2011 Kia Sportage Service and Repair Manual
Kia wrote one set of specifications for the 2011 Sportage, and this factory service and repair manual is matched to that year, engine and trim: the torque figures and sequences in it are the ones published for your vehicle, not a near-match inherited from an adjacent model year.
Engines covered
- 2.0L inline-four (122 cu in) — DOHC, turbocharged, gasoline
- 2.4L inline-four — DOHC, naturally aspirated, gasoline
Body styles covered
- 4-door sport utility
Trims covered
- Base
- EX
- LX
- SX
Known issues on the 2011 Sportage. Four recalls are on federal record for this model year. The first covers the engine and is tied to machining errors during the engine manufacturing process; bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash. The second covers the hydraulic service brakes and the antilock and traction control system, where an engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury. The third covers the fuel delivery hoses, lines and fittings on Sportages that previously received an engine replacement under recall 17V-224, where a fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire. The fourth covers the brake light switch: failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking, or inability to disengage the cruise control. Owners have filed 260 complaints for the year and Kia has issued 133 technical service bulletins. The factory diagnostic and repair procedures for each of those systems are here.
Whether you are diagnosing bearing wear, inspecting fuel lines after an engine replacement, or running a scheduled service on the 2.0L turbocharged or 2.4L engine, it keeps you on the OEM procedure and the exact specification for your 2011 Sportage.
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2012 Kia Sportage vehicles. The engine oil pan may leak and, if not addressed, the loss of oil may result in engine damage.
A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Kia has notified owners, and dealers will replace the oil pressure switch with an improved one, free of charge. In addition, dealers will inspect the oil pan for any oil leaks, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 3, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC174.
Kia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.
Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly, and replace the engine if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC147.
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 sw
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.
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.
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2011 Sportage vehicles manufactured March 7, 2011, to June 8, 2011. In the affected vehicles, the brake light switch may intermittently fail.
Whenever the brake switch is not working, the brake lights will not illuminate, reducing the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions of stopping, increasing the risk of a crash.
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began on July 7, 2015. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC121.
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.
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
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 for this recall is SC284.
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR AND DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2312) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are ind
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION: CYLINDER PROTECTOR & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2311) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indi
PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: OWNER RENOTIFICATION (PI2103 FLIGHT #501) - This document is the owner renotification advising that Kia is conducting an important Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update on 2011-2013 MY Kia S
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR AND DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2312) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are ind
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: POSTCARD OWNER RENOTIFICATION (CS2311) - This document is the owner renotification advising that Kia is conducting Customer Satisfaction Campaign. Kia has developed a new zinc-reinforced ignition cylinder pro
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (CS2312) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting Customer Satisfaction Campaign. A software upgrade that addresses the social media theft method has been m
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR AND DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2312) - This bulletin provides information to install a Theft Deterrent Ignition Cylinder Protector on certain 2010-202
PITSTOP: TECHNICAL OPERATIONS: EXTERNAL DAMAGE TO ULTRASONIC SENSOR: This Pitstop provides information related to Parking Distance Warning (PDW) alerts and repairs involving ultrasonic sensors. The PDW system alerts the driver while parking
Showing the 8 most recent of 172 technical service bulletins on file with NHTSA.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH AND MAKING A TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE STRUCK A PARKED VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BRUISE ON THE KNEE THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A COLLISION CENTER WHERE IT WAS DECLARED DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
The contact owned a 2011 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving at approximately 55 MPH she rolled over a large puddle of water on the roadway. The contact stated that she hydroplaned and she lost control of the vehicle. The contact stated that she drove off of the roadway and down an embankment and rolled over several times before coming to a stop at the bottom of the embankment. The contact was transported by ambulance to a hospital. The contact stated she was diagnosed with a concussi
I WAS PARK IN THE PARKING GARAGE OF MY WORK PLACE. THE TIME WAS BETWEEN 7:10AM TO7:15AM. I PUT THE CAR IN PARK. I STEPPED OUT OF THE CAR TO GET MY PURSE AND OTHER BAG ON THE GROUND. I LEFT CAR ON CAUSE I WAS LISTENING TO A SONG. I WAS LOOKING FOR AN APP ON MY PHONE TO SEE WHAT SONG WAS PLAYING. I THEN WALKED AROUND TO OTHER SIDE TO GET A BOOK THAT WAS IN PASSENGER SEAT. I WALKED BACK TO DRIVER SIDE STOOD THERE A MINUTE OR TWO STILL SEARCHING FOR APP ON PHONE ALL SUDDEN MY CAR STARTING TO ROLL BA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE SWERVED AND CRASHED INTO A TELEPHONE POLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT FRACTURED HIS STERNUM AND RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND DEEMED DESTROYED BY THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,00
I WAS DRIVING EAST ON A CITY STREET AT PROBABLY LESS THAN SPEED LIMIT. STREET BECOMES A DOWNWARD HILL WHEN DRIVING EAST , AT THE FIRST INTERSECTION THERE IS A STOPLIGHT. I KNOW THIS INTERSECTION WELL AS I DROVE THAT WAY TO WORK FOR 9 YEARS. I SAW LIGHT AT INTERSECTION WAS RED AND SAW VEHICLES STOPPED FOR RED LIGHT. I STARTED BRAKING IN PREPARATION TO STOP AT APPROPRIATE DISTANCE FROM VEHICLES STOPPED FOR RED LIGHT. MY BRAKES DID NOT ENGAGE. IT SEEMED AS THOUGH BRAKES FROZE OR WERE STUCK AND
WE OWN THE CAR, 2011 KIA SPORTAGE SX T-GDI, FOR LESS THAN 3 MONTHS AND I HAD TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP PRETTY MUCH EVERY OTHER WEEK WITH SOME ISSUES. LAST PROBLEM WE HAD WAS AN ACCELERATOR/SPEED CONTROL WHEN THE CAR WASN'T SHIFTING OR ACCELERATING OVER 25-30 MPH EVEN THE RPM WERE UP TO 6-7X1000, AND I WAS ABLE TO FLOOR THE PEDAL AND KEEP IT THERE, WAS NO SPEED RESPONSE. THE ONLY FIX WAS PULL OVER AND SHUT OFF THE ENGINE, BUT EVEN AFTER THAT IT COULD TAKE SEVERAL TIMES TO DO THE SAME PROCEDURE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE BRAKES FAILED. THE CONTACT RAN A RED LIGHT AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000.
