2009 Kia Sportage Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 4%of 80 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 75,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2009 Kia Sportage, 4% of the 80 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75,000 miles.
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.
“When automatic transmission shifts from 2nd to 3rd gear while driving the whole vehicle jerks very hard. It jerks so hard your head flies back. It jerks so hard and loud the engine sounds like it's going fall out.”
NHTSA complaint #11192318, filed 2019-03, 105,000 miles“Automatic transmission burned out (dealer's words) while driving thru piedmont hills of north carolina. Problem started around 60mph and became serious at 70 MPH, the speed limit where the problem occurred. Cruise control turned off on its own. Automatic transmission did not shift evenly or smoothly. Vehicle strained and lost power on hills and overpasses. Engine revved up uncharacteristically high on back side of hills, had to press gas to decrease rpms. Check engine light came on during return trip, gear stick shifted to + - position on its own. …”
NHTSA complaint #10456770, filed 2012-04, 35,000 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 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11017172Apr 17, 2025TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are…
- 11000787May 16, 2024This 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…
- 10226555Nov 18, 2022TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 6 | 11% |
| 2024 | 4 | 5% |
| 2023 | 19 | 10% |
| 2022 | 3 | 7% |
| 2021 | 4 | 7% |
| 2020 | 3 | 2% |
| 2019 | 7 | 10% |
| 2018 | 18 | 11% |
| 2017 | 41 | 10% |
| 2016 | 8 | 6% |
| 2015 | 6 | 4% |
| 2014 | 4 | 3% |
| 2013 | 18 | 5% |
| 2012 | 21 | 5% |
| 2011 | 23 | 13% |
| 2010 | 2 | 10% |
| 2009 | 3 | 4% |
| 2008 | 12 | 12% |
| 2007 | 3 | 4% |
| 2006 | 6 | 5% |
| 2005 | 1 | 1% |
| 2002 | 23 | 10% |
| 2001 | 22 | 10% |
| 2000 | 41 | 13% |
| 1999 | 57 | 20% |
| 1998 | 63 | 21% |
| 1997 | 25 | 14% |
| 1996 | 11 | 19% |
| 1995 | 4 | 7% |
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 complaintsExterior lighting
7 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsSeat belts
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