Power Train Problems of Kia Motor Sportage - part 1

I started my car and it started shaking violently, and would jolt back and forth, I would be on the highway and the speed would decrease rapidly and overheat slightly to pick up speed.

See all problems of the 2018 Kia Motor Sportage 🔎.

I am writing to formally raise a safety concern regarding my vehicle’s brake and rotor system, which has experienced premature failure on two separate occasions. First occurrence: the issue was first identified prior to reaching 11,000 miles and was addressed by the dealership after surpassing 11,000 miles. The repair involved replacement of the rotors and bolts, but notably, the brake components themselves were not replaced. Second occurrence: around 23,000 miles, I began to notice progressively worsening shaking and a disturbing sensation of the brakes skipping or slipping—particularly during highway downgrades. By 24,500 miles, the issue had become significantly more pronounced. I returned the vehicle to kia of stockton at 25,248 miles. During my visit, ricardo from the kia of stockton service department attributed the issue to “driver error,” citing hot spots on the rotors. However, he also acknowledged that during the initial repair, only the rotors and bolts were replaced—not the brakes. Ricardo further stated that kia could not offer any additional support beyond a 10% discount on repairs, per his manager’s directive. I explained that I live and work locally, and my driving habits do not involve long commutes or frequent stop-and-go traffic. Given this, I strongly believe the repeated brake system failure points to a potential manufacturing defect rather than user error. Ricardo agreed that if this were his own vehicle, he would be concerned as well. This issue poses a serious safety risk—not only to myself and my family, but to other drivers on the road. In addition my vehicle has also experienced powertrain issues, where it feels as if the vehicle is stuck in 1st gear. I am therefore requesting a full investigation into this matter. If necessary, I would like to initiate the process of reporting this vehicle as a potential lemon under applicable consumer protection laws. Thank you for your attention to this urgent safety concern.

See all problems of the 2024 Kia Motor Sportage 🔎.

The contact owns a 2017 kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, however the contact was advised to tow the vehicle to the dealer. The cotnact stated that the failure occurred while traveling across two states. The vehicle was towed to the contact's brother's residence while waiting for a scheduled appointment with the dealer. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where the contact was informed that an unknown software update was needed. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, the contact was informed that the second unknown software update was part of an unknown special program. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.

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While driving on the highway at 80 mph, the accelerator suddenly stopped working and was completely unresponsive. The dashboard displayed the message "check hybrid system. Stop safely" and a warning ding sounded. The gas engine was still operating and showing rpms on the dashboard, but all acceleration and/or engagement with the engine was lost. I was able to coast and safely pull over to the side of the road. After pulling over, I turned off the engine and pushed the 12v battery reset button. The car restarted, and I was able to continue driving. The issue repeated about 20 miles later and again on a different drive four days later. Each time, there is no early warning or noticeable issue with the vehicle before the sudden warning and loss of power.

See all problems of the 2023 Kia Motor Sportage 🔎.

The hybrid powertrain system failed. Specifically, the vehicle remains stuck in ev mode and does not switch to the gasoline engine under acceleration, leading to complete loss of power while driving. Yes, the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This malfunction caused the vehicle to lose all forward power in traffic. I had to pull over into emergency lanes and restart the vehicle multiple times. This is extremely dangerous and could lead to a crash, especially on highways or during merging. It puts both myself and others on the road at risk. The kia authorized service center was able to reset the adaptive system, and the hybrid warning light turned off temporarily. However, the issue reappeared the same day. The dealer claims they cannot reproduce it and refuses further diagnosis without replication. The vehicle was only inspected by a kia-authorized dealership. Kia consumer affairs has not yet conducted a manufacturer-level inspection or assigned a field technician. Yes. A “check hybrid system. Stop safely” warning message appears before the failure occurs. Then check engine light was on. It first appeared immediately after a routine service (oil change, tire rotation, multi-point inspection) on 26th June 2025, just 2 days after my regular service. The warning disappears after restarting but returns intermittently, typically after the ev battery is fully drained and the car fails to switch to gas mode.

I was riding on the highway at about 65 mph and then the check engine light came on, the car slowed down and lost power. Now when I take off I have to barely mash the gas to pick up speed, if I mash the gas pedal hard it barely moves and it loses speed and power going up a hill. I took the car to two different part store and had a reader hooked up and it said the power powertrain control module needs a reprogramming.

The contact owns a 2025 kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 mph, the transmission unexpectedly shifted gears, causing a slight jerk before accelerating. The instrument panel frequently displayed codes advising the driver to "turn off the engine. " while driving approximately 45-50 mph, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The instrument panel displayed a message advising the contact to "check your surroundings". When the contact attempted to depress the accelerator, the vehicle failed to respond. Upon releasing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle coasted, and the failure reoccurred several times. The contact safely coasted to the side of the road, restarted the vehicle, and the failure was temporarily resolved. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the issue and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 3,500.

