Engine And Engine Cooling Problems of Kia Motor Sportage - part 1

Need an engine replaced for the infamous knocking of the motor from the previous class action but my model isn’t covered. Ridiculous to need a new engine on a less than 5 year old car.

See all problems of the 2020 Kia Motor Sportage 🔎.

2018 kia Sportage (78,051 miles). Vehicle is part of the kia engine class action settlement due to severe internal engine defects. The engine suffers from catastrophic oil consumption, running almost completely dry three times in less than six months with no external leaks, meaning it is internally burning motor oil at a dangerous rate. This known engine defect caused severe consequential damage to the exhaust and emissions systems. On Aug 12, 2026, a kia dealer technician diagnosed active code p0420. The technician's video inspection stated both the catalytic converter and O2 sensors are completely "out of specification. " this double failure is a direct result of the engine defect blowing excessive liquid motor oil out of the engine block and down the exhaust pipe, fouling the sensors and melting the internal catalyst. This failure happened immediately after receiving the mandatory kia recall sc340 update (catalyst overheating protection). The vehicle is under the 80,000-mile federal emissions threshold, but kia is denying coverage based strictly on a calendar time limit. They refuse to take responsibility for emissions components destroyed by their settlement-recognized engine defect. This condition poses a serious safety hazard. Driving with heavily fouled O2 sensors and a failing catalytic converter causes poor engine performance, unpredictable stalling or hesitation during acceleration, and excessive unburned fuel vapors to enter the environment and potentially the cabin. I request the NHTSA investigate kia’s refusal to cover secondary emissions damages directly triggered by their defective oil-burning engines.

See all problems of the 2018 Kia Motor Sportage 🔎.

The hose connected on the antifreeze leak into the engine compartment.

See all problems of the 2021 Kia Motor Sportage 🔎.

While driving on the expressway posted speed 65 was doing 70, left lane driving, suddenly my check engine light started flashing, my oil light came on and my vehicle started slowing down. Acceleration was not an option, causing hazardous conditions to have to put my hazards on and cross two lanes of heavy traffic. Vehicle went into limp mode. Vehicle was caught up on an oil change, and was regularly checked and filled with oil. Oil seemed to have been burning rapidly or just simply disappearing. The motor blew and I purchased this vehicle less than 6 months ago. I only put 4,000 miles on it. 2020 kia Sportage s, dealership was lilliston Ford. Took vehicle to kia dealership to get two safety campaigns fixed. They informed me I was only a couple hundred miles over my warranty and my repairs are not covered. I now have an inoperable vehicle that I have payments on, which now needs a new engine. No recalls matching my VIN, only my make, model and year. All repairs were denied. Worst vehicle decision ive ever made….

The vehicle is have issues every time I get and oil change the vehicle loses about 2 qt of oil there are no leaks that are notice but the lost of engine oil still happens this oil could cause the engine to turn on fire it is nerve reacting to every often to check the oil level dealership are brushing this problem as they don't seem to know what is causing this issue if customer don't check.

See all problems of the 2019 Kia Motor Sportage 🔎.

I was driving the vehicle yesterday, had no problems and then when making a right hand turn the vehicle completely locked up. The brakes and steering column locked and the vehicle completely shut done. The dashboard lit up and the windows still worked but there was not power to the engine. Attempted to jump the car, unsuccessful, ultimately called a aaa who used a battery box and the car started. This happened once previously when the car was 6m-1year old and it spontaneously worked. I took for service told unclear what happened, no issues. The car gave no warning lights or indicators there was an issue. This was a very concerning and unsafe situation. I was in the middle of a busy intersection, making a right hand turn. Again no warning or lights just vehicle shut down and unable to restart.

See all problems of the 2023 Kia Motor Sportage 🔎.

The contact owns a 2022 kia Sportage. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked with the engine running, there was an alert on the instrument panel that stating "warning - system overheating". The contact checked the coolant level, and the level was at the operational level; however, the a/c was not operating properly. While driving the vehicle, the external temperature gauge started lowering. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with blower motor failure that affected the wiring harness and the cooling fan assembly. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 97,000.

See all problems of the 2022 Kia Motor Sportage 🔎.

