NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
219 reportsClear category filter10,000 miles · Jan 9, 2018
EnginePower Train
MY CAR HAS SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ON, WHEN TO DEALER TUESDAY AND THEY SCHEDULE ME AN APPOINTMENT A WEEK LATER ON TUESDAY, BUT MY CAR BREAKDOWN ON FRIDAY NIGHT ON HIGHWAY, RADIATOR OVERHEAT AND START LEAKING, DAMAGE SOME OTHER PARTS AND NOW DEALER DOESN'T WANT TO FIX MY CAR AND WANT ME TO PAY $2800.00. MY CAR WAS ON MOTION ON THE…
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MY CAR HAS SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ON, WHEN TO DEALER TUESDAY AND THEY SCHEDULE ME AN APPOINTMENT A WEEK LATER ON TUESDAY, BUT MY CAR BREAKDOWN ON FRIDAY NIGHT ON HIGHWAY, RADIATOR OVERHEAT AND START LEAKING, DAMAGE SOME OTHER PARTS AND NOW DEALER DOESN'T WANT TO FIX MY CAR AND WANT ME TO PAY $2800.00. MY CAR WAS ON MOTION ON THE HIGHWAY DRIVING 60 TO 70MILE PER HOUR. KIA HAS A RECALL FOR SAME PROBLEM I HAD ON KIA SORENTO 2017.
NHTSA ODI #11061515
6,762 miles · Jan 1, 2018
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or Other
WITH ONLY 6762 MILES ON THE ODOMETER, GOING 79-80 MPH ON CRUISE CONTROL, THE FOLLOWING HAPPENED ALL AT ONCE WITHOUT WARNING: (1) LOUD THUNK UNDER THE HOOD (2) ENGINE STOPPED (3) ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SHUT DOWN, INCLUDING AUDIO, DASHBOARD, AND HEADLIGHTS (4) RAPID DECELERATION, AS IF I HAD SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES (THOUGH I HAD N…
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WITH ONLY 6762 MILES ON THE ODOMETER, GOING 79-80 MPH ON CRUISE CONTROL, THE FOLLOWING HAPPENED ALL AT ONCE WITHOUT WARNING: (1) LOUD THUNK UNDER THE HOOD (2) ENGINE STOPPED (3) ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SHUT DOWN, INCLUDING AUDIO, DASHBOARD, AND HEADLIGHTS (4) RAPID DECELERATION, AS IF I HAD SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES (THOUGH I HAD NOT). (5) APPROACHING THE SHOULDER, I NOTICED THAT THE POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES WERE ALSO INACTIVE. AFTER PUTTING IN PARK, IT MIRACULOUSLY STARTED RIGHT BACK UP AND GOT ME HOME. BUT THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE, AND A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE, BECAUSE THE NEXT TIME IT HAPPENS, IT'LL BE DURING RUSH HOUR AND THEN I'LL GET REAR-ENDED BY THE UBIQUITOUS TAILGATER, GOING 70 MPH. EVEN IF THE BRAKE LIGHTS WORK WHEN I GET A CHANCE TO APPLY THEM, THERE WOULD STILL BE A DELAY OF A SECOND OR TWO DURING WHICH THE VEHICLE WOULD BE RAPIDLY DECELERATING ON ITS OWN, WITHOUT BRAKE LIGHTS. NOT TO MENTION THE UNDOUBTEDLY ACCELERATED WEAR AND TEAR ON INTERNAL PARTS.
NHTSA ODI #11057847
19,987 miles · Dec 24, 2017
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
ENGINE FAILURE OCCURS WHILE IN MOTION ON CITY STREETS - 2X IN ONE WEEK. TOWED BOTH TIMES. DEALER UNABLE TO DETECT PROBLEM, SAID TO JUST DRIVE IT AND CALL IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN. GAS SMELL WHEN THIS HAPPENS.
NHTSA ODI #11056310
6,350 miles · May 14, 2017
Engine
WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED MY VEHICLE EXPERIENCED NEAR INSTANT LOSS OF MORE THAN 50% ENGINE POWER WITH CONTINUAL LOST OF THE REMAINING POWER. MOVING FROM THE MIDDLE LANE INTO THE RIGHT LANE WAS DIFFICULT AND RISKY DURING HEAVY TRAFFIC. I WAS LUCKY FINDING A SAFE SPOT TO PULL OVER. AMBLING TO THE SAFE SPOT THE ENGINE SPU…
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WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED MY VEHICLE EXPERIENCED NEAR INSTANT LOSS OF MORE THAN 50% ENGINE POWER WITH CONTINUAL LOST OF THE REMAINING POWER. MOVING FROM THE MIDDLE LANE INTO THE RIGHT LANE WAS DIFFICULT AND RISKY DURING HEAVY TRAFFIC. I WAS LUCKY FINDING A SAFE SPOT TO PULL OVER. AMBLING TO THE SAFE SPOT THE ENGINE SPUTTERED, HESITATED AND REACTED VERY LITTLE TO ANY FOOT ACTION ON THE THROTTLE, LEAVING ME WITHOUT THE ABILITY TO EFFECTIVELY CONTROL THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI #10985641
5,343 miles · Jan 30, 2017
EngineVehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH ATTEMPTING TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE, THE SPEED DROPPED TO APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DID NOT RESPOND WHEN DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME AT A VERY SLOW SPEED. THE FAILURE HAD BEEN OCCURRING SINCE THE BEGINNING OF JANUAR…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH ATTEMPTING TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE, THE SPEED DROPPED TO APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DID NOT RESPOND WHEN DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME AT A VERY SLOW SPEED. THE FAILURE HAD BEEN OCCURRING SINCE THE BEGINNING OF JANUARY AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR WAS CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER DID NOT HAVE THE REMEDY AVAILABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,343.
NHTSA ODI #10948543
12,000 miles · Jan 24, 2017
EngineVehicle Speed Control
I HAVE HAD 4 INSTANCES OF WHAT FEELS LIKE THE CAR SLIPPING OUT OF "DRIVE". WHILE IN DRIVE, WHEN I PRESS ON ACCELERATOR BUT WHILE THE RPM'S GO UP, THE CAR DOESN'T MOVE.. ONCE I REMOVE MY FOOT AND THEN PRESS AGAIN ON THE ACCELERATOR, IT PROCEEDS NORMALLY. KIA CANNOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH VEHICLE BUT LAST INSTANCE WAS LESS TH…
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I HAVE HAD 4 INSTANCES OF WHAT FEELS LIKE THE CAR SLIPPING OUT OF "DRIVE". WHILE IN DRIVE, WHEN I PRESS ON ACCELERATOR BUT WHILE THE RPM'S GO UP, THE CAR DOESN'T MOVE.. ONCE I REMOVE MY FOOT AND THEN PRESS AGAIN ON THE ACCELERATOR, IT PROCEEDS NORMALLY. KIA CANNOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH VEHICLE BUT LAST INSTANCE WAS LESS THAN 30 DAYS AGO. THIS IS AFTER KIA HAD TO REPLACE THE BLOCK THE FIRST MONTH OF OWNERSHIP OF THIS BRAND NEW VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI #10947421
1,000 miles · Jan 3, 2017
Engine
WHEN PUSHING ON THE GAS THE RPM GO UP BUT THE CAR DOESN'T KICK IN RIGHT AWAY. THE TRANSMISSION? IT LIKE YOU HAVE A MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND YOU HAVEN'T LET OUT ON THE GAS. DOESN'T DO IT ALL THE TIME, BUT IS DOING IT ABOUT ONCE EVERY TIME I DRIVE. IT IS GETTING MORE FREQUENT, WONDERING IF ITS DUE TO COLD WEATHER.
NHTSA ODI #10939172
10,000 miles · Dec 29, 2016
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON ANOTHER OCCASION WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BE REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AS HAVING A FAULTY SPARK PLUG A…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON ANOTHER OCCASION WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BE REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AS HAVING A FAULTY SPARK PLUG AND THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.
NHTSA ODI #10938503
1,000 miles · Jul 5, 2016
Electrical SystemEngineSteering
2017 KIA SPORTAGE. DRIVER REMOTE STARTS VEHICLE, UNLOCKS VEHICLE AND IMMEDIATELY SHIFTS FROM PARK TO ANY OTHER GEAR, WITHOUT PUSHING START/STOP BUTTON, AND WITHIN 10 SECONDS ENGINE SHUTS OFF WHILE IN DRIVE, NEUTRAL OR REVERSE. ANTI-THEFT PROGRAMMED TO SHUT OFF ENGINE 10 SECONDS AFTER UNLOCKING DOORS UNLESS THE START/STOP BUTTON…
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2017 KIA SPORTAGE. DRIVER REMOTE STARTS VEHICLE, UNLOCKS VEHICLE AND IMMEDIATELY SHIFTS FROM PARK TO ANY OTHER GEAR, WITHOUT PUSHING START/STOP BUTTON, AND WITHIN 10 SECONDS ENGINE SHUTS OFF WHILE IN DRIVE, NEUTRAL OR REVERSE. ANTI-THEFT PROGRAMMED TO SHUT OFF ENGINE 10 SECONDS AFTER UNLOCKING DOORS UNLESS THE START/STOP BUTTON HAS BEEN PUSHED. THERE IS NO WAY THAT DRIVER SHOULD BE CAPABLE OF SHIFTING OUT OF PARK UNTIL THE AFTER THE START/STOP BUTTON HAS BEEN ACTIVATED. NOTE: THIS IS A CORRECTION FOR COMPLAINT # 10872312, REFERENCE 970797
NHTSA ODI #10882617
Official recalls
4Sep 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.
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.
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.
Nov 30, 2016
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Sorento vehicles manufactured October 27, 2014, to August 25, 2016, and 2017 Sportage vehicles manufactured December 10, 2015, to August 26, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness that, due to a malfunction of the tow hitch module, may result in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the trailer tow hitch harness, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC142.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Trailer Hitches
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Sorento vehicles manufactured October 27, 2014, to August 25, 2016, and 2017 Sportage vehicles manufactured December 10, 2015, to August 26, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness that, due to a malfunction of the tow hitch module, may result in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the trailer tow hitch harness, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC142.
Electrical System
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Sorento vehicles manufactured October 27, 2014, to August 25, 2016, and 2017 Sportage vehicles manufactured December 10, 2015, to August 26, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness that, due to a malfunction of the tow hitch module, may result in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the trailer tow hitch harness, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC142.
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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