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2009 Kia Sportage electrical problems

18 complaints (23% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 91,000.

owner complaints
18
of this car's complaints
23%
typical mileage
91,000
crashes
0
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Instrument cluster/panel
    1
  • Ignition
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Kia Sportage electrical problems in other years

1995200020052010201520202026

Related recalls

Electrical system: wiringReported November 10, 2016 · 71,704 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2008-2009 Kia Sportage vehicles manufactured August 9, 2007, to May 13, 2009. The wire harness cover on the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may be improperly sealed allowing water to get onto the HECU circuit board. If the water is contaminated with salt, such as could occur from melted snow, the wire harness connector pins may corrode and the circuit board may short circuit.
Risk
If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
Remedy
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the connector pins for corrosion, if no corrosion is found, the connector cover will be replaced. If corrosion is present, the dealer will replace the HECU assembly and the connector cover, free of charge. The recall began on November 28, 2016. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1‑800‑333‑4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC138.

Recall number 16V815000 · Recall details

What 2009 Kia Sportage owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 23, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · CA · fire

In 2018 my I was driving home when it just shut off and wouldn’t start. Smelled like burning and had it towed to my house and had several mechanics look at it and couldn’t find the problem then as it was parked on day it started to smoke and the engine was burning I put out the fire and then a couple months later I got the recall information the car was a total loss and could t be repaired and no compemsation was sent to me. Ive contacted the class action suit and they were very vague with the information. I waited and the car eventually disappeared in which I thought the Kia company picked it up. I still have t hear word from anyone and my car is no where to be found and I would like to be reimbursed for the car since it was paid off

Filed Oct 2, 2023 · Brakes, Electrical · FL

The contact owns a 2009 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V800000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and it was determined that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact to contact the dealer for assistance. The contact had heard an abnormal sound and noticed that the wiring harness had melted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed May 4, 2023 · Brakes, Electrical · 93,157 miles · KY

The contact owns a 2009 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle in the dealer's parking lot after the recall repair of the federal safety agency Campaign Numbers: 16V815000 (Electrical System) and 22V800000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) had been completed, the HECU, the ABS, the TPMS warning lights and other unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle back to the residence. The contact notified the dealer of the failure. The dealer advised the contact to take the vehicle in for the repair however, there would be a fee for the repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 93,157.

Filed Oct 24, 2022 · Electrical, Engine · UT

I was parked at the grocery store with the car idling in park. The engine suddenly died and smoke was coming out from under the hood. I honestly thought the car was about to burst into flames. A good Samaritan looked under the hood and it was still smoking but eventually stopped. The electrical system is fried and even the emergency lights won't work. There was a very strong electrical fire smell that hung around for hours. I looked up this model and it shows there was a recall with the electrical system & that there was a risk of fire. But this vehicle's VIN is not listed as needing a repair. We have purchased this car used and contacted the original owner. They don't remember ever getting a recall notice or having to do a recall repair with this. I don't know how the car didn't go up in flames because there was so much smoke coming from under the hood.

Filed Feb 16, 2021 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 90,000 miles · PA

Brake light circuit doesnt work

Filed Aug 23, 2020 · Body, Electrical · 100,000 miles · FL · fire

While the car was off and parked in the driveway the car caught on fire in the passenger side of the motor. The entire front part of the car was totaled.

Filed Jun 29, 2020 · Electrical · 100,000 miles · NY

Left side front corner under the hood started smoking. Had to disconnect battery to make it stop. Car was parked and turned off

Filed May 2, 2020 · Electrical, Steering · 133,000 miles · OH

I got this vehicle back in august 2019. From the time I bought the vehicle passanger side window would only roll up from drivers side switch, wouldn't roll its down but will roll up and down from its door switch and the back drivers door window wouldn't roll up or down at all from either switch. Also my back hatch has been stuck in unlock, can hear it working like its locking it but it doesnt actually lock from the door or the glass. My driver side door also has issues with the power locks, it will work fine for a week or so and then stop working and I have to manually lock and unlock for a few weeks, can hear it like it's working only it doesnt, just like the hatch only the hatch has never worked. Also my cigarette lighter and front 12v outlet did not work. Checked all fuses, even changed good fuses with brand new fuses. Did not fix the problem so I have just dealt with it. Well things have only gotten worse. Shortly after my purchase I started having issues with squealing sounds coming from upfront and my power steering just going out when first starting the vehicle, when going slow to switch lanes, and going into turns or making turns. When the power steering goes out it's like the power to the engine also cuts out and when the squealing stop I feel the power come back. Also my cruise control only works when it wants to and I am constantly having my low tire pressure sensor go off. I somehow fee like as though this is all related? I have read many many complaints about my vehicle. Should've searched alittle better before purchasing. I somewhat feel like I am driving a death trap now. Would love some guidance and help with this situation. All these car fires, especially after being off for a long period of time is very scary. I have had a few people look at my vehicle and have pretty much all leaned towards tensioner pulley and serpentine belt now I wonder

Filed Jul 30, 2019 · Airbags, Electrical · 44,000 miles · OH

The clock spring is not working which deactivates the air bag system and horn. This is an extremely dangerous condition. This should result in a recall immediately.

Filed Mar 29, 2019 · Electrical · 95,242 miles · MD · fire

A fire started in the engine compartment on the passenger side approximately 45 minutes after parking the vehicle at my place of employment. While searching the internet I found there was a recall for this exact thing. I was never notified about the recall and now my vehicle is totaled from the lack of notice.

Questions about the 2009 Kia Sportage electrical

Does the 2009 Kia Sportage have electrical problems?

Owners have filed 18 complaints about the electrical of the 2009 Kia Sportage, 23% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 2009 Kia Sportage electrical problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 91,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2009 Kia Sportage electrical?

Yes, 1 recall: 16V815000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Kia Sportage have the most electrical problems?

The Kia Sportage model years with the most electrical complaints are 2017 (63 complaints), 1998 (46 complaints) and 2023 (46 complaints).

Other 2009 Kia Sportage problems

Airbags 16Brakes 15Steering 14Driver assistance 10Engine 10Lights 7Fuel system 5Body 4Acceleration 3Seat belts 3Transmission 3Suspension 2Locks 1Visibility 1

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