Kia Sportage brake failure problems

Filed May 16, 2026 · Brakes · OH

5/14/2026 Turned car on and put in reverse, E brake turned on, placed vehicle in park turned off E brake and put the car in reverse. Let brake up and car began to coast back, when I attempted to slow vehicle with brake the brake went all the way to the floor and brakes were not working. Car rolled into the road it a one way, I put the car in drive and it coasted down the road. Brakes continued to go to the floor without stopping or slowing the vehicle. I threw the car in park turned it off and back on and the brakes were restored. I made a service appointment with [XXX] at vandevere for 1:20pm on 5/15/2026. 5/15/2026 Took car to vandever Kia service center to get looked at. The service advisor was Olivia. The issue was unable to be recreated by the service technician. Was instructed to return car for service if issue was to arise again. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed May 7, 2026 · Brakes · 600 miles · MN

The contact owns a 2026 Kia Sportage HEV. The contact stated that while approaching a traffic signal light at nighttime while it was raining, the brake pedal was depressed, and when the vehicle hit a pothole, the brakes failed to respond. To avoid colliding into the vehicle in front, the contact veered the steering wheel and pumped the brakes. After a few minutes the brakes functioned as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. However, no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a claim was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 600.

Filed Apr 21, 2026 · Brakes · CO

Vehicle: 2023 Kia Sportage Issue: Service Brakes / Premature Rotor Failure / Grinding Within approximately six months of purchasing my vehicle new, I experienced brake grinding and premature rotor failure. This condition has reoccurred multiple times despite repair attempts at authorized Kia dealerships, including rotor replacement under a Technical Service Bulletin. Multiple dealerships acknowledged the issue. A Kia service manager advised that factory brake and rotor components are prone to premature failure and stated that reinstallation of original parts would likely result in recurrence. They recommended aftermarket brake components to correct the defect. Despite this acknowledgement, Kia America has failed to provide a permanent fix and continues to rely on reinstalling the same materials associated with repeated failures. The defect remains unresolved and presents an ongoing safety risk due to compromised braking performance. This issue appears consistent with known defect patterns affecting Kia Sportage vehicles manufactured between 2022–2024, with widespread consumer complaints reporting premature brake wear, grinding, vibration, and repeated rotor failure. I am submitting this complaint due to the safety implications of repeated brake failure, Kia’s failure to implement a corrective remedy, and the risk posed to drivers and the public.

Filed Apr 10, 2026 · Brakes · OK

Component Failure: Independent inspection confirmed a broken brake master cylinder mounting bracket and a missing AC compressor mounting bolt. Safety Risk: The broken brake bracket compromises the structural integrity of the braking system, posing a risk of brake failure while driving. The missing AC bolt creates a risk of the compressor becoming unseated, which could damage the serpentine belt and cause a sudden loss of power steering or engine cooling. Dealer Interaction: The selling dealer (Orr Nissan West) advertised the vehicle as "vetted" but has since ignored multiple formal requests for the pre-sale inspection records after these defects were discovered.

Filed Mar 16, 2026 · Brakes, Driver assistance · MN · crash

I was stopped in the left hand turn lane, then accelerated to cross 2 lanes of traffic. I then let off the accelerator, and applied the brakes to stop, and the brakes did not function. I then rear ended a vehicle in front of me due to the intermittent loss of brakes. It may have also been the propulsion system kept going. Either way the vehicle maintained the same speed of about 15mph until I collided with the vehicle in front of me which stopped me. The brakes worked fine again after the collision. There also was no Forward Collision Avoidance system that was triggered in any way. This vehicle is a Rental Car.

Filed Nov 24, 2025 · Brakes, Electrical · GA · crash

While driving my 2022 Kia Sportage, the brakes suddenly stopped responding. I pressed the brake pedal hard several times and the vehicle did not slow down or stop at all. There was no braking pressure and no warning lights. Because the brakes failed completely, I crashed directly into a guardrail. The airbags deployed on impact. This was not driver error, it was a sudden and total brake system failure. The vehicle is currently in a wreck yard and requires immediate manufacturer inspection.

