Wheel & Tire complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 4% | 4,000 miles |
| 2024 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2023 | 3 | 2% | — |
| 2022 | 1 | 2% | 20,000 miles |
| 2020 | 2 | 1% | — |
| 2019 | 2 | 3% | — |
| 2018 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2017 | 7 | 2% | 2,000 miles |
| 2016 | 1 | 1% | 16,000 miles |
| 2014 | 1 | 1% | 3,000 miles |
| 2013 | 3 | 1% | 107,000 miles |
| 2012 | 2 | 1% | 4,000 miles |
| 2011 | 1 | 1% | 23,000 miles |
| 2008 | 5 | 5% | 56,000 miles |
| 2007 | 3 | 4% | 54,000 miles |
| 2006 | 6 | 5% | 40,000 miles |
| 2005 | 2 | 3% | — |
| 2002 | 4 | 2% | 20,000 miles |
| 2001 | 8 | 4% | 20,000 miles |
| 2000 | 8 | 3% | 82,000 miles |
| 1999 | 12 | 4% | 114,000 miles |
| 1998 | 12 | 4% | 80,000 miles |
| 1997 | 6 | 3% | — |
| 1996 | 3 | 5% | — |
| 1995 | 3 | 5% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (wheels, lug nuts, original-equipment tires, TPMS).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Purchased a brand new 2023 Kia Sportage and at 10,000 miles my brakes felt like they were worn out, the car had a wobbling to it and a grinding sound. Took it into the dealer and they told me my brakes and rotors are worn out. They wanted $900.00. I complained to the manager and he said they would do it as a courtesy. Now again at 20,000 I am having the same issue. Again took it back and they told me they need to talk to me about my braking habits! Also they said they will do it again as a courtesy, which I am extremely grateful! But I do not want to change out my brakes and rotor every 10,000 Miles... We have purchased 3 brand new Kia for my family in the last year as we love them. But I am not feeling so safe driving my Sportage right now. I have had many cars [redacted] and never once had to replace brakes and rotors every 10,000 miles! …
On Saturday,[redacted], my vehicle was serviced (oil change and tire rotation) at Berwyn Kia, [redacted]. Shortly after leaving the dealership, I noticed a vibration that developed into a thumping noise from the right rear, worsening at highway speed. I pulled over and found three lug nuts missing from the right rear wheel, and most of the remaining lug nuts could be turned by hand. The wheel was at risk of separating from the vehicle. The dealership sent a technician to help me get back on the road. I have not driven the vehicle since. I am reporting this so there is a record of a wheel-retention safety failure following dealer service.
My 2017 KIA Sportage was purchased in 2016 and does not have any recalls showing under my VIN number for this issue but I have all of the signs of a serious malfunction and the dealer won't respond. My car has less than 23k miles on it, I barely drive it because I work from home and all of the ABS warning lights are on including the ABS, Hill Descent, Tire Pressure, Traction/Stability Control, Emergency Brake Light. My dashboard light to Check TPMS also pops on the screen consistently and there is a weird smell coming from my dashboard. My husband is a certified mechanic for Largo Honda and he claims it is a safety issue in the vehicle that should be recalled. In addition to this issue, my windows will not go down and this will be the third time I have to take the car to the dealer to get fixed in the short period that I've had the car.
Unexplainable issues with brake pedal. Makes noise inside cabin that sounds like a squeaky door. Happens when depressing brake pedal at 20mph or less and does not in reverse. Pedal feels odd, somewhat pulsating and when turning, I believe, the front passenger wheel pulls. Steering wheel is noticeably affected also, noting a jerking sensation. Several mechanics are unable to identify the issue. There are no dash lights on.
I have had my vehicle looked at numerous times since I bought it 3 years ago. There is a odd thumping/humming like sound coming from under the hood or axle area, while driving, at any speed. Nothing has been found. My vehicle shakes occasionally while driving over 45 MPH. My air pressure light continues to be on constantly, even after shelling out the money to have the sensors replaced. I always feel like I have flat tires, although they seem fine when I check them. I am concerned for my safety, my children and other drivers on the road while I am driving. I have searched numerous times for recalls and found nothing for my VIN. However, I was told by a dealer that there was a recall for safety campaign (some underbody addl anti-corrosion: sl). I have had my radio head unit replaced as it was glitching when using backup camera. …
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.
We have a new 2008 Kia Sportage. The TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system) comes on intermittently, four times in 10,000 miles. We have had to take the car back to the dealer on two occasions to have the light turned off. It went off by itself on the other two occasions. The dealer says the TPMS system is new and we should not worry about it. They also stated it happens frequently on other models, not just our vehicle. I believe this could be a safety hazard and should be investigated. How are we supposed to now if we really have low tire pressure?
So I have been having problems with my front right tire I feel that it wiggles and wobbles a clog my alignment to get my stuff and I always need work done on it about every 2 to 3 months. I have also been having problems continuously getting locked out of my car. My car on or off always locks me out of my car. My passenger door never locks unless I lock it myself manually. My trunk door never opens as well when I push the unlock button and the key mailed it won't fit in it to unlock it that way I feel that the car over or has a wiring electrical problem
Frequently asked questions
Which Kia Sportage years have wheel & tire problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1998 (12), 1999 (12), 2000 (8), 2001 (8) and 2017 (7) model years. Wheel & Tire complaints make up 4% of all complaints for the 1998.
Is there a recall for Kia Sportage wheel & tire problems?
No. NHTSA lists no wheels & tires 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 wheel & tire problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 46,000 miles; 61% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the tread/belt (7 mentions), followed by the sidewall (5).
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.