NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
122 reportsMileage unknown · Nov 12, 2021
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or Other
Low oil light had turned on and some strange noises began to sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The oil level however, did not seem terribly low, though new oil had been added to the vehicle nonetheless while waiting for a maintenance appointment the next day. While driving the vehicle later on that same night, the batt…
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Low oil light had turned on and some strange noises began to sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The oil level however, did not seem terribly low, though new oil had been added to the vehicle nonetheless while waiting for a maintenance appointment the next day. While driving the vehicle later on that same night, the battery light, and check engine light suddenly came on and the vehicle began to shut down, thus forcing us to come to a stop in the middle of the road. Once towed and assessed the following day, I was informed that it had been engine failure and would in turn require a new engine.
NHTSA ODI #11440227
Mileage unknown · Oct 13, 2021
EngineFuel/propulsion System
Unknown
NHTSA ODI #11436658
79,000 miles · Oct 5, 2021
Unknown Or Other
The contact's wife owns a 2014 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 65 MPH, the vehicle shut-off with the check engine warning light illuminated. His wife coasted the vehicle to the shoulder of the highway and after restarting the vehicle, the vehicle stalled while depressing the accelerator pedal. Th…
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The contact's wife owns a 2014 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 65 MPH, the vehicle shut-off with the check engine warning light illuminated. His wife coasted the vehicle to the shoulder of the highway and after restarting the vehicle, the vehicle stalled while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact was called to the scene and was unable to restart the vehicle. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer where they diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V907000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.
NHTSA ODI #11435609
73,000 miles · Sep 23, 2021
Engine
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled. During the failure a rattling noise was present coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine rods had failed, and the engine needed to be replac…
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The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled. During the failure a rattling noise was present coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine rods had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 73,000.
NHTSA ODI #11434095
Mileage unknown · Sep 22, 2021
Engine
Was driving 50 mph on highway when a loud band and sudden loss of power came from engine. Veered car to breakdown lane. Engine oil all over road. Total loss of engine oil. A screw blew a hole in the engine (two private mechanics confirmed this). Car has now been sitting at Kia dealer for 3 weeks and they claim they cannot look a…
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Was driving 50 mph on highway when a loud band and sudden loss of power came from engine. Veered car to breakdown lane. Engine oil all over road. Total loss of engine oil. A screw blew a hole in the engine (two private mechanics confirmed this). Car has now been sitting at Kia dealer for 3 weeks and they claim they cannot look at it for a month (must be a lot of blown engines in their lot?) Only 83,000 miles on car.
NHTSA ODI #11433956
167,000 miles · Jul 15, 2021
Engine
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while moving from a complete stop, the vehicle loss motive power. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed and diagnosed with needing the rod bearings replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure…
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The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while moving from a complete stop, the vehicle loss motive power. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed and diagnosed with needing the rod bearings replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 167,000.
NHTSA ODI #11424968
Mileage unknown · May 18, 2021
Engine
On highway, route 80, engine shut down, dash board was blinking like crazy. Had to pull over to side of road. After 30 min.’s got to restart the car and exit highway, at a low speed with all kinds of engine noise. Car towed to service center, and mechanic says engine failed, need to replace motor.
NHTSA ODI #11417549
11,000 miles · May 17, 2021
Engine
THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH THE ENGINE NEEDING TO BE REPLACED DUE TO METAL FRAGMENTS BEING FOUND IN THE ENGINE OIL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT…
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THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH THE ENGINE NEEDING TO BE REPLACED DUE TO METAL FRAGMENTS BEING FOUND IN THE ENGINE OIL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 11,000.
NHTSA ODI #11417406
12,200 miles · Jan 21, 2021
Engine
WAS DRIVING ON FREEWAY AND LOST POWER CAR WOULDN'T REV PAST 1500 RPMS THEN MOTOR STARTED KNOCKING AND SEIZED. PURCHASED CAR ON 11 16 2020 PUT 2000 MILES ON IT HAS 122,000 MILES.
NHTSA ODI #11389299
Mileage unknown · Jan 7, 2021
SuspensionUnknown Or OtherVisibility/wiper
BOUGHT VEHICLE FROM TEAM GUNTHER KIA - DAPHNE, AL. VEHICLE ARRIVED IN COLORADO WITH ILLEGALLY LOW TIRE TREAD DEPTH AND UNUSUAL RATTLING IN THE REAR OF VEHICLE WHICH REQUIRES A HEAT SHIELD REPLACEMENT (I25 KIA IN COLORADO). VEHICLE ONLY HAS 23,000 MILES. ONE OWNER, CLEAN CARFAX REPORT. KIA REFUSES TO PAY FOR HEAT SHIELD REPLA…
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BOUGHT VEHICLE FROM TEAM GUNTHER KIA - DAPHNE, AL. VEHICLE ARRIVED IN COLORADO WITH ILLEGALLY LOW TIRE TREAD DEPTH AND UNUSUAL RATTLING IN THE REAR OF VEHICLE WHICH REQUIRES A HEAT SHIELD REPLACEMENT (I25 KIA IN COLORADO). VEHICLE ONLY HAS 23,000 MILES. ONE OWNER, CLEAN CARFAX REPORT. KIA REFUSES TO PAY FOR HEAT SHIELD REPLACEMENT AS VEHICLE RAN OUT OF WARRANT JUNE OF 2019 AND 10 YEAR POWERTRAIN WARRANTY WILL NOT SUFFICE DESPITE INCOMPLETE SALE (CASE NUMBER: 13917735). TIRES SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN SO POOR (HANKOOK) AT 4/32NDS AND EXTREME TIRE ROT WITH ONLY 23,000 ORIGINAL MILES. SUSPICIOUS LACK OF DOCUMENTATION REGARDING ODOMETER CHECK THAT HAS DELAYED REGISTRATION OF VEHICLE IN COLORADO. THE VEHICLE CONDITION UPON ARRIVAL WOULD HAVE BEEN AN ILLEGAL SALE IN THE STATE OF COLORADO.
NHTSA ODI #11387013
Official recalls
3Feb 2, 2022
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2018 K900 and 2014-2016 Sportage vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An engine compartment 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 install a new fuse for the HECU circuit board, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 22, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC227.
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.
Jan 27, 2014
Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2014 Kia Sportage vehicles manufactured September 30, 2013, through January 11, 2014. The certification label has incorrect tire pressure information printed on it, listing a specification that is 1 or 2 psi below the correct information. Thus, these vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Maintaining tire pressure below the recommmend specification could result in premature tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will correct the label information, and owners will also receive a sticker to put into the owners manual, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in February 2014. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall campaign number is SC103.
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.
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