While driving 8/24/2026 on interstate engine light started flashing then staues on and car decelerated and knocking noise.Got to closest parking lot. Car would no longer move and turned it off. Contacted a tow. Tow driver verified battery good, oil good and started car, the motor shook uncontrollably then it was turned off and t…
Read full complaint
While driving 8/24/2026 on interstate engine light started flashing then staues on and car decelerated and knocking noise.Got to closest parking lot. Car would no longer move and turned it off. Contacted a tow. Tow driver verified battery good, oil good and started car, the motor shook uncontrollably then it was turned off and towed to dealership. Full service oil change was done 8/23/2026 at dealership. Dealer stated diagnostics engine failure need replacement. since owning would not support 5000 mile oil change and was reported to dealer due to need service earlier.
NHTSA ODI #11761196
Mileage unknown · Jul 18, 2026
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or Other
I am submitting this complaint regarding the positive battery terminal fuse block (battery terminal/fusible link assembly) on my 2022 Kia Sportage. The component is currently installed on the vehicle and is available for inspection upon request. I purchased this vehicle in 2024, when it was only about two years old. Because of t…
Read full complaint
I am submitting this complaint regarding the positive battery terminal fuse block (battery terminal/fusible link assembly) on my 2022 Kia Sportage. The component is currently installed on the vehicle and is available for inspection upon request. I purchased this vehicle in 2024, when it was only about two years old. Because of the vehicle's age, I did not expect to experience major electrical problems. Approximately one year after purchasing it, in June, the battery failed and I had to purchase a brand-new replacement battery. Then, only about three months later, that replacement battery also failed and had to be replaced with another new battery. Having two batteries fail within such a short period on a relatively new vehicle made me believe there was an underlying electrical problem rather than simply defective batteries. As the problem continued to worsen, I discovered that the issue appeared to be related to the positive battery terminal fuse block connection. The connection became intermittent, and the vehicle would not reliably start because electrical power was not consistently passing through the battery terminal assembly. To temporarily restore the connection, a small metal key was carefully placed between the fuse block connection and the battery terminal. This was never intended to be a repair, but it was the only way to make the electrical connection so the vehicle would start. With the metal key in place, the vehicle would start and operate. Recently, the vehicle was exposed to snow and moisture. After that, the temporary connection stopped working and the vehicle would no longer start. I removed the metal key, allowed the connection to dry, and then inserted a small folded piece of aluminum foil into the same location to temporarily restore the electrical connection. The aluminum foil is still in place because it is currently the only way I can start the vehicle and drive it to a Kia dealership for inspection and replacement of the failed component. I
NHTSA ODI #11751241
Mileage unknown · May 27, 2026
Engine
Engine failure at 93,000 miles. Timing chain jumped, causing internal engine damage. Dealer (Capitol Kia, San Jose CA) diagnosed engine as failed and quoted $11,843 for short block replacement. Vehicle is a 2021 Kia Sportage 2.4L. This is a known issue with the Theta II 2.4L engine.
NHTSA ODI #11740300
Mileage unknown · Apr 2, 2026
Engine
The engine failed completely, it has to be replaced. Yes, it’s available The engine could start a fire. It’s confirmed by an independent service. No, hasn’t been inspected by the manufacturer. The suv started shaking and making a sound, the engine light started flashing all of this in just one hour, and I have to stop.
NHTSA ODI #11728942
Mileage unknown · Mar 17, 2026
Engine
Had my oil changed less about 3k miles ago and my oil like flashed on and then off. I check my oil and I have no oil. I should be able to go 5k miles. Took it to Goodyear and he check for leaks and other things and it's an oil consumption issue and said there should be a recall on my engine. I will be taking it to the dealers…
Read full complaint
Had my oil changed less about 3k miles ago and my oil like flashed on and then off. I check my oil and I have no oil. I should be able to go 5k miles. Took it to Goodyear and he check for leaks and other things and it's an oil consumption issue and said there should be a recall on my engine. I will be taking it to the dealership. My car has about 70k miles on it. It should not be burning through oil like this.
NHTSA ODI #11724879
Mileage unknown · Jan 30, 2026
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
Vehicle developed a cylinder 3 misfire that progressed to engine failure. The engine began running rough and lost power during normal operation. Dealer diagnosed internal engine damage and advised that a complete engine replacement is required. Prior to failure, the vehicle experienced significant oil loss, with oil leaking and…
Read full complaint
Vehicle developed a cylinder 3 misfire that progressed to engine failure. The engine began running rough and lost power during normal operation. Dealer diagnosed internal engine damage and advised that a complete engine replacement is required. Prior to failure, the vehicle experienced significant oil loss, with oil leaking and rapidly depleting despite proper maintenance. Oil levels dropped abnormally between services. No adequate warning was provided before the engine condition worsened. Failure resulted in loss of engine performance and required towing. Vehicle was properly maintained. Repair cost exceeds reasonable expectations for vehicle age and mileage. Dealer advised that required engine parts are on backorder, leaving the vehicle inoperable for an extended period.
