Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2010 Kia Sportage, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Air bags4
- Service brakes, hydraulic4
- Seat belts3
- Service brakes2
- Electronic stability control (esc)2
- Unknown or other2
- Engine2
- Power train2
- Seats1
- Service brakes, air1
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 6 injuries and 1 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 12 2010 Sportage vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 10 people died inside them, and 3 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 2010 Kia Sportage failed the safety check 4.48% of the time — 79% more often than the average 2010 passenger car (2.50%). Median odometer at inspection: 118,923 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Registered new in Europe in 2010
26,604 new Kia Sportage cars were registered in the EU, Norway and Iceland in 2010; the largest markets were Germany (6,136), the United Kingdom (5,588), Spain (2,640).
- Average mass
- 1,673 kg
- Fuel type recorded
- Diesel 53% · Petrol 43% · LPG 4.5%
European Environment Agency, CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars · averages weighted by registrations; CO₂ is the type-approval value; fuel type as recorded at registration, where many non-plug-in hybrids appear as petrol · re-use permitted with acknowledgement
Engines
The most common engines in 2010 Kia Sportage cars on Dutch roads are the 2.0 petrol (120 kW, 161 hp), 2.0 petrol (104 kW, 139 hp) and 1.6 petrol (99 kW, 133 hp).
| Engine | Power | Cars |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0 petrol | 120 kW 161 hp | 1,279 |
| 2.0 petrol | 104 kW 139 hp | 606 |
| 1.6 petrol | 99 kW 133 hp | 175 |
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
2,084 first registered in 2010 are on Dutch roads; 11% arrived later as imports. Median list price when new: €26,985.
Most common APK defects
- Bandenspanning niet op juiste waarde1,305
- Band onvoldoende profiel958
- Band(en) aanwezig met een profieldiepte van 1,6 t/m 2,5 mm571
- Richtingaanwijzers kleur wijkt af/niet toegestaan541
- Kentekenplaatverlichting werkt niet (goed) / ontbreekt508
- Dimlicht onjuist afgesteld464
- Mechanische delen van het remsysteem vertonen slijtage281
- Ruitenwisserinstallatie geeft onvoldoende zicht249
Colours
RDW Open Data: registered vehicles and APK defects (CC0) · defect descriptions in the RDW's Dutch wording
In the United Kingdom
3,229 cars built in 2010 were licensed for the road at the end of 2025, and 366 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, 4,469 of these cars first registered in 2010 took their annual MOT test. 61% passed first time; among all cars first registered in 2010 the figure was 60%.
| Failed on | These cars | All cars from 2010 |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 17.2% | 15.5% |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 14.3% | 17.8% |
| Brakes | 11.5% | 9.6% |
| Body, chassis, structure | 7.3% | 5.2% |
| Tyres | 6.1% | 7.4% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 5.4% | 4.5% |
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
86 of these cars first registered in 2010 were in use in Finland on 30 Jun 2026, with an average of 219,000 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
396 2010 cars are on the New Zealand register; 2% arrived as used imports, 96% 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 10.6–11.9 L/100 km (about 20–22 mpg US), CO₂ 244–274 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sportage · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline | 11.6 | 9.5 | 10.6 |
| Sportage · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline | 11.7 | 9.3 | 10.6 |
| Sportage 4WD · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline | 12.2 | 9.8 | 11.2 |
| Sportage · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline | 12.8 | 10.1 | 11.5 |
| Sportage 4WD · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline | 13.2 | 10.4 | 11.9 |
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 2010 Kia Sportage.
| 2024549 15 Aug 2024 | Label Issue: On certain vehicles, the compliance label may be missing information in French. The words listed on the label for "Tires", "Rims", "Front" and "Rear" a… |
| 2023529 26 Sept 2023 | Brakes Issue: On certain vehicles, the brake hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU) could short circuit. Safety Risk: A short circuit could create a fire ris… |
| 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 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.
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 2010 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 |
| 10179255 | PITSTOP - BRAKE CALIPER LEAK INSPECTION - This PITSTOP provides information related to a brake caliper fluid/oil substance found on some Kia vehicles, due to possible excess assembly oil applied during assembly. |
| 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. |
| 10109855 | TSB: DEFOGGING LOGIC ? NORMAL OPERATION, DISABLING, AND ENABLING - Starting with 2010MY, all Kia vehicles, except Rio (JB), incorporate a defogging logic to prevent the interior windows from becoming excessively fogged. Depending on the specific model, the HVAC control head monitors ambient temperature and/or cabin humidity to determine which settings will best prevent the windows from fogging. If the system detects lower ambient temperature or higher cabin humidity, the defogging logic may automatically switch ON the A/C, and/or set the air intake mode to Fresh Air. If the user changes these |
| 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. |
| 10090581 | TSB: 6-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE INHIBITOR SWITCH BRACKET INSTALLATION - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO SOME SPORTAGE AND SEDONA VEHICLES, PRODUCED FROM APRIL 01, 2009 TO SEPTEMBER 16, 2011, WHICH MAY EXPERIENCE A NO-START CONDITION, UNEVEN ENGAGEMENT WHEN SHIFTING GEARS AND/OR P0705 STORED IN THE POWER-TRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM). TO CORRECT THIS CONCERN, INSTALL THE INHIBITOR SWITCH BRACKET ON THE INHIBITOR SWITCH BY FOLLOWING THE SERVICE PROCEDURE OUTLINED BELOW. |
| 10088983 | TSB: KDS - AUDIO UPDATE MODULE (AUM) - THE GDS AUDIO UPDATE MODULE (AUM) WAS INTRODUCED IN FOURTH QUARTER OF 2013. THIS SPECIAL SERVICE TOOL (SST) WAS DEVELOPED TO IMPROVE THE EFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF UPDATING 2010MY, AND LATER, KIA AUDIO HEAD UNITS USING A GDS, AND NOW, THE SAME FUNCTIONALITY IS AVAILABLE ON KDS. SOME TECHNICIANS MAY NOT BE AWARE OF THE BENEFITS THE AUM TOOL HAS TO OFFER. THE AUM ELIMINATES THE NEED FOR MULTIPLE USB FLASH DRIVES FOR SPECIFIC VEHICLE MODELS AND APPLICATIONS WHICH, IF MISAPPLIED, MAY RESULT IN AN IMPROPER AUDIO SYSTEM SOFTWARE UPDATE AND/OR LOCKED UP HEA |
| 10055496 | SOME KIA SPORTAGE MODELS VEHICLES ARE AFFECTED BY CORROSION WHICH NEEDS ANTI CORROSION PROTECTION. 06/04/14*LJ |
| 10050659 | KIA: UNEVEN SHIFTING GEARS AND NO START CONDITION IN POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM). PROCEDURE FOR THE INHIBITOR SWITCH TO HAVE AN INHIBITOR SWITCH BRACKET INSTALLED ON IT. MODELS 2010-2012 SPORTAGE, SEDONA. *PE |
| 10037347 | KIA: THERE IS A PROCEDURE TO RESET THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL VALUE. *RM |
| 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 |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation