Air Bag Problems of Kia Motor Sportage - part 1

Kia Motor Sportage owners have reported 82 problems related to air bag (under the air bag category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Kia Motor Sportage based on all problems reported for the Sportage.

1 Air Bag problem of the 2023 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 01/20/2026

I was involved in a motor vehicle collision where my vehicle sustained significant front-end damage and was later declared a total loss by my insurance company. Despite the severity of the impact, the front airbags did not deploy. The impact was primarily to the front of the vehicle, and the damage required extensive repairs, exceeding the threshold for a total loss. I was wearing my seatbelt at the time of the crash. The failure of the airbag system to deploy raised serious safety concerns, as airbags are intended to provide occupant protection in frontal crashes of this nature. I experienced physical discomfort after the incident and believe the lack of airbag deployment increased the risk of injury. There were no warning lights or messages related to the airbag or restraint system prior to the crash. The vehicle had not shown any prior airbag or safety system faults. The vehicle is currently available for inspection and has been reviewed by the insurance company. I am reporting this incident to request investigation into a potential airbag system malfunction that could pose a safety risk to other drivers.

See all problems of the 2023 Kia Motor Sportage 🔎.

2 Air Bag problem of the 2016 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 12/02/2025

My wife was recently in a car accident and sandwiched between two cars and the airbags didn’t deploy.

See all problems of the 2016 Kia Motor Sportage 🔎.

3 Air Bag problem of the 2023 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 11/15/2025

On November 15, I was traveling with my mother and seated in the front passenger seat of a 2023 kia Sportage while she was driving approximately 65 mph on the interstate when the vehicle struck a deer. The impact caused significant front-end damage, including the bumper, radiator area, and underbody components. I was wearing a seatbelt. Despite the severity of the collision and the high rate of speed, neither the driver nor passenger airbags deployed. No airbags deployed in any position in the vehicle. I sustained injuries, including a right shoulder sprain and having the wind knocked out of me, and required medical care. As a result of this crash, my mother developed post-traumatic stress symptoms, including fear of driving and anxiety related to the accident. The component that failed appears to be the supplemental restraint system (srs)/airbag system, which did not deploy in a crash that should have met deployment thresholds. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This failure put our safety at risk by leaving us without the primary restraint protection designed to prevent head, chest, and upper body injuries in a high-speed frontal collision. The issue has not yet been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer. The vehicle has been seen by insurance, but no airbag system inspection or explanation has been provided. There were no airbag warning lights or dashboard messages prior to the crash. If there were any faults stored in the system, they were not displayed to the occupants. I believe this is a serious safety defect involving airbag non-deployment.

4 Air Bag problem of the 2025 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 10/27/2025

After a hard crash from behind and then being pushed into another car, causing severe damage to the front and rear of the car (total loss), the airbags only deployed on the right (passenger) side. In addition, after the crash, the steering wheel was lying at the driver's feet, completely detached from its original position.

See all problems of the 2025 Kia Motor Sportage 🔎.

5 Air Bag problem of the 2024 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 10/01/2025

Description of crash: on [xxx], I was involved in a front-end collision while driving my 2024 kia Sportage. Despite the impact, the airbags did not deploy. Additionally, the forward collision assistance system did not engage or warn me prior to the crash, even though conditions were normal and the system was active. Safety concern: •the airbags and collision assistance are federally regulated safety systems. Their failure put me and any potential passengers at serious risk. •I am very concerned this indicates a defect in the airbag and/or collision avoidance system. Damage/injuries: my front end of my vehicle is completely destroyed, and so is my engine. As for myself I am experiencing some soreness and discomfort requested action: •I request that kia and NHTSA investigate this failure as a potential safety defect. •I want confirmation that my case has been documented and reviewed for possible recall or repair action. State farm claim #: [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2024 Kia Motor Sportage 🔎.

6 Air Bag problem of the 2013 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 08/27/2025

The contact owns a 2013 kia Sportage. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at 45 mph, the daughter collided with another vehicle after the vehicle aggressively merged in front of her. The collision was at the front driver and passenger side of the vehicle. The contact added that the collision threw her daughter forward and backward, and the contact's daughter sustained neck, shoulder, and lower back injuries, and surgery on her neck was needed. A police report was filed. The vehicle was taken to the residence and parked. The vehicle was then towed to a body shop. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

See all problems of the 2013 Kia Motor Sportage 🔎.

