2008 Kia Sportage problems
The Kia Sportage (Korean: 기아 스포티지) is a series of automobiles manufactured by the South Korean manufacturer Kia since 1993 through five generations. Initially a compact SUV built on a body-on-frame chassis, the second-generation Sportage transitioned to a car-based platform which placed it into the compact crossover SUV class, and has been developed alongside the Hyundai Tucson. Since the fifth-generation model launched in 2021, Kia developed the Sportage in two sizes with different wheelbase lengths for different markets.
The Sportage has been the best-selling Kia model globally since 2016 after surpassing the Rio. In 2018, the model reached the 5 million production milestone. As of 2023, the Sportage is positioned between the Seltos or Niro and the three-row Sorento in Kia's SUV global lineup.
In 2022, the Sportage won the 'Family SUV' and 'Full Hybrid' categories in the Scottish Car of the Year Awards. In 2023, the Sportage was chosen as Car of the Year in Morocco.
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Common 2008 Kia Sportage problems
The Kia Sportage 2008 has been known to have several common problems, primarily engine problems, transmission problems, fuel tank leaking, check engine light problems, and brake problems.
Engine problems are a significant concern for Kia Sportage 2008 owners. The engine has been known to idle or stall completely whilst the vehicle is in motion, indicating a failing engine. The most common reasons for engine problems are a faulty Electronic Gas Injection (EGI) control replay or a worn-out fuel pump. It is recommended to replace both parts together to ensure that the problem is fixed and one does not cause the other to fail again.
Transmission problems are also a common issue with the Kia Sportage 2008. Drivers have reported symptoms including jumping during acceleration, a burning smell coming from the hood, and a grinding or shaking feeling whilst driving. These problems are likely to be caused by a faulty torque converter or a transmission fluid leak. A specialist mechanic will be able to troubleshoot this for you. A transmission fluid leak may sound less worrying, but it can cause serious damage and even complete transmission failure if left unrepaired.
Another issue with the Kia Sportage 2008 is a leaking fuel tank. Owners of the Kia Sportage have reported that their steel fuel tanks have begun to corrode and leak, with Kia itself recognizing this problem and extending their warranty on the fuel tanks. If you’ve noticed a fuel leak in your Sportage, it’s important to get the problem fixed as soon as possible.
Drivers have also reported issues with the check engine light on their Kia Sportage illuminating and then switching off again, when there are actually no problems with the vehicle. There are a number of reasons why this might be happening, from minor electrical faults to faulty spark plugs or ignition coils. The only sure way to diagnose why your check engine light is switching on and off in your Kia Sportage is to take your car to a local garage who will be able to diagnose the problem for you.
Finally, brake problems have also been reported by Kia Sportage 2008 owners. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a recall for certain 2008 and 2009 Kia Sportage vehicles due to a risk of engine compartment fires caused by corrosion and short circuits in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) wire harness cover. Kia is still trying to figure out what is causing the problem and how to fix it.
In summary, the Kia Sportage 2008 has several common problems, including engine problems, transmission problems, fuel tank leaking, check engine light problems, and brake problems. It is important for owners to be aware of these issues and to take appropriate action to address them.
Is 2008 Kia Sportage a good car?
Thanks to its generous equipment list and affordable price, the 2008 Kia Sportage is a value leader among compact SUVs. We recommend buyers on a tight budget give it a look, but those with more to spend may want to check out the Kia's stronger-performing competitors.
What is the most common problem with the Kia Sportage?
System problems another common issue reported by 2023 Kia Sportage owners is with the electrical. System some owners have reported problems with the radio navigation. System and backup camera
How many miles will a 2008 Kia Sportage last?
How long do Kia Sportages last? Typically, a Kia Sportage will last 150,000-200,000 miles, about the average for a standard Kia. With proper care and maintenance, you can ensure it makes it to the higher end of the spectrum and even beyond in the best cases.
Is the Kia Sportage a reliable car?
Plus, for adventure-seeking drivers, there are new off-road models with the rugged X-Pro and X-Pro Prestige trims. The 2023 Kia Sportage is a compact SUV with excellent reliability. It tops all other compact SUVs on the J.D. Power most reliable list, including the 2023 Toyota RAV4 and the 2023 Honda CR-V.
