The Lemon Index

All cars · Kia Sportage · 2010

2010 Kia Sportage. Advanced data.

The raw numbers: engines, recall campaign numbers, failure mileage and manufacturer communications.

Lemon Index9100 = average car
Complaints3NHTSA, first 3 years
Sold23,873U.S. model year
Per 100K sold13complaints
Year rank#1 of 18#1 = fewest complaints

Engines and drivetrains 5

EngineTransmissionDriveCity / hwy / combinedFuelFuel cost/yr
2.0L 4-cylManual 5-spdFWD20 / 25 / 22Regular$2,850
2.0L 4-cylAuto 4-spdFWD20 / 25 / 22Regular$2,850
2.0L 4-cylManual 5-spd4WD19 / 24 / 21Regular$2,950
2.7L 6-cylAuto 4-spdFWD18 / 23 / 20Regular$3,100
2.7L 6-cylAuto 4-spd4WD18 / 23 / 20Regular$3,100

EPA test versions for this model year. Fuel cost is the EPA's current estimate, not the price in that year.

Failure mileage by system

Half of owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 63,400 and 108,200 miles. Median 76,300, from 12 complaints with a mileage.

Mileage owners typed into their NHTSA complaint, all complaints for this model year. People report some problems late, so read it as a range.

Complaints by system

SystemShare of complaints
Seats33%
Transmission & drivetrain33%
Airbags33%
Seat belts33%

One complaint can name more than one system, so shares can add to more than 100%.

Severity, all complaints

TotalCrashesFiresInjuriesDeathsTows
2030413

As reported by owners to NHTSA. Not verified.

Recall campaigns 2

  • 23V652000 Sep 2023 Service Brakes, Hydraulic / Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip / Control Unit/Module

    Defect. Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.

    Risk. An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

    Remedy. Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number

  • 13V114000 Apr 2013 Exterior Lighting / Brake Lights / Switch

    Defect. 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

    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.

    Remedy. 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.

NHTSA investigations

StatusSubjectOpenedClosed
OpenHyundai and kia abs module fires2023–

Manufacturer communications 24

Kia filed 24 service communications for this car with NHTSA.

  • Uneven shifting gears and no start condition in power train control module (pcm)
  • 6-speed automatic transaxle inhibitor switch bracket installation - this bulletin provides…
  • MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in…

Safety equipment

Electronic stabilityForward collision warningLane departure warning
StandardNoNo

Nearby model years

YearLemon IndexComplaintsSoldTop system
2007–1949,393Airbags
2008–1832,754Transmission & drivetrain
2009–1142,509Steering
20109323,873Seats
2011724047,463Electrical
2012401836,357Engine
2013492132,965Engine

Sources: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communications; EPA fuel economy data; YouTube video titles. Complaints are owner reports, not proof of a defect.

Updated

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