2008 Kia Sportage recalls and problems
The 2008 Kia Sportage has 3 safety recalls and 98 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2008 Kia Sportage vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2008 Kia Sportage recalls
Recall 22V-800: Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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 16V-815: Electrical System
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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 13V-114: Exterior Lighting
Problem: Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul, model year 2008-2011 Optima, model year 2010 Forte, model year 2007-2009 Amanti, and model year 2009 Borrego vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Kia recalled 623,658 model year 2007-2010 Rondo and Sportage, model year 2007-2011 Sorento, model year 2007 Sedona, model year 2010-2011 Soul, and model year 2011 Optima vehicles. In September 2013, Kia informed the agency that it was adding an additional 356,719 vehicles to this campaign. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 980,377. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake-transmission shift interlock feature preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.
Risk: Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of PARK without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall campaign number is SC098.
2008 Kia Sportage problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 27 | |
| Engine | 17 | |
| Service Brakes | 15 | |
| Structure | 13 | |
| Power Train | 12 | |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | 9 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 7 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 7 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 5 | |
| Air Bags | 5 | |
| Tires | 4 | |
| Unknown or Other | 3 |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 11
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 3
- Tires › Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems — 3
- Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery — 1
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 1
- Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly — 1
- Suspension › Front — 1
- Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 82,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2008 Kia Sportage complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Kia Sportage years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2008 Kia Sportage have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2008 Kia Sportage: 22V-800 (service brakes, hydraulic), 16V-815 (electrical system), 13V-114 (exterior lighting). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 Kia Sportage?
Owners report electrical system problems most often (27 reports), followed by engine (17). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 82,000 miles.
Are Kia recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Kia dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.