2008 Kia Sportage car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Kia Sportage problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Service brakes problems
- Engine problems
- Structure problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2008 Kia Sportage vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2008 Kia Sportage
The NHTSA has received 98 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2008 Kia Sportage. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2008 Kia Sportage vehicles.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-08-27
- VIN: KNDJF724987
- Components: ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
- Summary: The contact owns a 2008 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the message "ESC Off" was displayed and the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and to several independent mechanics; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-01
- Fire: 1
- VIN: KNDJF724887
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Was parked and after driving to pick up please came back out and it was in flames
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-06-24
- VIN: KNDJF724687
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owned a 2008 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 40-45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was shuddering. Additionally, the contact stated while driving on another occasion, the vehicle experienced brake failure, which nearly led to a crash. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact decided to total the vehicle. The vehicle was totaled. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-19
- VIN: KNDJF724387
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: The contact owns a 2008 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V800000 (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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-08
- VIN: KNDJE723787
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: The contact owns a 2008 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the brakes locked up. The contact removed the fuses. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. While his daughter was driving, an abnormal dinging sound was detected. The contact changed the calipers and noticed that the ABS box was stuck. The brake warning light was illuminated. The contact put the fuse back in the vehicle. Additionally, the vehicle was leaking brake fluid. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who stated that the brake pedal was soft and not to drive the vehicle. The dealer informed the contact that the parts were not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V800000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-02-07
- VIN: KNDJF724X87
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: My ABS MODULE HAS MY BRAKES LOCKED UP
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-14
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Fire: 1
- VIN: KNDJF723X87
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The radiator fan component was smoking. The car is available at anytime for inspection. I definitely feared that the car was going to explode in front of my baby cousins and elderly Aunt. The car has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealship or independent service center. It also has not been inpected by manufacturer or police, insurance. The vehicle was not going faster than 30 mph, when parked, the radiator expelled the all the water on floor. It began to let out white smoke, and than black smoke. A lot of black smoke, and than a loud pop sound. The hood of the car melted shut. Everything that surrounds the radiator and battery was melted.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-04-19
- VIN: KNDJF723887
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: The contact owns a 2008 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that after driving at approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle was shifted into reverse and the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact shifted the gear shifter several times and then drove for a short distance before the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated; the vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact stated that the ABS Hydraulic Control Unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed and determined that the ABS Hydraulic Control Unit needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-03-16
- VIN: KNDJE723887
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: The contact owns a 2008 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V800000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the vehicle needed to remain in dealer possession since the vehicle failed a safety test related to the recall. After several failed attempts to reach the dealer, the contact was informed that the part needed to repair the recall was discontinued and that she could pick up the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified, and a case was filed. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was unavailable. Parts distribution disconnect.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-03-01
- VIN: KNDJF723887
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2008 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that there was an abnormal burning odor detected. The vehicle failed to drive forward or reverse as needed. Additionally, the brakes seized. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the ABS hydraulic module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-12-28
- VIN: KNDJE723X87
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: I bought my car July 27,2022 from Rt 119 Auto Sales and service. It came with a drive train warrenty. Nothing was said to me of a problem until I took it to get inspected then I found out my frame is rotted out on both sides.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-10
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 99999999999
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: 2008 KIA SPORTAGE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO VEHICLE CATCHING FIRE WHILE PARKED THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WANTS TO BE COMPENSATED FOR THE LOSS OF THE VEHICLE.
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-08-16
- Fire: 1
- VIN: kndje723887
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
