VehicleVerdict

2008 Kia Sportage brakes problems

The 2008 Kia Sportage has 23 brakes complaints filed with NHTSA — 17% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

23

Brakes complaints

17%

Share of year

0

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Brakes complaints by year

Related recalls

22V800000BrakesOctober 24, 2022 · 71,704 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy

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.

What owners report

The contact owns a 2008 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and unattended, the vehicle caught fire. The ABS warning light was illuminated before the failure. The fire department extinguished the fire. There were no reported injuries. A police report was filed under…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 16, 2022 · fire

Common questions

How many brakes complaints does the 2008 Kia Sportage have?

NHTSA has 23 complaints about the 2008 Kia Sportage brakes — 17% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2008 Kia Sportage brakes?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the brakes: 22V800000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.