We were getting in our car to drive home from a restaurant. We attempted to start our car like any other day, and the car started. However, our car was stuck in gear, it was in parking but also not in parking. The car was not moving, the gear was in “park”, the dot light for park was not showing, and then we had several warnings appear on our dashboard. At first it was three, then it went to six (after turning off the car and restarting again)!! the car told us to put it in park, but we literally could not move the gear shift at all. We had: check speed limit system, check high beam assist, check driver attention warning, check blind spot safety system, check forward safety system, check rear cross-traffic safety system appear in 20 seconds of car being on. This car just hit ~15,500 miles on it. To add to the strangeness, we open the kia access app and tried “lock” and “unlock” (while being in the car”, then turn the car off. We started the car again and it worked as if this never happened (no immediate warnings like above). Yet we did recieve a check engine light and a vehicle diagnostic on the instrument (dashboard) saying “follow-up check required: 2 (engine management system and transmission control system. )” the car allowed itself to recognize it in park gear and drive off. The kia access app said we experienced a uoo01f0 code tied to the engine control system. We never seen anything like that before. We did, however, experience a problem with the driver seat powertrain at 11,000 miles where the seat wouldn’t move. The seat was fixed by the dealership though. We are going to take the car in to the dealership to see what they say.

See all problems of the 2025 Kia Motor Sportage 🔎.

The contact owns a 2023 kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25-35 mph on the highway, the engine and oil check warning light was illuminated. The kia app alerted the driver to check the engine when convenient. The accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. There was a loud knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with internal rod bearing failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and declined to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 120,100.

The contact owns a 2021 kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the drain plug detached, and oil started leaking from the oil pan. The accelerator was depressed, but the vehicle failed to move and stalled while driving on the highway. The vehicle failed to restart. The oil light illuminated after the failure. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who determined the oil cap had detached. The mechanic informed the contact that the vehicle was difficult to start. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

It was roughly 2000 miles since my last oil change on my kia Sportage. A spot of oil appeared in my driveway. I thought it could be from a delivery truck. I started parking my car in another spot and didn’t see anymore oil on the pavement. Three days later the low oil light came on. I had my car towed to a mavis tire center they found that the oil drain plug was loose. They told me the car needed to go back to the dealership. They gave me a copy of a memo that they have sent to all of their shops reporting that NHTSA is investigating this problem with Hyundai and kia vehicles. The kia dealership is not concerned about this. The documentation for this service says last visit we did not tighten the drain plug properly and another shop confirmed that. Please check oil level, drain plug, and filter to ensure proper levels/tightness and report misc drain plug was found loose. They observed it for two hours. They also noted that mileage coming into the shop was 61212 mileage, out of the shop was 61212. Please note they had not done previous oil change as noted in their documentation. I have a service contract with this kia dealership where I bought the car. I stopped going there because they recommended that three of my brakes needed to be changed on March 4, 2025. In spring of 2025 I had two different mavis shops. Tell me that my brakes did not require changing. One set had 30% wear, the other set had only 20% wear. It is now June 25, 2026. My break still have not required being changed. That was not recommended service today either.

I was driving eastbound in my 2012 kia Sportage on I-82 just past benton city mp97 at about 11am on Monday June 22, 2026, when my engine knocked twice, the red check engine light came on, and I lost power. I pulled over off the road next to a concrete barrier that was beside a rock roadcut. My flashers would not operate, I put it into park, turned off the ignition and immediately noticed the smell of burning oil or rubber. I had 2 half gallon containers of water on my front seat, so I popped the switch, lifted the hood, used the prop rod to hold the hood up as I started dowsing the flames that were popping up on the passenger side of my engine compartment near the firewall. After using both half gallons, I ran to the rear of the vehicle, opened the hatchback, and grabbed a gallon spray bottle of water and brought that back around to the front of the vehicle. By this point the prop rod holding the hood was bending and the flames were popping back up, I pumped the sprayer and directed a stream of water with my left hand and used my right to hold up the hood as the prop rod was not working. After the fire was completely out, I returned to the rear of the vehicle, donned my reflective vest, put a portable flasher on my vehicle, and at this point a benton county fireman in a pickup arrived - he was called by a motorist that saw me pulling over with smoke trailing my vehicle. The fireman was followed by a large firetruck and crew. They propped up the hood with a bar and inspected the motor to verify the fire was completely extinguished. They took my information and left. A washington state patrol arrived, assessed the scene and offered assistance, but I already had called my wife so he left me to wait for her. He told me I had 24 hours to get the car off the interstate. I had the car towed to my driveway by a&e towing at about 2:30pm. I just realized this morning that I ought to report it to you. I haven't tried to start it, but I'm sure it won't.

See all problems of the 2012 Kia Motor Sportage 🔎.

