Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
100–25K
425–50K
1050–75K
1175–100K
14100–150K
3150K+
52 reports with mileage · 70 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Engine. Review the 71 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 21 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 8 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
2 crash reports1 fire reports3 injury reports
What owners actually said
122 reports
Mileage unknown · May 9, 2026
EnginePower Train
My vehicle stalled (104000mi) bought in 2024 looked up online was known between 2023-2024 engine recall I wasn't told or shown on Car Fax anything about this So [XXX] worked on engine 2. Mths no charge was to get new motor they replaced alternator.Told Done Engine light was on I went to drive it jerked and over dash said engine…
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My vehicle stalled (104000mi) bought in 2024 looked up online was known between 2023-2024 engine recall I wasn't told or shown on Car Fax anything about this So [XXX] worked on engine 2. Mths no charge was to get new motor they replaced alternator.Told Done Engine light was on I went to drive it jerked and over dash said engine problems return to dealer ( 5 min) I did .They had it2 more weeks said Transmission box lied I found diagnostics in my dash says engine control problems.Theysaid I had to return loaner and take my vehicle It's not the transmission They are lying. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI #11736797
Mileage unknown · Apr 26, 2026
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System
Engine went out , starter went out got it replaced been having issues since I purchased it . Makes a noise my engine oil and gasoline was mixing my engine is locked now
NHTSA ODI #11733904
Mileage unknown · Jan 9, 2026
Engine
Motor is knocking
NHTSA ODI #11709967
Mileage unknown · Dec 14, 2025
Engine
My Kia engine was replaced under recall. The replacement engine triggered P1326 KSDS failure while I was traveling overseas, placing the vehicle in limp mode. Kia USA refuses to assist or authorize diagnosis, leaving me stranded. This is a repeat recall-related safety failure, even though there is a Kia Dealership near me.
NHTSA ODI #11704954
99,000 miles · Oct 7, 2025
Engine
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle jerked and failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. In addition, the vehicle hesitated and failed to exceed 40 MPH. The contact exited the freeway. The ve…
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The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle jerked and failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. In addition, the vehicle hesitated and failed to exceed 40 MPH. The contact exited the freeway. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone, where it was diagnosed with a knock sensor failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the knock sensor however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle hesitated and failed to exceed 40 MPH. The contact exited the freeway with the check engine warning light intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the knock sensor had failed. The independent mechanic advised the contact to stop driving the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. Most recently, an abnormal sound was coming from the engine. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 99,000.
NHTSA ODI #11691867
Mileage unknown · Sep 8, 2025
EngineFuel/propulsion System
My truck consumes excessive engine oil.
NHTSA ODI #11685794
Mileage unknown · Aug 26, 2025
EngineUnknown Or Other
My 2014 Kia Sportage experienced sudden and complete engine failure while I was driving on the highway at 75 mph. The engine locked up instantly, with no warning lights or alerts of any kind. The only prior issue was that the vehicle constantly burned oil and needed to be topped off frequently, but there was never any indication…
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My 2014 Kia Sportage experienced sudden and complete engine failure while I was driving on the highway at 75 mph. The engine locked up instantly, with no warning lights or alerts of any kind. The only prior issue was that the vehicle constantly burned oil and needed to be topped off frequently, but there was never any indication that the engine was about to fail. This sudden failure left me stranded in a dangerous situation. Thankfully, I was able to maneuver safely, but I am terrified of what could have happened to my daughter and grandson who were in the car or others on the road. Afterward, I learned that this defect was part of a recall. However, I was never notified in time. Kia Customer Service told me a notice had been sent in 2018, but my own research shows the recall was not actually issued until 2022. Because of this, I was denied the chance to have the recall repair performed before the failure. Now, Kia has refused goodwill assistance, leaving me with an $8,000+ repair bill. I am a single mother, a teacher, and caregiver to my daughter and grandson. This Sportage is the vehicle my daughter depends on to get my grandson to and from school safely. Safety Concern: This defect poses a severe safety risk. An engine seizing at highway speeds without warning could easily cause crashes, injuries, or deaths. I am deeply concerned that if Kia failed to notify me properly, other Kia owners may also be driving unsafe vehicles without realizing it. Requested Action: I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate Kia’s recall notification practices and ensure Kia is held accountable for leaving customers unprotected against such a serious safety hazard.