NHTSA ODI #11714581
Mileage unknown · Jan 18, 2026
Engine
intake camshaft position actuator circuit alert went off I have had the engine replaced 3 times in this car in the past year now, the first time in February of 2025 then in August of 2025 and again in October of 2025 and I am now having further engine troubles with this vehicle. All replacement engines have been re-manufacture…
Read full complaint
intake camshaft position actuator circuit alert went off I have had the engine replaced 3 times in this car in the past year now, the first time in February of 2025 then in August of 2025 and again in October of 2025 and I am now having further engine troubles with this vehicle. All replacement engines have been re-manufactured and I have been told be the Kia dealership that the first 2 were sent with faulty parts. They claimed they switched to another company for the 3rd replacement but this engine is having issues as well.
NHTSA ODI #11711737
Mileage unknown · Dec 6, 2025
Engine
Engine began to knock on [XXX] on my way home from work. Drove to work and back the next day, but heard a loud CLUNK when I started it to head home. Stopped at auto parts store and checked oil. Completely dry dip stick (after wiping it clean). Added 2 qts of synthetic since I had an appt the next morning ([XXX]) at 7:30am at dea…
Read full complaint
Engine began to knock on [XXX] on my way home from work. Drove to work and back the next day, but heard a loud CLUNK when I started it to head home. Stopped at auto parts store and checked oil. Completely dry dip stick (after wiping it clean). Added 2 qts of synthetic since I had an appt the next morning ([XXX]) at 7:30am at dealership where I purchased it. Knocking stopped but only drove about 12 miles total from that time until appt in the morning. Kia now tells me that engine failed and based on their records, insufficient maintenance. Kia dealer changed hands recently so not sure of the recordkeeping on their end. I've only ever had my vehicle serviced there. Also, no engine light nor oil light ever came on to warn me of low oil pressure. Service tech says he will email me video of their inspection. Not yet received. Currently requesting warranty coverage. Expect it to be denied, based on what service techs have said. I cannot believe Kia didn't get their act together after the Theta II engine debaucle. My car is a 2022 Kia Sportage with ~50-51k miles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI #11703491
Mileage unknown · Aug 9, 2025
Engine
On [XXX] while driving on the highway my vehicle stalled and the engine light came on. I called my local Kia dealership and setup a diagnostic. My vehicle was dropped off 7/22/25 in which I was informed it was still under warranty and a claim would have to be filed. Days later I received a phone call stating I would have to p…
Read full complaint
On [XXX] while driving on the highway my vehicle stalled and the engine light came on. I called my local Kia dealership and setup a diagnostic. My vehicle was dropped off 7/22/25 in which I was informed it was still under warranty and a claim would have to be filed. Days later I received a phone call stating I would have to provide maintenance records in which I have a personal mechanic who services my vehicle when needed. I was contacted multiple times and told Kia was requesting more documents and on 8/7/25 I received a phone call stating I would have to pay $700-$1100 for Kia to take out my engine and see if there was neglect to the engine on top of already owing them 663 for replacing my battery as well as the cost for the diagnostic. I am currently [XXX] and can not drive my car due to the engine being out. On documents provided from Kia it states the testing they are requiring me to pay was optional and I was informed if I paid the money there would be no guarantee Kia would still fix the vehicle. I am now out of a vehicle and spent close to 2,000 on rentals and still have a car note and insurance to pay to a vehicle I cannot even drive. Being [XXX] having doctors appointments and getting ready for a baby this has become stressful and a burden to my life and Kia is making it hard for me INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI #11679583
Mileage unknown · Dec 1, 2024
Engine
A few weeks ago while on the highway my check engine light started blinking and the car started to slow down and wouldn’t go over 25 miles per hour. My oil pressure light also light up. There was no oil at all. I took it in for an oil change because it was due soon. And explained what happened to them and they said they can che…
Read full complaint
A few weeks ago while on the highway my check engine light started blinking and the car started to slow down and wouldn’t go over 25 miles per hour. My oil pressure light also light up. There was no oil at all. I took it in for an oil change because it was due soon. And explained what happened to them and they said they can check for oil consumption but it’s not covered under my engine warranty and that they can’t find anything wrong because I already put new oil in. This past Friday [XXX] again on the highway the check engine light started flashing and the car slowed down and wouldn’t go over 25 miles per hour. I took it to Jack Williams where they charged me 110$ to reset the code and told me I most likely had water in my gas tank from bad gas and to put dry gas in it which I did and later that night the light came on again. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