Update to NHTSA (ODI #11679186) Subject: Update to ODI Complaint #11679186 – Kia America Written Response Body: Dear NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, I am writing to provide an update to my ODI Complaint #11679186 regarding my 2011 Kia Sportage SX (VIN: [XXX] ), which caught fire while I was driving on [XXX]. On August 27, 2025, Kia America issued me a written response (attached). In this letter, Kia explicitly acknowledged: “Preliminary evaluation results show… the fire originated w
On [XXX], my 2011 Kia Sportage SX (VIN: [XXX] ) caught fire while I was driving. The vehicle rapidly filled with smoke, causing throat and eye irritation from smoke inhalation. My insurance company declared the vehicle a total loss. Kia America (Case #[XXX]) acknowledged the incident and confirmed that a fire inspection would be conducted. The inspection was completed, but Kia has refused to release the findings or determine the cause. On [insert date], Kia denied my claim without explanation,
WAS DRIVING IN CRUZE CRONTROL STEPPED ON THE GAS AND VEHICLE DIED. I PUSHED THE START BUTTON NOTHING BUT A WARNING SIGN ON DASH SCREEN THAT WOULD GO BLANK BEFORE I COULD SEE WHAT IT SAID. I LIFTED THE HOOD AND CHECK THE BATTERY CABLES THEY WERE ON TIGHT GOT BACK IN THE TRUCK PUSH THE BUTTON NOTHING SMELLED WIRES BURNING SEEN SMOKE TOP OF MY MOTORS ON FIRE. I WAS HEADING NORTH ON I-5 NEAR THE DUPONT EXIT.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE. DURING EACH FAILURE, THE CONTACT SMELLED A BURNING ODOR THROUGH THE VENTILATION SYSTEM. THE CONTACT RECEIVED ASSISTANCE FROM BYSTANDERS AND PUSHED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO SCOTT KIA OF SPRINGFIELD (321 BALTIMORE PIKE, SPRINGFIELD, PENNSYLVANIA 19064, (610) 544-0100) WHER
THE CAR WAS NOT RUNNING AND SMOKE STARTED TO COME OUT FROM UNDER THE DASH ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. I POPPED THE HOOD AND THERE WAS NO SMOKE PRESENT UNDERNEATH. THE CAR THEN STARTED ITSELF WITH NO KEY IN THE IGNITION. THE BACK REAR LIGHTS CAME ON AND THE REAR WINDOW WIPER STARTED GOING. AFTER ABOUT FIVE MINUTES THE CAR SHUT ITSELF OFF. THE SMOKE WAS GETTING WORSE. THE RADIO WAS TURNED ON AND AGAIN THERE WAS NO KEY IN THE IGNITION. I HAD TO CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND THEY DISCONNECTED MY CAR BATTERY
The contact owned a 2011 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked overnight and next to her home, it was started but the contact left the vehicle in park and on as she retrieved a personal item from inside the home, and upon return, it was discovered that the vehicle caught on fire. The fire department arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire. The police arrived on the scene and filed a police report but no information was available. The origin of the fire was unknown.
The contact called on behalf of his girlfriend who owned a 2011 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that his girlfriend parked the vehicle at her driveway residence, and she discovered that the vehicle had caught on fire underneath the front. The fire department was called and the police arrived on the scene later. The fire was extinguished with water. It was unknown if a police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot and later was declared a total loss by the insurance company. T
MY CAR WITH 87,942 WELL MAINTAINED MILES ALL OF A SUDDEN BLEW THE ENGINE AND CAUGHT FIRE.RECALL ON CERTAIN MODELS WITH THE SAME YEAR WITH CAM BEARINGS LETTING GO INTERNALLY.I'M STILL CURRENTLY PAYING ON THE VEHICLE.I GOT AHOLD OF KIA NATIONAL MOTORS AND THEY SEEMED LIKE THEY WERE GOING TO HELP ME FIX PROBLEM OR GIVE DECENT TRADE IN VALUE,THAT WAS SIX MONTHS AGO.ONE OF MY CHILDREN NEEDS TO MAKE DOC.APPT. EVERY OTHER WEEKEND.I'M GETTING VERY PERTURBED WITH THE WHOLE SITUATION.THE COMPANY WON'T EVE
Showing the 15 most serious of 181 complaints filed with NHTSA.
