NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Fuel/propulsion System complaints
11 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Sep 10, 2026
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion SystemFire
Shortly after driving away, before reaching a highway on-ramp, I noticed smoke coming from the vehicle. I turned around and returned to the location. By the time I arrived, the vehicle was emitting black smoke, and shortly after, it was fully engulfed in fire before I could retrieve a fire extinguisher. Vehicle has a documented…
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Shortly after driving away, before reaching a highway on-ramp, I noticed smoke coming from the vehicle. I turned around and returned to the location. By the time I arrived, the vehicle was emitting black smoke, and shortly after, it was fully engulfed in fire before I could retrieve a fire extinguisher. Vehicle has a documented history of a known manufacturer recall related to an electrical/HECU component and a separate high-pressure fuel pipe recall, both reportedly remedied prior to this incident
NHTSA ODI #11763274
Mileage unknown · Jun 4, 2026
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
I received a voluntary emissions update letter from kia, and although it was voluntary, the letter said failure to update could be considered lack of maintenance. The update was performed on XXX at Dorsch Ford/Kia in [XXX]. The vehicle ran poorly from that day forward. I gave it a couple of weeks to insure that the system could …
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I received a voluntary emissions update letter from kia, and although it was voluntary, the letter said failure to update could be considered lack of maintenance. The update was performed on XXX at Dorsch Ford/Kia in [XXX]. The vehicle ran poorly from that day forward. I gave it a couple of weeks to insure that the system could learn my driving habits. I then went to the Dorsch service department to report my issues. The service writer {Andy} said he hadn't heard of any issues with the update. I had him log in my issues to have a record that I complained. I returned several more times and talked to other service writers who told me that if they would check the vehicle and found nothing that I would have to pay service fees. the vehicle jerks and up/downshifts frequently and almost stalls sometimes when accelerating from a stoplight. It will lung periodically when navigating a parking lot at low speeds. It frequently searches for a different gear in traffic. To be clear, my car ran perfectly before this update. I asked them to put the previous tune back into the car but they said they can't do that. The car runs fine sometimes but the uncertainty of the jerking and shifting at improper times makes it dangerous to drive. Also almost stalling at an intersection is very dangerous too. I doubt that I am the only one to have this problem. Please help in any way you can to get this fixed without me having to spend money to correct a factory/dealer initiated problem Thank you for all your help. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI #11741993
Mileage unknown · Mar 27, 2026
EngineFuel/propulsion System
I've had an oil leak for a couple of years, typically having to put in 5 - 7 quarts of oil in between oil changes. In 2025 I had my spark plugs and some oil seal replaced it was quite expensive to have done. 6ish months later my 4th cylinder started misfiring. I took it to the repair shop. They performed an oil wash and it se…
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I've had an oil leak for a couple of years, typically having to put in 5 - 7 quarts of oil in between oil changes. In 2025 I had my spark plugs and some oil seal replaced it was quite expensive to have done. 6ish months later my 4th cylinder started misfiring. I took it to the repair shop. They performed an oil wash and it seemed to fix the misfire issue at the time. 3 months later it started to misfire again. I took it back to the repair shop and had them replace all 4 of the ignition coils, which did not help. They recommended I take it the Kia dealer. They believe the engine is burning oil which why it has such high oil consumption and that they believe the engine should be under a warranty. I need a safe vehicle for work and travel and frustrated that I am having to pay so much money just trying to get my vehicle repaired so it is.
NHTSA ODI #11727555
Mileage unknown · Mar 26, 2026
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion SystemFire
On 1/26/2024 approximately 9am, my husband had been driving on the highway for about 2 hours and pulled over to shut his eyes for a few minutes. He shut off the engine, closed his eyes and immediately smelled smoke. Black smoke began coming from under the hood and quickly got worse. He quickly got out of the car and walked away.…
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On 1/26/2024 approximately 9am, my husband had been driving on the highway for about 2 hours and pulled over to shut his eyes for a few minutes. He shut off the engine, closed his eyes and immediately smelled smoke. Black smoke began coming from under the hood and quickly got worse. He quickly got out of the car and walked away. He heard a loud pop sound and the engine area was engulfed in flames. He called 911. It took about 10 min for the fire dept to arrive and by then, the fire was being fed by the gas in the tank. They tried to put out the fire but the car burnt completely due to the gasoline. No one was hurt, thank goodness. There were no active lawsuits that I could find to get some compensation for this loss. We had to pay our high deductible and lost personal belongings in the car. This car did have an ongoing oil consumption issue. We had to replace the oil more frequently than normally required and it used much more oil than normal. We were told we had to wait for engine failure to get any kind of resolution.