Nhtsa complaint description — kia Sportage engine stall while driving my 2020 kia Sportage in mid?June 2026 on I?45 in houston, TX, the vehicle suddenly stalled while I was driving, with no warning lights, messages, or symptoms beforehand. This created a dangerous situation because I was in active highway traffic and had to pull over immediately. My oil change was due on 06/02/2026, but even between 06/15–06/20, the vehicle should still have had oil. A car does not lose all oil in two weeks under normal conditions. The sudden stall and lack of oil indicate a mechanical defect, not a maintenance issue. I received a kia notice around December 2025 or early January 2026 stating that my vehicle’s year and model could be eligible for an engine defect inspection. The letter explained that even if my VIN does not show up in their system, the model/year is still included. My vehicle is showing the same symptoms described in the defect notice, including unexpected stalling and oil loss. The problem has not yet been inspected or confirmed by the dealer, but the incident clearly shows a serious safety risk. My vehicle is available for inspection upon request.

On June 14, 2026, the driver experienced sudden rough engine running followed immediately by a flashing check engine light. The vehicle was towed to the selling dealer, which has performed all prior maintenance. The vehicle is currently at the dealership and available for inspection. Technician notes show dtc p1326 was stored — the knock sensor detection system code associated with connecting rod bearing wear on kia's theta ii engine family. The technician performed an audible knock check only (none heard) and cleared the code. The vehicle was found approximately 2. 5 quarts low on oil due to an internal turbo oil leak. The dealer's notes state the code "may be related" to low oil — hedged language, not confirmed causation. The dealer confirmed the turbo failure but has not performed a bearing clearance test to confirm or rule out bearing damage from the low oil condition. The dealer performed a turbocharger replacement. Despite a verbal commitment from the service manager that a bearing clearance test would follow, no such test was performed 40 days later. When the vehicle was declared ready, the service manager did not recall the commitment and suggested driving 40-50 miles as an alternative. Kia America opened a formal case last month and authorized a partial goodwill adjustment but no one has addressed the safety concern of the unperformed engine test indicated by the thrown code. Driving a vehicle with potential connecting rod bearing wear risks catastrophic engine failure, creating a serious safety hazard. This vehicle has a documented history of oil consumption prior to this incident. The engine has not been cleared for bearing damage following a significant low oil event and a stored p1326 code.

The engine locked up about a year ago, and since we didn’t technically have a recall we didn’t know what to do. It was able to drive again after we had a technician work on it, but now it’s not driving anymore. It shakes hard when it’s idling and driving. We have waited over 2 weeks to be diagnosed with the problem. We have had to spend $1300 on rental cars because we can’t get a loaner until diagnosed. The car is not safe to drive and puts our lives at risk to drive it. We were lucky it didn’t start shaking while we were driving on a major highway, but it did still happen while driving and was terrifying. The car is at williams kia now, in elmira NY. They still haven’t diagnosed the problem. The check engine light is on.

While driving on the interstate at highway speed with cruise control engaged, the engine suffered sudden catastrophic failure with absolutely no prior warning, warning lights, knocking, stalling, or other symptoms. The vehicle became inoperable immediately. The repair estimate is $6,500 for engine replacement. The vehicle is a 2017 kia Sportage equipped with a theta ii 2. 4l gdi engine, confirmed by service campaign sc340 on file with NHTSA. Two safety recalls remain incomplete on this vehicle: 21v137 and 22v703. The knock sensor detection system software update campaign sc340 was never completed prior to my purchase of the vehicle in February 2024 from a used car dealer, despite being issued in July 2018. Kia consumer affairs indicated the claim would likely be denied due to the incomplete ksds update, despite that update predating my ownership entirely. A dealer appointment had been scheduled for June 26, 2024 to address outstanding recalls prior to this failure occurring.

See all problems of the 2017 Kia Motor Sportage 🔎.

The contact owns a 2011 kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving 40 mph, the vehicle went into limp mode. While accelerating to overtake a vehicle driving under the speed limit, the vehicle started to stall. The check engine light was flashing, and the vehicle went into eco mode. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 17v224000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a misfire and engine failure due to an oil leak. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

See all problems of the 2011 Kia Motor Sportage 🔎.

On xxx, my 2012 kia Sportage experienced a catastrophic engine failure while traveling on the interstate. The connecting rod failed, breaking through the engine block, causing sudden and sever oil leak and heavy smoke. The safety of the occupants was put at risk due to the sudden powefr loss in high-speed traffic. This vehicle has two active federal safety recalls, sc200 snd SC 284, which are unrepaired. After the vehicle was towed to auffenberg kia in cape girardeau, mo I experienced an unreasonable delay of atr a mininum of 2 weeks or more before they could assess the damage, and they refused to provide a loaner vehicle while I was left without transport. Futhermore, they have stated they will not assist with anything until the inspection is complete and the exact cause of failure is determined.

