Model year report

2009 Kia Sportage: what breaks, and at what mileage

What breaks on the 2009 Kia Sportage

On the 2009 Kia Sportage, the failure owners report most often is tail light, brake light or signal failure, and the reports cluster around 75,000 miles. The earliest to appear is other steering problem, reported by a median of 70,000 miles. Overall it scores 67 out of 100, high risk for a 2009.

High risk for a 2009 — 211th riskiest of the 295 2009 vehicles we can rate. 120 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork.

What owners report breaking

Owners have reported 31 named failure modes on the 2009 Kia Sportage, and the three most-reported carry 24% of everything filed, which is an unusually even spread for one model year.

Tail light, brake light or signal failure leads with 10 reports, about 0.3 per 1,000 vehicles and with the middle half of reports between 75k to 75,000 miles.

Other steering problem follows with 10 reports, usually reported between 35k to 100,000 miles.

Cruise control failure follows with 9 reports, usually reported between 51k to 80,000 miles.

By system, the reports fall mostly into steering (18), brakes (15) and electrical (15).

The mileage the reports cluster at

97 of the reports on the 2009 Kia Sportage came with an odometer reading, and half of those were filed before 75,000 miles.

Cumulatively, 29% by 50,000 miles, 78% by 100,000 miles and 99% by 150,000 miles of the dated reports had been filed.

The busiest stretch is between 50,000 and 60,000 miles, which alone holds 13% of the dated reports.

15% of the dated reports were filed below 36,000 miles.

In the order they tend to show up: other steering problem around 72k, tail light, brake light or signal failure around 75k and cruise control failure around 81k.

Median

Tail light, brake light or signal failure

75k
Other steering problem

72k
Cruise control failure

81k
Other brake problem

39k
Other electrical problem

95k
Airbag warning light or occupant sensor fault

50k
Steering column or shaft failure

45k
Electrical fire or melted wiring
no odometer readings given
—
Other lighting problem

56k
Other driver assistance problem

76k
Other body or interior problem

64k
Transmission will not engage a gear

86k

Tick median reported mileage Solid middle half of reports Faint 10th to 90th percentile Colour how bad the failure is when it happens

Showing the 12 most-reported failure modes of 31. The full list is in the table below.

How reports accumulate

Share of reports filed by each mileage

half by 75k

Every report with an odometer reading, cumulative, from 0 to 200,000 miles. A curve that climbs early is a car with early problems, whatever its total.

Line share of reports filed by that mileage
Dashed the median reported mileage

What happens when these parts fail

Across the named modes, 5 mention a crash, 13 a fire and 5 an injury. Those are the words owners used in their own complaints, and NHTSA does not verify them, but they are the closest thing in this data to a measure of what a failure actually did.

The average severity weight across every report on this year is 5.08, where a stalled engine or a failed airbag weighs many times more than a rattling trim panel, and a figure this high means the reports are dominated by failures with safety consequences rather than annoyances. The weighting is set out in full on the methodology page.

What the top failures cost to put right, as editorial estimates for an independent US shop rather than figures from NHTSA: tail light, brake light or signal failure at $100–$900, other steering problem at $350–$2,400, cruise control failure at $200–$1,400 and other brake problem at $300–$1,800. Dealer labour, a seized bolt or a part that is no longer made can push any of these past the top of its range.

9% of the reports on this year sit in the engine, transmission, drivetrain or cooling systems — the four where a repair bill is usually four figures.

