Home · 2015 Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid · Complaints

What 146 owners told NHTSA about the 2015 Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (146)Crash / fire / injury (18)Engine (84)Brakes (31)Electrical system (18)Fuel system (7)Transmission & drivetrain (6)Airbags (5)Speed control (5)Lights (3)Steering (3)Body & structure (2)

Newest first · 146 complaints · page 3 of 6

Sep 9, 2022Brakes

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V051000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11483688

Aug 30, 2022

A recall notice was issued in March. The notice advised to park vehicle outside until a remedy is available. When I had the vehicle serviced in June, the service adviser for West hills Kia, noted that a rodent nest was under the hood, and advised me they could install a rodent screen for APROX. $400. I declined. How can Kia, continue to state, to this date, there is no remedy, but are willing to sell me something that was caused by me parking the vehicle outdoors for 5 months? I would appreciate any information concerning this. Sincerely, [XXX]. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI 11481976

Aug 27, 2022

This is a complaint about NHTSA recall #22V051, manufacturer recall #SC227B. I was notified of this recall in March 2022 and there has been no remedy and no further correspondence. It has been suggested by the NHTSA that I not drive my car and that I park it away from other cars and structures in case of spontaneous combustion while driving or parked. I live in an area where a small spark could destroy thousands of acres of forest and homes and I no longer feel safe owning this vehicle. There has been no effort made by the manufacturer to provide me with a replacement for the inoperable vehicle that I paid for. I have written a formal complaint to the manufacturer with no response. Every time I call their corporate offices, I sit on hold for hours at a time before hanging up because no-one picks up the line. This is all unacceptable and this problem needs to be resolved immediately!

NHTSA ODI 11481523

Aug 16, 2022Brakes

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V051000 (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 dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11479506

Aug 16, 2022FirerelatedFire

The contact owned a 2015 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a burning odor was detected with smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle then lost motive power. Additionally, after refueling the vehicle, a fuel odor was detected while driving. A bystander alerted the contact that the vehicle had caught fire and to exit the vehicle immediately. The contact was able to safely exit the vehicle. There were flames coming from the engine compartment and underneath the vehicle. The bystander used a fire extinguisher to put out the flames. The fire department arrived on the scene and extinguished the smoke coming from the engine compartment. Police and fire department reports were filed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired and remained at the dealer. The vehicle was not yet deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V051000 (Service Brake, Hydraulic) however, the contact had not yet received the notification. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.

NHTSA ODI 11479533

Aug 16, 2022Electrical systemEngineFuel systemFire

This car was electronically going crazy tenants calling police cause alarm wouldn't stop going off Smelled gasoline but no leaks o roll the windows down engine ram n lights get dim no check light ever came on car shutting off child locked in car behind this then it goes up in smoke while driving on the freeway what the hell should I say more we could have list our lives in that car I have 2 kids 1 and 2. I need justice asap I have kids with astma is it due to this faulty vehicle

NHTSA ODI 11479658

Aug 15, 2022Brakes

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sportage. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V051000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics); however, the parts for the repair were unavailable. The dealer had been notified about the recall and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer had been notified of the recall. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11479344

Aug 15, 2022

Looking for assistance in getting recall sc227b completed. HW Kia (dealer) keeps telling me there is no part available. According to the recall notice letter I received from HW Kia on March 31, 2022, I can not park my car in my garage (or near any other vehicles or structures). There have been a high number of KIA/HYundai vehicles stolen in STL recently, and not being able to park my car in the garage I am risk of having it stolen. Please advise how I am to continue using my car with this kind of cautionary notice. Technically, I am unable to drive/park my car anywhere according to this letter. Thank you.

NHTSA ODI 11479385

Aug 15, 2022

This problem has not been repaired. We get the run around from KIA about when the part is going to come in to fix this safety hazard. It's now been 5 months with no definitive or even estimated date of when this recall part will come in. This uncertainty is causing great consternation since we're concerned about driving the car (because it could catch fire) or even parking the car in our garage. HELP!!!!!

NHTSA ODI 11479454

Aug 9, 2022Engine

I have received a recall and nothing is being done about it as of yet. I have taken it to the dealer about multiple issues that i felt have not been fully addressed, but the engine being able to catch on fire is the ultimate. I not only am in this vehicle , my children are as well. This is not safe to be driving around without any remedy. I either need my engine replaced or a vehicle replacement. Warning lights are always flashing on the dashboard. I keep calling and being left on hold for hours without any one addressing this issue. Does my car need to catch on fire or myself /children die before i receive any results. This is dangerous to keep driving and nothing being done. Please help

NHTSA ODI 11478438

Aug 2, 2022Brakes

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V051000 (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 dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11477098

Jul 27, 2022Engine

My check engine light went off on 7/13/22. A little over 24 hours later, on 7/14/22, I was on the highway with a 65 mph speed limit when my engine completely gave out. I had to navigate to the exit ramp and off the highway. I was unable to accelerate. I had it towed to a local repair shop and on 7/15/22 the told me my entire engine needed replaced. I then had it towed to a local Kia dealership on 7/15/22. I am still waiting to hear from Kia Corporate on whether the engine will be replaced. The engine is currently available for inspection at the Kia Dealership.