My kia Sportage hybrid sx prestige, bought brand new on 4/29/2025 and had 250 miles when I had transmission problem on weekend after 3 days of ownership. The car, when slowed down to about 30 miles/hr, transmission suddenly shifted to neutral and the engine became dead. This happened 3 times within half an hour on freeway during the time of high traffic. I had to pull over and restarted the engine. I brought the car to the dealership on Monday, may 5 of 2025 and it took them 3 days to reproduced the problem to send to kia service headquarter and today is may 29 (3 weeks and 3 days later) the car is still in the shop waiting for a new transmission replacement.

Started vehicle and was driving, isg (auto start stop) light went amber and transmission refused to shift to allow uphill travel. Had to pull over and turn engine off and on again for the transmission to start working. Have had to dealer, however yet again they cannot replicate in their test drive so they can't do anything about it.

When I pulled up at home and parked the vehicle, I pressed the brake pedal, stopping the vehicle, and then pressed the park button and took my foot off the brake. The vehicle was not in park and rolled forward hitting my trailer with two jet skis on it in my driveway damaging the front of my vehicle, and one of the 2 jet skis. This is the first time this has happened, and there was no warning at all. Luckily it was in my driveway with no one around. If it had happened in a store parking lot or on a street, it could injure or kill someone easily.

Vehicle dash reset and cruise control was set. When dash came back up car surged nearly causing a wreck reported to dealership and they could not replicate so not sure what to do as they can never replicate the issues and won't do anything to help.

The issue appears to involve the cvt (continuously variable transmission) system or the transmission fluid/lubricant pump. The vehicle jerks or hesitates when accelerating from a stop, as if struggling to shift properly. The check engine light comes on repeatedly. This issue is ongoing, and the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The jerking and hesitation when trying to drive, especially from a stop or when merging into traffic, poses a safety risk to myself and others. The delayed or unpredictable response could easily lead to an accident in high-traffic areas, intersections, or when making turns. Yes. The issue has been observed multiple times. The check engine light has returned even after replacing the O2 sensors, and a trusted mechanic believes the problem may be transmission-related. However, the kia dealership claims there are no active recalls tied to my VIN, even though publicly available information lists powertrain- and fluid pump-related recalls for my vehicle's year and model. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by kia corporate. I reached out to the local dealer, who denied any applicable recall. I am submitting this complaint in hopes of an official review and inspection by the manufacturer or NHTSA to determine if the issue qualifies for safety recall intervention. Yes. The check engine light first appeared months ago, which led to replacement of the O2 sensors. Shortly after the replacement, the light returned, and the car began jerking while trying to drive or accelerate from a stop. These symptoms have persisted and appear to be worsening.

I own a 2017 kia Sportage, and I recently experienced a malfunction indicator engine light turning on. Upon diagnosis by kia russ darrow at odana rd madison, WI , the vehicle displayed dtc p001000 – ‘a (intake)’ camshaft position actuator circuit (bank 1). They have noticed oil leakage around the e-cvvt motor plug area. It pointed to camshaft position sensor malfunction and kia service say what the vehicle needs is a cvvt cover and seals/gaskets relating to the variable valve timing on the camshaft as it’s throwing the camshaft sensor circuit “high” voltage kia has issued technical service bulletin (TSB) sa305, which acknowledges a similar problem in earlier production models of the same vehicle (built from December 10, 2015 – September 12, 2016). However, my vehicle was manufactured in January 2017, and kia has not yet included it in the affected range. Despite this, I am experiencing the exact same issue outlined in the TSB. This failure poses a potential safety risk because it can affect engine performance and reliability. If left unaddressed, it could lead to unexpected engine stalling, loss of power while driving, or further engine damage, creating a hazardous situation. I have not yet received confirmation from kia regarding an official recall or warranty extension for my vehicle, but the symptoms are identical to those covered under sa305. The issue has been reproduced and confirmed by a mechanic, and I am currently in the process of contacting kia for further inspection and assistance. There were no prior warning messages, aside from the check engine light (mil) illuminating when the problem first occurred. This complaint is being submitted to request an investigation into whether this defect extends beyond the current TSB range and to determine if additional 2017 Sportage models should be included in a service action or recall to prevent safety risks. The affected component is available for inspection upon request.

