2011 Kia Sportage Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
47/100
#9 most-complained of 16 Sportage years
The 2011 Kia Sportage has a Complaint Index of 47 and ranks 9th worst out of 16 model years, earning a 'Good' verdict relative to other Sportage years. NHTSA lists 181 complaints and 6 recalls, with Engine problems being the top concern at 49% of complaints.
- Complaints
- 181
- Recalls
- 6
- Crashes / fires
- 7 / 8
- Injuries / deaths
- 8 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 23
- 21 city / 27 hwy
Top 2011 Kia Sportage problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine89 (49%)
- Electrical System43 (24%)
- Brakes29 (16%)
- Other24 (13%)
- Transmission & Powertrain23 (13%)
- Fuel System10 (6%)
- Steering9 (5%)
- Structure & Body6 (3%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires6 (3%)
- Visibility & Wipers5 (3%)
What owners report
- Engine warning lights illuminate followed by sudden brake failure while driving at low speed.
- Engines have blown and caught fire near 87,942 miles, tied to a cam bearing recall on this model year.
- Electrical shorts under the dash produce smoke and burning odors, sometimes with the vehicle starting itself or stalling in traffic.
- Steering becomes difficult to turn during slow-speed turns, leading to collisions with parked objects.
- Vehicles have caught fire while parked, with fire originating underneath the front of the car at high mileage.
- Vehicles stall unexpectedly at highway speed accompanied by a burning smell from the ventilation system.
2011 Kia Sportage recalls
6 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V652000Sep 25, 2023Brakes1,730,192 vehiclesPark Outside
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
- NHTSA 19V101000Feb 15, 2019Engine32,296 vehicles
Engine
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2012 Kia Sportage vehicles. The engine oil pan may leak and, if not addressed, the loss of oil may result in engine damage.
Risk: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will replace the oil pressure switch with an improved one, free of charge. In addition, dealers will inspect the oil pan for any oil leaks, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 3, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC174.
- NHTSA 18V907000Dec 19, 2018Engine71,653 vehicles
Engine
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
2011 Kia Sportage fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 21 MPG
- Highway
- 27 MPG
- Combined
- 23 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,800
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2011 compared with other Sportage years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2011 Kia Sportage reliable?
- Compared to other Sportage model years, the 2011 has a Complaint Index of 47 and ranks 9th worst of 16 years tracked, giving it a 'Good' verdict relative to the rest of the lineup.
- What are the most common problems with the 2011 Kia Sportage?
- NHTSA data shows Engine complaints make up 49% of reports (89 complaints), followed by Electrical System issues at 24% (43 complaints) and Brakes at 16% (29 complaints).
- Does the 2011 Kia Sportage have engine recalls?
- Yes. NHTSA lists recalls for engine oil pan leaks (19V101000), fuel pipe replacement tied to prior engine replacements (18V907000), and premature bearing wear from machining errors (17V224000).
- How does the 2011 Sportage compare to other years?
- The 2011 model (Complaint Index 47) performs better than 2012 (87), 2013 (80), 2017 (93), and 2023 (100), which are all rated 'Avoid,' but it has more reported complaints than 2010, 2014, 2019, and 2022, which rank 'Best.'
- What is the fuel economy of the 2011 Kia Sportage?
- EPA rates the 2011 Kia Sportage at 23 mpg combined (21 city / 27 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,800.