On [XXX], I had a scheduled repair appointment for my 2020 Kia Sportage, which is experiencing swaying and instability, and unable to keep the vehicle straight at highway speeds in the front end, and ABS/brake issue on the driver-side front wheel. During the service appointment, my service advisor, informed me that a metal undershield was not secure and recommended its removal due to not being vital to the safety, which I agreed to. However, the main concerns of swaying and brake issues remained unresolved. the master mechanic, test-drove the vehicle but was unable to reproduce the issue. I was told that a possible cause could be a messed-up air gap or a toe ring starting to split. That it would be $500 if that’s not the issue. I need to mention I have a warranty. I scheduled another service appointment for January 16th, 2026, hoping for a resolution. However, the service advisor, informed me that the technician was unable to find any issues with the vehicle after a test drive. I questioned the findings, pointing out that the mileage in and out was only 3 miles, making it impossible to properly diagnose the issue at highway speeds and was told it was taken down [XXX] which is not doable in 3 miles. Given the circumstances, I am concerned about the trustworthiness of the diagnostics and repairs performed on my vehicle, including the recall. I have audio and video evidence to support my claims. I would appreciate answers to the following questions: 1. How are complimentary car washes handled? 2. How was my vehicle driven on [XXX] to diagnose the swaying and inability to keep the vehicle straight in 3 miles or zero miles? 3. Why was I advised that I would be charged $500 for a new axle if that was not the issue when I brought the vehicle in for diagnostic testing? 4. How is my vehicle being diagnosed at highway speeds with no mileage or 3 miles added to the odometer? 5. How vital is the removed metal heat shield to the safety of the car? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5
Kia Sportage abs comes on
73 of the 4,730 owner complaints about the Kia Sportage describe aBS light or ABS activating, most of them for the 2008 model year.
- owner complaints
- 73
- worst model year
- 2008
- typical repair cost reported
- $2,311
- typical mileage
- 81,000
By model year
Often reported together
Fire or smoke 7Check engine light 5Stalling 4Warning lights 3Transmission failure 2Screen failure 2Headlights 2Knocking 2
Trouble codes mentioned
P0501 1C2380 1C1513 1B1495 1
What owners say
Engine overheated lights on dash hecu ABS adas cruise control tire sensor window did not work correctly auto dimmer radio blanks out water pump went out tow truck damaged my car. I was not aware of any damages until I was accused by dealership I hit something as I did not. I have witnesses n pictures.
My vehicle is currently being held at a Kia Dealership in Woodstock, GA to attempt to find the problem with my car. The lateral G sensor code as well as a few others were found in diagnostic testing. They attempted to fix it with replacing the air bag module but it did not remove the problem. My problem is this: Four of my ADAS lights have come on several times over the last few months at random, but all at the same time. It turns off every single safety feature of my vehicle. One time I was driving and my ABS light came on and off quickly as if it were stuck and the car started to pull me off the road as I tried to accelerate. I was told there may be a software issue with my vehicle and that they would take months to fix it if they can. I am concerned for my safety at this point.
On November 25, 2024, the dash and infotainment screen went blank while at the traffic light. A few seconds later the car stalled shutting completely off while making a left turn onto Cox Rd in Evans, GA. We were able to coast out of traffic and came to a complete stop on the side of the road. We attempted to restart the vehicle and multiple warnings appeared on the dash such as check forward safety system, two cars colliding, check blind spot safety system, traction?, ABS, lane departure, seat belts, Auto Hold, and other symbols not understood. On the second attempt, the vehicle restarted and more warning symbols appeared as soon as it was put in drive. The vehicle was shut off and restarted again with no warnings. We proceeded and drove it to Kia of Evans for service. The service Rep reported that the vehicle was driven 5 miles and they were not able to duplicate this issues. The infotainment screen has blanked out several times since purchase and this is the second time the vehicle has stalled at a traffic light. On this incident, this could have been a traffic situation turning left and losing power into oncoming traffic.
ABS system failing on my 2017 kia sportage Vin # [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the ABS and traction control warning lights illuminated, and Hill Descent Assist message was displayed. The contact also stated that while in park(P), the speedometer intermittently fluctuated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the wheel speed sensor and the rear engine bearings were replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 46,206.
