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2011 Kia Sportage SX AWD

The 2011 Kia Sportage SX AWD is a 260-hp turbocharged inline-4 with a 6-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. It starts at $27,295 MSRP and is rated at 23 mpg combined.

It makes 260 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 269 lb-ft of torque at 1850-3000 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 21 mpg city and 25 mpg highway (23 mpg combined).

The Sportage measures 175.2 inches long on a 103.9-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 3,466 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeSUV
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$27,295 ($39,444 *)
MSRP with Destination$27,990 ($40,448 *)
Destination Charge$695
Engine
Engine TypeTheta II G4KH 2.0L turbocharged GDI DOHC inline-4
Horsepower260 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque269 lb-ft @ 1850-3000 rpm
ValvetrainDOHC 16-valve with Dual-CVVT
Bore and Stroke86.0 x 86.0
Compression Ratio9.5:1
Injection TypeTurbocharged Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI)
Drivetrain
Drive TypeAll-Wheel Drive
Differential TypeDynamax all-wheel drive with locking center differential
Transmission
Transmission6-speed automatic with Sportmatic
Fuel Economy
City21 MPG
Highway25 MPG
Combined23 MPG
Recommended FuelRegular unleaded
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front18 in
Wheels Rear18 in
Tires Front235/55R18
Tires Rear235/55R18
Dimensions & Weight
Length175.2 in
Width73 in
Height64.4 in
Wheelbase103.9 in
Front Track63.5 in
Rear Track63.6 in
Ground Clearance6.8 in
Cargo Volume26.1 ft³
Curb Weight3,466 lbs
Interior
Headroom Front39.1 in
Headroom Rear38.5 in
Legroom Front41.4 in
Legroom Rear37.9 in
Shoulder Room Front56.7 in
Hip Room Front53.7 in
Hip Room Rear49.1 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Tested, but no star ratings were published (2011 Kia Sportage SUV 4WD).

Recalls

6 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2011 Kia SPORTAGE. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Sep 25, 2023 · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE Park outside

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.

Consequence: 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 for this recall is SC284.

NHTSA campaign 23V652000

Feb 15, 2019 · ENGINE

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.

Consequence: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign 19V101000

Dec 19, 2018 · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

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.

Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign 18V907000

Mar 31, 2017 · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

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.

Consequence: Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign 17V224000

Jun 9, 2015 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign 15V360000

Apr 1, 2013 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

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.

NHTSA campaign 13V114000

181 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2011 Kia SPORTAGE

Owner Complaints

181 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2011 Kia SPORTAGE (7 mention a crash, 8 a fire, 8 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Engine77
Electrical System38
Service Brakes25
Power Train23
Unknown Or Other23
Exterior Lighting12
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Jun 20, 2026 · Suspension, Electrical System, Exterior Lighting
“Front headlights went out also rear brake lights now I have a problem with brake light and tailgate lamp staying on when car and lights are off. The suspension has had a issue ever since I bought it…”
Jun 17, 2026 · Engine And Engine Cooling
“The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. While accelerating to overtake a vehicle driving under the speed limit, the vehicle…”
Aug 28, 2025 · Unknown Or Other Fire 1 injury
“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…”
Aug 7, 2025 · Unknown Or Other Fire 1 injury
“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…”
Mar 12, 2025 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
“The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2011 KIA SPORTAGE. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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