7 Air Bag problem of the 2020 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 06/06/2025

My car has the same issues as the kia soul and kia sorento. Kia has issued recalls for certain soul and sorento models due to various issues. A significant recall involves the 2020-2021 soul and 2021 seltos with 2. 0l nu mpi engines, where the piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, potentially leading to engine damage and even fires. Additionally, some 2021-2022 sorento and 2021-2023 k5 models have been recalled due to a potential loss of drive power caused by a faulty transmission oil pump. I purchased my car within the same time frame between 2020 - 2021 as well. Many mechanics have also told me the fast oil burn issue has been happening to a lot of kia Sportages as well. I have also been told by kia dealership they have stopped selling my particular model for a while now as well. My engine is having issues, and the air in my car is also not working as well. Please help assist in this concern of mine and the issue that is very relevent and related to the kia soul and kia sorento. Thank you!.

See all problems of the 2020 Kia Motor Sportage 🔎.

8 Air Bag problem of the 2023 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 03/27/2025

The contact owns a 2023 kia Sportage. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed through an intersection, the vehicle was struck on the passenger side front quarter panel by another vehicle that had failed to yield. As a result, the vehicle spun out of control through the intersection before coming to a complete stop, causing the driver to hit her head on the driver's side window. The air bags did not deploy. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed a total loss by the contact's insurance provider. A police report was filed, and injuries were reported. The driver was evaluated by emt on scene but declined to be transported to an area hospital for treatment. The driver later transported herself to an area hospital and was treated for a concussion, neck pain, bruising, and various minor cuts to the knees. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.

9 Air Bag problem of the 2011 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 08/19/2024

The contact owned a 2011 kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving at approximately 55 mph she rolled over a large puddle of water on the roadway. The contact stated that she hydroplaned and she lost control of the vehicle. The contact stated that she drove off of the roadway and down an embankment and rolled over several times before coming to a stop at the bottom of the embankment. The contact was transported by ambulance to a hospital. The contact stated she was diagnosed with a concussion, bruises to both arms, a sprained left ankle and cuts to her hands and feet. The contact stated that she was conscious when she was removed from the vehicle and noted that only the side air bags had deployed. The driver's front air bag had not deployed. The contact stated that the police were on scene but was not sure if a report had been written. The contact stated that the vehicle had been towed to an impound lot and declared a total loss by her insurance provider. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

See all problems of the 2011 Kia Motor Sportage 🔎.

10 Air Bag problem of the 2024 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 03/29/2024

The contact owns a 2024 kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at 77 mph, the vehicle was involved in a front impact crash with a large size deer. The air bags did not deploy. The contact stated that two minor children were seated on the rear seat. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. No injuries were sustained. No medical attention was administered. A police report was filed. The vehicle was condemned as a totaled loss by the insurance company. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 22,500.

11 Air Bag problem of the 2018 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 02/02/2024

I was in a collision and sandwiched in between cars severe front and back damage. No air bags!.

See all problems of the 2018 Kia Motor Sportage 🔎.

12 Air Bag problem of the 2023 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 09/08/2023

The contact was driving a 2023 kia Sportage loaner vehicle. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph and pressing the brake pedal the braking system malfunctioned and the brake pedal extended to the floor causing the vehicle to crash into the rear of a second vehicle. During the crash the vehicle sustained front end damage but the air bag did not deploy. Also, during the crash the second vehicle was pushed into the rear of a third vehicle. No injuries were reported and no police report was taken. The cause of the failures were not determined. The local dealer was notified of the crash. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 450.

13 Air Bag problem of the 2023 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 07/31/2023

I was in a motor vehicle accident this morning and it was an impactful accident yet my air bags failed to go off which was a surprise to me and the police officers given the force of the accident. The police officers even commented on it several times since it’s a new car and recommended I address it. The other drivers air bags went off and she got hit from the side whereas I collided with the car head on and they did not go off. My car was impacted to the point of not being to drive off in my car from the scene due to the damage and it had to be towed.

14 Air Bag problem of the 2017 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 07/21/2023

The contact owns a 2017 kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at 20 mph, during which he fell asleep as he was returning home from a dialysis appointment, he rear-ended another vehicle that was at the stop light, and the air bag did not deploy. The contact was taken to the hospital and diagnosed with a fractured chest. The contact stated that a police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a collision center. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,495.

See all problems of the 2017 Kia Motor Sportage 🔎.

15 Air Bag problem of the 2023 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 07/04/2023

The contact owns a 2023 kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 mph a second vehicle suddenly crashed into the driver's side of the vehicle. During the crash no air bags deployed and the driver sustained minor neck and back injuries which did not require medical treatment. No police report was taken. The vehicle was later driven to the home. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 6,000.

