NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
40 reportsClear category filter95,079 miles · Aug 17, 2021
Power Train
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled and lost power. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that while attempting to restart the vehicle there was an abnormal knocking sound and the vehicle lost power. The vehicle was towed to the d…
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The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled and lost power. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that while attempting to restart the vehicle there was an abnormal knocking sound and the vehicle lost power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced; however, the dealer informed the contact that the repair would not be covered under the warranty since the knock sensor software upgrade was not completed on the vehicle prior to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the knock sensor software upgrade was not completed on the vehicle prior to the failure and offered no further assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 95,079.
NHTSA ODI #11429510
91,000 miles · Apr 15, 2021
Fuel/propulsion SystemPower TrainVehicle Speed Control
WE WERE DRIVING STEADY AT ABOUT 45 MPH AND THE RPM GAUGE RUBBED AT RANDOM JUST ONCE EVERY TIME. IT HAS HAPPENED MORE THAN ONCE WE DON'T CHANGE YOUR SPEED OR ANYTHING IT JUST RUBS UP TO ABOUT 5000 RPM AND GO BACK TO NORMAL AND DOES IT SPORADICALLY
NHTSA ODI #11408269
36,000 miles · Mar 9, 2021
EnginePower Train
WHILE DRIVING AT A STEADY SPEED, CAR WILL SUDDENLY DISENGAGE THE TRANSMISSION, THE RPMS WILL REV HIGH AND THEN TRANSMISSION WILL RE-ENGAGE. THIS USUALLY LASTS 20-30 SECONDS, IT IS VERY RANDOM. I HAVE TAKEN IT IN AND BECAUSE NO CODES ARE SHOWING AND THEY ARE UNABLE TO RECREATE THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. IT IS A VERY SERIOUS…
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WHILE DRIVING AT A STEADY SPEED, CAR WILL SUDDENLY DISENGAGE THE TRANSMISSION, THE RPMS WILL REV HIGH AND THEN TRANSMISSION WILL RE-ENGAGE. THIS USUALLY LASTS 20-30 SECONDS, IT IS VERY RANDOM. I HAVE TAKEN IT IN AND BECAUSE NO CODES ARE SHOWING AND THEY ARE UNABLE TO RECREATE THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. IT IS A VERY SERIOUS ISSUE AS IF I'M DRIVING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AND THIS OCCURS IT COULD RESULT IN A CRASH. IT HAPPENS SPORADICALLY AND CANNOT DOCUMENT ANYTHING AS IT IS OVER BEFORE I CAN AS I AM DRIVING WHEN IT HAPPENS
NHTSA ODI #11399976
13,580 miles · Oct 9, 2020
Power Train
LEAKING COUPLER / REAR DIFFERENTIAL. GEAR OIL LEAKING. UNDER 14,000 MILES ON VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI #11363625
54,000 miles · Oct 6, 2020
EnginePower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. WHILE STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEP…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. WHILE STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 54,000.
NHTSA ODI #11362971
38,000 miles · Feb 6, 2020
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20-50 MPH, THE RPM REVVED SUDDENLY WHICH CAUSED THE FRONT WHEELS TO SPIN AND THE VEHICLE TO INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DUTCH MILLER KIA OF CHARLESTON (339 MACCORKLE AVE SW, SOUTH CHARLSTON WEST VA) THERE THE TRAN…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20-50 MPH, THE RPM REVVED SUDDENLY WHICH CAUSED THE FRONT WHEELS TO SPIN AND THE VEHICLE TO INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DUTCH MILLER KIA OF CHARLESTON (339 MACCORKLE AVE SW, SOUTH CHARLSTON WEST VA) THERE THE TRANSMISSION SENSOR WAS RESET HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000.
