IllustrationTHE VEHICLE SEIZED RUNNING ON THE FREEWAY TUESDAY MARCH 12 AND HAD TO BE TOWED. THE ENGINE WOULD NOT TURN OVER AND SUBSEQUENTLY WAS TOWED TO TWO DIFFERENT GARAGES AND TOLD THAT THE ENGINE SEIZED AND WAS DAMAGED. NO RECALL WAS SENT FROM 2017 AS I FOUND OUT LATER THERE WAS ONE. WAS DRIVING ON HWY280 WHEN AUTO STOPPED.
2014 Kia Sportage
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2014 Kia Sportage do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 122.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Sportage years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
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
Engine complaints
71 reportsTHIS VEHICKE WAS PURCHASED NEW IN MARCH OF 2014. I AM THE ORIGINALK OWNER. WHILE MAKING AN OUT OF TOWN TRIP THE VEHICLE HAD A LOUND KNOCKING NOISE AND LOST POWER. I TOOK THE VEHICKLE TO AN INDEPENDENT GARAGE. THE INFOMRED ME THAT THE OIL PUMP QUIT FUNCTIONING AND THAT CAUSED THE MOTOR TO THROW A ROD. WHEN THIS OCCURED T…
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THIS VEHICKE WAS PURCHASED NEW IN MARCH OF 2014. I AM THE ORIGINALK OWNER. WHILE MAKING AN OUT OF TOWN TRIP THE VEHICLE HAD A LOUND KNOCKING NOISE AND LOST POWER. I TOOK THE VEHICKLE TO AN INDEPENDENT GARAGE. THE INFOMRED ME THAT THE OIL PUMP QUIT FUNCTIONING AND THAT CAUSED THE MOTOR TO THROW A ROD. WHEN THIS OCCURED THE VEHICLE HAD 86,000 MILES ON IT. KIA HAS A 10 YEAR 100,000 MILE WARRANTY. ADDITIONALLY, I PURHCASED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FROIM THE DEALERSHIP THAT WOULD COVER THE POWER TRAIN FOR 20 YEARS AND 200,000 MILES. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN DELIVERED TO A KIA DELAERSHIP AND SO FAR I AM HEARING EXCUSES ON WHY THEY WILL NOT HONOR THE WARRANTY. THIS IS DESPITE THE FACT I HAVE PERFORMED REGUALR OIL CHANGES WITH FULL SYNTHETIC OIL SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE.
WIFE WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK, 45MIN DRIVE. 10MIN LEFT IN THE DRIVE, SHE STARTED HEARING A NOISE FROM THE ENGINE AND LOSS OF POWER. LUCKILY SHE WAS ABLE TO COAST THE WAY HOME, BUT AFTER 2 MECHANIC OPINIONS, IT IS A DEAD ENGINE DUE TO THE TICKING/CLANKING NOISE FROM THE ENGINE. FIRST MECHANIC SAID PISTON ISSUE (WITHOUT DIAGNOST…
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WIFE WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK, 45MIN DRIVE. 10MIN LEFT IN THE DRIVE, SHE STARTED HEARING A NOISE FROM THE ENGINE AND LOSS OF POWER. LUCKILY SHE WAS ABLE TO COAST THE WAY HOME, BUT AFTER 2 MECHANIC OPINIONS, IT IS A DEAD ENGINE DUE TO THE TICKING/CLANKING NOISE FROM THE ENGINE. FIRST MECHANIC SAID PISTON ISSUE (WITHOUT DIAGNOSTICS), SECOND SAID METAL SHAVINGS AND THE ENGINE BASICALLY KILLED ITSELF. I MADE SURE THIS CAR HAD ON-TIME OIL CHANGES AND AT 116K MILES WAS JUST ABOUT TO DO A FULL SPARKPLUG/100K MILEAGE TUNE-UP. WHEN WILL KIA UNDERSTAND THAT 2011-2013 MODELS ARE NOT THE ONLY MODELS EFFECTED BY THESE ENGINE ISSUES?! WE NOW ARE DOWN A CAR, STILL OWE ON IT, (I BELIEVE) AT NO FAULT TO OUR OWN. KIA DID SEND OUT AN ECU UPDATE (FEB15/19) THAT (PER A KIA DEALERSHIP EMPLOYEE) WARRANTIES THE ENGINE FOR THE LIFE OF THE ENGINE, BUT WHAT ABOUT PEOPLE WHO HAVE ALREADY BEEN EFFECTED WITH THESE ISSUES?!
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, CAR BEGAN TO LOSE POWER AND THEN STARTED CUTTING OUT. I PULLED OVER ON HIGHWAY SHOULDER. CAR WAS PUTTING. I TURNED CAR OFF AND IT WOULD NOT RESTART. I REPLACED BATTERY AND IT STILL WOULD NOT RESTART.
WHEN I DID AN OIL CHANGE ON MY SPORTAGE I TURNED ON MY CAR AND IT STARTED MAKING A LOUD NOISE AND IT WAS SHAKING WITH ALOT OF TURBULENCE, IT WAS YANKING AND FORCING ITSELF IT FELT LIKE IT WAS GOING TO SHUT DOWN IT WAS A SCARY FEELING SINCE I WAS DRIVING IT AND ALL OF A SUDDEN IT WENT TO BEING DRIVEABLE UP TO 20 TO 15 MPH. I SAW …
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WHEN I DID AN OIL CHANGE ON MY SPORTAGE I TURNED ON MY CAR AND IT STARTED MAKING A LOUD NOISE AND IT WAS SHAKING WITH ALOT OF TURBULENCE, IT WAS YANKING AND FORCING ITSELF IT FELT LIKE IT WAS GOING TO SHUT DOWN IT WAS A SCARY FEELING SINCE I WAS DRIVING IT AND ALL OF A SUDDEN IT WENT TO BEING DRIVEABLE UP TO 20 TO 15 MPH. I SAW THERE'S A RECALL ON THE HYUNDAI AND KIA, INCLUDED ARE THE 2013'2014 HYUNDAI SONATA AND SANTA FE, 2011'2014KIA SPORTAGE, 2011'2014 OPTIMA, AND 2012'2014 SORENTO. DURING MACHINING OF THE ENGINE CRANKSHAFT AND CRANKPINS, METAL SHAVINGS MAY HAVE BEEN LEFT WITHIN THE CRANKSHAFT OIL PASSAGES, AND THE CRANKPINS THEMSELVES MAY BE TOO ROUGH ON THE EDGES. AS A RESULT, OIL MAY BE BLOCKED AND CAUSE THE CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS TO WEAR, WHICH WOULD THEN CAUSE THEM TO FAIL AND SEIZE THE WHOLE ENGINE. THAT, OF COURSE, WOULD CAUSE THE CAR TO STALL DURING DRIVING.
DRIVING ON HIGHWAY POOR GAS MILEAGE, ENGINE SPEED REDUCED, ENGINE STARTED KNOCKING. VEHICLE STRUGGLED TO PULL ITSELF. VERY CONCERNING DRIVING IN DALLAS TRAFFIC. CAR IS STILL AT DEALERSHIP 300 MILES AWAY TWO MONTHS AFTER THIS INCIDENT.
ENGINE SEIZED WHILE DRIVING ON LOCAL ROAD, APPROX 30 MPH. LUCKILY, I WAS NOT DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 65MPH WHERE THE CAR COULD HAVE POSSIBLY SEIZED. CAR WAS TOWED TO LOCAL MECHANIC. AFTER INSPECTION BY LOCAL MECHANIC, WAS TOLD THE ENGINE WAS BONE DRY ALTHOUGH I HAD AN OIL CHANGE 2 MONTHS PRIOR. HAD THE CAR TOWED TO KIA DEA…
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ENGINE SEIZED WHILE DRIVING ON LOCAL ROAD, APPROX 30 MPH. LUCKILY, I WAS NOT DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 65MPH WHERE THE CAR COULD HAVE POSSIBLY SEIZED. CAR WAS TOWED TO LOCAL MECHANIC. AFTER INSPECTION BY LOCAL MECHANIC, WAS TOLD THE ENGINE WAS BONE DRY ALTHOUGH I HAD AN OIL CHANGE 2 MONTHS PRIOR. HAD THE CAR TOWED TO KIA DEALERSHIP. WAS TOLD BY TECH THAT THERE WAS A FLAG IN THE SYSTEM AFTER I BROUGHT UP SC147 (ENGINE SEIZURE RECALL). TWO WEEKS LATER, WAS TOLD THAT THE RECALL DID NOT APPLY TO MY VIN. I HAD NO WARNING INDICATIONS WHEN ENGINE SEIZED. WAS NEVER TOLD THE WARRANTY WAS EXTENDED TO 120,000 MILES. I PREVIOUSLY HAD AN ENGINE WARNING LIGHT AROUND 108,000 MILES AND LOCAL MECHANIC TOLD ME I HAD LOW OIL. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED BY KIA REGARDING THIS SERVICE RECALL. NOW I AM BEING TOLD I CANNOT BE GRANDFATHERED IN TO THE 120,000 EXTENDED MILEAGE (I AM CURRENTLY AT 124,000) BECAUSE MY OIL CHANGES WERE PERFORMED OUTSIDE OF KIA SERVICE CENTER. FLAG IN THE SYSTEM, NEVER NOTIFIED, ENGINE SEIZED, BEING TOLD IT WAS AN INTERNAL COMPONENT FAILURE, BEING TOLD NOT RELATED TO SERVICE RECALL. SEEMS LIKE A BUNCH OF NONSENSE TO ME. SC147 COVERS SPORTAGE 11'-13' AND SORENTO 12'-14' AND OPTIMA 14'... ALL HAVE SAME 2.4L GDI ENGINE LIKE MINE. WAITING FOR OVER AN HOUR ON THE PHONE WITH KIA CONSUMER ASSISTANCE FOR FURTHER HELP.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE AND THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND DIAGNOSED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT CALLED DON DAVIS NISSAN AT (877) …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE AND THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND DIAGNOSED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT CALLED DON DAVIS NISSAN AT (877) 376-9083 (1901 N COLLINS ST, ARLINGTON, TX 76011) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING 55 MPH, A LOUD SPUTTERING NOISE WAS HEARD AND THE OIL INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE NOISE GREW LOUDER, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO RESTART AND WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING 55 MPH, A LOUD SPUTTERING NOISE WAS HEARD AND THE OIL INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE NOISE GREW LOUDER, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO RESTART AND WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH METAL SHAVINGS IN THE OIL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE SPECIFICS WERE UNKNOWN. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A KIA DEALER FOR FURTHER INSPECTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 50,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, HOT AIR SUDDENLY EMITTED FROM THE VENTILATION UNIT WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE COMPRESSOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWO DAYS AF…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, HOT AIR SUDDENLY EMITTED FROM THE VENTILATION UNIT WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE COMPRESSOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWO DAYS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR AN OIL CHANGE. IN ADDITION, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF, AN ABNORMAL SOUND EMITTED FROM THE MUFFLER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000.
Official recalls
322V051000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
Feb 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.
18V907000 · Engine; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
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.
14V023000 · Equipment:other:labels
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.