Suspension complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 2% | — |
| 2023 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2020 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2017 | 1 | 0% | — |
| 2016 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2014 | 3 | 2% | — |
| 2013 | 6 | 2% | 73,000 miles |
| 2011 | 5 | 3% | 32,000 miles |
| 2009 | 2 | 3% | 127,000 miles |
| 2008 | 2 | 2% | 1,000 miles |
| 2007 | 2 | 3% | — |
| 2006 | 5 | 5% | 91,000 miles |
| 2005 | 7 | 10% | 126,000 miles |
| 2002 | 12 | 5% | 58,000 miles |
| 2001 | 20 | 9% | 66,000 miles |
| 2000 | 23 | 8% | 84,000 miles |
| 1999 | 19 | 7% | 161,000 miles |
| 1998 | 26 | 9% | 79,000 miles |
| 1997 | 7 | 4% | 38,000 miles |
| 1996 | 3 | 5% | — |
| 1995 | 6 | 11% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
While traveling approximately 45 mph on a paved road, there was a sudden loud bang and the vehicle abruptly went to the right and left the roadway. A person who stopped at the accident scene also stated that he heard the bang. The vehicle entered the ditch and rolled multiple times. After the accident, I observed that the left rear wheel had an extreme abnormal camber angle, with the top of the wheel tilted substantially outward. Photographs taken after the accident also show significant corrosion of rear suspension components. The right rear wheel did not have the same extreme appearance. I do not know whether a rear suspension component or mounting point failed before the vehicle left the roadway or whether the suspension damage occurred during the ditch entry and rollover. …
Brakes keep squealing and as of a result of previous recall service my engine drink oil fast and not to mention the oil pan gasket is leaking oil. The engine smoke and have a burning smell that seep inside the car vents.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, when she drove over a pothole and driver's and passenger's side rear wheels shifted. The contact drove to her residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic however, was not diagnosed nor repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of failure. The failure mileage was 107,000.
Front headlights went out also rear brake lights now I have a problem with brake light and tailgate lamp staying on when car and lights are off. The suspension has had a issue ever since I bought it it makes awful loud noises when driving and especially hitting bumps in road. Passenger front and rear windows won't roll down. Had to replace battery as well. Inside door handles fell off as well as outside rear handles.tire pressure indicator light stays on as well as the park assist and drive train lights stay on.problem with car going in drive sometimes it locks up and have to restart and slam on brakes several times to unlock
Due to Kia not applying enough rust protection/undercoating on my Sportage. I am experiencing rust all underneath my car. I have contacted Kia and the service department, trying to get them to rectify the situation and both have refused, each blaming the other for the cause. In the meantime, I am driving my Sportage in snow, ice, water and salt in massachusetts. I have also told them that my catalyic converter was also rusting to the point that the entire exhaust system needs replacing. I am also very scared that there is suspension damage from this happening. I am constantly hearing groans, screeching and whining noises while traveling in my SUV.
Vehicle was involved in a head on collision with another vehicle which was traveling approximately 30 MPH. The vehicle was declared totaled due to the extensive front end damage. The airbag sensor was damaged and the airbags never deployed.
July 14, 2020 To whom it may concern I [redacted] is owner of Kia Sportage 2006 [redacted] I purchase this vehicle 12/2005 from Kia in Paramus NJ. This vehicle now has 137,296 miles also what make note it has not never been in accident or given me big issues. In May 2018, I received a recall on this vehicle for application of additional anti- corrosion material (SC104) which I brought my vehicle to Tenafly NJ (which is now closed) Only July 2, 2020 appropriately 5:20 pm I was driven home to pick up my mother, I heard a weird sound coming from left back wheel. And continuing driving the sound got louder, I taken the vehicle to my mechanic and left there. July 3, 2020, I went to pick up the vehicle and the mechanic showed me underneath the vehicle how the vehicle corrupted (photos include). …
My 2005 Kia Sportage dropped on the rear drivers side. The rear drivers side rear constant velocity axle fell out when the rear sub-frame separated from the suspension and split apart. This caused the tire and wheel to angle to 45 degrees out from bottom to top. The rust and corrosion caused a complete failure of the sub-frame's ability to hold the rear wheels on. This was at low speed. This is a well maintained vehicle with no other problems, the engine had been replaced 5-6 years ago. The Kia Sportage of this year range is a commonly used car still utilized today. If this had happened at highway speed it would have been a disaster.
Related recalls (1)
Suspension › Rear
The nuts attaching the rear axle bearing oil seal retainers and brake backing plates to the rear axle housing May be under- torqued causing these units to loosen or fall off.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and retorque the rear axle bearing oil seal retainer nuts.
NHTSA investigations
Vehicle rollover
There is no summary currently available
Frequently asked questions
Which Kia Sportage years have suspension problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1998 (26), 2000 (23), 2001 (20), 1999 (19) and 2002 (12) model years. Suspension complaints make up 9% of all complaints for the 1998.
Is there a recall for Kia Sportage suspension problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 95V-073 (rear, Apr 11, 1995). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Kia Sportage suspension problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 77,000 miles; 32% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the front (31 mentions), followed by the front › wheel bearing (17).
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.