2011 Kia Sportage

146 serious complaints of 181, the most about engine (77) and power train (23); per car on the road, 1.3× this model's usual year. 6 recalls. NHTSA investigation EA21003: engine fires. NHTSA investigation RQ17003: scope and timeliness.

What owners report

“The contact owns a 2011 kia sportage. While driving, the contact noticed smoke under the hood and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to lancaster county motors (5250 main st, east petersburg, pa) where it was diagnosed that the motor was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired.”

An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the engine, Sep 2019

“2011 Kia Sportage engine stalling/failure. Has been having oil pressure/heating/oil feed line/consumption issues. Taken to a Kia dealership on multiple occasions for all routine maintenance, including every 3000 oil changes.”

An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the power train, Oct 2023

Fixes and extended coverage

• Extended coverage dealer parts and service manager memo: wty007 - 2011-2014 my sportage 2.0l turbo gdi & 2.4l gdi engine - effective immediately, kia motors america, inc. Has extended the warranty coverage of the kia new vehicle limited warranty for the short block assembly (engine block, crankshaft and bearings,… (WTY007DEALERPSM, Aug 2016)
• Extended coverage Request for reimbursement form: wty007 - 2011–2014 my sportage 2.0l turbo gdi & 2.4l gdi engine warranty extension program - if you have paid to have your engine repaired/replaced due to connecting rod failure, you may be eligible for reimbursement for some or all of that expense. (WTY007FORM, Aug 2016)
• Extended coverage This warranty extension addresses issues with connecting rod wear which results in knocking noise from the engine. In order to maintain these standards, kia is extending the warranty coverage, to all owners, for the engine’s “short block” assembly on 2011-2014 my sportage 2.0l turbo gdi and 2.4l… (WTY007OWNER, Aug 2016)
• Repair program DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO: SC141 - SERVICE CAMPAIGN - Attention: All Kia 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 underbody components of certain 2011-2014 MY Sorento,… (SC141DP, Dec 2016)
• Repair program SERVICE MANAGER MEMO: SC141 - SERVICE CAMPAIGN - Attention: All Kia Service Managers - Kia Motors America, Inc. will be conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign, as a preventative measure, to apply additional anti-corrosion material to the underbody components of certain 2011-2014 MY Sorento,… (SC141DPSM, Dec 2016)
• Repair program SC141 - SERVICE CAMPAIGN - APPLICATION OF ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL - To improve customer satisfaction, Kia is launching this service campaign to apply additional anti-corrosion material to the underbody components of certain 2011-2014MY Sorento, 2011-2014MY Optima and Optima Hybrid,… (TSB-SC141, Dec 2016)

From the manufacturer's bulletins filed with NHTSA. A dealer can look up whether a car has had the work done or is still covered.

181 owner complaints · 6 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 22–25 mpg · NHTSA: Not rated · 2011 trims and features