Window & Wiper complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 4% | — |
| 2025 | 4 | 7% | — |
| 2024 | 12 | 16% | 29,000 miles |
| 2023 | 13 | 7% | — |
| 2022 | 5 | 11% | 42,000 miles |
| 2021 | 3 | 6% | — |
| 2020 | 5 | 3% | 5,000 miles |
| 2018 | 5 | 3% | 17,000 miles |
| 2017 | 8 | 2% | 15,000 miles |
| 2016 | 4 | 3% | 70,000 miles |
| 2015 | 2 | 1% | 129,000 miles |
| 2014 | 7 | 6% | 15,000 miles |
| 2013 | 3 | 1% | 5,000 miles |
| 2012 | 4 | 1% | 6,000 miles |
| 2011 | 5 | 3% | 71,000 miles |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% | 39,000 miles |
| 2008 | 2 | 2% | 35,000 miles |
| 2007 | 1 | 1% | 12,000 miles |
| 2006 | 6 | 5% | 40,000 miles |
| 2005 | 3 | 4% | 6,000 miles |
| 2002 | 15 | 6% | 15,000 miles |
| 2001 | 16 | 7% | 35,000 miles |
| 2000 | 22 | 7% | 70,000 miles |
| 1999 | 24 | 8% | — |
| 1998 | 24 | 8% | 51,000 miles |
| 1997 | 9 | 5% | — |
| 1996 | 2 | 4% | — |
| 1995 | 4 | 7% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Immediately after delivery, the instrument/infotainment display malfunctioned, froze, and became unresponsive. Apple CarPlay failed, and phone calls distorted or dropped. After reporting the issue, I discovered that this VIN is subject to Safety Recall SC359B, with a recall date of December 17, 2025, and a status of RECALL INCOMPLETE / NO REMEDY AVAILABLE. This recall existed prior to the sale. The recall is confirmed by the Kia owner app, Kia/NHTSA VIN lookup, and the dealer's internal campaign report. Despite this, the dealer stated in writing that there were "no open recalls" and refused to unwind the sale, mischaracterizing the defect as an "audio panel" issue. I am submitting this to document a retail delivery of a new motor vehicle under an open, VIN-specific safety recall with no available remedy, which constitutes a violation of federal motor vehicle safety law (49 U.S.C. …
While driving on an open highway, my panoramic sunroof spontaneously exploded on [redacted] coming back from Prescott with me behind the wheel, my husband as a passenger, and my dog in the backseat. There was nobody driving in front, near, or behind me. I was not driving near an overpass. The incident sounded like an explosion or gunshot. My husband began to open the sunroof visor to investigate, and glass began dropping into the car. Once we could pull over safely, there was a large hole on my panoramic sunroof. My husband, dog, and I had tiny pieces of glass on us. I took my car to Kia, and they refused to acknowledge that anything, but a rock caused the problem. There are numerous news stories about this being a problem and also recalls for panoramic sunroofs from other dealers like Hyundai, who are made by the same manufacturer as Kia.
The contact owns a 2024 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the sunroof exploded. The contact stated that there was no evidence of an impact on the sunroof glass. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to a Collision Center for assistance. The vehicle was taken to the Collision Center, and the contact was informed that the failure was a known failure with similar vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline and the manufacturer to report the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 28,525.
The contact owns a 2024 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the windshield cracked without impact. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer; the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 23,000.
I have had several problems with the windshield of my Kia Sportage. First off, it has a terrible glare or distortion while driving at night. I think it has to do with the elements inside the windshield. Secondly, the windshield cracks with even the slightest hit from anything on the road. I have had my car for 5 months and have received 6 chips to my windshield. Two of them happened when another vehicle was driving the opposite direction down the road. Three of them happened when I didn't have a car or anything anywhere around me. One of them happened when an 18 wheeler was driving next to me with no other cars around. I've seen in the Kia Groups several other owners are complaining of the same problems. I don't think these Windshields are safe.
My husband and I own a 2023 KIA Sportage that was purchased on May 11th, 2022. The car has barely 1700 miles on it, and in mint condition. My husband and I were at a stoplight turning left when all of a sudden we heard a loud explosion, almost like a shotgun. It was so loud my husband and I could physically feel the loud gun shot, and truly scared us to the point where we thought it might have been a drive-by shooting. We didn't notice any damage at first until we pulled over and saw the start of the panoramic sunroof (near the front windshield) shattered completely. There currently is no recall on this issue despite the hundreds of reports. I am unable to drive my car as the front windshield can crack/explode at any moment.
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an explosion and observed that the moon roof glass had shattered, sending glass down into the interior of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but it had not yet been diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 42,000.
I purchased my 2022 Kia Sportage on September 15, 2021. In February 2022, there was a deep freeze. When then weather warmed up, there was a crack in my windshield. I took the car in for it's 6 month service and the window was replaced. On Christmas morning 2023, there was a crack in my windshield again. in the same place. Both times the crack started on the driver's side in the bottom black area of the windshield. We haven't had any deep freezes this winter. Now, I have to get the window replaced a second time. This time, I may have to pay for it, and I cannot and will not be able to come up with $1000 to have the window replaced. I will have to either not drive, or drive with it cracked. I am pointing this out because in all of my life, I have never experienced a cracked windshield. It seems very odd to have two cracked windshields in 1 year and 10 months. …
NHTSA investigations
Windshield wiper
Alleged windshield wiper becomes inoperative when the wiper arm and pivot separate
Windshield wiper
Frequently asked questions
Which Kia Sportage years have window & wiper problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1998 (24), 1999 (24), 2000 (22), 2001 (16) and 2002 (15) model years. Window & Wiper complaints make up 8% of all complaints for the 1998.
Is there a recall for Kia Sportage window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof recall for any Kia Sportage model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Kia Sportage window & wiper problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 33,000 miles; 79% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the power window devices and controls (60 mentions), followed by the windshield (26).
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.