NHTSA ODI #11727238
Mileage unknown · Oct 23, 2025
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemFire
My vehicle make and model has been documented to have had engine issues which has caused car fires from the engine compartment from what has been documented this is my best guess.
NHTSA ODI #11695264
Mileage unknown · Jan 22, 2025
EngineFuel/propulsion System
Engine failure due to oil composition leaking.
NHTSA ODI #11637571
Mileage unknown · Mar 28, 2024
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
I bought a vehicle from a dealership in 2021. The dealership sold me a 2018 Kia Sportage. To their knowledge, they state they were unaware of any safety recalls. However, fast-forward to [XXX]. As I was entering a busy street (with my two young children in the car (both under the age of 5) and going up a hill, the oil light flas…
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I bought a vehicle from a dealership in 2021. The dealership sold me a 2018 Kia Sportage. To their knowledge, they state they were unaware of any safety recalls. However, fast-forward to [XXX]. As I was entering a busy street (with my two young children in the car (both under the age of 5) and going up a hill, the oil light flashed once and then stayed on, I noticed the vehicle decelerating, as I tried to pull over, making way for vehicles to go around, all three (oil, battery and check engine) lights appear in my dashboard. After one failed attempt of restarting vehicle, I knew I needed to call a tow truck. Thankfully my mom wasn't too long to execute the rescue (it was about 32 outside). The vehicle was towed to the dealership I had purchased it from (NOT a certified Kia dealership mind you). I was told later on that day, that it was a good possibility my engine has blown. I was told the service technician had put over 3.5 qtrs. in order for it to register on the dipstick. I was also told they could replace said engine for a whopping $10,000. Which, the vehicle is only worth $2,000 more than the cost of the motor replacement. I decided to have the vehicle towed to a certified Kia dealership. Where, alas, the engine was in fact, blown. However, per the service manager, the blown engine was due to a recall (XXX) which was in effect as of 1/19/19 (before I bought said vehicle). Per the service manager a vehicle should not be sold with an active safety recall. I then relayed that information to the gentleman who said the vehicle and was told it was illegal for them to work on a vehicle that they are not certified to service (although I had the option for them to replace the engine). I then begin the battle of who is responsible. And ultimately told by the manager of dealership, 70% of the used vehicles they sell have active safety recalls that they do not fix. Nor do they send them to be serviced and checked by the appropriate personnel. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U
NHTSA ODI #11580012
13,000 miles · Apr 13, 2021
EngineFuel/propulsion System
ADDENDUM TO COMPLAINT ON KIA MOTORS,KIA AMERICA, CITRUS KIA , THEIR SELL OF FIRST A BRAND NEW 2015 KIA SOUL,NOW RECALLED 5 YRS LATER AFTER WE BEGGED FOR HELP. WE ARE 2 DISABLED PERSON S WHO WERE DUPED BY KIA AND CITRUS, TRADED IN GOING INTO FURTHER DEBT AFTER GETTING NO WHERE WITH NHTSA, KIA ETC. KIA MOTORS TRADED AND FINANCED A…
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ADDENDUM TO COMPLAINT ON KIA MOTORS,KIA AMERICA, CITRUS KIA , THEIR SELL OF FIRST A BRAND NEW 2015 KIA SOUL,NOW RECALLED 5 YRS LATER AFTER WE BEGGED FOR HELP. WE ARE 2 DISABLED PERSON S WHO WERE DUPED BY KIA AND CITRUS, TRADED IN GOING INTO FURTHER DEBT AFTER GETTING NO WHERE WITH NHTSA, KIA ETC. KIA MOTORS TRADED AND FINANCED A BRAND NEW 2018 KIA SPORTAGE ONLY TO HAVE DANGEROUS PROBLEMS WITH IT. KIA KNOWINGLY SOLD US 2 DANGEROUS VEHICLE S, WE HAD THE KNOCK SENSOR INSTALLED PER THE "UPGRADE", FARCE, SHOULD BE RECALL. THE CAR STALLED IN TRAFFIC AND ANOTHER DEALERSHIP PUT IN A WIRING HARNESS EXTENSION. WE ONLY HAVE 13,000 MILES ON THIS CAR BECAUSE WE DO NOT FEEL SAFE. THE DEALERSHIP DID AN OIL CHANGE LAST YEAR AND DAY BEFORE YESTERDAY. I RECEIVED A TEXT THAT OUR FUEL NEEDED ADDITIVE. IT IS IN " FAIR CONDITION", RECOMMEND WITH EVERY OIL CHANGE. NOT TRUE, NEVER RECOMMENDED BEFORE AND 13,000 MILES. IT SHOULD NOT NEED ADDITIVE ANYWHERE. SEE ATTACHED SCREENSHOT. I FULLY BELIEVE THEY ARE COVERING UP EVEN MORE AS IT RELATES TO THE PROBLEM IE SETTLEMENT? SERIOUSLY. OUR CAR IS WORTH NOTHING. I IMPLORE OUR NEW HEAD OF TRANSPORTATION TO LOOK INTO OUR COMPLAINTS SINCE 2015 TO INCLUDE THE INQUIRY BY SENATOR MARCO RUBIO. JOSEPH AND JULIE MRAZ ♿ KIA SOUL 2015 TO KIA SPORTAGE 2018. BLACK BOOK VALUE, RESALE VALUE, INSURANCE PREMIUM INCREASE, HOW MANY TIMES WILL KIA BE ALLOWED TO STEAL FROM US ?. THIS IS DANGEROUS ON AND OFF THE ROAD.
NHTSA ODI #11407969
44,000 miles · Nov 4, 2020
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
I BOUGHT THIS CAR IN MAY OF 2020 WITH 44K ON THE ODOMETER. THREE DAYS LATER I WAS ON A 3400 MILE ROAD TRIP ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN I STARTED HEARING KNOCKING FROM THE ENGINE BAY. I TOOK IT IN AND HAD THEM LISTEN. THEY TOLD ME IT WAS COMPLETELY NORMAL. THE KNOCK WENT AWAY FOR ABOUT 400 MILES THEN CAME BACK. I TOOK IT IN TO 4 DIFFEREN…
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I BOUGHT THIS CAR IN MAY OF 2020 WITH 44K ON THE ODOMETER. THREE DAYS LATER I WAS ON A 3400 MILE ROAD TRIP ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN I STARTED HEARING KNOCKING FROM THE ENGINE BAY. I TOOK IT IN AND HAD THEM LISTEN. THEY TOLD ME IT WAS COMPLETELY NORMAL. THE KNOCK WENT AWAY FOR ABOUT 400 MILES THEN CAME BACK. I TOOK IT IN TO 4 DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS. I GOT TOLD THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL ON THE MOTOR BUT THAT IT HAD BEEN FIXED ALREADY. THE DAY AFTER I GOT HOME THE CAR DIED AT 30 MPH ON THE WAY HOME FROM WORK AND LEFT ME IN THE MIDDLE OF A VERY BUSY INTERSECTION ALMOST CAUSING ME TO GET HIT. TOOK IT IN AND IT TOOK THEM 4 DAYS TO FIND A BAD FUSE. THE CAR OVER THE NEXT 3 MONTHS POPPED 12 FUSES AND KEPT DYEING ON THE ROAD. THEN I STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH IT NOT TURNING OVER. TOOK IT TO A DIFFERENT DEALERSHIP AND THEY FOUND A BAD FUEL PUMP AND STARTER AS WELL AS A BATTERY DRAIN THATS KILLED THREE BATTERIES. TOOK THE CAR TO KIA 9 DIFFERENT TIMES TO GET LOOKED AT.7 OF THOSE TIMES THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. THEY SAID THEY KNEW ABOUT THE DRAIN BUT COULDNT FIND IT. THEN THEY FINALLY FIGURED OUT THE FUEL PUMP WAS SHORTING OUT AND CAUSING THE FUSE TO POP. THEY SUPPOSEDLY REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP IN SEPTEMBER OF 2020 ALONG WITH THE INJECTION PUMP. I WAS 50 MILES FROM END OF WARRANTY THE DAY AFTER I GET THE CAR OUT OF THE SHOP IT WONT RUN FOR LONGER THEN 15 SECONDS. NOT GETTING FUEL.LEFT ME STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD 45 MILES OUT OF TOWN. IM BACK TO SQUARE 1 BECAUSE HALF THE TIME MY CAR WONT START. THE MOTOR IS STILL KNOCKING AND HAS NO POWER WITH MY FUEL MILEAGE DROPPING DOWN TO 11MPG IT STARTED REVVING UP AND SPEED NOT CHANGING,NOT SHIFTING CORRECTLY OR JUST NOT SHIFTING. MY NEW SHOP DISCOVERED THE TRANSMISSION IS FAILING FAST. IVE HAD THIS CAR 6 MONTHS AND AM STILL PAYING FOR IT AND I CANT EVEN DRIVE IT SAFELY. COMPLETE TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT 64,456 MILES.