NHTSA ODI #11307549
3,000 miles · Oct 7, 2019
EnginePower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, A LOUD NOISE WAS DETECTED, THE VEHICLE VIOLENTLY JERKED, AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO DETECTED FUMES. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, RESTARTED, AND WAS ABLE TO FUNCTION NORMALLY; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED MUL…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, A LOUD NOISE WAS DETECTED, THE VEHICLE VIOLENTLY JERKED, AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO DETECTED FUMES. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, RESTARTED, AND WAS ABLE TO FUNCTION NORMALLY; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO JIM SHORKEY KIA (12900 US-30, IRWIN, PA 15642, (724) 241-0176) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE ENGINE AND FLOORMAT. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY TAKEN TO THE DEALER, NO FAILURES WERE FOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000.
NHTSA ODI #11266883
57,000 miles · Sep 26, 2019
Power Train
07/25/2019 TOOK CAR TO HILLTOP KIA BECAUSE AUTO TRANSMISSION HAD BEEN SLIPPING, THEN STUCK IN 4TH GEAR. COULD NOT MANUALLY SHIFT TO CHANGE. DEALER REPLACED TRANSMISSION SWITCH PLATE/SENSOR. CAR WAS RETURNED TO ME ON 8/15/2019. 9/19 RETURNED CAR TO DEALER AS TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING AGAIN, SHIFTING ROUGH AND THEN ACCELERATIN…
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07/25/2019 TOOK CAR TO HILLTOP KIA BECAUSE AUTO TRANSMISSION HAD BEEN SLIPPING, THEN STUCK IN 4TH GEAR. COULD NOT MANUALLY SHIFT TO CHANGE. DEALER REPLACED TRANSMISSION SWITCH PLATE/SENSOR. CAR WAS RETURNED TO ME ON 8/15/2019. 9/19 RETURNED CAR TO DEALER AS TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING AGAIN, SHIFTING ROUGH AND THEN ACCELERATING TO GET ON FREEWAY RPMS FLEW UP AS CAR WENT INTO NEUTRAL. I LUCKILY STAYED TO RIGHT AS TRUCK BEHIND ME SWERVED LEFT. CAR THEN WENT INTO GEAR, I GOT OFF FREEWAY. DEALER HAD ME RIDE WITH MECHANIC AND PROBLEM OF SLOW UPSHIFTING, ROUGH SHIFTING AND DELAYED SHIFTING WAS DUPLICATED. DEALER WAS NOT ABLE TO PULL ANY CODES. THIS IS SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. I OPENED KIA CASE NUMBER 13369527. KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE, CHRIS, STATED PER HIS MANAGER JADA WOULD ESCALATE. CHRIS ALSO STATED THERE WAS NO RECORD OF PREVIOUS NHTSA COMPLAINT 11231076 FILE 07/11/2019
NHTSA ODI #11258358
20,000 miles · Aug 14, 2019
Power Train
TRANSMISSION WILL SUDDENLY DISENGAGE AND ENGINE WILL ACCELERATE TO 4500 RPM OR HIGHER. THIS HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING MOSTLY WHEN VEHICLE IS BETWEEN 25 AND 45 MPH. THIS HAPPENS SEVERAL TIMES A MONTH. THIS HAS CAUSED VEHICLE TO PAUSE WHEN SWITCHING LANES, ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES OVER THE LAST Y…
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TRANSMISSION WILL SUDDENLY DISENGAGE AND ENGINE WILL ACCELERATE TO 4500 RPM OR HIGHER. THIS HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING MOSTLY WHEN VEHICLE IS BETWEEN 25 AND 45 MPH. THIS HAPPENS SEVERAL TIMES A MONTH. THIS HAS CAUSED VEHICLE TO PAUSE WHEN SWITCHING LANES, ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES OVER THE LAST YEAR.
NHTSA ODI #11244046
12,000 miles · Aug 12, 2019
Power Train
TRANSMISSION STARTED EARLY UPSHIFTING AFTER 12K MILES. WHILE NOT APPARENTLY DANGEROUS, I FIND IT VERY ANNOYING.
NHTSA ODI #11243353
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.
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