2011 KIA SPORTAGE Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2011 Kia Sportage. This model year has 179 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Engine Problems.
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2011 Kia Sportage Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Engine Problems
Electrical Faults
Brake System
Considering a 2011 Kia Sportage?
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2011 Kia Sportage. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 83 | 2 | 2 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 37 | — | 3 | — | |
| Brake System | 25 | 3 | 2 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 23 | — | 2 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 23 | 2 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 12 | — | 2 | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 7 | — | 1 | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 4 | 2 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Air | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Firerelated | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2011 Kia Sportage. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Showing 179 most recent complaints
Update to NHTSA (ODI #11679186) Subject: Update to ODI Complaint #11679186 – Kia America Written Response Body: Dear NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, I am writing to provide an update to my ODI Complaint #11679186 regarding my 2011 Kia Sportage SX (VIN: [XXX] ), which c…
On [XXX], my 2011 Kia Sportage SX (VIN: [XXX] ) caught fire while I was driving. The vehicle rapidly filled with smoke, causing throat and eye irritation from smoke inhalation. My insurance company declared the vehicle a total loss. Kia America (Case #[XXX]) acknowledged the inc…
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of t…
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle for the State Inspection, the vehicle failed the Emissions test. The State Inspector diagnosed a failure with the Evaporative Emissions Control System (EVAP). The contact was informed that the s…
I'm [XXX] from Brooks Alberta Canada. I purchased this car from a private seller here in Brooks last [XXX] named “Hein Teresa Lorraine” lives in [XXX], Brooks AB T1R 0R7" and she did not include all the details in her car that it has a recall issue with the engine which is the Kn…
KIA issue a recall for my vehicle. Visited the dealership as instructed and the replacement part was not available. After a month and a half, they still don't know when they will receive the part. Driving a car with a safety recall (fire possible) is not ideal.
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sportage. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 19V101000 (Engine) and 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer, a second dealer,…
The contact owned a 2011 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving at approximately 55 MPH she rolled over a large puddle of water on the roadway. The contact stated that she hydroplaned and she lost control of the vehicle. The contact stated that she drove off of the roadwa…
My 2011 kia sportage had a recall #23V65200. On [XXX] my radio started smoking and my headlights would not shut off even with car off and keys out. You had to unplug cable from battery for lights to go off and not run battery down. I called kia in bloomington indiana they said t…
The contact owned a 2011 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked overnight and next to her home, it was started but the contact left the vehicle in park and on as she retrieved a personal item from inside the home, and upon return, it was discovered that the…
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument panel and the radio became inoperable. The contact also stated the ignition system stopped working as intended, and the vehicle had to be started manually with the …
I was driving down the highway at 55 mph with the cruise control on and when I came to a stoplight where I had to make a right, the brakes would not depress they were frozen or a hard break pedal. Apparently in 2023 Kia recalled 98,944 Kia Sportage SUVs due to a brake booster iss…
The contact called on behalf of his girlfriend who owned a 2011 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that his girlfriend parked the vehicle at her driveway residence, and she discovered that the vehicle had caught on fire underneath the front. The fire department was called and the p…
MY VEHICLE HAD A AN ILLUMINATED OIL LAMP ON THE CLUSTER AND AN OIL LEAK. ON [XXX] I TOOK MY 2011 KIA OF DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES TO INSPECT MY VEHICLE UNDER SAFETY CAMPAIGN 174 (SC174 SL THETA 2 - 2.4 L MPI ENGINE OIL PAN)- WHEN KIA OF DOWNTOWN RETURNED MY VEHICLE TO ME THE…
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of ti…
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had ex…
My complaint is in regard to your safety recall, 23V652. I received a letter notice stating my 2011 Kia Sportage is unsafe to drive. it may start a fire in the Hydraulic Electronic control unit (HECU) whether the car is parked and not being used or while driving. I consider t…
I had the check engine light come on my Kia around September 2023. It stayed on and did not flash or anything. I had a hard time accelerating in car. I took it to get fixed on December 19,2023. They said it was the electronic wastegate actuator and I got it replaced. A month afte…
The instrument cluster lights and gages stop working, service engine light stays on. The stereo and heating lights work until you turn on the headlights, then all lights go out. There has been thousands of posts looking for a solution to this problem and yet no definite fix for i…
See attached document for complaint
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2011 Kia Sportage.
Recalls for 2011 Kia Sportage
6 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2011 Kia Sportage. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2011 Kia Sportage — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2011 Kia Sportage reliable?▾
Severe Issues. The 2011 Kia Sportage has 179 NHTSA owner complaints, 7 crash-related, and 6 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Engine Problems (83 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Kia Sportage?▾
#1: Engine Problems (83 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (37 complaints). #3: Brake System (25 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2011 Kia Sportage?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2011 Kia Sportage?▾
The 2011 Kia Sportage has 7 crash-related complaints and 8 fire reports out of 179 total NHTSA complaints. 8 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2011 Kia Sportage have any recalls?▾
Yes — 6 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2011 Kia Sportage. The largest issue: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2011 Kia Sportage?▾
The 2011 Kia Sportage has severe issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Engine Problems issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Kia Sportage reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Check Your Specific 2011 Kia Sportage
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.