IllustrationMy engine has been burning through oil very fast, it is only 6 years old. I have to put oil in it approx 3 times before another oil change is due. My mechanic suggested I see if there were any recalls but there are none. I have no lights on or any other issues.
2019 Kia Sportage
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2019 Kia Sportage do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 122.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Sportage years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
110–25K
325–50K
450–75K
375–100K
1100–150K
1150K+
23 reports with mileage · 47 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 36 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 10 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 7 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
3 crash reports3 fire reports2 injury reports
What owners actually said
70 reportsThe paint started peeling on my 2019 Kia Sportage
The I started noticing my oil light was coming on after only few hundred miles. After every oil change a week or 2 later I would need oil. Took it to a several mechanics and no leaks founds they all said the GDI engines are known for consuming high amounts of oil. I called Kia and they admitted they know about the problem but wi…
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The I started noticing my oil light was coming on after only few hundred miles. After every oil change a week or 2 later I would need oil. Took it to a several mechanics and no leaks founds they all said the GDI engines are known for consuming high amounts of oil. I called Kia and they admitted they know about the problem but will do nothing about it
The car started stalling anf an engine light came on
Oil consumption issues that kia is not taking responsibility for
The car continues to burn oil and have to put oil in it although not time for oil change. I took the vehicle to dealership several times because whenever I get gas it won’t let me start it right away or stutters after getting gas. Whenever the car is in park or idle it’s making a knocking noise and shaking really bad. The check …
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The car continues to burn oil and have to put oil in it although not time for oil change. I took the vehicle to dealership several times because whenever I get gas it won’t let me start it right away or stutters after getting gas. Whenever the car is in park or idle it’s making a knocking noise and shaking really bad. The check engine light keeps going off and on but this most recent time it is not on. Initially i was advised they could only diagnose when check engine light on but that’s the issue because light does not stay on. I was on the freeway going about 70mph the car started declining in speed so had to hurry and pull over. Pulled over and turned off the car then it took several times to start back up. Vehicle currently at dealership waiting for more info but said it’s something related to the engine misfire.
Vehicle was throwing codes P2196 O2 sensor stuck rich, P0290 post catalyst fuel trim lean, P01720 system too rich, P016B closed loop air/fuel ratio control at limit. Brought to local dealership where they did an inspection and could not find any major issue that, in their words, “would affect drivability”. Recommended I start us…
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Vehicle was throwing codes P2196 O2 sensor stuck rich, P0290 post catalyst fuel trim lean, P01720 system too rich, P016B closed loop air/fuel ratio control at limit. Brought to local dealership where they did an inspection and could not find any major issue that, in their words, “would affect drivability”. Recommended I start using premium fuel and in the future consider a fuel system cleaning. 9 days later while driving my engine starting knocking, check engine light was on and flashing, then my car died. Towed vehicle to the dealership where the assessed and found there to be no compression and stated the pistons looked “melted”. They could not give me a reason as to why, or why none of this was caught at my $100 service inspection 9 days prior. They stated I needed an engine replacement at $6700 due to failed pistons. They would not do any type of diagnostic or testing to rule out a known issue with the Theta II engine recall. They stated they did not have to do any further diagnostic since they found my pistons to be melted. Local mechanic of mine not affiliated with the dealership, assessed the engine and components, stated he did not see any abnormalities outside of normal wear and tear but did recommend I have the dealership tear into the engine since they are “Kia Experts” and know the engines. Kia dealership stated they filed a claim with corporate and it was denied. Kia corporate stated my dealership sent report stating engine failure reason is outside of scope for recall. Kia dealership refused providing me denial in writing. Sent me photo of correspondence with tech line which was a total of 3 messages. Vehicle had been at dealership since November 16th.
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that on several occasions the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the vehicle occasionally stalled while driving. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly decelerated to 30 MPH. The contact pulled over to the side of the …
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The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that on several occasions the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the vehicle occasionally stalled while driving. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly decelerated to 30 MPH. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and attempted to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The contact received a secondary diagnostic test from an independent mechanic and was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
The vehicle just suddenly stopped without any warning or anything. No warning lights came on until after the engine had almost completely stopped in the middle of the road. Vehicle is also using oil without any warning light coming on at all and vehicle is out of oil. That is a problem with both things. Suddenly stopping can…
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The vehicle just suddenly stopped without any warning or anything. No warning lights came on until after the engine had almost completely stopped in the middle of the road. Vehicle is also using oil without any warning light coming on at all and vehicle is out of oil. That is a problem with both things. Suddenly stopping can cause me to be in an accident. This is not safe at all and should be the manufacturer responsible to repair this issue.
The contact owned a 2019 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle started overheating and smoke started emitting smoke from the hood. No warning lights were illuminated. No injuries were reported. The vehicle was destroyed leaving only the framing. The fire department arrived on the scene and extinguish…
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The contact owned a 2019 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle started overheating and smoke started emitting smoke from the hood. No warning lights were illuminated. No injuries were reported. The vehicle was destroyed leaving only the framing. The fire department arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire. A fire department report was filed. A police report was not filed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the vehicle was inspected; however, the inspector did not find a defect in the vehicle. The vehicle was also inspected by the fire department who determined that the cause was in the rear passenger window. The failure mileage was unknown.
Official recalls
222V703000 · Trailer Hitches
Sep 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.
21V137000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
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.
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.