Every reported failure mode

Mileage figures are percentiles of owner-reported readings. Click a column to sort.
Failure mode	System	Reports	With reading	25th	Median	75th	Per 1,000	Typical repair	Severity
Tail light, brake light or signal failure	lighting	10	10	75k	75k	75k	0.3	$100–$900	Moderate
Other steering problem	steering	10	9	35k	72k	100k	0.3	$350–$2,400	High
Cruise control failure	adas	9	9	51k	81k	81k	0.3	$200–$1,400	High
Other brake problem	brakes	8	6	—	39k	—	0.2	$300–$1,800	High
Other electrical problem	electrical	7	5	—	95k	—	0.2	$250–$2,000	Moderate
Airbag warning light or occupant sensor fault	airbag	6	4	—	50k	—	0.2	$300–$1,600	High
Steering column or shaft failure	steering	6	6	—	45k	—	0.2	$600–$2,500	Critical
Electrical fire or melted wiring	electrical	4	0	—	—	—	0.1	$1,500–$9,000	Critical
Other lighting problem	lighting	4	4	—	56k	—	0.1	$120–$1,200	Moderate
Other driver assistance problem	adas	4	4	—	76k	—	0.1	$250–$1,800	High
Other body or interior problem	body	4	3	—	64k	—	0.1	$200–$2,000	Moderate
Transmission will not engage a gear	transmission	3	3	—	86k	—	0.1	$1,500–$6,000	Critical
ABS module or sensor failure	brakes	3	1	—	108k	—	0.1	$500–$2,400	High
Parking brake failure	brakes	3	3	—	145k	—	0.1	$250–$1,300	Moderate
Other engine problem	engine	3	3	—	78k	—	0.1	$300–$4,000	High
Other fuel system problem	fuel	3	2	—	5k	—	0.1	$300–$2,200	High
Misfire or rough idle	engine	2	2	—	99k	—	0.1	$250–$1,600	Moderate
Wiring harness or short circuit	electrical	2	0	—	—	—	0.1	$400–$3,500	High
Ignition switch, key fob or immobilizer failure	electrical	2	2	—	55k	—	0.1	$250–$1,500	High
Tire pressure monitor failure	wheels	2	2	—	93k	—	0.1	$80–$600	Low
Rust or structural corrosion	body	2	2	—	90k	—	0.1	$500–$6,000	High
Other suspension problem	suspension	2	1	—	127k	—	0.1	$350–$2,000	Moderate
Engine bay fire	engine	1	0	—	—	—	0.0	$4,000–$20,000	Critical
Radiator or coolant leak	cooling	1	1	—	189k	—	0.0	$350–$1,900	High
Instrument cluster or gauge failure	infotainment	1	1	—	400	—	0.0	$350–$1,400	Moderate
Loss of braking	brakes	1	1	—	3k	—	0.0	$400–$3,000	Critical
Steering rack, gear or tie rod failure	steering	1	1	—	50k	—	0.0	$700–$2,600	High
Power steering pump or fluid leak	steering	1	1	—	145k	—	0.0	$350–$1,600	Moderate
Other powertrain problem	transmission	1	1	—	105k	—	0.0	$400–$4,500	High
Other speed control problem	adas	1	1	—	30	—	0.0	$250–$2,000	Critical
Other visibility problem	glass	1	1	—	39k	—	0.0	$150–$1,400	Moderate
Unclassified problem	other	12	8	32k	45k	59k	0.3	—	Moderate

Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound. Repair costs are typical independent-shop ranges for the failure, not figures from these reports.

How often, against how many were built

Scaled by an estimate of how many of these cars exist, the 2009 Kia Sportage draws about 3.3 per 1,000 vehicles, which puts it in the 85th percentile of complaint rates among 2009 vehicles we can rate.

That denominator is the weakest number on the page and it is fair to say so plainly. Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound.

The working figure is 35,852 vehicles. If the true number is twice that, every rate on this page is half what it says; the ranking against other 2009 vehicles, which is what the risk score uses, is far more robust than the rate itself.

What owners wrote

Verbatim from NHTSA complaint narratives, trimmed for length. The odometer reading is the one the owner gave.

Tail light, brake light or signal failure

A few months ago, there was a recall on a malfunction dealing with the brake lights. So I took my kia into [xxx] and they fixed the problem. A couple of weeks ago, the same malfunction occurred. I only have the top brake light that works and need to know if I can take my kia back into the dealership to get it fixed. I am worried about the safety of driving my vehicle to and from work. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

75,000 miles NHTSA complaint 1017507 filed 2013-10-23

Tl* 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. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000. Updated 11/03/16*lj the consumer stated the vehicle would not accelerate over 60mph. The vehicle would lose power. Updated 09/19/2017*js

75,000 miles NHTSA complaint 1315469 filed 2016-09-08

Cruise control failure

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. Vehicle operated okay at speeds below 55 MPH and on level ground, even when accelerating from a stop. *tr

35,000 miles NHTSA complaint 916479 filed 2012-04-28

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. The NHTSA campaign was #13v114000. In calling the burdick kia to get this replaced because of the recall, the service manager told me that the switch was replaced on august 2013, in compliance with the recall. Because of this, I can't get the switch replaced for free. I am just letting you know that there is still an issue with this condition, even with the 2013 recall and replacement. *tr

51,000 miles NHTSA complaint 1157953 filed 2015-02-17

Recalls on the 2009 model year

NHTSA has issued 3 recall campaigns covering the 2009 Kia Sportage, affecting an estimated 104,383 vehicles. A recall is a different kind of evidence from a complaint: it is the regulator and the manufacturer agreeing that something has to be fixed, and the fix is free for as long as the car exists.

The campaigns cover service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electron, electrical system:wiring and exterior lighting:brake lights:switch. Whether the work was actually done on the car in front of you is a question only the VIN can answer, and the manufacturer or NHTSA will answer it free.

Recalls also distort complaint counts. Publicity about a campaign reminds owners that complaining is possible, so reports for a recalled component often spike after the recall rather than before it.