NHTSA ODI #11372948
Mileage unknown · May 20, 2019
Electronic Stability Control (esc)EngineFuel/propulsion System
IN MOTION ; VEHICLE DOES NOT ACCELERATE PROPERLY, NO PICKUP MY LIFE IN DANGER SEVERAL TIMES. KIA HAS SENT LETTER IN WHICH I FOLLOWED INSTRUCTIONS. DEALERSHIP UPDATED SYSTEM. NOW MY DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM IS NOT WORKING PUTTING ME AT EVEN GREATER RISK NO WARNING LIGHT INDICATE ENGINE TROUBLE. ACCORDING TO KIA , THE RECALL I RECEIVE…
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IN MOTION ; VEHICLE DOES NOT ACCELERATE PROPERLY, NO PICKUP MY LIFE IN DANGER SEVERAL TIMES. KIA HAS SENT LETTER IN WHICH I FOLLOWED INSTRUCTIONS. DEALERSHIP UPDATED SYSTEM. NOW MY DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM IS NOT WORKING PUTTING ME AT EVEN GREATER RISK NO WARNING LIGHT INDICATE ENGINE TROUBLE. ACCORDING TO KIA , THE RECALL I RECEIVED IN THE MAIL WAS SPECIFICALLY DONE SO I WOULD HAVE WARNING LIGHT TAKE ASAP TO DEALERSHIP.., CLEANING OUT ALL MY BANK ACCOUNTS- KIA FINANCE NEVER SENT RIGHT TITLE IN MY LEGAL NAME AFTER I FAXED FRONT AND BACK END ,WITH DOCS THEY REQUESTED. CALLED WEEKLY & BECAUSE OF THERE MISTAKE HE HAS STOLEN 1000S OF DOLLARS FROM MY ACCOUNTS . HE IS NOT A CITIZEN SO HE DOESN'T CARE ABOUT OUR LAWS. HE CON CPA TO FORGE TAXES NOW IHAVETOHELP IRS STRAIGHTEN IT OUT. THE CPA 'DIED I WAS TOLD' I HAVING MEDICAL ISSUES FROM STRESS ANXIETY. I NEVER WANTED NEW KIA ...BUT HE SOLD IT BEHIND MY BACK. THEN BOUGHT MOST EXPENSIVE CAR LEAVING ME WITH -17;000 EQUITY. ON A CAR HE RAGGED TO HELL AND WRECKED. THEN CANCELED ALL EXTRAS INCLUDING DISABILTY LEAVING ME WITH NO OTHER CHOICE BUT TO TRUST OWNER. AT THE TIME ; MY CREDIT WAS 780; NEVER MISSED A PAYMENT BUT HAD NO WORK HISTORY DUE TO TAX FRAUD. THE CAR HAS NEVER RAN CORRECT I KNEW FROM DAY 1 IT WAS PULLING I REALIZED KIA HAD PUT A 4 CYLINDER IN A SUV THAT SHOULD BE A 6 . NOW THE RECALLS IRONICALLY TIMED WHEN YOU CAME OUT WITH SAME CAR BUT A 6 CYLINDER CHANGED THE NAME. I PAID 8;000 TOTAL TRADED 2 CARS. KIA FINANCE STATED I NEVER MISSED A PAYMENT UNTIL NOW. DUE TO CONTINUED ABUSE FROM MY EX SPOUSE. TRANSUNION HAS FROZEN MY CREDIT REPORTS, LABELED ME A TRUE VICTIM OF STOLEN IDENTITY.AND FINANCIAL FRAUD. KIA TO BUY MY CAR BACK SO I CAN BUY THE CAR I WANT . TRANSUNION, POLICE, LIFELOCK, WELLS FARGO, CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION , EMERGENCY HEARING FOR PROTECTIVE ORDER AND STATE FARM'S HAVE PROTECTED ME.
NHTSA ODI #11208555
Official recalls
3Sep 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.
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
1AQ23002 · 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.