NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
219 reportsClear category filter118,101 miles · Sep 7, 2023
Electrical SystemEngineEquipment
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, there was a knocking and ticking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle continued driving but then stalled. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it w…
Read full complaint
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, there was a knocking and ticking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle continued driving but then stalled. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had seized. An anti-theft device was installed. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was able to restart the vehicle with a pair of pliers. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 118,101.
NHTSA ODI #11543182
Mileage unknown · Sep 6, 2023
Engine
End of July, the engine died on the highway when performing an emergency swerve to avoid a collision. This is an issue that is subject to the settlement of one of the several related class action lawsuits against Kia/Hyundai for catastrophic engine failures but not, to my knowledge, one of the specified engine models. There were…
Read full complaint
End of July, the engine died on the highway when performing an emergency swerve to avoid a collision. This is an issue that is subject to the settlement of one of the several related class action lawsuits against Kia/Hyundai for catastrophic engine failures but not, to my knowledge, one of the specified engine models. There were no warning signs or indicators. No knocking, no noticeable oil consumption, no reported findings of metal filings or shavings in the oil at regular oil changes, no warning lights until it died at 70mph in highway traffic. Kia is replacing the engine with a refurb of the exact same engine model so I expect that it, too, will catastrophically fail at some point. I doubt the engine will be available for inspection by a third party, including the government, as the manufacturer is recycling them into refurbs to other affected vehicles. The local dealer shop inspected it and said it's dead, and covered under the (settlement enforced) extended warranty.
NHTSA ODI #11543056
Mileage unknown · Aug 31, 2023
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or OtherFire
I was driving on the freeway and my car suddenly jolted, smoked started pouring from the hood, and then immediately caught fire once I pulled off the road within minutes. There were no warnings, no engine lights, nothing that pointed to an issue until this happened. I was at risk of getting hit by others in the freeway — I luc…
Read full complaint
I was driving on the freeway and my car suddenly jolted, smoked started pouring from the hood, and then immediately caught fire once I pulled off the road within minutes. There were no warnings, no engine lights, nothing that pointed to an issue until this happened. I was at risk of getting hit by others in the freeway — I luckily was able to get to the side of the road and immediately called 911. Fire department came within minutes, and dowsed the car, which was fully engulfed in flames.
NHTSA ODI #11541888
Mileage unknown · Aug 11, 2023
Engine
About two months ago, my car began using excessive amounts of oil. Each time, I replaced the oil, the oil check light would come on after two weeks. I had the gasket replaced in the month of June, 2023. On July 2, 2023, on my way home from work, my vehicle began losing power. When I pulled over and turned the car off, it would n…
Read full complaint
About two months ago, my car began using excessive amounts of oil. Each time, I replaced the oil, the oil check light would come on after two weeks. I had the gasket replaced in the month of June, 2023. On July 2, 2023, on my way home from work, my vehicle began losing power. When I pulled over and turned the car off, it would not restart. When it did, it did not have power and it began to shake. On July 3, 2023, I took my car to the dealership and was later told by my service advisor that I needed a new engine. I was told that it was the combustion. My vehicle has been at the dealership for a month and 1 week.
NHTSA ODI #11538012
Mileage unknown · Aug 10, 2023
EngineUnknown Or Other
Engine burns for an excessive amount of oil. The transmission stopped working
NHTSA ODI #11537649
87,000 miles · Aug 8, 2023
Engine
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road to restart the vehicle. The vehicle temporarily returned to normal functionality; however, the failure recurred. The check engine warning light was illu…
Read full complaint
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road to restart the vehicle. The vehicle temporarily returned to normal functionality; however, the failure recurred. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the vehicle had experienced piston failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to tow the vehicle to another dealer. The failure mileage was 87,000.
NHTSA ODI #11537280
54,000 miles · Aug 7, 2023
Engine
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil with the oil warning light illuminated. The contact had initially taken the vehicle to Crowley Kia (223 Broad St, Bristol, CT 06010) to be diagnosed. The diagnostic result was cylinder wall scoring due to pis…
Read full complaint
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil with the oil warning light illuminated. The contact had initially taken the vehicle to Crowley Kia (223 Broad St, Bristol, CT 06010) to be diagnosed. The diagnostic result was cylinder wall scoring due to piston rings failure. The vehicle was taken to another dealer and the contact was informed that the engine could not be replaced until the engine had failed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a complaint was filed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000.
NHTSA ODI #11536847
Mileage unknown · Aug 4, 2023
Engine
Engine blew with 78000 miles.
NHTSA ODI #11536497
113,000 miles · Jul 20, 2023
Engine
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated that 12 quarts of oil was added within a month. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer…
Read full complaint
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated that 12 quarts of oil was added within a month. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.
NHTSA ODI #11533416
Mileage unknown · Jul 5, 2023
Engine
On June 19th 2023, the engine to my 2017 Kia Sportage failed with little indication and time to response. Prior to this occurring, my Kia Sportage experienced two instances of limp mode which is an sensor program for the car to diminish efficiency to avoid continued failure. Whist I thought this issue was resolved on May 18 2023…
Read full complaint
On June 19th 2023, the engine to my 2017 Kia Sportage failed with little indication and time to response. Prior to this occurring, my Kia Sportage experienced two instances of limp mode which is an sensor program for the car to diminish efficiency to avoid continued failure. Whist I thought this issue was resolved on May 18 2023, after the first instance of limp mode, I was not fully prepared for the engine to fail so quickly. All three instances (twice limp mode and once engine failure) put my life at risk. The safety of the drivers around me were also endangered due to this taking place. The engine failure has been confirmed with Kia Motors/Greenway Kia West Dealership and both have agreed to replace the engine to my Kia Sportage. I was informed on 6/26 that Kia Motors requested a video of my engine failure. Details on this were not fully shared with me at the time of submitting this report. The engine light warning came on at the times of limp mode only in which my speedometer diminished from 60-80 mph down to 30mph in less than 10 seconds. When the engine failed, as I was braking coming to a stop light, I received no indication until the moment the engine failed while braking. This also put my safety at risk- I was on a busy roadway in the middle of the night and the failure occurring with my car kept my hazard lights from visibility to others on the road.
NHTSA ODI #11530556
Official recalls
4Sep 19, 2022
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A 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 inspect the vehicle, and, as necessary, replace the fuse and/or tow hitch harness module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC249.
Mar 4, 2021
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Sportage and Cadenza vehicles. The electrical circuit in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may short-circuit, which can cause a fire in the engine compartment.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace certain fuses in the electrical junction box. Vehicles equipped with an electronic parking brake (EPB) will also receive a HECU software update. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on April 30, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC206.
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.
Nov 30, 2016
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Sorento vehicles manufactured October 27, 2014, to August 25, 2016, and 2017 Sportage vehicles manufactured December 10, 2015, to August 26, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness that, due to a malfunction of the tow hitch module, may result in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the trailer tow hitch harness, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC142.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Trailer Hitches
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Sorento vehicles manufactured October 27, 2014, to August 25, 2016, and 2017 Sportage vehicles manufactured December 10, 2015, to August 26, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness that, due to a malfunction of the tow hitch module, may result in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the trailer tow hitch harness, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC142.
Electrical System
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Sorento vehicles manufactured October 27, 2014, to August 25, 2016, and 2017 Sportage vehicles manufactured December 10, 2015, to August 26, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness that, due to a malfunction of the tow hitch module, may result in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the trailer tow hitch harness, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC142.
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.
Illustration