The contact owned a 2018 kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted into first gear. While attempting to accelerate, the vehicle jerked and briefly lost motive power before slamming into gear. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that an abnormal burning odor was coming from under the hood and entered the vehicle through the a/c vents. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, no cause for the failure was found. The thermostat and the electric switch on the driver’s side window were replaced. The contact stated that while driving uphill or going downhill, the rpm fluctuated, and the engine revved abnormally. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

I was driving my vehicle on the freeway when all of a sudden I got a warning light that came on that said check hybrid system it looked up my brakes and steering the car completely shutdown in the middle of the freeway it happened so fast I couldn't get to the shoulder my car completely just stopped. I spoke to kia and took it to the dealership and they ended up saying because it needed a update which I then called kia and let them know the situation that I almost got in a accident and that I didn't feel safe in that car and they didn't want to help.

Check awd / 4wd error message while driving. Codes clear once vehicle is turned off. Dealership won't help unless they see error message. Error message only appears while driving. Potential drive train lockup issue.

The car lost engine strength wouldn't go above 60 and I received a code p1326. Now it's just blinks and moves at a crawl. I was on the freeway luckily I was able to get out the freeway without incident.

See all problems of the 2022 Kia Motor Sportage 🔎.

The contact owns a 2019 kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle very briefly lost all motive power before quickly returning to normal functionality. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

See all problems of the 2019 Kia Motor Sportage 🔎.

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 March 18th 2024. 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 (pi1802) 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.

The contact owns a 2010 kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v652000 (service brakes, hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available.  the contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.  the contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the abs and the four wheel drive warning lights illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately  170,000.  .

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The contact’s son owns a 2015 kia Sportage. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced lunging and the engine seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the contact’s residence. The contact used an odb scanner to diagnose the vehicle and retrieved dtc codes related for: camshaft timing in cylinder bank 1 advanced, low oil, phaser stuck, faulty sensor, failed valve control solenoid, and worn timing components. The contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer where a diagnostic test was performed, and the contact was informed that the internal engine failure was likely due to low oil pressure. The dealer also stated that the engine oil level was good and recommended that the engine be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact filed a case regarding the failure; however, the case was denied by the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 111,508.

See all problems of the 2015 Kia Motor Sportage 🔎.

I had my vehicle in for a recall from kia pi2103 for kia to update the software in my kia Sportage. Which was to install software that could help my engine from failing. This was performed on January 19th 2024. Along with this recall they were supposed to extend my warranty to 15 yrs 150,000 miles. Shortly after aout 500 miles later and a few weeks my engine developed a knocking noise. I took back to the dealer that performed the recall to have it diagnosed. They advised that it needs and engine and is part of the campaign but they needed to get prior authorization. After a month went by kia determined because I never took the key tag out of the car that I would not be getting a new engine for not meeting the requirements. How they determined this is when a service advisor is making a repair order they use window tags to locate cars. Well, the advisor rather than using a new window tag used the one that was sitting on my seat. I would like kia to honor their extended coverage and replace my engine at no charge. Attached is proof I had ksds and also a copy of the kia techline that the service manager gave me to show the reason.

See all problems of the 2013 Kia Motor Sportage 🔎.

Transmission slips or hesitates when going from a stop to first gear. When turning left across oncoming traffic it is dangerous. The dealership looked at it and said that they couldn't get it to slip after having it for two days. No codes were thrown and no lights on the dashboard. Only slips occasionally like once a week. Always from a dead stop before going into first gear.

On June 9, 2023, the owner purchased a brand-new 2023 kia Sportage hybrid from quirk kia braintree. Over the next six months, the owner regularly drove the car between work and home, accumulating approximately 4,500 miles. However, in early January 1st 2024, the owner noticed that the check engine light had illuminated, although there were no other noticeable issues with the vehicle at that time. In response to the warning light, the owner ceased using the car and promptly scheduled an appointment with quirk kia for a diagnosis. When the owner attempted to drive the car to the dealership, it exhibited severe shaking when the engine was running, rendering it undrivable. Subsequently, the owner had the car towed to quirk kia, where it has remained since January 5, 2024. Upon examination, multiple error codes were detected, yet as of January 17, 2024, the dealership has been unable to determine the root cause of the engine's shaking. They have raised the possibility of poor-quality gasoline as a potential culprit, and they claim to have conducted tests on the fuel. Based on the email and phone communications between the owner and the dealership, the owner believe that the gasoline used was of good quality (the owner consistently refueled at costco). Additionally, three pictures of the fuel test were shared (attached), indicating that the ethanol content in the gasoline was below 10%, which aligns with the car's manual specifications. Their proposed solution is to replace the gas tank, with the cost to be borne by the owner. The owner find this resolution to be entirely unacceptable.

When coming to a stop and brake applied car starts to vibrate. Local mechanic who looked at the vehicle believes it's the torque converter. The miles are high but it's under a the recall new engine, which technically has only approximately 60k.

