2011 Kia Sportage Brakes Problems
NHTSA lists 29 brake-related complaints for the 2011 Kia Sportage, 16% of all complaints filed for that year, with a median failure mileage of 45,500. A related recall (23V652000) covers brake system components on 2010-2013 Sportage models, telling owners to park outside due to fire risk.
- Brakes complaints
- 29
- 16% of 181
- Crashes reported
- 3
- Fires reported
- 2
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Median mileage
- 45,500 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical brake symptoms owners report
- Faulty stop lamp switches cause brake lights to stay off or stay on, sometimes paired with disabled cruise control and electronic stability control warnings.
- The brake-transmission shift interlock fails, trapping the shifter in park and preventing the vehicle from being moved out of that position.
- Some owners report fires starting underneath the front of the vehicle while parked, requiring fire department response.
- One owner reported the check engine light coming on with a sudden brake failure while driving, leading to a crash.
- A push-button start feature intermittently stops working, which some owners tie to the same faulty brake light switch.
When 2011 Kia Sportage brake complaints were filed
First complaint Jun 10, 2013, latest Mar 12, 2025.
Brakes recalls for the 2011 Kia Sportage
- 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.
Brakes complaints by Sportage model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many brake complaints does NHTSA have for the 2011 Kia Sportage?
- NHTSA lists 29 brake-related complaints for the 2011 Sportage, which is 16% of all 181 complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a brake recall for the 2011 Kia Sportage?
- Yes. Recall 23V652000 covers brake system components on multiple Kia models including the 2010-2013 Sportage. Kia advises owners to park outside and away from structures until the repair is done, due to fire risk.
- At what mileage do brake problems typically show up on the 2011 Sportage?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for brake-related complaints on this model year is 45,500 miles.
- Did the brake issues cause any crashes or injuries?
- NHTSA data for this model year and problem area shows 3 crashes, 2 fires, and 1 injury linked to brake-area complaints.
- Is the 2011 Sportage worse for brakes than other model years?
- The 2011 Sportage's brake complaints made up 16% of that year's total complaints, lower than the 2010 model's 35% share but higher than several later years like 2012 (3%) and 2018 (7%).