NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
399 reports80,000 miles · Dec 21, 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingUnknown Or OtherFire
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and unoccupied it spontaneously caught fire. The front windshield burst and the front of the vehicle melted. The check engine warning indicator light was illuminated. There were no reported injuries. The fire department extinguished the fi…
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The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and unoccupied it spontaneously caught fire. The front windshield burst and the front of the vehicle melted. The check engine warning indicator light was illuminated. There were no reported injuries. The fire department extinguished the fire. There was no police report filed, injuries, or air bag deployment. The vehicle was towed to the contact residents. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
NHTSA ODI #11498354
Mileage unknown · Dec 19, 2022
Trailer Hitches
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V703000 (Trailer Hitches) 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 dealer was made aware of the i…
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The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V703000 (Trailer Hitches) 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 dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA ODI #11498016
60,000 miles · Dec 15, 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainInjury
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the contact would experience illness and dizziness which required medical attention. No additional information was available. Also while operating the vehicle the engine oil light would continue to illuminate although oil was being added t…
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The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the contact would experience illness and dizziness which required medical attention. No additional information was available. Also while operating the vehicle the engine oil light would continue to illuminate although oil was being added to the engine and the vehicle would experience jerking and hesitation while driving. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who performed an oil consumption test but no problem was found. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000.
NHTSA ODI #11497531
64,000 miles · Dec 7, 2022
Power Train
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The vehicle then went into LIMP Mode with the check engine warning light blinking. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the vehicle could not be diagnosed because the vehicle was …
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The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The vehicle then went into LIMP Mode with the check engine warning light blinking. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the vehicle could not be diagnosed because the vehicle was under recall. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 64,000.
NHTSA ODI #11496347
Mileage unknown · Nov 24, 2022
Electrical SystemEngineSteering
Dead short in a wiring harness to the steering column where it goes up and down and back and forth to the positive wiring harness in there. that Kia dealer cannot figure out. Add another mechanic figure it out. Got pictures also a bad oil pressure switch that shot oil all over the motor
NHTSA ODI #11494784
Mileage unknown · Nov 21, 2022
Engine
Engine has failed due to oil absorption.
NHTSA ODI #11494357
Mileage unknown · Nov 11, 2022
Structure
The passenger door behind the driver seat suddenly would not open from either inside or outside the vehicle. The faulty lock makes it difficult to reach a child or pet in that seat quickly, as we have to go around the car to get to them through the other passenger door. Therefore, we don't consider the seat behind the driver s…
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The passenger door behind the driver seat suddenly would not open from either inside or outside the vehicle. The faulty lock makes it difficult to reach a child or pet in that seat quickly, as we have to go around the car to get to them through the other passenger door. Therefore, we don't consider the seat behind the driver safe, given the extra time needed to unlatch the seat belt and retrieve the passenger sitting there.
NHTSA ODI #11493239
120,000 miles · Nov 1, 2022
Engine
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V137000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated while driving 72 MPH across three lanes of traffic, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine and oil warning lights illuminated. The contact pulled over and turned…
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The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V137000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated while driving 72 MPH across three lanes of traffic, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine and oil warning lights illuminated. The contact pulled over and turned off the vehicle; however, the vehicle was unable to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine had seized and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance due to the vehicle not having the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign software update. The contact had not yet received notification of the KSDS Product Improvement Campaign software update. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
NHTSA ODI #11491749
Mileage unknown · Oct 31, 2022
Engine
I purchased a pre-owned 2017 Kia Sportage (~34,000 miles) from a Kia dealership in January 2020. I had my oil changed in late June 2022 at approximately 64,500 miles. In early October 2022 at approximately 67,800 miles (+3300) I noticed my oil light flickering when I would break form a high rate of speed. I brought it in to be …
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I purchased a pre-owned 2017 Kia Sportage (~34,000 miles) from a Kia dealership in January 2020. I had my oil changed in late June 2022 at approximately 64,500 miles. In early October 2022 at approximately 67,800 miles (+3300) I noticed my oil light flickering when I would break form a high rate of speed. I brought it in to be looked at and my engine had less than one quart of oil remaining. Not only did the engine consume ~5 quarts of oil in 3.5 months, 3300 miles, but almost more importantly oil light had barely begun to flicker to the deficit in oil. The kia oil consumption issues are well known at this point. However I was unaware of the oil pressure sensor being set to only register once the vehicle was down 4-5 quarts of oil from the fill level. I was told by the Kia service manager that my "excellent" warranty will in fact cover a new engine, but I will have to drive the car until the engine seizes or sustains serious damage. When I first noticed the issue I called Kia to make an appointment to be seen and they were unable to fit me in for 2 weeks. Out of concern for my safety I brought my vehicle to an independent repair center who then confirmed that there was less than one quart of oil in then engine when it was drained (attached service record). My car is currently at the Kia service center.
NHTSA ODI #11491581
Mileage unknown · Oct 16, 2022
EngineUnknown Or OtherFire
I was driving up to Vermont for an event. I stopped at a Dunkin Donuts drive through and noticed smoke coming from the hood of my car. I quickly pulled forward into the nearest parking spot and the car started smoking in and burst into flames. I had 20-30 seconds to get out of the car. I could have been killed.
NHTSA ODI #11489445
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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