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
121,062 miles · Sep 11, 2023
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 35-40 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, added pressure and pumping of the brake pedal was needed to slow and eventually stop the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was curre…
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The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 35-40 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, added pressure and pumping of the brake pedal was needed to slow and eventually stop the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was currently awaiting diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 121,062.
NHTSA ODI #11543923
Mileage unknown · Aug 4, 2023
Engine
Last Tuesday I was taking my Ill mother to the Dr 30 min away. All of a sudden the engine light came on and the car died. Would not do anything after that it was 100 degrees that day I had to get a ride for my mother in the hot day back to the facility she lived call a tow truck and call the dealership where I bought the car. I …
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Last Tuesday I was taking my Ill mother to the Dr 30 min away. All of a sudden the engine light came on and the car died. Would not do anything after that it was 100 degrees that day I had to get a ride for my mother in the hot day back to the facility she lived call a tow truck and call the dealership where I bought the car. I had to pay for the towing and to top it off I have to pay partially for a rental car The engine is blown in the vehicle I just bought this car in april how could it of blown already? I did the oil changes and checked it also. There is a extended contract on the vehicle but it needs a engine and a starter. I'm lucky my mother was not sick after how hot is was I have made 2 payments and that's it. I think I should get money back for what I paid that's over 2000 since I bought it and for this to happen .I depend on this car for my job for apps for everything. It isn't right it wasn't disclosed to me that the engine was bad . I feel they did me wrong when I bought it .
NHTSA ODI #11536477
84,000 miles · Aug 4, 2023
Power Train
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while having an anti-theft recall performed, the mechanic stated that the software that was being uploaded caused damages to the computer but was not sure of the specific failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but did not provide any assistan…
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The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while having an anti-theft recall performed, the mechanic stated that the software that was being uploaded caused damages to the computer but was not sure of the specific failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but did not provide any assistance. The failure mileage was 84,000.
NHTSA ODI #11536458
Mileage unknown · Jul 20, 2023
EngineService BrakesVehicle Speed Control
My car won’t go up to speed and it keeps throwing out it’s the turbo boost sensor not only that I almost crashed when I pushed on the brakes a little bit
NHTSA ODI #11533402
Mileage unknown · Jul 12, 2023
Engine
The motor sputtered and died. Is there an engine recall on this vehicle?
NHTSA ODI #11531919
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 · Jun 3, 2023
Engine
I was driving on a road with an incline and as I accelerated up the hill I lost all power in my gas pedal. At that same moment my engine light and battery light came on the dash board. I tried to pull the car over but I had no power at all. I put the car in park and it would not start again. We checked the battery and alternator…
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I was driving on a road with an incline and as I accelerated up the hill I lost all power in my gas pedal. At that same moment my engine light and battery light came on the dash board. I tried to pull the car over but I had no power at all. I put the car in park and it would not start again. We checked the battery and alternator and that is not the problem. It is most certainly the engine. I didn’t not get any warning lights what so ever, and it did not act funny before hand. I just suddenly lost power and had to get my car towed home.
NHTSA ODI #11525218
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
158,376 miles · Apr 28, 2023
Engine
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized, and the vehicle lost motive power with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure recurred. The contact pulled over and parked the vehicle in a park…
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The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized, and the vehicle lost motive power with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure recurred. The contact pulled over and parked the vehicle in a parking lot. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance because the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V051000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) had not been completed. The contact stated that she had not received the recall notification. The failure mileage was approximately 158,376.
NHTSA ODI #11519509
Mileage unknown · Apr 1, 2023
Engine
My vehicle completely stalled out on the 15 freeway in Southern California, and I barely made it off of the road and had to call 911 due to the traffic coming so near to me. My vehicle was towed to the Kia dealership in Victorville, where they told me a bearing engine knock occured and I was told by them and Kia that the warrant…
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My vehicle completely stalled out on the 15 freeway in Southern California, and I barely made it off of the road and had to call 911 due to the traffic coming so near to me. My vehicle was towed to the Kia dealership in Victorville, where they told me a bearing engine knock occured and I was told by them and Kia that the warranty doesn’t stand because of a previous owner to owner’s before I bought the car did not do the update they were supposed to do. It was a very very scary situation. I was on the side of the 15 freeway with a ditch beside me just waiting to get plowed down by big rigs going by me. And now I am out $8000 that I paid to purchase the car two months ago with no recourse to have it fixed because they told me it’s going to be $11,000 because the engine in my car is discontinued. I did my due diligence. I did a CARFAX and a Bumper report and because Kia and Hyundai decided this wasn’t a recall, but rather a product improvement campaign, it was not listed in any of the forms I used to do my best to find out if this car was a good car to buy.
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.
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