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the ABS, Traction Control, and Hill Start Assist warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that an unknown sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, when the vehicle was taken for an oil change, the mechanic saw that there was no oil in the engine. The contact stated that oil was added to the vehicle but was consumed after two thousand miles of diving. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.
I was not aware of the HECU problem and did not receive a letter in Nov-23 or Mar-24 about the serious hydraulic electronic control unit that is starting fires with some Kia Sportage 2012 cars and others. The problem is listed as recognized in 09/2023 and it is now 7 months after this point. I called Kia Quirk in Braintree, MA and they were unable to provide me with the HECU fuse replacement unit for the ABS system. The website recommends that owners of vehicles included within the recall to not drive their vehicles and do not park near structures and/or other cars. But Kia Dealerships do not have the product to fix the problem that is cited as urgent. Please notify me as to what is the best remedy and more so, the dealership since you are unable to find 'the perfect solution,' is there a safe and tested solution that may be used instead to protect owners of vehicles. Thank you. [XXX] [XXX] , [XXX] , 04162024 [XXX] USA INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2008 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the brakes locked up. The contact removed the fuses. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. While his daughter was driving, an abnormal dinging sound was detected. The contact changed the calipers and noticed that the ABS box was stuck. The brake warning light was illuminated. The contact put the fuse back in the vehicle. Additionally, the vehicle was leaking brake fluid. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who stated that the brake pedal was soft and not to drive the vehicle. The dealer informed the contact that the parts were not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V800000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.
The contact owns a 2010 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the ABS and the 4WD warning lights illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
- What is wrong
- 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.
Recall number 23V652000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist
- What is wrong
- Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Sportage vehicles. The brake booster diaphragm may become misaligned and cause an internal vacuum leak, which can result in a loss of power brake assist.
- Risk
- A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the brake booster as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1‑800‑333‑4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC272.
Recall number 23V410000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
- What is wrong
- Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2008-2009 Sportage vehicles previously recalled under recall 16V‑815. An engine compartment fire originating from around the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may occur while parked or driving.
- Risk
- A fire increases the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures and other vehicles until the recall repair has been performed. Dealers will inspect and replace the HECU, its wiring harness, and its fuses, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 22, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1‑800‑333‑4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC253.
Recall number 22V800000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
- What is wrong
- Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2018 K900 and 2014-2016 Sportage vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire.
- 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 install a new fuse for the HECU circuit board, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 22, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1‑800‑333‑4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC227.
Recall number 22V051000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
- What is wrong
- Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Sportage and Cadenza vehicles. The electrical circuit in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may short-circuit, which can cause a fire in the engine compartment.
- Risk
- An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace certain fuses in the electrical junction box. Vehicles equipped with an electronic parking brake (EPB) will also receive a HECU software update. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on April 30, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1‑800‑333‑4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC206.
Recall number 21V137000 · Recall details
Parking brake
- What is wrong
- On certain sport utility vehicles, the parking brake lever ratchet pawl was not properly manufactured and my damage the teeth of the parking brake lever ratchet. Damaged parking brake lever ratchet teeth may prevent the parking brake from engaging or may allow the parking brake to release after it has been engaged.
- Risk
- The inability to engage, or the inadvertent release of, the parking brake lever may allow your vehicle to roll while it is parked and may result in a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the parking brake lever assembly. The recall began on august 1, 2005. Owners may contact kia at 1‑800‑333‑4542.
Recall number 05V318000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles without an anti-lock braking system (ABS). The steering intermediate shaft coupling can contact a hydraulic brake pipe causing fluid leakage.
- Risk
- This condition can cause a loss of rear brake increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, increase the clearance between the brake pipe and steering intermediate shaft coupling.
Recall number 98V222000 · Recall details
Questions about the Kia Sportage abs
Why does the abs come on in the Kia Sportage?
Owners who report it most often also describe fire, smoke or burning smell, check engine light and engine stalls while driving, and the codes they mention most are P0501, C2380 and C1513.
Which Kia Sportage years have aBS light or ABS activating problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2008 (27 complaints), 2017 (5 complaints) and 1996 (4 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix ABS light or ABS activating on the Kia Sportage?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $2,311 (median of 10 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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