Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
570–25K
2325–50K
4250–75K
3075–100K
25100–150K
4150K+
181 reports with mileage · 218 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 219 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 62 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Power Train. Review the 40 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
14 crash reports27 fire reports17 injury reports
What owners actually said
399 reports
Mileage unknown · Apr 25, 2024
Engine
I have the KSDS and the engine light came on right when my engine began shaking and knocking and died in the middle of downtown Chicago traffic while driving. I had it towed to the dealership and they stated that I had no compressions in a cylinder which is part of the engine and I needed a replacement engine. My vehicle had reg…
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I have the KSDS and the engine light came on right when my engine began shaking and knocking and died in the middle of downtown Chicago traffic while driving. I had it towed to the dealership and they stated that I had no compressions in a cylinder which is part of the engine and I needed a replacement engine. My vehicle had regular maintenance at Kia they change my oil, add coolant and anything that is needed and they never told me that it was burning oil and had any other issues nor did they at any time say the compression was low or going bad. If they didn’t notice how was I to know, it’s not tires where I can go put air in them. The incident was very frightening and sudden and could have cost bodily injury. The settlement states the rod bearing issue, however the compression cylinders are on the short block and I had the KSDS and whether or not it’s the rod bearing Kia needs to own the engine issues period because they know the compression cylinders issues were going to happen. The settlement was not written very exclusive to rod bearing with Kia updated warranty coverage letter dated April 2, 2021. This has and is happening to thousands of Kia owners and we honestly don’t know who to contact because Kia is not helping nor do they care. I promise you if you put out a notice or survey about this issue you will be shocked to learn how many people are actually affected by this issue with no known resources/resolution .
NHTSA ODI #11585159
Mileage unknown · Apr 25, 2024
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other
Window regulator drum or window regulator not responding saw open recall but my vin isn’t comming up under the recall SA-148 service from 2020
NHTSA ODI #11585141
143,000 miles · Apr 17, 2024
Engine
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, there was a knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle to the independent mechanic at undisclosed speeds, the knocking sound increased in volume and the vehicle shut off. The vehicle was to…
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The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, there was a knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle to the independent mechanic at undisclosed speeds, the knocking sound increased in volume and the vehicle shut off. The vehicle was towed to the independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with a lower engine knock failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with the same failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.
NHTSA ODI #11583671
Mileage unknown · Apr 5, 2024
EngineSteeringSuspension
I took my car to the Kia dealer because I burn I was smelling burn oil. They told me that it wasn’t burn oil. It was the rubber burning I replace the inner and I’m still smelling the oil burning. I’m putting in oil four times a week, and they still not tell me why I’m putting so much oil then I want to say because I do too much …
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I took my car to the Kia dealer because I burn I was smelling burn oil. They told me that it wasn’t burn oil. It was the rubber burning I replace the inner and I’m still smelling the oil burning. I’m putting in oil four times a week, and they still not tell me why I’m putting so much oil then I want to say because I do too much highway mileage that’s why I probably burn it so much oil, but that should be impossible.
NHTSA ODI #11581422
71,000 miles · Mar 14, 2024
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while reversing in a parking lot, the contact became aware that there was a significant amount of engine oil had leaked onto the ground. The contact stated that she added oil to the vehicle and drove to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was …
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The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while reversing in a parking lot, the contact became aware that there was a significant amount of engine oil had leaked onto the ground. The contact stated that she added oil to the vehicle and drove to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the oil pressure switch had failed, causing oil intrusion in the wiring harness and in the computer and components. The dealer determined that the wiring harness, the computer, and the oil pressure switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.
NHTSA ODI #11577338
Mileage unknown · Mar 7, 2024
Electrical SystemVisibility
All the windows have just randomly failed down. The last one was my passenger back window on my way to work with it pouring down rain this morning. The first incident was about a year and a half ago, the driver's side window fell, and the window shattered. Took to glass shop and they said regulator needed to be replaced and t…
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All the windows have just randomly failed down. The last one was my passenger back window on my way to work with it pouring down rain this morning. The first incident was about a year and a half ago, the driver's side window fell, and the window shattered. Took to glass shop and they said regulator needed to be replaced and they put in when they installed new glass. I went to Texarkana Kia dealer ship were bought car and bought a regulator and thought problem was solved. Several months later the window did not work so took back to glass shop that fixed they said regulator not working again. The Glass Shop took off and I got a replacement one at Kia and talked to several people of how my windows were acting but no one said a word about my certain model did had a problem with the regulators.
NHTSA ODI #11575953
Mileage unknown · Mar 1, 2024
Engine
My engine failed. I had to continuously fill it up with oil due to it going through oil like crazy. I scheduled a maintenance on it and the day of the appointment, a rod threw in my engine due to oil deprivation. i also had just put a quart of oil in the day BEFORE the engine went out. Kia states the engine recall is only for ce…
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My engine failed. I had to continuously fill it up with oil due to it going through oil like crazy. I scheduled a maintenance on it and the day of the appointment, a rod threw in my engine due to oil deprivation. i also had just put a quart of oil in the day BEFORE the engine went out. Kia states the engine recall is only for certain 2017 Kia’s - i say otherwise. there have been more people complain on facebook in a whole group where the same exact thing happened to them. i kept up on my maintenance. i loved my car. now i’m left to figure out 9k to fix the engine! this is not right. i have never been late on my payments, i have only had 1 place to change my oil and that is the dealership i purchased the vehicle from. i have no vehicle! i am a single mother of 2. i can’t have no vehicle. i have seen so many settlements of engine failures and oil deprivation
NHTSA ODI #11574832
Mileage unknown · Feb 29, 2024
Engine
After an oil change and driving the vehicle 375 miles the oil level is between full and low. This would be an excessive oil consumption issue.
NHTSA ODI #11574680
Mileage unknown · Feb 23, 2024
Engine
This engine is consuming oil in excess of 1.5 quarts per 1000 miles. This could leave to engine failure, resulting in loss of control and propulsion leading to a possible collision.
NHTSA ODI #11573656
Mileage unknown · Feb 22, 2024
Engine
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The vehicle's engine has failed and the timing is off, causing knocking sounds. The diagnostic results are indicating codes P0014 and P1326. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? There have been reports of the …
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What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The vehicle's engine has failed and the timing is off, causing knocking sounds. The diagnostic results are indicating codes P0014 and P1326. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? There have been reports of the vehicle catching fire so if I continued to drive the vehicle it could result in a major catastrophic event. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, I had the vehicle diagnosed by an independent dealer, and the car is waiting for the next appointment to return to the KIA dealership where the initial purchase was made. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes, the engine light came on in September 2021, two months after I purchased the vehicle. The dealership said that it was nothing, and all the diagnostic codes came back fine at that time.
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.
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.
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 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
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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