2008 Kia Sportage power train problems
12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2008 Kia Sportage — 12% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“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.”
filed Feb 21, 2022
“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…”
filed Jun 1, 2020
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area…
TSB_TRA046_R5 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 17, 2025This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced.
TSB_TRA046_R4 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 16, 2024TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required…
TSB_TRA046_R3 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 18, 2022
Power Train problems in other Sportage years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Sportage | 6 | 12% |
| 2024 Sportage | 3 | 5% |
| 2023 Sportage | 18 | 10% |
| 2022 Sportage | 3 | 7% |
| 2021 Sportage | 3 | 6% |
| 2020 Sportage | 2 | 1% |
| 2019 Sportage | 7 | 10% |
| 2018 Sportage | 17 | 11% |
| 2017 Sportage | 40 | 10% |
| 2016 Sportage | 8 | 6% |
| 2015 Sportage | 6 | 4% |
| 2014 Sportage | 4 | 3% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2008 Kia Sportage
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.