2011 Kia Sportage Electrical System Problems
NHTSA lists 43 Electrical System complaints for the 2011 Kia Sportage, 24% of all 181 complaints filed for that model year. Owners report 3 fires and a median failure mileage of 81,535, with two related recalls covering the brake light switch and other electrical components.
- Electrical System complaints
- 43
- 24% of 181
- Crashes reported
- 0
- Fires reported
- 3
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 81,535 mi
- Related recalls
- 2
Typical electrical symptoms owners report
- Owners describe sudden stalling while driving, sometimes accompanied by a burning smell or smoke from under the dash.
- Push-button start fails to engage, often traced to a faulty brake light switch that also affects the rearview camera and reverse function.
- Vehicles reportedly fail to start intermittently, with the problem worsening in frequency over weeks before a dealer visit.
- Turn signal lights, both front and rear, are described as too small or dim for other drivers to notice.
- Some owners report the horn is too quiet to be heard, raising safety concerns in traffic.
When 2011 Kia Sportage electrical complaints were filed
First complaint Aug 1, 2011, latest Jun 20, 2026.
Electrical System recalls for the 2011 Kia Sportage
- NHTSA 15V360000Jun 9, 2015Electrical System7,722 vehicles
Exterior lighting:brake lights:switch
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2011 Sportage vehicles manufactured March 7, 2011, to June 8, 2011. In the affected vehicles, the brake light switch may intermittently fail.
Risk: Whenever the brake switch is not working, the brake lights will not illuminate, reducing the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions of stopping, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began on July 7, 2015. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC121.
- NHTSA 13V114000Apr 1, 2013Electrical System980,377 vehicles
Exterior lighting:brake lights:switch
Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul, model year 2008-2011 Optima, model year 2010 Forte, model year 2007-2009 Amanti, and model year 2009 Borrego vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Kia recalled 623,658 model year 2007-2010 Rondo and Sportage, model year 2007-2011 Sorento, model year 2007 Sedona, model year 2010-2011 Soul, and model year 2011 Optima vehicles. In September 2013, Kia informed the agency that it was adding an additional 356,719 vehicles to this campaign. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 980,377. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake-transmission shift interlock feature preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.
Risk: Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of PARK without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall campaign number is SC098.
Electrical System complaints by Sportage model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are electrical problems in the 2011 Kia Sportage?
- NHTSA lists 43 Electrical System complaints for the 2011 Sportage, which is 24% of the 181 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for electrical issues on the 2011 Kia Sportage?
- Yes. NHTSA recall 15V360000 covers a brake light switch that may intermittently fail, and recall 13V114000 covers other electrical components across several Kia model years, including the 2011 Sportage.
- At what mileage do electrical failures typically show up?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 81,535 for Electrical System complaints on the 2011 Sportage.
- Were there any fires linked to these electrical complaints?
- NHTSA records 3 fires among the 43 Electrical System complaints for the 2011 Sportage, with no crashes or injuries reported.