Kia Sportage Engine problems
1.61 vs. all vehicles Rising
365 of the 1,017 complaints about the Kia Sportage (35.9%) concern Engine, making it the model's largest problem area. That share is 1.6× the Engine share across all tracked vehicles.
365Complaints · Engine
35.9%Share of complaints
1.61×vs. all vehicles
133Last 12 months
7.9%Share involving a crash or fire
0Related recalls
Analysis
133 Engine complaints were filed in the last 12 months versus 96 in the 12 months before — up 39%.
29 of these reports (7.9%) describe a crash or fire, with 7 injuries and 0 deaths mentioned.
No recall campaign addresses Engine for the tracked model years.
By model year
When complaints were filed
Last 12 months: 133 · Previous 12 months: 96
What owners report
Shortly after driving away, before reaching a highway on-ramp, I noticed smoke coming from the vehicle. I turned around and returned to the location.
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).
Rod Bearing failure June 29,2026 with prior Kia manufacturer recalls June 19,2023: (1.) SC206, HECU fire Recall, a serious safety recall regarding the Hydraulic Electronic Control unit.
Power lose while accelerating (Especially on the highway), misfire causing rough idle. Code reading P0301 for fuel injector in cylinder 1. Kia is aware of this issue and has a TSB out for it however will not cover for the cost to replace the fuel injectors.
My 2024 Kia Sportage X-Pro Prestige has experienced at least 3 intermittent, unexpected engine shutdowns while driving or in traffic. The cause remains unidentified. The first occurred before [XXX] (exact date unknown).
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that after an oil change, while leaving the dealer and driving 55 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine.
Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, trimmed for length. The ODI number is NHTSA's record identifier.
Related recalls
No recall campaign addresses Engine for the tracked model years.
Problem areas · Kia Sportage
Related reading
- Why modern engines burn oil, and what owner complaints revealDesign choices linked to oil consumption in recent engines, the warning signs owners describe, what counts as normal, and which tracked models currently have the highest engine share in their complaints.