Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2008 Kia Sportage, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Electrical system27
- Engine17
- Service brakes15
- Structure13
- Power train12
- Electronic stability control (esc)9
- Exterior lighting7
- Service brakes, hydraulic7
- Engine and engine cooling5
- Air bags5
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 5 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 20 2008 Sportage vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 13 people died inside them, and 6 of the vehicles rolled over. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2008 Kia Sportage failed the safety check 3.47% of the time — 40% more often than the average 2008 passenger car (2.48%). Median odometer at inspection: 125,100 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Engines
The most common engines in 2008 Kia Sportage cars on Dutch roads are the 2.0 petrol (104 kW, 139 hp) and 2.7 petrol (129 kW, 173 hp).
| Engine | Power | Cars |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0 petrol | 104 kW 139 hp | 1,114 |
| 2.7 petrol | 129 kW 173 hp | 125 |
RDW Open Data (CC0): registered passenger cars and their fuel data · engine size rounded to 0.1 litre, net maximum power · versions with at least 20 cars
In the Netherlands
1,249 first registered in 2008 are on Dutch roads; 4% arrived later as imports. Median list price when new: €26,989.
Most common APK defects
- Bandenspanning niet op juiste waarde713
- Band onvoldoende profiel671
- Kentekenplaatverlichting werkt niet (goed) / ontbreekt428
- Band(en) aanwezig met een profieldiepte van 1,6 t/m 2,5 mm428
- Stadslicht werkt niet (goed)407
- Dimlicht onjuist afgesteld283
- Ruitenwisserinstallatie geeft onvoldoende zicht199
- Richtingaanwijzers kleur wijkt af/niet toegestaan198
Colours
RDW Open Data: registered vehicles and APK defects (CC0) · defect descriptions in the RDW's Dutch wording
In the United Kingdom
917 cars built in 2008 were licensed for the road at the end of 2025, and 325 more were declared off the road (SORN).
Department for Transport and DVLA, vehicle licensing statistics (table VEH0124, year of manufacture) · Open Government Licence v3.0
MOT test results in Great Britain
In 2023, 1,768 of these cars first registered in 2008 took their annual MOT test. 55% passed first time; among all cars first registered in 2008 the figure was 57%.
| Failed on | These cars | All cars from 2008 |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 21.9% | 17.2% |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 20.6% | 19.8% |
| Brakes | 12.3% | 11.3% |
| Body, chassis, structure | 8.0% | 7.3% |
| Tyres | 6.7% | 7.6% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 6.7% | 6.2% |
DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023 (Department for Transport) · Open Government Licence v3.0 · first tests only; a fix made at the test station within the hour still counts as a fail
In Finland
267 of these cars first registered in 2008 were in use in Finland on 30 Jun 2026, with an average of 234,000 km on the odometer at their last inspection.
Traficom (Finnish Transport and Communications Agency), open data on vehicles in use · CC BY 4.0
In New Zealand
270 2008 cars are on the New Zealand register; 1% arrived as used imports, 97% were sold new in New Zealand.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Motor Vehicle Register (March 2026) · CC BY 4.0
Fuel consumption
Official Canadian test results for 5 variants: combined 10.7–12.7 L/100 km (about 19–22 mpg US), CO₂ 246–292 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sportage · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline | 11.8 | 9.3 | 10.7 |
| Sportage · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline | 12.1 | 9.5 | 10.9 |
| Sportage 4X4 · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline | 12.3 | 9.8 | 11.2 |
| Sportage · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline | 13.6 | 10.1 | 12.0 |
| Sportage 4X4 · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline | 13.9 | 11.1 | 12.7 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls in Canada
3 Transport Canada recalls for the 2008 Kia Sportage.
| 2022607 25 Oct 2022 | Electrical Issue: On certain vehicles, the brake hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU) could short circuit. Note: This recall replaces RC107 (Transport Canada recal… |
| 2016562 14 Nov 2016 | Electrical This recall was replaced by Transport Canada Recall No. 2022-607. On certain vehicles, the connector pins within the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU… |
| 2013098 3 Apr 2013 | Brakes On certain vehicles, the stop lamp switch may fail and cause intermittent operation of the brake lights. Failure of the brake lights to illuminate when the brak… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
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.
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.
