Airbag complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 2% | — |
| 2024 | 4 | 5% | 23,000 miles |
| 2023 | 11 | 6% | 15,000 miles |
| 2022 | 2 | 4% | — |
| 2021 | 1 | 2% | 10,000 miles |
| 2020 | 3 | 2% | 30,000 miles |
| 2019 | 3 | 4% | 11,000 miles |
| 2018 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2017 | 16 | 4% | 63,000 miles |
| 2016 | 5 | 4% | 20,000 miles |
| 2015 | 5 | 3% | 20,000 miles |
| 2014 | 3 | 2% | 78,000 miles |
| 2013 | 4 | 1% | 112,000 miles |
| 2012 | 4 | 1% | 21,000 miles |
| 2011 | 4 | 2% | 95,000 miles |
| 2010 | 4 | 20% | 83,000 miles |
| 2009 | 16 | 20% | 53,000 miles |
| 2008 | 5 | 5% | 98,000 miles |
| 2007 | 13 | 17% | 58,000 miles |
| 2006 | 38 | 34% | 74,000 miles |
| 2005 | 12 | 18% | 89,000 miles |
| 2002 | 17 | 7% | 41,000 miles |
| 2001 | 20 | 9% | 44,000 miles |
| 2000 | 18 | 6% | 103,000 miles |
| 1999 | 23 | 8% | 157,000 miles |
| 1998 | 11 | 4% | 70,000 miles |
| 1997 | 39 | 22% | 104,000 miles |
| 1996 | 9 | 16% | 125,000 miles |
| 1995 | 1 | 2% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owned a 2024 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at 77 MPH, the vehicle was involved in a front-impact crash with a large-sized deer. The air bags did not deploy. The contact stated that two minor children were seated in the rear seat. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. No injuries were sustained. No medical attention was administered. A police report was filed. The vehicle was condemned as a total loss by the insurance company. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 22,500.
Description of Crash: On [redacted], I was involved in a front-end collision while driving my 2024 Kia Sportage. Despite the impact, the airbags did not deploy. Additionally, the Forward Collision Assistance system did not engage or warn me prior to the crash, even though conditions were normal and the system was active. Safety Concern: The airbags and collision assistance are federally regulated safety systems. Their failure put me and any potential passengers at serious risk. I am very concerned this indicates a defect in the airbag and/or collision avoidance system. Damage/Injuries: My front end of my vehicle is completely destroyed, and so is my engine. As for myself I am experiencing some soreness and discomfort Requested Action: I request that Kia and NHTSA investigate this failure as a potential safety defect. …
The contact owned a 2023 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle hydroplaned all 3 lanes on the highway. The vehicle hit a retaining wall, the vehicle bounced back, spun around, and faced oncoming traffic head-on. An oversized trailer crashed into the contact's vehicle head-on and pushed the vehicle into the middle lane, where it came to a stop. The driver's and passenger's side air bags did not deploy. Unknown if any warning lights were illuminated. However, the vehicle's system contacted 911. A police report was filed. The contact was taken to the hospital via ambulance due to sustaining severe injuries to the left shoulder, collapsed lung, chest abrasions, nerve damage to the abdominal area, nerve damage to the lower back, and a brain injury. The contact recently had surgery on her left shoulder. The vehicle was towed to a local towing yard. …
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed through an intersection, the vehicle was struck on the passenger side front quarter panel by another vehicle that had failed to yield. As a result, the vehicle spun out of control through the intersection before coming to a complete stop, causing the driver to hit her head on the driver's side window. The air bags did not deploy. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed a total loss by the contact's insurance provider. A police report was filed, and injuries were reported. The driver was evaluated by EMT on scene but declined to be transported to an area hospital for treatment. The driver later transported herself to an area hospital and was treated for a concussion, neck pain, bruising, and various minor cuts to the knees. …
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at 10 MPH, another vehicle crashed into his rear driver's side door and wheel well. None of the air bags deployed upon impact. The contact's head hit the seat belt anchor ring upon impact. The contact later received medical attention for a tear in his shoulder and whiplash. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and then to a body shop where it was repaired. The tow truck driver informed the contact that the rear axle had fractured from the sub-frame. The vehicle was not deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V031000 (Air Bags) however, the VIN, year, and model were not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
A vehicle failed to the right of way to me and resulted in a front end collision. Upon collision the airbags deployed and immediately began smoking. I thought my car was about to catch fire and smelt as if was going to. The airbags heat alone resulted in the entire arm of my jacket to completely melt and I now have a permanent scar on my left wrist from where I was burned.
I was recently involved in a collision with a deer. I was travelling at 55mph when I hit the deer square on and my air bags did not deploy. Also every time I wash my car some of the electrical components stop working for a few days such as the clock. I have talked to Kia dealership near me and they can not explain the issue over the electrical stuff. Also they stated I could start a case with them over the airbags
[redacted], I was driving alone on [redacted] in McAllen, TX. & intersection of [redacted] St. Weather was sunny, hot, and dry. My car was 1st in middle lane, speed about 20 mph. I applied the brakes for a red traffic light. Instantly, the brakes locked and 3 air bags deployed -driver and passenger side + passenger side windows. The windshield was blocked but it seemed like the car swerved slowly, about 10-15 mph, to the right. My car sideswiped the Chevy Equinox stopped at red light in right lane. The car behind me, Toyota Corolla, hit my rear end. I didn't hear or feel either of these crashes. McAllen PD arrived and called a wrecker and ambulance for me. The airbag peeled back layers of skin on my right forearm which was bleeding profusely. Lone Star EMS #[redacted] ambulance took me to South Texas Health System ER on Ware Rd., arriving at 4:50 p.m. …
Related recalls (1)
Air bags › Side/window › Curtain
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Sportage vehicles. The side curtain air bags may have been twisted during installation.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and reinstall the side curtain air bags as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 28, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542.
Frequently asked questions
Which Kia Sportage years have airbag problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1997 (39), 2006 (38), 1999 (23), 2001 (20) and 2000 (18) model years. Airbag complaints make up 22% of all complaints for the 1997.
Is there a recall for Kia Sportage airbag problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 22V-878 (curtain, Nov 28, 2022). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Kia Sportage airbag problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 69,000 miles; 37% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the frontal (85 mentions), followed by the side/window (8).
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.