Most common 2015 Kia Sportage problems
Share of the 146 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Kia Sportage complaints by model year
Best Sportage years: 2019, 2014. Years to avoid: 2023, 2025, 2017, 2024, 2012. Compare all years →
2015 Kia Sportage recalls (2)
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2018 K900 and 2014-2016 Sportage vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will install a new fuse for the HECU circuit board, free of charge.
Engine
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign.
Remedy: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 2015 Kia Sportage:
Loss of Motive Power
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021.
Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando.
What 2015 Kia Sportage owners say
Engine & cooling all 84 →
The contact owned a 2015 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle decelerated, and the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle shut off. The battery warning light, the oil warning light, and the check engine warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the spark plugs; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that while she was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle decelerated, came to a complete stop at a traffic light and shut off. The failure recurred for the third time. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound, and the vehicle would not accelerate above 20 MPH. The contact stated that while driving up a hill, the vehicle shu+t off. The vehicle was towed to the parent's residence. …
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number 22V051000 (Service Brake, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer stated that an appointment would be scheduled; however, the contact had not yet heard back from the dealer. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the low battery warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started to decelerate. The contact coasted over to the side of the road and had the vehicle towed to the residence. The dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the recall repair could not be completed because the mileage on the vehicle had been exceeded. …
Brakes all 31 →
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that he had taken the vehicle to a dealer to have it diagnosed for rough engine functioning. The contact stated that the dealer diagnosed that the vehicle needed to have the engine replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was returning to his residence at approximately 30 MPH, when the vehicle's engine began to shake and had a loud explosion. The contact stated that the check engine light was illuminated. The contact was able to return to his residence and turned the vehicle off and observed white smoke issuing from under the hood. The contact stated that he opened the hood and the smoke dissipated. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle and could not. The contact received a recall letter from the manufacturer and relates the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V051000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). …
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V051000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available. (RECALL RELATED INCIDENT) TS
Electrical system
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number 22V051000 (Service Brake, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer stated that an appointment would be scheduled; however, the contact had not yet heard back from the dealer. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the low battery warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started to decelerate. The contact coasted over to the side of the road and had the vehicle towed to the residence. The dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the recall repair could not be completed because the mileage on the vehicle had been exceeded. …
This car was electronically going crazy tenants calling police cause alarm wouldn't stop going off Smelled gasoline but no leaks o roll the windows down engine ram n lights get dim no check light ever came on car shutting off child locked in car behind this then it goes up in smoke while driving on the freeway what the hell should I say more we could have list our lives in that car I have 2 kids 1 and 2. I need justice asap I have kids with astma is it due to this faulty vehicle
2015 Kia Sportage engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 21 / 28 / 23 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 20 / 26 / 23 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | AWD | 19 / 26 / 22 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 6-speed automatic | AWD | 19 / 24 / 21 |
EPA ratings. Class: Small SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2015 Kia Sportage a good car?
Based on 146 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2015 Sportage rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the Sportage at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2015 Kia Sportage?
The engine & cooling — 84 complaints, 58% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the brakes (31) and electrical system (18).
How many recalls does the 2015 Kia Sportage have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2015 Kia Sportage, the most recent from February 2, 2022 (control unit/module). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Kia Sportage?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2019 and 2014. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2023, 2025, 2017, 2024 and 2012. See the full Kia Sportage years comparison.
At what mileage do 2015 Kia Sportage problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 75,000 miles; 32% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.