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.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Kia told its dealers about the 2008 Kia Sportage: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 11000787 | This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced. |
| 10226555 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced, refer to applicable vehicles in the chart starting on page 2. |
| 10201529 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information relating to some Kia models that may exhibit fogging, condensation, and/or moisture inside a headlamp assembly. Generally, a fogging condition is considered normal and can be eliminated by turning on the headlamps with the engine running for up to 30 minutes or during normal driving conditions. Headlamp assembly replacement WILL |
| 10183431 | TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides information regarding the use of USB ports and 12V power outlets to connect/charge mobile phones. Customers may experience issues with their head units that may be related to the use of aftermarket USB charging cables, including; * Electrical interference and limited or no functionality when attempting to play music, or when charging a device through the USB port * Excessive static or noise when listening to the audio source * Malfunctions and screen freeze of the head unit screen * Slow down of the sys |
| 10133170 | PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine. |
| 10109812 | TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly intended for ?one time use.? Some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.? It is critical for technicians to be aware that ALL such locking fasteners, regardless of type, are for ?one time use? only. |
| 10109777 | TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited to the following, some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.? |
| 10109639 | Q AND A - SC104 ? 2005-2010 MY Sportage - Application of Additional Anti-Corrosion Material to Underbody of Vehicle Voluntary Service Campaign |
| 10109638 | OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER - Dear Kia Sportage Owner: Kia Motors America, Inc. is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to add additional anti-corrosion wax and undercoating to the underbody of certain 2005-2010 MY Sportage vehicles. |
| 10109637 | DEALER PARTS & SERVICE MANAGER MEMO: Attention: All Kia Parts & Service Managers - Kia Motors America, Inc. is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign on certain 2005-2010 MY Sportage vehicles produced from June 24, 2004 through January 26, 2010, to add additional anti-corrosion materials to the vehicle underbody. |
| 10109636 | DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO: Attention: All Dealer Principals - Kia Motors America, Inc. will be conducting a voluntary service campaign, as a preventative measure, to apply additional anti-corrosion material to the vehicle underbody on certain 2005-2010 MY Sportage vehicles, manufactured from June 24, 2004 through January 26, 2010. |
| 10109629 | VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: APPLICATION OF ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL (SC104) - To improve customer satisfaction, Kia is launching this bulletin to apply additional anti-corrosion protection to various vehicle underbody components on some Sportage (KM) vehicles, built from June 24, 2004 through January 26, 2010. |
| 10092102 | PITSTOP: STOP LAMP SWITCH IDENTIFICATION MATRIX (SC098) - KMA HAS RECEIVED A NUMBER OF INCORRECT WARRANTY RETURN PARTS RELATED TO CAMPAIGN SC098 AND HAS DETERMINED THAT AT TIMES DEALER STAFF MAY HAVE DIFFICULTY IN QUICKLY AND EASILY IDENTIFYING THE CORRECT SWITCHES WHILE ORDERING PARTS, PREPARING TO PERFORM THE STOP LAMP REPLACEMENT OR WHILE PREPARING TO RETURN REPLACED SWITCHES TO KMA (IN CASE OF AN EXISTING MANDATORY PART RETURN (MPR) REQUEST). TO FACILITATE FASTER AND EASIER IDENTIFICATION OF THE CORRECT PARTS, A PICTURE GUIDE AS SHOWN ON PAGE 2 IS PROVIDED. THE GUIDES CONTENT WAS PURPOSELY |
| 10090713 | TSB: WINDSHIELD WASHER PUMP INLET FILTER REPLACEMENT - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO POSSIBLE FOREIGN DEBRIS ACCUMULATION ON THE WINDSHIELD WASHER PUMP INLET FILTER. OVER TIME, SOME KIA VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A LIMITED APPLICATION OF WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID WHEN THE WASHER FUNCTION IS USED. LIMITED APPLICATION OF WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID CAN BE CAUSED BY FOREIGN DEBRIS ON THE WASHER PUMP INLET FILTER. TO CORRECT THIS CONDITION, REPLACE THE WASHER PUMP INLET FILTER AND PERFORM THE WINDSHIELD WASHER RESERVOIR FLUSHING PROCEDURE OUTLINED IN THIS TSB. |
| 10060662 | SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE. |
| 10055496 | SOME KIA SPORTAGE MODELS VEHICLES ARE AFFECTED BY CORROSION WHICH NEEDS ANTI CORROSION PROTECTION. 06/04/14*LJ |
| 10037694 | KIA MOTORS: FOR FUEL ADAPTION IMPROVEMENT THERE IS A SOFTWARE UPDATE FOR THE 2007-2008 SPORTAGE. *RM |
| 10034644 | KIA: TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) RECEIVER UPGRADE; CHANGE OF TPMS SOFTWARE (SA049). SOME VEHICLES HAVE LOW LINE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS). SOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE ILLUMINATION OF THE TPMS WARNING LAMP INDICATING THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE TPMS SYSTEM EVEN THOUGH TIRE PRESSURE IS ACCEPTABLE. *PE |
| 10034511 | KIA: COMBINED TSB/SERVICE ACTION-ECM UPGRADE-MIL O WITH DTC P0130/P0150. PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATED TO AN ECM/ECU/PCM SOFTWARE UPGRADE OF SOME MODEL VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.7L ENGINES WHICH MAY EXPERIENCE A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH ECM (ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE) SYSTEM RELATED DTC P0130 AND/OR P0150. *PE |
| 10034495 | KIA: APPLICATION OF ADDITIONAL ANTICORROSION TREATMENT FOR REAR FLOOR MEMBERS. PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO CERTAIN VEHICLES FOR PROCEDURE TO APPLY ADDITIONAL ANTICORROSION PROTECTION TO THE REAR FLOOR SIDE AND CROSS MEMBERS. *PE |
| 10030290 | KIA: LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY LABEL REQUIREMENTS AND INSTRUCTIONS TO COMPLY WITH FMVSS 110. PROVIDING INFORMATION FOR THE NEW REQUIREMENTS RELATED TO LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY (LCC) WHEN CERTAIN ACCESSORIES ARE ADDED TO A COMPLETED VEHICLE PRI0R TO FIRST RETAIL SALE. *PE |
| 10026726 | KIA: ALL MODELS. ARTICLE PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO THE IMPROVED DURABILITY OF BULB LIFE FOR REAR COMBINATION BULB; REAR STOP LAMP/TAIL LAMP BULB UTILIZED ON MULTIPLE KIA MODELS. *PE |
| 10024714 | SPORTAGE (KM) PASSIVE OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM INFORMATION - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES SYSTEM INFORMATION RELATED TO SPORTAGE (KM) MODELS REGARDING PASSIVE OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM (PODS) PRODUCED FROM 10/28/2004. *NJ |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation