The vehicle dossier US · 2008
2008 Kia
SPORTAGEProblems & recalls
98 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Electrical system appears in 27 of them. Explore what was reported—and which official actions are on file.
01 / Owner-reported evidence
What owners reported.
Categories attached to 98 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.
See original component labels
These are reports made to NHTSA, not verified diagnoses. More reports can reflect more vehicles, more time on the road, or greater reporting activity.
The reporting timeline
When reports arrived.
Reports by year filed, not by the year a problem occurred. Showing the latest 15 years with reports.
80,500 miles is the median among 64 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 45,000–123,000 miles.
This describes the submitted reports. It does not predict when a vehicle will fail.
02 / Official safety campaigns
3 recall campaigns on file.
A campaign can cover only certain production dates or configurations. The count does not tell you whether an individual car has an open recall.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULECampaign 22V800000
A park-outside advisory is recorded. Verify applicability immediately with NHTSA or the manufacturer.
Reported concern
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.
Manufacturer’s stated response
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.
Manufacturer campaign: SC253
Read campaign 22V800000 at NHTSAELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRINGCampaign 16V815000
Reported concern
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2008-2009 Kia Sportage vehicles manufactured August 9, 2007, to May 13, 2009. The wire harness cover on the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may be improperly sealed allowing water to get onto the HECU circuit board. If the water is contaminated with salt, such as could occur from melted snow, the wire harness connector pins may corrode and the circuit board may short circuit.
Manufacturer’s stated response
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the connector pins for corrosion, if no corrosion is found, the connector cover will be replaced. If corrosion is present, the dealer will replace the HECU assembly and the connector cover, free of charge. The recall began on November 28, 2016. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC138.
Manufacturer campaign: SC138
Read campaign 16V815000 at NHTSAEXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCHCampaign 13V114000
Reported concern
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.
Manufacturer’s stated response
Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall campaign number is SC098.
Manufacturer campaign: SC098
Read campaign 13V114000 at NHTSA03 / The manufacturer’s record
Instructions. Updates. Responses.
24 distinct communications list this model-year. Showing the latest 12. A matching model-year does not establish that every engine, trim or reported symptom is covered.
TSB_TRA046_R5TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - 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 bu…NHTSA ID 11017172
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - 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 the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced, and the transmission oil cooler is transferred to the new transmission.
Components: POWER TRAIN. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11017172 at NHTSATSB_TRA046_R4This 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.NHTSA ID 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.
Components: POWER TRAIN. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11000787 at NHTSATSB_TRA046_R3TECHNICAL 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 wh…NHTSA ID 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.
Components: POWER TRAIN. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10226555 at NHTSATSB_BOD055_R1TECHNICAL 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…NHTSA ID 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 NOT be necessary in most cases.
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING · STRUCTURE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10201529 at NHTSAPS539PITSTOP - 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.NHTSA ID 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.
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10133170 at NHTSATSB-GEN085R1TSB: 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.?…NHTSA ID 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.
Components: EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY · EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10109812 at NHTSATSB-GEN085TSB: 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 …NHTSA ID 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.?
Components: EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY · LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10109777 at NHTSAPS443TSB - 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 …NHTSA ID 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 system response while device is plugged in * Music will not play from iPhone 5 or 6 with Kia iPod cable and aftermarket adapter * No or limited functionality when trying to play music from an Apple device
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · EQUIPMENT · EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10183431 at NHTSAPS382PITSTOP: 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 E…NHTSA ID 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 FORMATTED TO FIT ON ONE PAGE SO IT CAN BE EASILY PRINTED AND KEPT ON OR NEAR A WORKSTATION, PARTS COUNTER OR TOOL BOX.
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · EXTERIOR LIGHTING. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10092102 at NHTSASC104SOME KIA SPORTAGE MODELS VEHICLES ARE AFFECTED BY CORROSION WHICH NEEDS ANTI CORROSION PROTECTION. 06/04/14*LJNHTSA ID 10055496
SOME KIA SPORTAGE MODELS VEHICLES ARE AFFECTED BY CORROSION WHICH NEEDS ANTI CORROSION PROTECTION. 06/04/14*LJ
Components: STRUCTURE:BODY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10055496 at NHTSASC104QAQ AND A - SC104 ? 2005-2010 MY Sportage - Application of Additional Anti-Corrosion Material to Underbody of Vehicle Voluntary Service CampaignNHTSA ID 10109639
Q AND A - SC104 ? 2005-2010 MY Sportage - Application of Additional Anti-Corrosion Material to Underbody of Vehicle Voluntary Service Campaign
Components: EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY · STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10109639 at NHTSASC104OWNEROWNER 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 ve…NHTSA ID 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.
Components: EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY · STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10109638 at NHTSARecords below contain the NHTSA bulk summary unless a document-reviewed explainer is linked. A service bulletin is not a safety recall or a promise of a free repair. Records may be revised or superseded; verify the current document with the manufacturer.
04 / Agency investigations
Official inquiries.
An investigation is an inquiry into a potential concern. Its presence does not establish a defect, and a closed case does not certify a car’s condition.
Hyundai and Kia ABS Module FiresAQ23002
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.
Find investigation AQ23002Your next step
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