2010 Kia Sportage Problems
- Complaints
- 20filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 76,297miles, 12 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 22 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl FWD · 20 city / 25 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2010 Kia Sportage (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 20 consumer complaints for the 2010 Kia Sportage. The part named most often is brakes, with 6 complaints (30% of the total), followed by air bags (4) and seat belts (3). 12 of the complaints include a mileage, and 17% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 76,297 miles. Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 6 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 24 technical service bulletins for this model year. Brakes complaints overlap with 2 recall campaigns covering the control unit/module, 1 NHTSA investigation and 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes6 30%
- Air bags4 20%
- Seat belts3 15%
- Engine2 10%
- Other or unknown2 10%
- Electrical system1 5.0%
- Exterior lighting1 5.0%
- Seats1 5.0%
Also reported: Steering (1), Body and structure (1), Vehicle speed control (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “The contact owns a 2010 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving at unknown speeds, the vehicle was jerking, and the electronic stability control warning light was illuminated. The failure recurred intermittently. 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 not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #11586194, filed 2024-04, 66,000 milesAir bags: “Vehicle was involved in a side impact yet the side curtain airbags did not deploy. The accident resulted in the death of a rear seat passenger. There were no warning lights illuminated before the accident such as check engine or the airbag warning light. Vehicle was turning left onto a highway and was t boned by a ups truck traveling at a high rate of speed. Front airbags deployed but side curtain airbag did not deploy. Front passengers survived the crash, albeit with injuries requiring hospitalization. Insurance company will be taking possession of the vehicle in the next day or two.”
NHTSA complaint #11101169, filed 2018-06, 65,600 milesSeat belts: “Inside rider seatbelt is frayed bad, when on it is across chest when not used frayed part is down inside, the Kia garage is blaming a mouse chewed, no way could a mouse get in that tiny place that is only size of a thin paper plate, Kia when I called he hung up on me,if I am in a accident injured or die from this they will be sued, I drove friday,saturday and monday with air on no smell, tuesday driver said as soon as he got in he couldn't stand the smell ,they said on my copy of service paper they found 2 mice living none dead, but person at garage said he found 1dead, one living, my paper…”
NHTSA complaint #11127973, filed 2018-09, 14,000 milesElectronic stability control: “The contact owns a 2010 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the cruise control failed to deactivate while depressing the brake pedal. The contact stated that the electronic stability control warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to be diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11395431, filed 2021-02, 96,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
17% of the 12 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 65,600 and 100,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2010 Kia Sportage. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sportage · sedan FWD/AWD | not rated | 5 / 5 | — | — | 4 · 17.4% risk |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2010 Kia Sportage version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sportage 2WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 20 | 25 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Sportage 2WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 20 | 25 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Sportage 2WD | 2.7L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 23 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Sportage 4WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 19 | 24 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Sportage 4WD | 2.7L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 23 | 20 | $3,350 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control…Covers: Kia Sportage 2010–2013, Borrego 2010–2019, RIO 2012–2017 +9 more
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The…
- 13V114000Apr 1, 2013Exterior lighting › Brake lights › SwitchCovers: Kia Sportage 2007–2011, Sorento 2007–2011, Sedona 2007–2011 +6 more
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…
Recall details for the 2010 Kia Sportage → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- AQ23002Hyundai and Kia ABS Module FiresOpen · Nov 17, 2023
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 24 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11026698Dec 9, 2025Back-over prevention (rear camera). PITSTOP: TECHNICAL OPERATIONS: EXTERNAL DAMAGE TO ULTRASONIC SENSOR: This Pitstop provides information related to Parking Distance Warning (PDW) alerts and repairs involving ultrasonic sensors. The…
- 11017172Apr 17, 2025Transmission and drivetrain. 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…
- 11000787May 16, 2024Transmission and drivetrain. 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.
- 10226555Nov 18, 2022Transmission and drivetrain. 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…
- 10201529Sep 13, 2021Exterior lighting, Body and structure. 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…
- 10179255Aug 25, 2020Equipment, Brakes. PITSTOP - BRAKE CALIPER LEAK INSPECTION - This PITSTOP provides information related to a brake caliper fluid/oil substance found on some Kia vehicles, due to possible excess assembly oil applied…
- 10133170Mar 2, 2018Engine cooling. 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…
- 10109855Mar 21, 2017Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors), Equipment. TSB: DEFOGGING LOGIC ? NORMAL OPERATION, DISABLING, AND ENABLING - Starting with 2010MY, all Kia vehicles, except Rio (JB), incorporate a defogging logic to prevent the interior windows from…
- 10109812Jan 18, 2017Equipment. 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…
- 10109777Nov 4, 2016Equipment, Latches, locks and linkages. 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…
Other model years of the Kia Sportage
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 28 | 1,060 | 1 | 5 | 28 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2025 | 55 | 17,500 | 1 | 5 | 28 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 75 | 22,500 | 3 | 5 | 28 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 194 | 26,887 | 6 | 5 | 28 | 100 · More | Too new |
| 2022 | 46 | 33,000 | 1 | 5 | 26 | 47 · Typical | Rising |
| 2021 | 54 | 53,000 | 2 | 5 | 26 | 49 · Typical | Rising |
| 2020 | 166 | 13,000 | 2 | 5 | 26 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2019 | 71 | 32,000 | 2 | 5 | 25 | 43 · Typical | Rising |
| 2018 | 165 | 18,400 | 3 | 5 | 25 | 90 · More | Rising |
| 2017 | 404 | 55,000 | 4 | 5 | 25 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2016 | 134 | 60,000 | 2 | 4–5 | 23 | 43 · Typical | Falling |
| 2015 | 146 | 75,000 | 2 | 4–5 | 23 | 45 · Typical | Falling |
| 2014 | 125 | 79,500 | 3 | 4–5 | 23 | 28 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2013 | 381 | 98,000 | 3 | 4–5 | 24 | 55 · Typical | Falling |
| 2012 | 392 | 97,750 | 5 | 4–5 | 24 | 80 · More | Falling |
| 2011 | 181 | 78,000 | 6 | — | 24 | 90 · More | Rising |
| 2010 | 20 | 76,297 | 2 | — | 22 | — | Rising |
| 2009 | 80 | 64,500 | 3 | — | 22 | 48 · Typical | Falling |
| 2008 | 98 | 80,500 | 3 | — | 21 | 50 · Typical | Stable |
| 2007 | 77 | 69,000 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2006 | 111 | 72,000 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 68 | 78,600 | 3 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 234 | 59,764 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 228 | 65,500 | 0 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 304 | 70,838 | 2 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 284 | 78,000 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 303 | 80,000 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 181 | 82,500 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 57 | 79,000 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 56 | 111,500 | 2 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Kia Sportage model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2010 Kia Sportage have?
NHTSA recorded 20 consumer complaints for the 2010 Kia Sportage as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2010 Kia Sportage is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 6 complaints (30% of the total), followed by air bags with 4.
Has the 2010 Kia Sportage been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2010 Kia Sportage get?
The EPA rates the 2010 Kia Sportage (Sportage 2WD, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 22 mpg combined, 20 city and 25 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,050 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2010 Kia Sportage reported?
Among the 12 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 76,297 miles and the middle half falls between 65,600 and 100,000 miles; 17% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.