Suspension Problems of Kia Motor Sportage - part 1

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.

See all problems of the 2020 Kia Motor Sportage 🔎.

Safety complaint description vehicle: 2025 kia Sportage hybrid lx 2025 mileage: ~6,000 miles issue status: ongoing, multiple dealer visits (3 attempts), unresolved related kia case number: [xxx] problem description the vehicle demonstrates significant highway instability and unsafe handling behavior under normal driving conditions. At highway speeds (approximately 50–70 mph), the vehicle exhibits excessive lateral movement and instability, especially after hitting potholes or uneven road surfaces. The car shifts horizontally after impacts, requiring immediate steering correction to maintain lane position. On grooved concrete highways (such as interstate routes toward [xxx] [xxx] ), the vehicle feels like it is floating and swaying continuously, even without strong wind conditions. The vehicle is also highly sensitive to moderate crosswinds (around 20–25 mph). At highway speeds, this results in noticeable rear-end drift and instability, requiring frequent steering corrections and creating concern about potential loss of control. Overall, the handling behavior is beyond normal expectations for this vehicle class and creates a safety concern at highway speeds. Safety concern these conditions create a risk of loss of vehicle control, particularly: -after hitting potholes at highway speeds -during moderate crosswinds -on grooved or uneven concrete highways the instability increases driver workload and raises concern about potential accident risk if overcorrection occurs. Repair attempts the issue has been reported to the dealer and service center three times, but no permanent resolution has been achieved. The problem remains reproducible under normal driving conditions. Additional notes concern exists regarding whether proper pre-delivery inspection (pdi) or alignment verification was fully completed prior to delivery, as the issue has been present since early ownership and persists at ~6,000 miles. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2025 Kia Motor Sportage 🔎.

The rear subframe is completely rusted out the car only has 120,000 miles was able to get it home but something under it is making a banging noise looked under it and the subframe is rusted out.

See all problems of the 2007 Kia Motor Sportage 🔎.

I hear rattling coming from the rear right side of the car. There is extreme loss of control of vehicle when it hits any bump or imperfection in the road or driving service, ranging from small transition in road surface to potholes and raised patches in road surface. Must continually work to maintain control of the vehicle when driving over these surfaces. This occurs at any rate of speed. It feels very unsafe to drive.

See all problems of the 2024 Kia Motor Sportage 🔎.

Front headlights went out also rear brake lights now I have a problem with brake light and tailgate lamp staying on when car and lights are off. The suspension has had a issue ever since I bought it it makes awful loud noises when driving and especially hitting bumps in road. Passenger front and rear windows won't roll down. Had to replace battery as well. Inside door handles fell off as well as outside rear handles. Tire pressure indicator light stays on as well as the park assist and drive train lights stay on. Problem with car going in drive sometimes it locks up and have to restart and slam on brakes several times to unlock.

See all problems of the 2011 Kia Motor Sportage 🔎.

Excessive body roll causes instability and loss of control. While driving on the interstate at normal speeds, driving over bumps such as bridge joints cause instability. Dealer investigated concern but stated this is normal on all Sportage.

See all problems of the 2023 Kia Motor Sportage 🔎.

We were driving down the road and heard a whine. About 2 minutes later there was a pop in both front wheels locked we could not move and we cannot get them to unlock.

See all problems of the 2013 Kia Motor Sportage 🔎.

I took my car to the kia dealer because I burn I was smelling burn oil. They told me that it wasn’t burn oil. It was the rubber burning I replace the inner and I’m still smelling the oil burning. I’m putting in oil four times a week, and they still not tell me why I’m putting so much oil then I want to say because I do too much highway mileage that’s why I probably burn it so much oil, but that should be impossible.

See all problems of the 2017 Kia Motor Sportage 🔎.

Brakes keep squealing and as of a result of previous recall service my engine drink oil fast and not to mention the oil pan gasket is leaking oil. The engine smoke and have a burning smell that seep inside the car vents.

See all problems of the 2014 Kia Motor Sportage 🔎.

