VehicleVerdict

2014 Kia Sportage problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2014 Kia Sportage carries two red flags at once: 154 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires). It is one of the Sportage years to avoid.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 48% of all reports (74 of 154), far ahead of brakes at 24. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

154

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

2

Investigations · 1 open

2

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2014 compare to other Sportage years?

Sportage NHTSA complaints by model year, 2014 highlighted558 complaints1995: 88 complaints1996: 98 complaints1997: 299 complaints1998: 558 complaints1999: 493 complaints2000: 462 complaints2001: 354 complaints2002: 321 complaints2003: 4 complaints2005: 93 complaints2006: 169 complaints2007: 113 complaints2008: 138 complaints2009: 120 complaints2010: 28 complaints2011: 264 complaints2012: 454 complaints2013: 449 complaints2014: 154 complaints2015: 193 complaints2016: 182 complaints2017: 551 complaints2018: 221 complaints2019: 99 complaints2020: 199 complaints2021: 54 complaints2022: 60 complaints2023: 303 complaints2024: 93 complaints2025: 86 complaints2026: 26 complaints
Sportage NHTSA complaints by model year, 2014 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sportage years to avoid →

What are the most common 2014 Kia Sportage problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine7448%
Brakes2416%
Other1510%
Electrical System96%
Fuel System85%
Visibility & Wipers75%
Speed Control43%
Transmission43%
Airbags32%
Body & Structure32%
Suspension21%
Tires & Wheels11%

Does the 2014 Kia Sportage have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

22V051000BrakesFebruary 2, 2022 · 126,747 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

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.

18V907000EngineDecember 19, 2018 · 71,653 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

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.

14V023000OtherJanuary 27, 2014 · 11,961 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

Maintaining tire pressure below the recommmend specification could result in premature tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

Open NHTSA investigations

AQ23002

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact opened the hood and noticed an abnormal burning odor. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed the oil was not entering the engine and an engine…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 16, 2022 · fire

“The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V051000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · April 20, 2022

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · June 23, 2023

“I received a recall notice and nothing is being done about the problem, there has not been any action taken from the manufacturer! Please make them take action on this problem,[XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 15, 2022

“There are moments when I am driving that the vehicle will suddenly decelerate for no reason. At that point, I have to pull over, turn the vehicle off and then back on for it to move. This is frightening at the least as it happens with no warning and sometimes I'm on the freeway. I have had a couple…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · December 30, 2021

2014 Kia Sportage — common questions

Is the 2014 Kia Sportage reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 154 complaints put the 2014 model at #17 of 31 Sportage years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Sportage years to avoid.

What are the most common 2014 Sportage problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (74 complaints), brakes (24 complaints), other (15 complaints).

Does the 2014 Kia Sportage have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2014 Kia Sportage. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2014 Kia Sportage under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — an investigation remains open (Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which Kia Sportage years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sportage years to avoid are 1998, 2017, 1999, 2000, 2012, 2013, 2001, 2002, 2023, 1997, 2011, 2018, 2020, 2015, 2016, 2014, 2008, 2009, 2019, 2021, 2010. The cleanest record among Sportage years belongs to 2003.

How safe is the 2014 Kia Sportage?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2014 Kia Sportage earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

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.