- Summary: The contact owns a 2008 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and unattended, the vehicle caught fire. The ABS warning light was illuminated before the failure. The fire department extinguished the fire. There were no reported injuries. A police report was filed under case number 22027268. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-12-18
- Fire: 1
- VIN: KNDJE723487
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: Smoke was pouring out from the passenger front side of the motor compartment. The fuses for the ABS (I think) were taken out so it would stop. I was a told a control module could have something to do with it.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-10-31
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: kndjf724887
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2008 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while checking the oil in their vehicle, the hood latch suddenly did not lock and the front hood of the vehicle fell down and on the contact's head which caused her nose to fracture. The contact stated she has a laceration on the bridge of their nose where they were bleeding and the contact has two black eyes. The contact did not receive any medical treatment at the scene or go to the hospital. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made of the failure. The failure mileage was 167,000.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-11-01
- VIN: KNDJF724587
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The contact owns a 2008 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle back to the used car dealer where she purchased the vehicle and was informed that the 02 sensors and another unknown component needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 129,232.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-09-15
- VIN: KNDJF724687
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2008 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while inspecting under the vehicle, he noticed the subframe was corroded. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-09-14
- VIN: KNDJE723X87
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH THE CRUSE CONTROL SET AT 65 AND THE VECHILE STARTED TO INCREASE SPEED ON IT'S OWN I ATTEMPTED TO TURN OFF THE CRUSE CONTROL BY PRESSING THE BRAKE AND TURNING OFF THE SYSTEM THE CAR SLOWED UNTIL I REMOVED MY FOOT FROM THE BRAKE, THEN IT BEGAN TO ACCELERATE AGAIN. ONCE I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO TRY AND FORCE IT'S WAY BACK TO MOVING SPEED ON IT'S OWN, I WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND THE ENGINE SPEED INCREASED TO FULL THROTTLE ON IT'S OWN. I WAS ABLE TO SHUT DOWN THE ENGINE AND RESTART THE VEHICLE, IT WAS BEHAVING NORMALLY ABOUT 10 MINUTES OF DRIVING LATER I ATTEMPTED TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND THE PROBLEM RETURNED AND IT STARTED ACCELERATING AGAIN ON IT'S OWN. I WAS ABLE TO SHUT THE VEHICLE DOWN
POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-05-29
- VIN: KNDJF723987
- Components: POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING RPMS WOULD JUMP. HAD VEHICLE INSPECTED AND WAS TOLD I WOULD NEED TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION OR GET IT REBUILT. REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION BUT DIDN'T SEEM TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE. RPM'S STILL JUMP WHILE DRIVING. ALMOST AS IF I'M PUSHING THE GAS DOWN HARD THEN LETTING OFF. NOT SURE WHAT THE ISSUE MAY BE, IVE BEEN TOLD IT COULD BE THE CRUISE CONTROL OR POSSIBLY SHIFT SOLENOID. VEHICLE STALLS/JUMPS WHILE IN MOTION, HAPPENS ON INTERSTATE AS WELL AS CITY STREETS AND BACK ROADS. SEEMS TO JERK MORE AROUND 40MPH AND 80MPH BUT HAS DONE IT AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS AS WELL. OIL HAS BEEN CHANGED AS WELL AS FILTERS, ALL FLUIDS LOOK GOOD. UNSURE WHAT THE ISSUE MAY BE. *TR
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-03-05
- VIN: KNDJF724087
- Components: ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT A CONTINUOUS SPEED OF 55MPH ON THE MAIN ROAD, THE ESC LIGHT RANDOMLY CAME ON AND THE CAR JOLTED INTO 1ST GEAR. I WAS UNABLE TO MOVE IT AND IT WAS TOWED BACK TO MY HOUSE. SINCE THEN, THE BRAKE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR WITHOUT STOPPING THE VEHICLE.
SUSPENSION,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-03-20
- VIN: KNDJE724987
- Components: SUSPENSION,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: THIS CAR IS 12 YEARS OLD AND IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THAT IS WHAT THE MECHANIC JUST TOLD ME WHEN I TRIED TO GET AN ALIGNMENT. THE WHOLE REAR SUBFRAME IS RUSTED OUT.WHICH IS RIDICULOUS FOR A 2008 VEHICLE.CAR PULLS DRASTICALLY TO THE RIGHT ALSO NEEDS NEW BALL JOINTSALSO NEEDS A NEW OXYGEN SENSOR
STRUCTURE,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-02-24
- Fire: 1
- VIN: KNDJF724587
- Components: STRUCTURE,ENGINE
- Summary: MY KIA SPORTAGE WAS PARKED IN FRONT OF A GARAGE WAS NOT TURNED ON AND WAS IN PARK WHEN THE ENGINE SUDDENLY CAUGHT FIRE IT SOUNDED LIKE A LOUD BOMB. THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SALVAGEABLE.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-12-07
- VIN: KNDJF723X87
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: CATALYTIC CONVERTER PROBLEMS. KEEPS FAILING EMISSIONS INSPECTION
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-06-12
- VIN: KNDJE723787
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: RUSTED OUT ROCKER PANEL DUE TO HAVING A RECALL WITH THE UNDERSIDE COATING . KINDA GUESSING WHEN I TOOK MY CAR TO DO THE UNDERSIDE AT THE CENTURY 3 KIA DEALERSHIP
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,WHEELS,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-07-15
- VIN: KNDJE723387
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,WHEELS,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
- Summary: SO I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY FRONT RIGHT TIRE I FEEL THAT IT WIGGLES AND WOBBLES A CLOG MY ALIGNMENT TO GET MY STUFF AND I ALWAYS NEED WORK DONE ON IT ABOUT EVERY 2 TO 3 MONTHS. I HAVE ALSO BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS CONTINUOUSLY GETTING LOCKED OUT OF MY CAR. MY CAR ON OR OFF ALWAYS LOCKS ME OUT OF MY CAR. MY PASSENGER DOOR NEVER LOCKS UNLESS I LOCK IT MYSELF MANUALLY. MY TRUNK DOOR NEVER OPENS AS WELL WHEN I PUSH THE UNLOCK BUTTON AND THE KEY MAILED IT WON'T FIT IN IT TO UNLOCK IT THAT WAY I FEEL THAT THE CAR OVER OR HAS A WIRING ELECTRICAL PROBLEM
2008 Kia Sportage recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2008 Kia Sportage.
- Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
- Park Out Side: 1
- Park Out Side: 1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: A fire increases the risk of injury.
