NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
71 reportsClear category filter167,000 miles · Jul 15, 2021
Engine
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while moving from a complete stop, the vehicle loss motive power. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed and diagnosed with needing the rod bearings replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure…
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The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while moving from a complete stop, the vehicle loss motive power. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed and diagnosed with needing the rod bearings replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 167,000.
NHTSA ODI #11424968
Mileage unknown · May 18, 2021
Engine
On highway, route 80, engine shut down, dash board was blinking like crazy. Had to pull over to side of road. After 30 min.’s got to restart the car and exit highway, at a low speed with all kinds of engine noise. Car towed to service center, and mechanic says engine failed, need to replace motor.
NHTSA ODI #11417549
11,000 miles · May 17, 2021
Engine
THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH THE ENGINE NEEDING TO BE REPLACED DUE TO METAL FRAGMENTS BEING FOUND IN THE ENGINE OIL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT…
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THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH THE ENGINE NEEDING TO BE REPLACED DUE TO METAL FRAGMENTS BEING FOUND IN THE ENGINE OIL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 11,000.
NHTSA ODI #11417406
12,200 miles · Jan 21, 2021
Engine
WAS DRIVING ON FREEWAY AND LOST POWER CAR WOULDN'T REV PAST 1500 RPMS THEN MOTOR STARTED KNOCKING AND SEIZED. PURCHASED CAR ON 11 16 2020 PUT 2000 MILES ON IT HAS 122,000 MILES.
NHTSA ODI #11389299
64,857 miles · Dec 24, 2020
Engine
MY DASHBOARD 'ENGINE' LIGHT POPPED ON AND WITHIN MINUTES I DROVE IT TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC TO BE IMMEDIATELY SCANNED AND THE SCAN CODE READ, #POO14 AT THAT MOMENT MY MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT THE "THETA II" ENGINE WAS IN FACT RECALLED BUT I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED EVER BY THE DEALERSHIP!!! AT THE TIME MY VEHICLE WAS MOVING IN A 35MPH Z…
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MY DASHBOARD 'ENGINE' LIGHT POPPED ON AND WITHIN MINUTES I DROVE IT TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC TO BE IMMEDIATELY SCANNED AND THE SCAN CODE READ, #POO14 AT THAT MOMENT MY MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT THE "THETA II" ENGINE WAS IN FACT RECALLED BUT I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED EVER BY THE DEALERSHIP!!! AT THE TIME MY VEHICLE WAS MOVING IN A 35MPH ZONE ON A CITY STREET. AFTER THE SCAN I BACKED IT OUT OF THE BAY TO PARK IT AND THEN THE MOTOR JUST "LOCKED UP & SEIZED" I IMMEDIATELY CALLED KIA ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND WAS TOLD THEY DO NOT TOW. I THEN CALLED FUCILLO KIA WHERE I PURCHASED IT AND PRETTY MUCH GOT THE TYPICAL "BIG DEALER" RUN AROUND. I THEN CALLED SOMEONE WITH A BIGGER PAY GRADE THAT COULD POSSIBLY ADVISE ME WHAT TO DO HERE. THIS SUPERVISOR EXPLAINED THAT THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE TO GET THE VEHICLE "IN HOUSE" TO FIX THIS ISSUE. I CONTACTED MY INSURANCE CO. BUT DID NOT HAVE TOWING ON MY POLICY. THEY WERE BAFFLED THAT KIA SAID IT WAS MY RESPONSIBILITY TO GET IT TOWED TO DEALERSHIP! MIND YOU THAT I IMMEDIATELY LOST MY PART TIME AND REALLY CANT AFFORD A HUGE TOWING BILL! IT SEEMS TO ME THAT I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO FEEL THAT THIS IS ALL MY FAULT ! YOU WOULD THINK THAT MY 10YR/100,000MI WARRANTY SHOULD JUMP ON THIS. I PRESENTLY HAVE 64,857MI ON ODOMETER . PLEASE INFORM ME WHAT TO DO NEXT,
NHTSA ODI #11384853
55,000 miles · Dec 9, 2020
EnginePower Train
THERE IS A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM MY ENGINE. I ALSO LOSE POWER WHEN I TURN CORNERS OR WHEN I SLOW DOWN AND GO AGAIN. THE KNOCKING NOISE IS NOT VERY LOUD BUT I CAN HEAR WITH THE WINDOWS DOWN. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO KIA AND THEY STATED THEY COULDNT REPLICATE THE ISSUE. THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED FOR THE SAME ISSUE LAST YEAR (2019)…
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THERE IS A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM MY ENGINE. I ALSO LOSE POWER WHEN I TURN CORNERS OR WHEN I SLOW DOWN AND GO AGAIN. THE KNOCKING NOISE IS NOT VERY LOUD BUT I CAN HEAR WITH THE WINDOWS DOWN. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO KIA AND THEY STATED THEY COULDNT REPLICATE THE ISSUE. THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED FOR THE SAME ISSUE LAST YEAR (2019).
NHTSA ODI #11382762
100,000 miles · Nov 13, 2020
EngineFuel System, Gasoline
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V907000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, ENGINE) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT STAT…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V907000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, ENGINE) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL ODOR INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MURRAY FORD OF KINGSLAND, INC (2030 N GEORGIA ST 40, KINGSLAND, GA 31548, (912) 510-3673) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED OF A FUEL LEAK INSIDE THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO MIKE MURPHY KIA (6150 ALTAMA AVE, BRUNSWICK, GA 31525). THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO ANOTHER DEALER TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA ODI #11374540
95,500 miles · Aug 4, 2020
Engine
I WAS DRIVING DOWN A HIGHWAY GOING 70 MPH. ALL OF A SUDDEN MY CAR ENGINE STARTS REVVING HIGH. SO I START SLOWING DOWN AND ITS STILL REVVING HIGH. SO I PULL OVER WITH MY 2 KIDS IN THE CAR, AND MY CAR DIES. I HAD MY CAR TOWED 51 MILES TO MY MECHANICS SHOP, AND FOUND OUT YESTERDAY THE ENGINE IS SHOT. I HAD NO WARNING LIGHTS COME ON…
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I WAS DRIVING DOWN A HIGHWAY GOING 70 MPH. ALL OF A SUDDEN MY CAR ENGINE STARTS REVVING HIGH. SO I START SLOWING DOWN AND ITS STILL REVVING HIGH. SO I PULL OVER WITH MY 2 KIDS IN THE CAR, AND MY CAR DIES. I HAD MY CAR TOWED 51 MILES TO MY MECHANICS SHOP, AND FOUND OUT YESTERDAY THE ENGINE IS SHOT. I HAD NO WARNING LIGHTS COME ON THE DASH, NOTHING WRONG UNTIL IT WAS TOO LATE. MY OIL WAS CHANGED A MONTH AND 5 DAYS PRIOR TO THIS.
NHTSA ODI #11343149
150,000 miles · May 30, 2020
Engine
I NOTICED A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM MY ENGINE WHILE IDLING AND WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE THE KNOCKING NOISE WAS GETTING LOUDER AND FASTER THEN AT FIRST THE NOISE STOPPED AS YOU WOULD DRIVE PAST 40 MPH OR SO AND WHILE BREAKING MY ENGINE WOULD KNOCK AND MY CAR WOULD SLIGHTLY JERK. I FIRST NOTICED THIS EARLY MORNING HAD TO DRIVE…
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I NOTICED A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM MY ENGINE WHILE IDLING AND WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE THE KNOCKING NOISE WAS GETTING LOUDER AND FASTER THEN AT FIRST THE NOISE STOPPED AS YOU WOULD DRIVE PAST 40 MPH OR SO AND WHILE BREAKING MY ENGINE WOULD KNOCK AND MY CAR WOULD SLIGHTLY JERK. I FIRST NOTICED THIS EARLY MORNING HAD TO DRIVE TWO HOURS TO GET HOME WITH MY CHILDREN THEN AROUND NOON THE CAR WOULD NOT DRIVE PAST A HALF MILES BEFORE DYING. MY CAR WILL STILL START UP BUT WILL DIE IF DRIVEN. THIS HAPPEN VERY SUDDEN AN UNEXPECTED AS MY KIA IS WELL TAKEN CARE OF. PLEASE HELP ME UNDERSTAND WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH MY VEHICLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #11326575
90,000 miles · Jun 15, 2019
Engine
NOTICED A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM MY ENGINE WHILE IDOLING WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE IT SEEMED AS THOUGH MY CAR WAS LOSING POWER AND THE KNOCKING NOISE WAS GETTING LOUDERAND FASTER. WHILE BREAKING MY ENGINE WOULD KNOCK AND MY CAR WOULD SLIGHTLY JERK. I HAVEN'T DROVE MY CAR IN 4 DAYS BECAUSE IT WAS ACTING THIS WAY ON BACK ROADS…
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NOTICED A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM MY ENGINE WHILE IDOLING WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE IT SEEMED AS THOUGH MY CAR WAS LOSING POWER AND THE KNOCKING NOISE WAS GETTING LOUDERAND FASTER. WHILE BREAKING MY ENGINE WOULD KNOCK AND MY CAR WOULD SLIGHTLY JERK. I HAVEN'T DROVE MY CAR IN 4 DAYS BECAUSE IT WAS ACTING THIS WAY ON BACK ROADS, NO WAY I'D TRUST IT ON A HIGHWAY. VEHICLE ONLY HAS 90,000 MILES.
NHTSA ODI #11220339
Official recalls
3Feb 2, 2022
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.
Dec 19, 2018
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.
Jan 27, 2014
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
2AQ23002 · 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.
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