NHTSA ODI 11476152

Jul 26, 2022Brakes

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V051000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11475965

Jul 15, 2022Electrical systemEngine

I have not had an "incident" because I have not driven this auto since I received the recall notice early April. KIA is crazy if they believe it is safe to drive while under constant threat of fire. I was hoping you could initiate another class action suit to force them to act, as it has been an unreasonable amt of time...5 and ½ months since recall date. Please help. I have contacted NHTSA, FTC, Attorney General, etc etc. NO ONE has responded other than to to issue a complaint report #.

NHTSA ODI 11474097

Jul 15, 2022Engine

There has not been an incident. I received a recall interim letter in March 2022 for my 2015 KIA Sportage. The letter notified me the car engine could experience a fire due to an electrical short circuit. I have contacted the KIA corporation in California and the local KIA in Connecticut and was told there is no remedy yet. The recall letter warned of the potential danger involved. My son in law experienced a life-threatening fire while driving in his KIA and was fortunate to escape death even though his car was entirely destroyed. I find it unbelievable KIA has not rectified this very dangerous problem. The letter stated the problem can be corrected by installing a part. Meanwhile I am not able to use my car as I am sure many other owners are also unable to use theirs. The danger is too great. I hope the NHTSA can assist in this problem.

NHTSA ODI 11474104

Jul 11, 2022Engine

The contact's husband owns a 2015 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 25 MPH, the engine seized while driving down an incline with the check engine warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who informed her that the failure was a known issue and referred her to a dealer for assistance. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer and the contact was informed that since her husband was not the original owner, they would not service the vehicle. The contact sent multiple documents confirming that her husband was the original owner as well as several service documents but had not received a response from the dealer. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

NHTSA ODI 11473290

Jul 7, 2022Brakes

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V051000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11472704

Jul 6, 2022Engine & coolingEngine

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart after briefly turning off the vehicle. The vehicle was initially towed to her residence and was later towed to Shawnee Mission Kia (7951 Shawnee Mission Pkwy, Mission, KS 662020). The dealer informed her that the battery would be replaced and that an oil change would be performed; however, the failure continued immediately upon the contact leaving the dealer. The failure worsened over time and the contact discovered that the battery was never replaced. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was also informed that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V051000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). Another dealer was then notified about the recall and informed her that the failure was not related to the recall. The manufacturer had yet to notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA ODI 11472516

Jul 3, 2022Engine

My engine started making a sound at the same time I was due for an inspection but the check engine light was not on. I took the car in for inspection the day after the sound started and when they looked at the engine they said the “ main rod Bering” was broken and the oil filter was full of metal shavings, but they were able to pass the car because the check engine light wasn’t on. The car only had 80,900 miles on it and it was well cared for so the mechanic suggested I check for a recall. When I checked online for a recall I learned that the car was on recall for POTENTIAL ENGINE FIRE! And this was the first I was hearing of it! I took the car to the kia dealership to get it fixed but they refused to fix it because the engine problem started before I got the “update”THAT NO ONE INFORMED ME I NEEDED. My car went from running fine to broken down in TWO DAYS. Imagine if I hadn’t had the time to get it checked out so quickly. The car could of broken down on the middle of the highway with myself and my children in it, it could of caught fire with myself and me children in it. VERRY VERRY DANGEROUS!

NHTSA ODI 11472210

Jul 3, 2022Brakes

The current Kia Recall for the HECU related to the braking system/potential for an engine fire has been open since February. As an owner I received the letter in March. I have contacted both a dealership and Kia directly but have received no information regarding a helpful timeline for when the repair will be available. This has left me unable to use my vehicle for fear of an incident and injury to me and my family. The best response I was given is that I could rent a vehicle at my expense and apply for a refund from Kia directly but they are not offering any loaner vehicles or plans to remedy this issue. It has been over 3 months with no proper communication nor a fix in place.

NHTSA ODI 11472224

Jul 2, 2022Engine

We had just had our 2015 Kia Sportage in a repair shop about a week prior due to a compressor issue. They had run a check on the engine due to the check engine light and excessive oil consumption. They said that it was only showing an issue with an O2 sensor. About a week later, on Saturday, June 25, 2022, I was driving down a steep hill (Hands Pike in Covington, KY) with my son in the back seat. I depressed the brakes and the call stalled out and would not restart. I was able to coast down the hill to a safe point. I was able to turn around and by revving the engine while turning the key, I was able to get the car to start to get it back home (only about a mile). Each time I had to stop, the car stalled again, and I had to repeat the process. We called a tow truck to get the vehicle and the repair shop (Bob Sumeral Tire in Ft. Wright, KY) told us the issue was an internal issue related to the engine and it would have to go to Kia. Kia currently has the vehicle and has confirmed the engine needs replaced, but they are fighting us on doing the necessary repairs and are demanding we provide our maintenance records.

NHTSA ODI 11472101

Jul 1, 2022Brakes

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V051000 (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 dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11471969

Jun 30, 2022BrakesEngine

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V051000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure related to the recall. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive engine oil consumption. The cause of the failure was not determined. The failure mileage was 11,000. Parts distribution disconnect. The consumer stated the recall was repaired on 10/21/22, but the vehicle is still burning oil very quickly.

NHTSA ODI 11471694

Jun 22, 2022Brakes

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V051000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11470407

Jun 8, 2022Brakes

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V051000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11468207

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Working with the data? Download all 146 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 19, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2015 Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid verdict →