The knock censor went out, once it was replaced and the oil changed it’s still knocking and unable to drive. Mechanic from out of state looked at it and now said he thinks there’s a problem with in the engine. The car is sitting in a driveway, 4 hours from a kia dealership.

See all problems of the 2016 Kia Motor Sportage 🔎.

While I was driving in the interstate my car when in limp mode while I was trying to pass a semi. I had my children in the car and was stranded on the side of the road. No warning lights ever came on before hand. My mechanic said it was a problem with my engine and it’s common in kia’s in but doe not include my year. It’s a costly repair for a car that’s not even 5 years old.

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.

1. Component or system malfunction & availability component/system failed: an unidentified component within the engine compartment failed, resulting in a sudden, catastrophic thermal event (engine fire). Odometer reading: 100,415 miles at the time of the incident. Available for inspection: no. The vehicle was completely destroyed by the fire and is a total loss. 2. Safety risk assessment the vehicle was being driven at highway speeds on a major freeway by my 21-year-old son, brennan font, when the incident occurred. The sudden presence of heavy smoke and intense heat entering the cabin while traveling at high speeds created an immediate, life-threatening hazard. This forced an emergency pullover on the shoulder of a busy freeway. Moments after exiting, the vehicle became fully engulfed in flames, presenting a severe risk of explosion and injury to the driver and passing motorists. 3. Verification & third-party inspection reproduced/confirmed by dealer: no, the sudden and destructive nature of the failure prevented any prior diagnostic testing. Inspected by manufacturer/authorities: the vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer. However, the incident was handled and documented on-scene by local authorities. A formal police report was filed by the ventura police department (report number: 26-31369, responding officer: officer steinberger). 4. Warning symptoms and timeline there were no prior warning lamps, dashboard messages, check engine lights, or abnormal symptoms leading up to the failure. The onset of heavy smoke and heat was sudden and instantaneous. 5. Detailed incident description brennan immediately steered the vehicle to the shoulder of the freeway. As soon as he brought the vehicle to a stop and attempted to park, open flames breached the hood of the car. He successfully exited the vehicle without injury and immediately dialed 911. The vehicle burned completely before the fire could be extinguished. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

Component/system failed: an unidentified component within the engine compartment failed, resulting in a sudden, catastrophic thermal event (engine fire). Odometer reading: 100,415 miles at the time of the incident. Available for inspection: no. The vehicle was completely destroyed by the fire and is a total loss. 2. Safety risk assessment the vehicle was being driven at highway speeds on a major freeway by my [xxx] [xxx [xxx] incident occurred. The sudden presence of heavy smoke and intense heat entering the cabin while traveling at high speeds created an immediate, life-threatening hazard. This forced an emergency pullover on the shoulder of a busy freeway. Moments after exiting, the vehicle became fully engulfed in flames, presenting a severe risk of explosion and injury to the driver and passing motorists. 3. Verification & third-party inspection reproduced/confirmed by dealer: no, the sudden and destructive nature of the failure prevented any prior diagnostic testing. Inspected by manufacturer/authorities: the vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer. However, the incident was handled and documented on-scene by local authorities. A formal police report was filed by the ventura police department (report number: 26-31369, responding officer: officer [xxx] ). [xxx] ymptoms and timeline there were no prior warning lamps, dashboard messages, check engine lights, or abnormal symptoms leading up to the failure. The onset of heavy smoke and heat was sudden and instantaneous. 5. Detailed incident description [xxx] immediat [xxx] red the vehicle to the shoulder of the freeway. As soon as he brought the vehicle to a stop and attempted to park, open flames breached the hood of the car. He successfully exited the vehicle without injury and immediately dialed 911. The vehicle burned completely before the fire could be extinguished. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? engine is malfunctioning, increase in oil consumption, mpg dropping, a ticking/knocking noise coming from the engine, and erratic engine behavior with random surges while driving to 6000+ rpm. Brought it into kia 2x now for same issue and first time said nothing was wrong and second time I am now going through an oil consumption test. Vehicle is still unsafe to drive but they say this is the only option to do their test to move forward with my warranty with kia. I am driving through mountain passes daily with this behavior and I worry if the engine blows I'll lose control of the vehicle and fall off the cliff. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I am instructed to drive it still. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? the engine oil consumption test is happening now, I have driven 500 miles and the engine oil is low, pending to hear back from kia on when they can get it in for next steps. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? no, just a kia dealership (if that is the manufacturer then yes) were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? no. And there is no warning lights for low engine oil. I have driven many times without oil and no warning that the oil was even low. The vehicle burns up oil fast.