Filed Nov 18, 2025 · Brakes, Electrical · PA

Initially in May 25, my Sportage started accelerating on its own, unprompted, up to 4500 RPMs many times and also hesitated. In 6/25 the info screen, (whole dash) went black 4-5 x’s for about 3minutes while driving 60 mph on bypass. Beginning of July, Siri didn’t work and said it was inaccessible, and also the navigation said it was not updated however, when I pulled into the dealer, all of a sudden it worked? On 7/23 I was turning into apt complex and had no brakes! I had slowed to about 20mph, car behind me, and couldn’t make that turn so I coasted up to next entrance and was able to turn in. Fortunately, I was able to stop in my handicap pkg spot. I had already made appt for the initial issues at the dealer, Moyer Kia in Lebanon, for first week of August, but immediately called them on 724 and explained the absence of breaks! They told me to get car there right away, so I did. I gave a list of all above info, they were able to give me a loaner, Kia G6. This was very inconvenient for me as most of my back is fused and I provide transport for my [XXX] /o mom w/Walker, but I can’t go w/o a car! Moyer has had my car since 7/24,. With the exception of need for miles on the loaner communication was poor. I tried to reach Kia Corp multiple x’s to no avail. I was told by Brian at dealer that my case had been escalated to the national safety board and they were advised not to touch my car pending investigation. So it sat there for months I got a message from Kia Connect that my battery was dead, more communication than I had received throughout this whole experience! Last week, Thursday I had called corp who said they sent me an email on 1023 to tell me nothing is wrong with my car, they also emailed the dealer. I hadn’t checked email, nor did they call, so I didn’t know, dealer called me on Friday to come and get my car, but first they had to grind the rust off of rotors, recharge the battery and would I like them to inspect it?, NOTHING IS WRONG? THIS CAR is NOT SAFE!!!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM

Filed Oct 17, 2025 · Engine · 88,000 miles · SC

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 - 50 MPH, the vehicle started to decelerate unintendedly. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal; however, the pedal went to the floorboard, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The contact attempted to depress the brake pedal; however, the brakes failed to stop the vehicle. The contact activated the hazard light and was able to coast to the side of the road and noticed smoke coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle with a burning odor. The contact turned off the vehicle and had the vehicle towed to a nearby mechanic. The mechanic determined that the engine had failed and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact found information on the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) online; however, after discussions with the dealer, it was decided that the contact had to provide maintenance receipts before any engine replacement could be finalized. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

Filed Feb 26, 2025 · Brakes · NJ · crash

Statement for the federal safety agency Complaint: I am filing this complaint regarding a 2025 Kia Sportage EX (VIN: [XXX] ) that I purchased, which was sold to me with a defective brake booster. This defect resulted in a complete brake failure, putting my safety and the safety of others at serious risk. When the issue occurred, I lost braking power, which could have led to a severe accident. After bringing the vehicle in for repair, it was confirmed that the brake booster was faulty. Kia of America has only offered to reimburse me for my $1,000 insurance deductible, despite selling me a defective vehicle that should never have been on the road. They have not taken full responsibility for the issue, nor have they provided an appropriate resolution. This is a major safety concern, and I am concerned that other Kia Sportage owners may be driving with the same defect, unaware of the potential danger. I urge the federal safety agency to investigate this matter further and take appropriate action to ensure Kia addresses this safety hazard properly. Please let me know if you require any additional information regarding my case. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Nov 21, 2024 · Brakes, Engine · PA

Purchased vehicle used 11/18/2023. Two days later vehicle went into limp mode on the highway. No brakes. Engine continued to shut off. Towed to dealer. Replaced injector. 11000 miles. 12/27/23 Vehicle was returned. 11/14/2024 Vehicle went into limp mode. Engine would not run. Vehicle was blowing white smoke thru exhaust. Another highway incident. Towed to dealership. This condition is very dangerous on the highway not only for me, my family and other motorist. As of today the vehicle is still at dealership. Do not have the repair orders or my car.