See all problems of the 2016 Kia Motor Sportage 🔎.

2023 kia Sportage misfires, engine will stall and shut off. Afterwards, I am unable to start the car. It has happened three times. (11/23/24, 3/05/24 and 5/05/24). Each time the dealership blamed poor fuel quality (three different gas stations). Not covered under warranty. First incident almost $8,000 in repair cost. Second incident $1,300 in repair cost. Third incident the dealership took responsibility. I had been without my car for a total of 6 months or more. Each time the vehicle is repaired within 13/14 days it happened again. I just got my car back (third time) about a week ago. I am uncomfortable driving it, because I fear it will misfire and shut off again while I am driving and the dealership will say it’s poor fuel quality. Vehicle has 28,900 miles on it. I’ve had it for over 2 years.

Purchased vehicle used 11/18/2023. Two days later vehicle went into limp mode on the highway. No brakes. Engine continued to shut off. Towed to dealer. Replaced injector. 11000 miles. 12/27/23 vehicle was returned. 11/14/2024 vehicle went into limp mode. Engine would not run. Vehicle was blowing white smoke thru exhaust. Another highway incident. Towed to dealership. This condition is very dangerous on the highway not only for me, my family and other motorist. As of today the vehicle is still at dealership. Do not have the repair orders or my car.

The contact owns a 2021 kia Sportage. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost all electrical and motive power. As a result, she collided with a shopping cart, causing it to collide with another vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 35,000.

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My vehicle has the same problems as the vehicle covered under NHTSA campaign number: 23v531000. The memo states 2023 kia Sportage but kia says this particular vehicle is not affected. The description listed below is what is happening to my vehicle 2023 kia Sportage lx model an electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire the oil was hot like it wasn't circulating and the transmission would not change gears the vehicle came to a stop with the dashboard stating the vehicle was shutting down. I guess this is a safety feature to protect the engine. You can reach me at 251 644 9496 for futhure infomation. Matt henshon.

Engine loses and uses oil of two quarts every 3000 miles.

This car was driven by a 17 year old high school student. Car with high oil consumption engine resulting in engine seizure 4/2022. Engine unseized and consumption of 1qt oil every 1,000 miles deemed "within normal limits" per kia of America policy (ganley kia in mentor ohio). Kia corporate offices contacted with no resolution. From 4/2022 to 8/2023, car was driven only 2. 5 non freeway miles to high school and home. It continued to consume oil resulting in adding and checking oil weekly despite low mileage driving. The car finally developed a lower engine knock at complete engine failure 8/2023. We sold it to webuyanycar. Com for $700. 00. The manufacturer (kia) of the car is fully aware of the defective engine design, the high oil consumption, and potential eventual engine failure. The car has poor resale and trade in value. Kia should be investigated for safety and ethical concerns. We were lucky there was not a fire, an accident, or a fatality.

2011 kia Sportage engine stalling/failure. Has been having oil pressure/heating/oil feed line/consumption issues. Taken to a kia dealership on multiple occasions for all routine maintenance, including every 3000 oil changes. Owner was told that a catalytic converter was needed in 2021 due to engine stalling/ failure while driving 55-60mph on highway to a rapid deceleration and vehicle would go >20mph. Owner had car towed to kia dealership and had a new catalytic converter put on in 2021 by dealership. Then in 2022 same engine stalling occurred again. Taken back to dealership and was told car needed waste gate actuator replaced. Owner agreed to cost/repairs. Then during repair was told that another catalytic converter was needed due to sludge/clogging, when one was put on less than 1. 5 years prior. With less than 20k miles on new one. Car engine continues failing and will not accelerate above 20-25 mph. Check engine light has come on and been diagnosed numerous times from 2018, when oil issues started to 2023. Both dealership and manufacture are aware of recurrent issues.

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7/17/23 vehicle starting lunging erratically down a busy highway while driving. Called dealership to make appointment. The car was taken in on 7/19/23. Dealership reports the transmission blew and metal shards in the fluids. Tech expressed concern it was able to drive and lunge down road given the situation. No warning lights or indicators went off. The car is currently at the dealership awaiting a new transmission. Vehicle was purchased November 2022, brand new.

The contact owns a 2017 kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at 60 mph, the vehicle inadvertently lost all motive power. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road and restart the vehicle, and it seemed to return to normal functionality, but the failure reoccurred. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined it had a piston failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to tow the vehicle to another dealer. The failure mileage was 87,000.

VIN number is 5xyk6caf6pg064186, 2023 kia Sportage x-line got engine stop suddenly on the load. The date was 6/21/2023 9:30am. After driving 1 miles. The pictures was in the parking lot weni turn the engine, also I got recall service yesterday 6/20/2023 9am-12pm.