# Kia Sportage battery warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 8 - **Most complaints:** 2017 (3) - **Related recalls:** 1 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 8 owner complaints about the battery warning light on the Kia Sportage (2015-2026 models), most for the **2017** model year (3). There is **1 recall** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: You can usually drive a short distance, often 30 minutes or less, before the battery runs down and the car stalls. ## Kia Sportage battery warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the battery light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 2 | 146 | 1% | | 2017 | 3 | 404 | 1% | | 2019 | 1 | 71 | 1% | | 2020 | 2 | 166 | 1% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Kia Sportage recalls related to the battery warning light **[22V651000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=22V651000)** (2023 models, reported 2022-08-29): An engine stall increases the risk of a crash, and an electrical surge increases the risk of a fire. **Remedy:** Dealers will inspect and tighten the alternator battery positive terminal nut, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 23, 2022. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Kia Sportage owners report - ""While driving to work and actively attempting to pass another vehicle, the battery light suddenly illuminated out of nowhere. A short time later, while slowing down at a stoplight coming into town, the engine completely stalled out and died in the middle of a busy, active intersection. I lost all acceleration and..." -- owner of a 2020 Kia Sportage, complaint filed 2026 - "The contact stated that the check engine, oil, and battery warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the engine replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000." -- owner of a 2017 Kia Sportage, complaint filed 2022 - "The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the low battery warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started to decelerate. The contact coasted over to the side of the road and had the vehicle towed to the residence. The dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the recall repair could not be..." -- owner of a 2015 Kia Sportage, complaint filed 2025 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the battery warning light means The battery light means the charging system is not keeping the battery charged, and most often the alternator or the belt that drives it has failed. The car is running on stored battery power and may only go another 30 minutes or less before it stalls. If the temperature gauge also rises or steering gets heavy, the drive belt has likely broken and you should stop right away. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Failing alternator** (most common) 2. **Broken or slipping serpentine belt** (common) 3. **Loose or corroded battery cables** (common) 4. **Failing battery** (less common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Battery (charging system) warning light](/warning-lights/battery). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Kia Sportage battery light? Yes. NHTSA lists 1 related recall (22V651000) covering 2023 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Kia Sportage years have the most battery light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2015, 2017 and 2020 Sportage model years have the most complaints mentioning the battery warning light, with 3 for 2017. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Kia Sportage with the battery light on? Drive to a shop this week. You can usually drive a short distance, often 30 minutes or less, before the battery runs down and the car stalls. Stop driving right away if the temperature gauge rises, the steering gets heavy, or you smell burning rubber. ### How do I check if my Kia Sportage has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Kia dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Kia Sportage warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/kia-sportage): 5 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/kia-sportage): 14 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/kia-sportage): 14 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/kia-sportage): 202 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/kia-sportage): 22 complaints - [Oil pressure warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/kia-sportage): 76 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/kia-sportage): 19 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/kia-sportage): 8 complaints ## Battery (charging system) warning light on other models - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery/jeep-cherokee): 144 complaints - [Honda Odyssey](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery/honda-odyssey): 45 complaints - [Kia Soul](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery/kia-soul): 34 complaints - [Jeep Wrangler](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery/jeep-wrangler): 33 complaints - [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery/chrysler-pacifica): 32 complaints - [Honda Pilot](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery/honda-pilot): 32 complaints - [Hyundai Sonata](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery/hyundai-sonata): 31 complaints - [Kia Sorento](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery/kia-sorento): 29 complaints - [Ford Escape](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery/ford-escape): 27 complaints - [Hyundai Elantra](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery/hyundai-elantra): 26 complaints ## Kia Sportage - [Kia Sportage specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/kia-sportage) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery/kia-sportage Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.