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Body and structurePart report

2011 Kia Sportage Body and structure Problems

Complaints
5about this part
Share
3%of 181 total for the year
Median mileage
41,361miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the body and structure of the 2011 Kia Sportage, 3% of the 181 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 41,361 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.

“I was driving home from work with a friend on the 10 freeway in san bernadino. We heard a large explosion and glass started coming in the car from the sun roof area. Apparently our sunroof spontaneously exploded, haven't used the sunroof in years. Looked it up online and apparently it's a thing that happens to these kias.”

NHTSA complaint #10955612, filed 2017-02, 76,000 miles

“Due to Kia not applying enough rust protection/undercoating on my Sportage. I am experiencing rust all underneath my car. I have contacted Kia and the service department, trying to get them to rectify the situation and both have refused, each blaming the other for the cause. In the meantime, I am driving my Sportage in snow, ice, water and salt in massachusetts. I have also told them that my catalyic converter was also rusting to the point that the entire exhaust system needs replacing. I am also very scared that there is suspension damage from this happening. …”

NHTSA complaint #10948143, filed 2017-01, 24,508 miles

“My wife was driving her Kia Sportage on I-25 just north of castle rock at about 70 MPH when there was a loud gunshot noise and she noticed the sunroof had exploded. She is sure that she did not see anything strike the vehicle. The sunroof interior shade was closed so glass did not fall directly on her. She was shocked and scared. She was very upset thinking about how if the sunshield had been open she would have been injuried. I inspected the vehicle and could not see any point where road matter had struck and it appeared to have just exploded. …”

NHTSA complaint #10910889, filed 2016-09, 58,214 miles

“A white crystal appearing powder is coming through the carpet. The substance started around the center counsel coming through the carpet and has now propagated to the rear feet wells of the vehicle. The dealer has replaced two body plugs and the issue still exist. The dealer has said there is nothing they can do. I have asked to have the carpet pulled up and look under the carpet but the dealer has not done so. There is a link on the web that shows a Kia soul that has the same issue. How can I get the dealer to remove the two front seats to see if there is a rust or body corrosion issue. …”

NHTSA complaint #10692461, filed 2015-03

“The contact previously owned a 2011 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that the side rear passenger door protruded outward due to the angle and it caused the door to hit him in the face. The contact sustained a swollen nose and lost a large amount of blood. The dealer allowed the contact to trade in the vehicle for a new one. The manufacturer stated that the vehicle had no liability for the incident and offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 1300. Updated 05/16/11 updated 2/8/12”

NHTSA complaint #10395801, filed 2011-04, 1,300 miles

Related service bulletins

Body and structure: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2026414%
202559%
2024811%
202353%
202112%
2020106%
201923%
201864%
2017246%
201643%
201521%
201432%
201362%
201241%
201153%
201015%
200945%
20081313%
200745%
200665%
2005812%
20022310%
20012411%
20003110%
19992910%
1998269%
1997106%
199635%
199559%

Other parts of the 2011 Kia Sportage

Engine
77 complaintsElectrical system
38 complaintsBrakes
25 complaintsOther or unknown
24 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
23 complaintsExterior lighting
12 complaintsFuel system
10 complaintsVehicle speed control
10 complaintsSteering
9 complaintsEngine cooling
7 complaintsElectronic stability control
5 complaintsSuspension
5 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2011 Kia Sportage

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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