July 14, 2020 to whom it may concern I denise carter is owner of kia Sportage 2006 (kndje723767166182) I purchase this vehicle 12/2005 from kia in paramus NJ. This vehicle now has 137,296 miles also what make note it has not never been in accident or given me big issues. In may 2018, I received a recall on this vehicle for application of additional anti- corrosion material (sc104) which I brought my vehicle to tenafly NJ (which is now closed) •only July 2, 2020 appropriately 5:20 pm I was driven home to pick up my mother, I heard a weird sound coming from left back wheel. And continuing driving the sound got louder, I taken the vehicle to my mechanic and left there. •July 3, 2020, I went to pick up the vehicle and the mechanic showed me underneath the vehicle how the vehicle corrupted (photos include). The mechanic advises me not to drive the car that it is very hazardous to me and others on the road and I should notify the dealership. •July 5,2020, I called the customer relation of kia which they stated that they will look at it and have vehicle towed to nearness kia, which is jack daniels motors, inc kia in fairlawn NJ. The vehicle arrived 9:30 am. I received phone at 3:30 pm from service advisor mark liberal, who actual ask me to come in and sign papers. I could not come on July 5,2020 •on July 6, 2020 I arrived at kia jack daniels motors, inc at 5:30 pm to talk to service advisor mark liberal, he stated that the vehicle was out of warranty and it was out of his hands and someone will get back to me. •on July 10, 2020 I received a phone call from service advisor mark liberal that the vehicle pass the warranty and they cannot help me with the issue. I should call customer relation. Then I called customer relation again, I talk to bill ext. 45541. The customer servant, bill stated that I should call my insurance company to pay for repairs, (out pocket). I told him that this issue is not my insurance company issue. The issue is kia, which ha.

See all problems of the 2006 Kia Motor Sportage 🔎.

The frame has rusted out on this vehicle. The passenger side frame above the rear axle is completely rusted out. I can put my thumb through the rear frame on the driver's side. The exhaust system on this vehicle is still intact - ironic that the frame would rust out before the exhaust system.

See all problems of the 2009 Kia Motor Sportage 🔎.

My 2005 kia Sportage dropped on the rear drivers side. The rear drivers side rear constant velocity axle fell out when the rear sub-frame separated from the suspension and split apart. This caused the tire and wheel to angle to 45 degrees out from bottom to top. The rust and corrosion caused a complete failure of the sub-frame's ability to hold the rear wheels on. This was at low speed. This is a well maintained vehicle with no other problems, the engine had been replaced 5-6 years ago. The kia Sportage of this year range is a commonly used car still utilized today. If this had happened at highway speed it would have been a disaster.

See all problems of the 2005 Kia Motor Sportage 🔎.

Completely rusted out frame by back right suspension and caused suspension to collapse. .

Bought vehicle from team gunther kia - daphne, al. Vehicle arrived in colorado with illegally low tire tread depth and unusual rattling in the rear of vehicle which requires a heat shield replacement (i25 kia in colorado). Vehicle only has 23,000 miles. One owner, clean carfax report. Kia refuses to pay for heat shield replacement as vehicle ran out of warrant June of 2019 and 10 year powertrain warranty will not suffice despite incomplete sale (case number: 13917735). Tires should not have been so poor (hankook) at 4/32nds and extreme tire rot with only 23,000 original miles. Suspicious lack of documentation regarding odometer check that has delayed registration of vehicle in colorado. The vehicle condition upon arrival would have been an illegal sale in the state of colorado.

The car was bought certified used from galpin kia which is no longer in business. That location closed down. I had gone 2 times with the same issue and they refused to look under the car & mechanic basically said chill out it’s fine. Sent me to galpin Ford to which I talked to 2 employees and in tears expressed my fear and concern yet was told to relax and nothing was wrong . Took to kia new location 2 times was told to come back and 3rd I refused to leave till it was looked at. Mechanic said it was not in good shape and rep told me to not drive unless a emergency & would email me that night which was Saturday what labor it needed and prices and I’ve yet to hear back I followed up twice since and still no response . . The fact I was told not to drive & it mechanic stated to rep in spanish, basically something with wheels and tires being eaten away while driving also a ball bearing cracked and they asked if I had receipts as it could be a lemon. . I try to keep all my conversations via chat or email for this very reason I also have emails I’ve communicated with corporate about the situation to which I had no response and most of the repairs that I got were at certified kia service stations. It needed alignment 4-6 within 6 months. Car pulling badly and needed tires changed or alignment each time. Car feels like it’s gonna fall apart and at times the wheel kinda tightens up and I feel I don’t have control. I’ve been dealing with this over a year and no one has even bothered to check after my constant emails, calls voicing my concern & fear of driving. It sits in garage since while trying to get kia to do something, pandemic hit and coincidentally the warranty conveniently expired. Please help.

See all problems of the 2016 Kia Motor Sportage 🔎.

When I pulled in my yard I heard a clicking in the wheel and when I got out the wheel had squatted out on the drivers side front. Axle is off. I was in motion when it happened.

Engine is broke.

The contact owns a 2013 kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving 65 mph, when she drove over a pothole and driver's and passenger's side rear wheels shifted. The contact drove to her residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic however, was not diagnosed nor repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of failure. The failure mileage was 107,000.

Rotted rear cross member.

The contact owns a 2013 kia Sportage. While driving 30 mph, the rod bearings fractured and the vehicle seized without warning. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,601.

Rear subframe rotted out. (,unsafe to drive). Kia Sportage 2005 look like 30 years old.