Engine fire which led to explosion and total loss.

See all problems of the 2015 Kia Motor Sportage 🔎.

The contact owns a 2023 kia Sportage. The contact stated that upon coming to a stop at a stop sign, the vehicle stalled. The accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond, and the infotainment screen was turned off. The contact stated that the vehicle became operable after approximately two minutes. The contact stated the failure was recurrent. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? the engine is experiencing excessive oil consumption. The vehicle rapidly burns through engine oil between oil changes without visible external leaks. The condition appears related to the engine lubrication and internal engine components. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? the excessive oil consumption creates a risk of sudden engine failure, engine seizure, loss of power while driving, or vehicle stalling in traffic. This creates a serious safety concern because the vehicle could lose acceleration or stop unexpectedly while driving at highway speeds or in traffic conditions, increasing the risk of an accident or injury. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? the excessive oil consumption has been consistently reproduced during normal driving conditions. The vehicle requires frequent oil top-offs between oil changes. The issue has been discussed with a dealership/repair facility, and the symptoms are consistent with widespread kia engine oil consumption complaints. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? the vehicle will be inspected by a kia dealership or repair facility regarding the excessive oil consumption issue. No police or insurance inspection has occurred related to this issue. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? symptoms included rapid oil loss between oil changes, the need to frequently add oil, and concerns about low oil levels. Warning indicators related to low oil or engine performance appeared after the oil consumption worsened. According to service records from walmart dated December 29, 2023, the issue was present at that time and has progressively.

My vehicle engine caught fire after getting gas. It started smoking then went up in flames.

Engine died. Complete failure with 50,000.

Engine caught fire , insurance denied the claim . Kia has a class action lawsuit theta 2 . It was towed into the dealership for approximately 3 mts . During the diagnostic they discovered a crack in the number 3 cylinder wall . They rejected the claim due to what they said was a leaky valve cover gasket even though it had been replaced within the last year . The car has 66,000 miles and has been well maintained. There’s copious examples of similar of engine failures and kia gives the same reason for not fixing the problem.

The contact owns a 2020 kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was advised that it was normal for the vehicle to use a quart of oil every 1,000 miles. The contact was advised to bring the vehicle to the dealer every 1,000 miles. The failure became a persistent failure. The failure reoccurred. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was black smoke coming from the exhaust pipes and the engine seized. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000. The VIN was unavailable.

The car shook and lights came on at a stop light and began violently knocking. Since it was at a stop light the safety was a risk had the hazard lights weren't engaged immediately. The dealer confirmed it was a catastrophic engine failure. An inspector for the warranty company was deployed two times. The lights only appeared at the time of engine failure.

Engine went out , starter went out got it replaced been having issues since I purchased it . Makes a noise my engine oil and gasoline was mixing my engine is locked now.

See all problems of the 2014 Kia Motor Sportage 🔎.

Unjustified denial of engine warranty coverage - 2015 kia Sportage "I am filing this complaint because kia is denying warranty coverage for a known engine defect (rod bearing failure in the theta ii gdi engine) on my 2015 kia Sportage. The manufacturer’s denial is based on the claim that I did not perform the ksds (knock sensor detection system) software update in previous years. However, I have officially performed this update at an authorized kia dealership (hendrick kia of cary) on April 17, 2026. Despite my vehicle now fully complying with the recall requirements, kia continues to deny the warranty claim by retroactively applying a 'missed update' penalty. This is a clear attempt to evade their obligations under the class-action settlement regarding this engine defect. The manufacturer is holding the current owner responsible for maintenance history they cannot control, even though the vehicle is now technically compliant. I request that the NHTSA investigate this practice, as it prevents consumers from accessing the safety-related warranty protections they are entitled to. " tips for your submission:.

The contact’s mother owns a 2017 kia Sportage. While the contact's mother was driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact's mother noticed an abnormal odor and an abnormal ticking sound coming from the vehicle. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the auto zone and connected to a diagnostic machine, and dtc: p0128, p1326, and p0014 were retrieved. The contact's mother received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 22v703000 (trailer hitches). The contact was unsure if the failure was associated with the unrepaired recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 141,000.