22V800000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

71,704 vehicles 2022-10-24

Defect: 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.
Consequence: A fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.

16V815000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

71,704 vehicles 2016-11-10

Defect: 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.
Consequence: If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
Remedy: 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.

13V114000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

980,377 vehicles 2013-04-01

Defect: 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…
Consequence: Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of PARK without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.

Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the car's age. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before assuming it was done.

How it ranks in the 2009 field

The score at the top of the page, placed among its peers. The zones are the same thresholds the scorer applies, read out of the scorer itself, so the picture and the band word cannot disagree.

Risk score against the rest of the 2009 field

Scores are ranked within the model year, never across years, because an older car has had longer to accumulate reports.

Left fewer and less serious reports
Right more, or worse
Marker this vehicle

How 2009 compares with the other years

High risk for a 2009 — 211th riskiest of the 295 2009 vehicles we can rate. Every score on this site is a rank inside its own model year, which is what makes a 2004 and a 2019 comparable at all.

Across the 29 model years of this car that carry enough reports to score, 2007 comes out best at 64 and 2020 worst at 78, with 2009 itself at 67.

If the model year is negotiable, 2007 scores lower than 2009 by a margin worth acting on. Same body, same engines, different luck — usually a supplier change or a mid-cycle fix, which the complaint data can show but never explain.

Within the 2005–2010 generation specifically, 2007 is the strongest year at 64 and 2008 the weakest at 68.

Scores compare each year against other cars of the same model year, so a low number on an older car is a real result and not an artefact of age.

Risk score by model year, out of 100

Shorter is better. Years with too few reports to score are shown without a bar rather than as a zero, because no data is not good news.

Within the 2005-2010 generation, 2007 Kia Sportage scores best at 64 and 2008 Kia Sportage worst at 68.

What the numbers say to check

The mileages below are where the first quarter of reports for each mode had already been filed, which makes them the point at which a fault is worth looking for rather than the point at which it happens: other steering problem from about 35k, cruise control failure from about 51k and tail light, brake light or signal failure from about 75k.

On a 2009 Kia Sportage with more miles than that on it, the useful question to put to a seller or a mechanic is whether other steering problem has been dealt with, and if so with what parts and at whose expense. A car that has already had the repair is in a different position from one that has not.

None of this is a diagnosis. It is a list of what other owners of the same model year reported, ordered by when they reported it, which is a good place to point an inspection and a poor place to stop.

What this page cannot tell you

120 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork. Every count on this page is therefore a floor: it is the number of owners who went to the trouble of filing with a federal agency, which is a small and self-selected fraction of the owners who had the fault.

Of those 120 reports, 97 carried an odometer reading, so the mileages here describe 81% of the sample rather than all of it. Owners also round: readings pile up on multiples of ten thousand, which is why this site publishes "about 90,000 miles" and not "91,438".

Named failure modes come from matching phrases in the complaint text, so a badly worded complaint can land in the wrong bucket. The effect washes out across hundreds of reports and does not wash out across five.

And nothing here predicts what one car will do. These are other people's complaints, filed years apart, on cars maintained by strangers. Read the page as a map of where this model year has previously gone wrong, then have the specific car in front of you inspected.

Questions this page answers

What are the most common problems with the 2009 Kia Sportage?

The most-reported failures are tail light, brake light or signal failure (10 reports, median 75,000 miles), other steering problem (10 reports, median 70,000 miles) and cruise control failure (9 reports, median 80,000 miles). Counts come from owner complaints filed with NHTSA, which are voluntary, so they show what owners bothered to report rather than every fault that occurred.

At what mileage do 2009 Kia Sportage problems start?

Other steering problem is the earliest failure mode to show up, with a median reported mileage of 70,000 miles and a quarter of reports before 35,000 miles. Across all failure modes on this year, the median report sits at 75,000 miles.

Is the 2009 Kia Sportage reliable?

It scores 67 out of 100 on our risk index, which is high — 211th riskiest of the 295 2009 vehicles we can rate. The score is a comparison against other 2009 vehicles, not a prediction about any individual car, and it is built from complaint rates, severity and how early failures appear.

Which year of the Kia Sportage is best?

Within the 2005–2010 generation, 2007 scores best at 64 out of 100 and 2008 worst at 68. Same body, same engines, different luck.

Where this comes from. Every figure above is computed from NHTSA owner complaints and recall records for this exact make, model and year. Complaints are voluntary and self-selected, so treat counts as a floor. The methodology page writes out each formula, and the same numbers are available as JSON.

What breaks at my mileage Compare with another car

Source Owner complaints and recall records published by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, model years 1996–2027 Figures rebuilt 30 August 2026 Published by AtWhatMileage How every figure is computed