I was passing a vehicle on a 2 lane (one lane going in each direction) highway at approximately 55mph when my car engine lost power. I had to immediately get over and pull to the side of the road towing vehicle to Webster Tire and Auto in Teutopolis, IL. They originally thought it was the alternator but they said engine was knoc…
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I was passing a vehicle on a 2 lane (one lane going in each direction) highway at approximately 55mph when my car engine lost power. I had to immediately get over and pull to the side of the road towing vehicle to Webster Tire and Auto in Teutopolis, IL. They originally thought it was the alternator but they said engine was knocking and needed to be replaced. I found out that there was a lawsuit for this issue and that Kia has a service campaign. Although I had searched the NTHSA website and Carfax, because I purchased the vehicle recently the only way for me to have expected the issue was for me to have contacted Kia directly or to be notified by the person who sold me the car. I was also denied a claim on this lawsuit because I had not had the service update which would have extended the warranty on the engine and fixed the knock sensor issue. This information should be readily available to consumers and owners. I had this vehicle at Walmart for an oil change and Webster tire and auto for other maintenance prior to incident and neither of those companies were aware of this service campaign.
NHTSA ODI #11459271
Mileage unknown · Apr 1, 2022
Electrical SystemEngine
Well renctly it been a disturbing knocking sound in my engine it started to happen month after i got my oil change and the more u push the gas the sound start getting louder. Since then i haven't drove my vehicle i been trying calling kia but they haven't give me no information and thats the only vehicle that gets me to work. N…
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Well renctly it been a disturbing knocking sound in my engine it started to happen month after i got my oil change and the more u push the gas the sound start getting louder. Since then i haven't drove my vehicle i been trying calling kia but they haven't give me no information and thats the only vehicle that gets me to work. No it haven't been inspected i been constantly calling kia dealership i havent got a called back.
NHTSA ODI #11459244
Mileage unknown · Feb 23, 2022
Engine
The car all the sudden started knocking within a day no warning and no engine light, so towed to KIA dealer. Confirmed engine needs to be replaced. This is concerns as I'm reading there are known issues with this engine even causing fires. The stated that there is a product and campaign to update the sensor not that isn't workin…
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The car all the sudden started knocking within a day no warning and no engine light, so towed to KIA dealer. Confirmed engine needs to be replaced. This is concerns as I'm reading there are known issues with this engine even causing fires. The stated that there is a product and campaign to update the sensor not that isn't working but to make it more sensitive to engine issue but her check engine never even came on and the engine is done. Kia will not cover the engine replacement even though there are many having this issue because she didn't get the sensor update done even though there is nothing when you look up her car on the site to tell her and we didn't get a notice. There is no way to track that they notified us.
NHTSA ODI #11453687
133,000 miles · Oct 5, 2021
Engine
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light was illuminated and there was a knocking noise heard. The vehicle had an engine replacement from a previous engine failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer inspected the vehicle and informed…
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The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light was illuminated and there was a knocking noise heard. The vehicle had an engine replacement from a previous engine failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer inspected the vehicle and informed the contact that there were no leaks or smoke detected and reset the engine sensor. The failure recurred and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The dealer informed the contact that they could not perform a comprehensive diagnostic test. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.
NHTSA ODI #11435621
Mileage unknown · Sep 24, 2021
Engine
My husband and daughter were in the car and the car lights came on and stopped working. The engine stopped working. We tried to replace the battery and starter. We took it to Kia dealership knowing I have 100,000 mile warranty on the engine. They are denying it because I didn’t get a recall that I didn’t know about. If you …
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My husband and daughter were in the car and the car lights came on and stopped working. The engine stopped working. We tried to replace the battery and starter. We took it to Kia dealership knowing I have 100,000 mile warranty on the engine. They are denying it because I didn’t get a recall that I didn’t know about. If you pull up my VIN number there are no safety recalls. I know don’t have a car.
NHTSA ODI #11434307
Mileage unknown · Jul 14, 2021
Engine
While driving on the highway at 60 mph the car without warnings turned off and I could not move the steering wheel easily or even hit the breaks. luckely I was able to turn my emergency lights on which alerted the semi-truck behind me who slowed down and I was able to pull to the right lane and once I felt the car slowed down en…
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While driving on the highway at 60 mph the car without warnings turned off and I could not move the steering wheel easily or even hit the breaks. luckely I was able to turn my emergency lights on which alerted the semi-truck behind me who slowed down and I was able to pull to the right lane and once I felt the car slowed down enough stepped on the emergency breaks. I attempted to turn on the car but no luck, there wasn't any warning signs. so I called my AAA to come check the batteries and/or fuel because I wasn't sure what was going on. While the AAA technichian was checking he discovered that there was no oil in the car, which was odd since I replaced the oil less than a month before and I still had 2000miles for my next service. I towed my car to Shawnee Mission Kia, as soon as they checked my VIN the service person stated that "my car is on the list for an engine recall" so he said they will inspect it and get back to me. 2 days later they came back stating that I failed to respond to an ECU software update which voids my warranty. keep in mind I never got any recall letter, and even when they mentioned it I went on the KIA website and inserted my vin and there was no recall reported. At which point decided to take it to another KIA dealer hoping to deal with level minded people, they checked my VIN# and said my car qualifies for a recall, and they will inspect and let me know. 2 days later they stated the same thing. now I have been struggling to find a car, and not sure what I need to do to get my recall granted. I am a 2 time KIA owner and this service have surely convinced me not to buy any KIA any more. any help is much appreciated.
NHTSA ODI #11424881
43,000 miles · Jun 29, 2021
Engine
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sportage. The contact stated the vehicle failed to start and was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with the engine needing to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that she was responsible for the cost of the repair since she had failed to complete a recall repair of the vehicle. The …
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The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sportage. The contact stated the vehicle failed to start and was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with the engine needing to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that she was responsible for the cost of the repair since she had failed to complete a recall repair of the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact she was responsible for the cost of the repair because she did not complete a Product Improvement campaign. The failure mileage was 43,000.
NHTSA ODI #11422783
Mileage unknown · Jun 9, 2021
Engine
I was driving my Sportage at 70 miles an hour on the freeway here in Fort Worth and the car died just shut off leaving me trying to control a car in the fast lane with no engine. It was hard steering and I got it over the three lanes of traffic to exit off the freeway. No power, no warning, no check engine light absolutely Noth…
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I was driving my Sportage at 70 miles an hour on the freeway here in Fort Worth and the car died just shut off leaving me trying to control a car in the fast lane with no engine. It was hard steering and I got it over the three lanes of traffic to exit off the freeway. No power, no warning, no check engine light absolutely Nothing. Died.. Once off freeway car would not crank, lightup, turned key nothing. At least I could get the car stopped by stomping on the brakes before I caused a major accident or someone from behind ran me over causing an accident. Scared the ever living daylights out of me and I'm a guy who really doesn't scare to easily. What if it had been my wife. Worse part is I was on my way to the emergency hospital because my wife had just been admitted for a horrible infectious cat bite that is possibly going to take her hand or her life because of raging infection in her body. So, had I not been able to man handle the car I could of been laying next to her or possibly in the morgue because of this incident of the engine seizing. Besides the fact that my safety was put in jeopardy so were all the others on this busy interstate. I had to literally cut people off that we going the speed limit with me going like 60, 50,40,30,20,10 then dead. There have been no recall notices for this vehicle. I have checked your website and Kia's. Nothing which means we never got a recall notice. So, we were unaware of this potential critical accident waiting to happen. We towed to the dealer only to be told we didn't get a knock sensor detection system part put on the car. Well first of all we never got a recall notice cuz we are not listed. Second the knock sensor is just going to shut off the engine as the engine is seizing and still have the car die with no prior warning. Hyundai and Kia new about this engine problem since 2012 and has continued to use this engine all the while not caring about the publics safety to the tune of over 630,000 and counting.
NHTSA ODI #11420229
Mileage unknown · Jun 3, 2021
Engine
Engine stalled, misfired while driving resulting in unrepairable engine damage. The engine stalled in the mid of the highway and could have led to an accident. The check engine light started to flash while i was driving. After the engine stalled, i had the car inspected by a repair shop called national tires and batteries in Zan…
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Engine stalled, misfired while driving resulting in unrepairable engine damage. The engine stalled in the mid of the highway and could have led to an accident. The check engine light started to flash while i was driving. After the engine stalled, i had the car inspected by a repair shop called national tires and batteries in Zanesville Ohio and they informed me of a bulletin that was placed on the car that mentions the issue. I had the car towed to the nearest dealer and they inspected the car and confirmed that it was the same issue mentioned in the bulletin and began to replace the engine because it was still under warranty.
NHTSA ODI #11419468
103,000 miles · Mar 29, 2021
Engine
ON 12/24/18 MY 2015 KIA SPORTAGE ENGINE SEIZED AS I WAS ENTERING THE HIGHWAY. THE CAR WAS TOWED TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER INFORMED ME THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, BUT IT COULD TAKE A COUPLE OF MONTHS BEFORE THEY GOT A NEW ENGINE. I DID NOT GET MY CAR UNTIL MID AUGUST OF 2019. WHEN I GOT MY CAR BACK IT WAS C…
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ON 12/24/18 MY 2015 KIA SPORTAGE ENGINE SEIZED AS I WAS ENTERING THE HIGHWAY. THE CAR WAS TOWED TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER INFORMED ME THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, BUT IT COULD TAKE A COUPLE OF MONTHS BEFORE THEY GOT A NEW ENGINE. I DID NOT GET MY CAR UNTIL MID AUGUST OF 2019. WHEN I GOT MY CAR BACK IT WAS CONSUMING A LOT OF GAS. I WAS NOT AWARE OF THE HIGH FUEL CONSUMPTION UNTIL I TOOK MY CAR ON A ROAD TRIP ABOUT A MONTH AFTER I GOT MY CAR AND IT WAS ONLY GIVING ME ONLY ABOUT 200 MILES FOR A FULL TANK OF GAS ON THE HIGHWAY. I INFORMED THE DEALER OF THE ISSUE, BUT THEY ONLY ASKED WHY I HAD WAITED SO LONG. I TOLD THEM IT WAS NOT APPARENT TO ME BECAUSE I WAS ONLY DRIVING MY CAR FOR ERRANDS. THEY WOULD NOT CHECK MY CAR AS IT WAS NOT THROWING ANY ERRORS. I CONTINUED COMPLAINING AND THEY FINALLY DID A DIAGNOSTIC AFTER WHICH THEY TOLD ME I NEEDED TO REPLACE THE OXYGEN SENSORS. I HAD THE OXYGEN SENSORS REPLACED, BUT CAR CONTINUED TO CONSUME TOO MUCH GAS. A FEW MONTHS LATER I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR "HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PIPE MAY LEAK". I TOOK THE TO THE CAR TO THE DEALER AROUND LATE MAY OR EARLY JUNE OF 2021 AND THEY CONDUCTED THE RECALL REPAIRS. I WAS ALSO REIMBURSED FOR MY OUT OF POCKET EXPENSES FOR REPLACING OXYGEN SENSORS. AFTER THE RECALL REPAIRS, MY CAR STILL CONTINUED TO CONSUME TOO MUCH GAS. TOWARDS THE END OF FEBRUARY 2021 THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND I STARTED SMELLING EXHAUST FUMES INSIDE MY CAR. THE DEALER DID A DIAGNOSTIC ON 3/8/21 AND TOLD ME THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED, BUT IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY SO I HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. MY CAR JUST REACHED 103K MILES AND HAS BEEN HAVING ISSUES SINCE THE ENGINE SEIZED AND WAS REPLACED. I'M ON A FIXED INCOME AND CAN'T AFFORD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS AND NOW I HAVE A CAR I CAN'T DRIVE BECAUSE IT HAS LOST POWER AND SMELLS OF EXHAUST FUMES INSIDE MY CAR.
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.
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.