Should I buy a 2008 Kia Sportage with documented brakes problems?

Depends on the price and the specific vehicle. Documented brakes issues should be priced into the purchase — if the seller is asking full retail, negotiate down by the expected repair cost. A pre-purchase inspection from an independent shop tells you whether THIS specific vehicle has already shown the symptoms or not.

2008 Kia Sportage brakes problems

severe 17 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450

Complaints

Recalls

Crashes

Avg fix

$450

Related recalls

severe NHTSA 22V800000 24/10/2022

Kia America, Inc

A fire increases the risk of injury.

Fix: 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.

What owners are reporting 2 most recent

brakes · filed 12/29/2015

DUE TO DASHBOARD LIGHTS OF ABS, ESC, TRACTION CONTROL, ... I WAS TOLD THE HYDRAULIC ASSEMBLY NEEDS TO BE REPLACED, EST COST OF ... ABS PUMP AND MODULE AND THAT IT WOULD COST ME $2700 TO FIX.

brakes · filed 11/08/2016

I WAS DRIVING WHEN THE BRAKES WAS PRESSED THERE WAS A TERRIBLE NOISE AND NO BRAKES. THE GARAGE SAID THAT IT WAS THE ABS SYSTEM. THE BRAKE FLUID HAD LEAKED INTO THE ABS BOX AND SHORTED IT OUT. THEY WANTED 3100.00 DOLLARS TO FIX IT. I DONT HAVE THAT KIND OF MONEY. PLEASE HELP BY GETTING KIA TO DO A RECALL. MY HUSBAND AND I WAS OK. PLEASE HELP BEFORE IT HAPPENS TO SOMEONE ELSE. I AM OUT OF A VEHICLE …

Common questions

How serious is the brakes problem on the 2008 Kia Sportage?

It's a meaningful issue. 17 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.

At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?

Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.

What does it cost to fix?

Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.

Are there any recalls related to brakes?

Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover brakes issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.