NHTSA ODI #11683260
103,000 miles · Jun 26, 2025
EngineFuel System, Gasoline
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the vehicle, after which the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to restart. The check …
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The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the vehicle, after which the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V907000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 103,000.
NHTSA ODI #11669548
Mileage unknown · Jun 17, 2025
Engine
I own a 2014 Kia Sportage (VIN: [XXX] ) that qualifies under Recall SC147 for engine seizure. The vehicle’s engine has seized randomly with no check engine lights. Was running and driving perfectly and shut off. However, Kia and the local dealership are refusing to repair the vehicle under the recall because the vehicle is not c…
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I own a 2014 Kia Sportage (VIN: [XXX] ) that qualifies under Recall SC147 for engine seizure. The vehicle’s engine has seized randomly with no check engine lights. Was running and driving perfectly and shut off. However, Kia and the local dealership are refusing to repair the vehicle under the recall because the vehicle is not currently registered. This is a clear violation of NHTSA recall requirements, which mandate free recall repairs regardless of ownership or registration. I am requesting NHTSA review and enforcement. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI #11667423
Mileage unknown · May 21, 2025
Engine
While driving on an interstate, our vehicle experienced complete engine failure. It was towed to auto garage and examined. We were advised the timing chain had stretched and there were metal shavings in the oil (only roughly 100,000 miles on vehicle). Auto garage advised this was a known issue that was associated with high engin…
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While driving on an interstate, our vehicle experienced complete engine failure. It was towed to auto garage and examined. We were advised the timing chain had stretched and there were metal shavings in the oil (only roughly 100,000 miles on vehicle). Auto garage advised this was a known issue that was associated with high engine oil consumption and that there was an engine recall. They advised we should contact a Kia dealer for repair. Contacted Kia dealer and was advised the vin for our Kia was not included in the recall, however our Kia also has the Theta 2 engine, which was the subject of the recall of other models and/or years and we are experiencing the same issues. I contacted Kia Corporate and was advised that because the vin of our vehicle was not included in the recall, they would not assist in any way. When this incident occurred, we were 200 miles from home driving on a 4 lane highway and navigating an interchange. Thankfully, we were able to navigate traffic and get to the side of the road, however we felt extremely vulnerable and unsafe, and it left us with no means to return home. Generally, my [XXX] daughter drives this vehicle and had she been driving at the time of this incident, I fear she would not have known what to do to get to safety and could have resulted in a tragedy. I believe this to be a significant safety issue that is the same or at least very closely related to the recalls already in place. We purchased this vehicle in good faith, believing the manufacturer was providing a vehicle that was safe and reliable, however that turned out not to be the case and Kia is not willing to hear our concerns or help with a solution. Please contact me if any additional information is needed and I welcome your feedback. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2018 K900 and 2014-2016 Sportage vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire.
Consequence & remedy
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 install a new fuse for the HECU circuit board, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 22, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC227.
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 & remedy
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.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Engine
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.
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.
Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2014 Kia Sportage vehicles manufactured September 30, 2013, through January 11, 2014. The certification label has incorrect tire pressure information printed on it, listing a specification that is 1 or 2 psi below the correct information. Thus, these vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Maintaining tire pressure below the recommmend specification could result in premature tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will correct the label information, and owners will also receive a sticker to put into the owners manual, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in February 2014. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall campaign number is SC103.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2
AQ23002 · Hyundai And Kia Abs Module Fires
Opened Nov 17, 2023 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.
DP22003 · Loss Of Motive Power
Opened Sep 12, 2022 · Closed Dec 12, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing. There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.