Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2015 Kia Sportage owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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
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. …
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle began to overheat and there was smoke coming out from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V051000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that he had to pay for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to the residence. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000. The VIN was not available.
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 unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not available. 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. The contact had not experienced a failure related to the recall. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive engine oil consumption. The cause of the failure was not determined. The failure mileage was 11,000. Parts distribution disconnect. The consumer stated the recall was repaired on 10/21/22, but the vehicle is still burning oil very quickly.
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 the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The dealer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was 85,661. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS and traction control warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the ABS control module. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V051000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 80,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brakes made an abnormal sound. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the failure was diagnosed as faulty brake rotors, and calipers. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
The current Kia Recall for the HECU related to the braking system/potential for an engine fire has been open since February. As an owner I received the letter in March. I have contacted both a dealership and Kia directly but have received no information regarding a helpful timeline for when the repair will be available. This has left me unable to use my vehicle for fear of an incident and injury to me and my family. The best response I was given is that I could rent a vehicle at my expense and apply for a refund from Kia directly but they are not offering any loaner vehicles or plans to remedy this issue. It has been over 3 months with no proper communication nor a fix in place.
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V051000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. On 3-31-2022, Kia sent a letter advising that my 2015 Sportage May erupt in flames. Kia goes on to suggest not to park the car near consumer's home or other vehicles. Consumer is on disability and have a proper disability tag.
Related recalls
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.
NHTSA investigations
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.
Brake complaints in other Sportage years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2015 Kia Sportage?
NHTSA has 31 complaints about the brakes of the 2015 Kia Sportage, 21% of the model year's 146 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › control unit/module (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2015 Kia Sportage brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 22V-051 (control unit/module, Feb 2, 2022). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2015 Kia Sportage brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 86,000 miles, and 22% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 3 fires and 0 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.