Traction Control complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2017 | 2 | 0% | 79,000 miles |
| 2015 | 1 | 1% | 8,000 miles |
| 2014 | 1 | 1% | 0 miles |
| 2013 | 1 | 0% | 33,000 miles |
| 2012 | 2 | 1% | 140,000 miles |
| 2011 | 5 | 3% | 83,000 miles |
| 2010 | 2 | 10% | 96,000 miles |
| 2009 | 9 | 11% | 65,000 miles |
| 2008 | 9 | 9% | 88,000 miles |
| 2007 | 11 | 14% | 70,000 miles |
| 2006 | 9 | 8% | 99,000 miles |
| 2005 | 4 | 6% | 89,000 miles |
| 2002 | 1 | 0% | 56,000 miles |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% | 74,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (electronic stability control and traction control).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Since buying this car 12/26/10 I have had a number of sensors and switches malfunction and needing replacement. Warning lights coming on and going off and dealer could not pull up codes to why they came on. I had problems where the car would not start. I'm having steering and suspension problems right now. Waiting on Kia engineers to come inspect the car since dealer can't find or fix the problem. Car tends pulls to one side. Since brakes were replaced the car is hard to stop. I have had issues with the GPS. Gas gage sticking. The car at time hesitates when trying to get up to speed to get on the freeway, like it has no power. Right now I don't feel safe driving my car. The front end just feels unstable. All work done on my car is done thru the dealer. It seems my car is back at the dealer for one repair or another several times a year. Sometimes days at a time. …
Brake lights inoperable, ESC inoperable, cruise control inoperable, transmission stuck in park. Upon starting the vehicle I noticed 2 warning lights remain lighted. I looked in the manual of the vehicle and learned the warning lights for the ESC. I continued to attempt to operate the vehicle by shifting the transmission interlockl lever into the "reverse" position. However, I was unable to move the transmission interlock lever. Upon researching that issue I learned I could utilize a manual override to switch into gear. I did this and upon driving the car home I realized the cruise control no longer worked and that the brake lights were not working via other drivers.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the traction control and check engine warning lights suddenly illuminated and the vehicle began to shake and vibrate. The vehicle was taken to the local Kia dealer kocourek (2700 n. 20th ave, wausau wi) who diagnosed that the failure was due to a faulty wire harness that had melted. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 75,000.
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. …
The contact owns a 2008 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the message "ESC Off" was displayed and the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and to several independent mechanics; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
I was driving the vehicle when my ESC light, brake light and check engine light came on . I just got the car inspected and it passed fine. I took it to the shop where they said an oil sensor was bad. They replaced that. The very next day the lights went on again and the car was having trouble shifting into gears. It was jumping and accelerating intermittently. I took the car back to the shop and they said I had 4 transmission codes. They said the ABS system needed to also be replaced which the part alone was over $2000.00. This car only had 88,000 miles. I drove the car to mccafferty Ford where they advised me to not fix vehicle the cost was far more than what I would get as a trade. It needed a new ABS box which alone was over 2000 without labor. It needed a timing chain 600 and some maintance stuff 700. This car never needed anyting but tires, brakes, oil changes etc. …
Brake lights are not operating and the electronic stability control system malfunction light stays on. Kia has a recall sc098 (nthsa number 13V114000) for this exact problem, when I took the car to the dealer they informed me my VIN does not fall in that recall, I spoke to Kia and they informed me the same, yet my car has the identical problems described in the recall notice they have also informed me the hydraulic electronic control unit and the recall has verbiage of hydraulics. My concern is Kia states I am outside the recall window with the identical issue as stated on the recall from 2013 and expanded at least once
The vehicle has had a history of problems all described by the 2013 recall. The brake light is intermittent. I have had the cruise fail to turn off, the ESC off light illuminates, the car can be shifted into gear without pressing the break with the ignition off. The vehicle will occasionally have automatic transmission issues with the break transmission interlock system which is causing the intermittent ESC off light warning to randomly illuminate. It will go quite a time without it on then randomly turn on and off and then stay and then repeat the same type pattern associated with the reports of the initial recall. I have reported these issues to Kia in which I called the Kia us corporate line about a year and a half ago. It still continues despite regular service and proper vehicle care. The vehicle can be stationary or in movement. …
Related recalls (1)
Electronic stability control › Automatic (asc)
On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with electronic stability program (ESP), the yaw rate sensor May become too sensitive and May recalibrate inaccurately. While driving the ESP program May cause the engine to reduce power and May cause a brake at one of the wheels to be inappropriately.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the ESP hydraulic electronic control unit free of charge. The recall began on April 13, 2005. Owners May contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542.
Frequently asked questions
Which Kia Sportage years have traction control problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2007 (11), 2006 (9), 2008 (9), 2009 (9) and 2011 (5) model years. Traction Control complaints make up 14% of all complaints for the 2007.
Is there a recall for Kia Sportage traction control problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 05V-120 (automatic (asc), Mar 29, 2005). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Kia Sportage traction control problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 78,000 miles; 36% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic (asc) (2 mentions).
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.