Left rear wheel makes a noise like it's an old old car, as you driving low speed. Or even if it is stationary, it makes that noise as you get in or get out from the vehicle. Can't pin point, where the sound coming from. Annoying.

The rear cross member that holds rear tie rods and rear connecting arms to wheels is rusted so bad it will fail. My employer has same year same model but in huyundai hers is the same and drivers side rear just snapped hike driving it's the exact same part and rusted so bad wheel collapsed. This is why I checked mine. Bottom line main suspension component on kia and huyundai shortage or dante fe fail at 10 years. There are as a recall to undercoat or replace parts under the car do to early rust failure. This was 6 years ago. This cross member is bolted to he frame and I can guarantee most 2005 have the same failure occurring. It s also hard to locate the part and they charge from $350- $1000 for it. The huyundai exact same part # from kia is twice as much as the kia part.

Rear section of vehicle frame is rotted beyond a safe condition to continue use. Rear suspension mount points are crumbling and falling off. Vehicle has 38,000 miles. Vehicle always parked on pavement or concrete and used as a primary vehicle for an older female. Vehicle used very little during winter snow conditions.

See all problems of the 2002 Kia Motor Sportage 🔎.

I bought a car last week from a private seller, and it has a gas leak coming from the gas tank area. I have not taken it in yet to a mechanic to have it checked out. The seller had replaced the filler hose, and had said the previous owner had replaced the gas tank, so he said there shouldn't have been any issues. I have two grandchildren that need to be able to ride safely in this car, and I refuse to drive it with this leak on there. From the other reports that I am reading, this is a major issue, along with the rusted frame on the car. Kia should not be allowed to continue to sell cars without fixing these other major issues.

Tl-the contact owns a 2009 kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at 55 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The camshafts broke. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the knock sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 78,000. Aw.

Vehicle was involved in a head on collision with another vehicle which was traveling approximately 30 mph. The vehicle was declared totaled due to the extensive front end damage. The airbag sensor was damaged and the airbags never deployed.

When the batery is not charge damaged a/c is not cooling and the supension is hard and damege the bottles.

Rear frame rust/rot is incredibly excessive. Noticed today while checking tire pressure. Entire underside of frame is completely rusted through. Rear cross member in terrible shape. Visible deterioration happened quickly. Purchasing the car in 2012 there was no sign of rot on the frame. Now I feel uncomfortable driving the car, or selling it to someone else for that matter. As a mechanical engineer, the integrity of the square tube frame is compromised to the point that safety in a rear end collision is in question, any kind of trailer load would be impossible and unsafe. Really a danger to the general public because it could fail at any time.

See all problems of the 1998 Kia Motor Sportage 🔎.

Traveling posted speed limit , car began to skid. Made a slight turn of steering wheel car began to rollover two or three times.

The structure is rotten and unsafe to drive. I have seen many reports of this and cannot believe that it has not been recalled.

See all problems of the 2000 Kia Motor Sportage 🔎.

Rear frame of my 1999 kia Sportage rotted, and causing the whole rearend to shift severely. At 30mph. Causing me to park my Sportage. Rest of the frame in good shape.

See all problems of the 1999 Kia Motor Sportage 🔎.

Car pulls to right constantly. A rattling noise in front of car under neath. Was taken to kia and they stated that nothing was wrong. Now rattle noise is worse.

I was hearing a clunk every time I started going forward and backwards and got underneath the car to notice the frame crossmember was totally separated from the frame. It is the frame crossbar that holds the rear axle support to the frame. The affected frame cross member goes underneath the gas tank and would require 2 days labor to fix at my local repair shop. To remove the gas tank is one project and to have a new welded support bar is another project and will cost alot to fix. I called kia for possible recals and they said "OH its out of warranty" goodluck with that!!! this car is unsafe and could have caused serious damage.

See all problems of the 2001 Kia Motor Sportage 🔎.

Purchased 2005 (new) right from the showroom. Eight years later find out that the rear subframe is completely rotted out. And that's putting it mildly. Brought it to kia dealership to have them look at it. Said they never seen anything like it before. Told me it was unsafe to drive, that if the frame broke in half the back tires would fall off. Only thing holding it on is the trailing arms. Claim was filed but kia wont do anything because of the miles on the vehicle and said that it was from the salt on the road in the winter. Only problem is that's the only part under the vehicle that's rotted and everything else is solid without rust. Hmmmm!!!! I hope that an investigation is opened because this is a serious matter and kia doesn't want to take responsibility for it. Ive taken pictures and everyone that I've shown cant believe there eyes, saying there's no way a vehicle of this year should the subframe look like that. Kia said they've had a lot of complaints about rust but this can't even be considered rust the holes are so. . . Oooo big I could put my fist through it. Please investigate this matter before someone gets seriously hurt or killed. This is no laughing matter!!!!!.