but it needs a engine and a starter. I'm lucky my mother was not sick after how hot is was I have made 2 payments and that's it. I think I should get money back for what I paid that's over 2000 since I bought it and for this to happen .I depend on this car for my job for apps for everything. It isn't right it wasn't disclosed to me that the engine was bad . I feel they did me wrong when I bought it .
The motor sputtered and died. Is there an engine recall on this vehicle?
My car won’t go up to speed and it keeps throwing out it’s the turbo boost sensor not only that I almost crashed when I pushed on the brakes a little bit
I was driving home from work on the expressway driving around 60 miles when my car out of no where started jerking and lost speed as driving at some points I could go over 40 I had to put my hazards on and drive at a speed of 30 on the expressway when I parked the car and put my foot on gas pedal I could not drive had a mechanic look at it they said it was my knock sensor
I was driving on a road with an incline and as I accelerated up the hill I lost all power in my gas pedal. At that same moment my engine light and battery light came on the dash board. I tried to pull the car over but I had no power at all. I put the car in park and it would not start again. We checked the battery and alternator and that is not the problem. It is most certainly the engine. I didn’t not get any warning lights what so ever, and it did not act funny before hand. I just suddenly lost power and had to get my car towed home.
Showing 1–20 of 25 complaints
The 2014 Kia Sportage has 3 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
NHTSA has received 120 owner-reported complaints for the 2014 Kia Sportage.
The 2014 Kia Sportage received an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA.
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2014 Kia Sportage are engine (53 reports), service brakes, hydraulic (21 reports), unknown or other (8 reports).
Yes. NHTSA has 3 recalls on record for the 2014 Kia Sportage. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.