16 Air Bag problem of the 2019 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 06/28/2023

4:00 p. M. , June 28, I was driving alone on nolana Ave in mcallen, TX. & intersection of n. 10th st. Weather was sunny, hot, and dry. My car was 1st in middle lane, speed about 20 mph. I applied the brakes for a red traffic light. Instantly, the brakes locked and 3 air bags deployed -driver and passenger side + passenger side windows. The windshield was blocked but it seemed like the car swerved slowly, about 10-15 mph, to the right. My car sideswiped the chevy equinox stopped at red light in right lane. The car behind me, Toyota corolla, hit my rear end. I didn't hear or feel either of these crashes. Mcallen pd arrived and called a wrecker and ambulance for me. The airbag peeled back layers of skin on my right forearm which was bleeding profusely. Lone star ems #3348 ambulance took me to south texas health system er on ware rd. , arriving at 4:50 p. M. I didn't see the two other cars until I was on the gurney in the ambulance. Police report - wrecker and ambulance were called for driver of Toyota. The er doctor treated 3 wounds and released me. The police report does not cite defective brakes and deployed air bags as cause of wreck. Also, bert ogden kia in mission where I bought the car denied any responsibility. Manager said, "not my problem. Call kia. " I filed a complaint with kia consumer affairs defective brakes and air bags, case #15654828. Geico declared total loss & sent settlement check. Geico claim #: 0397488510101082. Geico adjuster: peter valdivia, copart mercedes, in mercedes, TX. Phone:281-939-2879.

See all problems of the 2019 Kia Motor Sportage 🔎.

17 Air Bag problem of the 2023 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 06/23/2023

The parts to repair the brake recall are not available. No date can be given for availability. We have been told not to drive the vehicle. No loaner car is available. This is totally unacceptable.

18 Air Bag problem of the 2023 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 06/19/2023

The contact owns a 2023 kia Sportage . The contact stated that while driving at 45 mph, the vehicle collided with another and the air bags did not deploy. The contact stated that the impact was on the drivers side of the vehicle. The air bag warning light was not illuminated. The driver sustained head and back injuries. Medical treatment was needed and a police report was taken. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that unknown parts needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.

19 Air Bag problem of the 2017 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 05/10/2023

Airbag light came on. Was inspected by dealership. They informed me that the front side airbag needs to be replaced, as it is not grounded properly, and it could randomly deploy, or not deploy if accident occurs.

20 Air Bag problem of the 2019 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 02/21/2023

The tire suddenly exploded and the curtain air bag on the drivers side exploded too for some reason. I have a huge black eye and a concussion.

21 Air Bag problem of the 2023 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 02/13/2023

We purchased a new 2023 kia Sportage a month ago (January). There are several issues we’ve encountered. One week after purchase, the doors on the vehicle would lock on it’s own and we weren’t able to unlock them. The key fob nor trying to unlock the doors manually would not work. At times, we weren’t able to lock or unlock the doors and had to do it remotely from the kia app on the phone. I spoke with the salesperson and manager from the dealership on two separate occasions. I was told to change the batteries in the key fobs, but the problem continues. The second issue is that we noticed the back seat on the driver’s side popped forward. At one point, the seatbelt warning would alarm when no one’s sitting there. The third problem is the airbag warning sign illuminating which started today. This is a major concern. The kia service depart where we purchased the vehicle said it could be 3 months or more before they could check the vehicle. I called another dealership and they’re going to see service the vehicle next week.

22 Air Bag problem of the 2020 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 02/07/2023

A vehicle failed to the right of way to me and resulted in a front end collision. Upon collision the airbags deployed and immediately began smoking. I thought my car was about to catch fire and smelt as if was going to. The airbags heat alone resulted in the entire arm of my jacket to completely melt and I now have a permanent scar on my left wrist from where I was burned.

23 Air Bag problem of the 2015 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 12/25/2022

Hit skip acident 12/25/2022 germain body shop, powell, ohio for repair computer module airbag system -part number 959103w800 not available as of 6/20/2023 the repair shop is aware of the liability. Can not release, state of ohio laws. Confirmed from germain kia columbus, the email part is been on backorder.

See all problems of the 2015 Kia Motor Sportage 🔎.

24 Air Bag problem of the 2014 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 10/18/2022

Air bag light has been on. Service department looked into it and said it requires a new airbag control module, but the part is on back order and they don't know when it would be available. They said that if a crash occured, the airbags probably wouldn't work.

See all problems of the 2014 Kia Motor Sportage 🔎.

25 Air Bag problem of the 2023 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 08/17/2022

One week after purchasing the 2023 kia Sportage ex, the airbag light came on. I took it to a local dealership who deemed the vehicle "unfit to drive" and kept it for 12 days. After 12 days, the vehicle was released to me and I was told the airbag issue had been resolved. However, a mere two days later, the airbag light came back again. I do not feel safe in this vehicle and have requested both the dealership and kia to buy back the vehicle since it is brand new, but both have refused. After being told by the dealership that the vehicle was unsafe to drive when I took it in for the first time after the airbag light came on, I am afraid to drive the vehicle and will have to again take it back to the dealership but I will never feel safe in this vehicle.

26 Air Bag problem of the 2023 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 04/07/2022

My airbag light has been on since I got my vehicle. The dealership said it is the front side impact sensor that is failing. If I were to get into an accident my front airbag would not deploy. The dealership has seen the light and confirmed the problem.

27 Air Bag problem of the 2022 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 02/10/2022

My mother was in a car accident where another driver was not paying attention and t-boned her passenger side, doing about 55+ mph. My mother's vehicle, the kia, had just begun travelling through an intersection (~10-15 mph) when the crash occurred. The kia was hit so hard that it rolled 2-3 times before coming to a complete stop. She survived with a few fractured bones, thankfully, but the steering wheel airbag did not deploy! every other airbag (driver side, passenger side, rear side) deployed, but not one of the most important ones. We're not sure if her injuries would have been lessened with that airbag or not, but the car was totaled out by insurance. There were no warning lights or symptoms prior to the crash.

See all problems of the 2022 Kia Motor Sportage 🔎.

28 Air Bag problem of the 2017 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 12/26/2021

The contact owns a 2017 kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at 30-35 mph, another vehicle crashed into the rear end of her vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact was unsure whether there was a warning light illuminated. The contact was transported to the hospital with the assistance of a family member. The contact sustained a concussion, jaw and back injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot, where it was totaled. The dealer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that the air bags do not always deploy in the event of a crash; therefore they could not assist. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.

29 Air Bag problem of the 2017 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 12/15/2021

Passenger airbag malfunction light came on and has stayed on. We are 30 days pass warranty and were given a quote of over $2600 to replace the airbag by the kia dealership where we purchased this 2017 kia Sportage. There are only 26,000 miles on it with no accidents. This is a safety issue and puts any passengers riding in that seat at a very high risk. A recall needs to be issued ASAP. My research on this problem revealed other recalls in the past on kia airbags.

30 Air Bag problem of the 2022 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 10/10/2021

I was involved in a highway forward collision accident and the emergency braking, alert, and air bags never went off.

31 Air Bag problem of the 2017 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 10/01/2021

While driving heard a loud cracking noise, when I made ot to my destination I noticed that the dash infront of the passenger seat were the airbag is has two v cracks in it.

32 Air Bag problem of the 2009 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 08/01/2021

6 months ago air bag indicator light came on for 2 days. That went out and another one came on (can't remember which one) and that stayed on for 2 days. Then all was good for 5 months. Now air bag indicator light is on again. Yes, it's available upon request. Have appt with dealer on 2/25/22. Of course the air bag indicator light could cause risk if there is something wrong with the bags. I'm wondering if it is just an electrical problem with the lights.

See all problems of the 2009 Kia Motor Sportage 🔎.

33 Air Bag problem of the 2013 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 04/04/2021

Clock spring malfunctioned, replaced x2, then mat failed in the passenger seat. Car has never been in an accident. Stayed in driveway. Seldom used total milage 111,659.

34 Air Bag problem of the 2011 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 01/10/2021

Airbag clock spring does not work properly. It has been recalled on other kia's but not mine. I was told to just turn the steering wheel to get the cruise to work, but don't know if that will make the airbag work in case of an accident if it's not fixed!!.

35 Air Bag problem of the 2020 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 12/05/2020

The contact owns a 2020 kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at 10 mph, another vehicle crashed into his rear driver's side door and wheel well. None of the air bags deployed upon impact. The contact's head hit the seat belt anchor ring upon impact. The contact later received medical attention for a tear in his shoulder and whiplash. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and then to a body shop where it was repaired. The tow truck driver informed the contact that the rear axle had fractured from the sub-frame. The vehicle was not deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 22v031000 (air bags) however, the VIN, year, and model were not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.



Safety Ratings of Sportage Cars
Fuel Economy of Sportage Vehicles
Sportage Defect Investigations