2009 Kia Sportage Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 9%of 80 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 58,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2009 Kia Sportage, 9% of the 80 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 58,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The headlights of the vehicle have stress cracks that will allow moisture to enter the assembly. This moisture will cause the bulb inside the assembly to fail. I have asked for assistance from the rountree moore Kia, as well as Kia of north america to address this problem. I have been told by both that there is no action they will take to correct this issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10508087, filed 2013-04, 58,000 miles“I was getting my oil changed at valvoline oil change in liverpool, ny. During the routine light check, the tech said that my brake lights weren't coming on when I brake, only the top brake light strip in rear middle. I had seen the ESC off light come on without any reason in the last few weeks. I also noticed that when getting on an interstate highway, my cruise control would turn on, but not set/engage. I researched online for these symptoms, and found there was a recall of Kia sportages both in 2009 and in 2013 for a stop lamp switch causing the exact same symptoms. …”
NHTSA complaint #10683798, filed 2015-02, 51,000 miles“The contact owns a 2009 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that the ESC off switch illuminated as the brake lights failed. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was diagnosed that the stop lamp switch needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number : 13v114000 (exterior lighting , service brakes, hydraulic). The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 25,848.”
NHTSA complaint #10511311, filed 2013-05, 25,848 miles“The contact owns a 2009 Kia Sportage. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the rear passenger tail light failed to illuminate when the brake pedal was depressed. The failure recurred three times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the light switch was replaced. In addition, when depressing the brake pedal or when the vehicle was in reverse, the passenger side turn signal light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the light bulb was replaced. The contact was also informed that the fuel cap and stop switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. …”
NHTSA complaint #10904679, filed 2016-09, 75,000 miles“The contact owns a 2009 Kia Sportage. When the gear was shifted from park into drive or in reverse, the electronic stability warning light illuminated. When the brake pedal was depressed, the brake lights failed to illuminate. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the mechanic stated that the vehicle was serviced under NHTSA campaign number: 09v130000 (exterior lighting); however, the failure persisted. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10724763, filed 2015-06, 65,000 milesRelated recalls
- 13V114000Apr 1, 2013Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul…Covers: Kia Sportage 2007–2011, Sorento 2007–2011, Sedona 2007–2011 +6 more
Related service bulletins
- 10201529Sep 13, 2021TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this…
- 10092102Mar 19, 2015Pitstop: 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…
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 2% |
| 2024 | 2 | 3% |
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2021 | 2 | 4% |
| 2020 | 3 | 2% |
| 2019 | 3 | 4% |
| 2018 | 6 | 4% |
| 2017 | 15 | 4% |
| 2016 | 3 | 2% |
| 2015 | 3 | 2% |
| 2013 | 1 | 0% |
| 2012 | 2 | 1% |
| 2011 | 12 | 7% |
| 2010 | 1 | 5% |
| 2009 | 7 | 9% |
| 2008 | 7 | 7% |
| 2007 | 12 | 16% |
| 2006 | 6 | 5% |
| 2005 | 1 | 1% |
| 2002 | 3 | 1% |
| 2001 | 5 | 2% |
| 1999 | 5 | 2% |
| 1998 | 6 | 2% |
| 1997 | 3 | 2% |
| 1995 | 1 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2009 Kia Sportage
18 complaintsAir bags
16 complaintsBrakes
15 complaintsSteering
14 complaintsEngine
10 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaintsElectronic stability control
7 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 Kia Sportage
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology