NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Unknown Or Other complaints
14 reportsClear category filterMileage 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
Mileage unknown · Dec 1, 2023
StructureUnknown Or Other
The driver side door has issues with opening from outside.
NHTSA ODI #11557806
Mileage unknown · Jun 27, 2023
EngineUnknown Or OtherVehicle Speed Control
I was driving home from work on the expressway driving around 60 miles when my car out of no where started jerking and lost speed as driving at some points I could go over 40 I had to put my hazards on and drive at a speed of 30 on the expressway when I parked the car and put my foot on gas pedal I could not drive had a mechani…
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I was driving home from work on the expressway driving around 60 miles when my car out of no where started jerking and lost speed as driving at some points I could go over 40 I had to put my hazards on and drive at a speed of 30 on the expressway when I parked the car and put my foot on gas pedal I could not drive had a mechanic look at it they said it was my knock sensor
NHTSA ODI #11529080
Mileage unknown · May 14, 2023
Unknown Or Other
I personally DONT know what happened with the car the engine light came on and the car started to pull harder to the right side causing the steering to become unbearable thankfully by god I was able to control it and no one nor myself got hurt. And also in the process the engine started too idle low and take time to accelerate a…
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I personally DONT know what happened with the car the engine light came on and the car started to pull harder to the right side causing the steering to become unbearable thankfully by god I was able to control it and no one nor myself got hurt. And also in the process the engine started too idle low and take time to accelerate and I just recently took the car to mieneke to get it checked out. I out my all into this car and I have no choice but to drive it as I need it and have responsibilities but I’m just asking for a little help as I travel for work and need a very very reliable and dependable car and I thought the Kia would be it and do it for me but after all this I’m am feared and cautious but as said I have responsibilities that will not wait so I have to work and I have to get a way there and for now this is all I have! Please help me!
NHTSA ODI #11521877
Mileage unknown · Aug 8, 2022
Unknown Or Other
My car shakes when I drive it. I feel like something is wrong with engine or fuel pumping system again.
NHTSA ODI #11478251
Mileage unknown · Aug 8, 2022
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or Other
My vehicle has a safety recall and KIA hasn't sent me a paper of when this safety recall is going to be fixed. My vehicle automatically turns on and off the check engine light and I am unsure if it's because of the safety recall.
NHTSA ODI #11478093
Mileage unknown · Nov 12, 2021
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or Other
Low oil light had turned on and some strange noises began to sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The oil level however, did not seem terribly low, though new oil had been added to the vehicle nonetheless while waiting for a maintenance appointment the next day. While driving the vehicle later on that same night, the batt…
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Low oil light had turned on and some strange noises began to sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The oil level however, did not seem terribly low, though new oil had been added to the vehicle nonetheless while waiting for a maintenance appointment the next day. While driving the vehicle later on that same night, the battery light, and check engine light suddenly came on and the vehicle began to shut down, thus forcing us to come to a stop in the middle of the road. Once towed and assessed the following day, I was informed that it had been engine failure and would in turn require a new engine.
NHTSA ODI #11440227
79,000 miles · Oct 5, 2021
Unknown Or Other
The contact's wife owns a 2014 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 65 MPH, the vehicle shut-off with the check engine warning light illuminated. His wife coasted the vehicle to the shoulder of the highway and after restarting the vehicle, the vehicle stalled while depressing the accelerator pedal. Th…
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The contact's wife owns a 2014 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 65 MPH, the vehicle shut-off with the check engine warning light illuminated. His wife coasted the vehicle to the shoulder of the highway and after restarting the vehicle, the vehicle stalled while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact was called to the scene and was unable to restart the vehicle. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer where they diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V907000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.
NHTSA ODI #11435609
Mileage unknown · Jan 7, 2021
SuspensionUnknown Or OtherVisibility/wiper
BOUGHT VEHICLE FROM TEAM GUNTHER KIA - DAPHNE, AL. VEHICLE ARRIVED IN COLORADO WITH ILLEGALLY LOW TIRE TREAD DEPTH AND UNUSUAL RATTLING IN THE REAR OF VEHICLE WHICH REQUIRES A HEAT SHIELD REPLACEMENT (I25 KIA IN COLORADO). VEHICLE ONLY HAS 23,000 MILES. ONE OWNER, CLEAN CARFAX REPORT. KIA REFUSES TO PAY FOR HEAT SHIELD REPLA…
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BOUGHT VEHICLE FROM TEAM GUNTHER KIA - DAPHNE, AL. VEHICLE ARRIVED IN COLORADO WITH ILLEGALLY LOW TIRE TREAD DEPTH AND UNUSUAL RATTLING IN THE REAR OF VEHICLE WHICH REQUIRES A HEAT SHIELD REPLACEMENT (I25 KIA IN COLORADO). VEHICLE ONLY HAS 23,000 MILES. ONE OWNER, CLEAN CARFAX REPORT. KIA REFUSES TO PAY FOR HEAT SHIELD REPLACEMENT AS VEHICLE RAN OUT OF WARRANT JUNE OF 2019 AND 10 YEAR POWERTRAIN WARRANTY WILL NOT SUFFICE DESPITE INCOMPLETE SALE (CASE NUMBER: 13917735). TIRES SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN SO POOR (HANKOOK) AT 4/32NDS AND EXTREME TIRE ROT WITH ONLY 23,000 ORIGINAL MILES. SUSPICIOUS LACK OF DOCUMENTATION REGARDING ODOMETER CHECK THAT HAS DELAYED REGISTRATION OF VEHICLE IN COLORADO. THE VEHICLE CONDITION UPON ARRIVAL WOULD HAVE BEEN AN ILLEGAL SALE IN THE STATE OF COLORADO.
NHTSA ODI #11387013
67,000 miles · Jun 28, 2020
Unknown Or Other
I WAS DRIVING ON THEN HIGHWAY AND MY PANORAMIC SUNROOF EXPLODED. AT FIRST, I HEARD A LOUD 'BANG' AND I WAS IMMEDIATELY TENSE...I THOUGHT I GOT REAR ENDED, THEN MAYBE MY TIRE BLEW OUT?! I PROCEEDED TO HEAR THE TINKLING AND SHATTERING OF GLASS. I PULLED OVER ONCE I REALIZED IT WAS THE SUNROOF. THE SUNROOF WAS NOT OPEN, SO THANK…
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I WAS DRIVING ON THEN HIGHWAY AND MY PANORAMIC SUNROOF EXPLODED. AT FIRST, I HEARD A LOUD 'BANG' AND I WAS IMMEDIATELY TENSE...I THOUGHT I GOT REAR ENDED, THEN MAYBE MY TIRE BLEW OUT?! I PROCEEDED TO HEAR THE TINKLING AND SHATTERING OF GLASS. I PULLED OVER ONCE I REALIZED IT WAS THE SUNROOF. THE SUNROOF WAS NOT OPEN, SO THANKFULLY THE GLASS DID NOT FALL IN ON ME. THERE WAS NO ROCK OR ANY OBJECT THAT I COULD SEE WOULD HAVE CAUSED THIS. I WAS ALONE. I WASN'T HURT. NO ONE STOPPED. I THEN DROVE IT STRAIGHT TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY PUT A COVER ON IT AND TOLD ME TO CALL MY INSURANCE. IT IS CURRENTLY AT A BODY SHOP.
NHTSA ODI #11331360
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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