- Remedy: 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.
- Manufacturer: Kia Motors America
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
- Remedy: 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.
- Manufacturer: Kia Motors Corporation
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
Negative 2008 Kia Sportage car reviews
Positive 2008 Kia Sportage car reviews
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We hope you're doing well! We wanted to share that we recently purchased a new SUV and we're absolutely loving it. We test drove a few different vehicles, including the Mazda 3, Chevy Malibu, and Honda Civic, but ultimately decided on the SUV. It had just as many features as the other options, but was more affordable. Thanks for listening!
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I drove a Honda CR-V and a Toyota RAV4, but this time I chose a Kia Sportage because it was $5,000 cheaper and fit my budget. Although I am not sure about its durability compared to the Japanese cars, I have found that my Sportage has been better than the CR-V or RAV4. In fact, the Sportage seems stronger and much more comfortable than the CR-V, and much less noisy than the RAV4. So far, I am loving my Sportage!
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So my husband's co-worker's name is Kia. She recently bought a Kia Rio and her colleagues raved about it. She was also expecting a baby boy, so the fact that a Kia was their choice spoke volumes to me as a mom of a 3-year-old myself. Our car is on its last leg, and while I love Chevrolets, this Kia Sportage can keep up with my two jobs, my husband's two jobs, and all the mom stuff. Kia, the mom, was right - as moms always are! 😙
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Best all-around and versatile vehicle you'll ever own! This is your third Kia, so you already know they're a great value. You must be excited for winter, this being your first all-wheel drive ride. The Sportage is even nicer than your wife's '05 Mazda Tribute S. The only thing the Mazda has is a few more ponies. Way to go Kia!
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I really like this car, but I do wish it had front center arm rests. If they improve that feature, I would definitely consider buying it again. Overall, it's a great car!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2008 Kia Sportage problems:
2008 Kia Sportage Problems and Complaints - 5 Issues
Problem with your 2008 Kia Sportage? Our list of 5 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2008 Kia Sportage.
2008 Kia Sportage with 80k miles on it. : r/kia
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Oct 26, 2022 ... It should be under the steering column, It's easy to see if you get under the dash, are you able to spot it now?
Other years of Kia Sportage
Are you having problems with your 2008 Kia Sportage?
Newton Cummings 2024-11-02
I bought this car back in July 2008. At the time, I was in a bit of a bind and needed something quick. I couldn't afford hefty car payments, so I had to be careful with my choice. Luckily, I found a great deal and decided to go for it. Overall, I think it's a really good car, especially considering the price. It's sturdy, reliable, and feels very solid on the road. In the 19 months since I bought it, I've put 28,000 miles on it and haven't had to take it to the shop once (well, except for that one silly accident in the snow, but we won't talk about that!). Before buying it, I read a lot of reviews, but I was still a bit worried about gas prices, so I went with a 4-cylinder engine. Looking back, I do wish I had paid the extra $800 for a 6-cylinder, but that's just a minor complaint. The interior is made with a lot of rock-hard plastic, but again, for the price, I think it's a great choice. I would definitely recommend this car to anyone who's on a tight budget but still wants an SUV.
Erich Kunze 2024-09-27
I strongly advise against purchasing this vehicle. The airflow system is inadequate, which can lead to health issues for those with asthma or sensitivity to air pollution. Additionally, the accumulation of elements in the door jamb during inclement weather can increase the risk of rusting. Despite its spaciousness, this model is not recommended due to its poor ABS system, which can be a safety concern. It is important to consider these factors before making a decision to purchase this vehicle.
Evan Quitzon 2024-09-25
I really liked this SUV so much that I bought another one in September for my wife. However, it turned out to be a mistake!
Trenton Ruecker 2024-02-09
I really like my 2008 Kia Sportage, but I am concerned about its ability to withstand the extreme cold of northern Canadian climate. Unfortunately, it has been to the one and only Kia dealership in the Yukon twice in under a year to have the power steering hose repaired. Both times it let me down in the cold, which was difficult to deal with as I have two small children and no vehicle to travel 100 kms home. The local dealer suggested backing into parking spots and warming it up really well. It is currently at the dealership to be repaired again. I am wondering if this is a design problem. Given this issue and the extreme temperatures, I am concerned about its reliability. Sometimes I wish I had bought a FORD!