10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 6
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
50,019 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2015 Kia Sportage engine problems

engine problem

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2015 Kia Sportage Owner Comments (Page 1 of 4)

problem #61

Mar 032023

Sportage

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Driving on the interstate in the passing lane going approximately 70 mph. With no warning the engine completely cut out. I was bearly able to pull over. I was traveling up hill. Car was towed to a service garage where it was decided that the engine locked up. the car was later inspected at a Kia deal ship with the same conclusion. Presently I'm without a car and no help.

- Mcmurray, PA, USA

problem #60

Feb 082023

Sportage

  • 144,000 miles
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle began to overheat and there was smoke coming out from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V051000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that he had to pay for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to the residence. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000. The VIN was not available.

- Nashville, TN, USA

problem #59

Nov 032022

Sportage

  • miles
Engine locked up. If it were not for my brother in law being a mechanic and alerted me to Kia engine settlement lawsuit I would not have known the KSDS update was ever even a thing. I never received notification for this. Why not" I am out 1000s of $ on a vehicle I have bought that is useless now. KIA is blaming me when I never even knew anything about this. Please I would like to know why I was never informed and it doesn-€™t even show up when I search my vin either"

- Monterey, TN, USA

problem #58

Aug 102022

Sportage

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

In 2022, Kia notified me of a recall that caused engine failure if my vehicle. I was instructed to comes in and receive vehicle updates to the engine to fix the issue. In May 2022, went to have the engine recall worked on and was advised the updates were successful. In August 2022 my engine blew out/ cut off in the middle of the highway causing safety issue for me and my daughter. I was successful with rearing the car to safety. I immediately had a mechanic to assess and was advised of engine failure which prompted me to turn to Kia. Kia has had my car in possession over 3 months, asked for numerous documents and has failed to provide any resolution for this horrible safety issue. I would like this to investigated your the highest degree because this is how peoples lives are put in danger. Company will not provide any safety information to me at all when asked as well.

- Houston , TX, USA

problem #57

Nov 222022

Sportage 4-cyl

  • 132,000 miles
2015 Kia Sportage. Consumer writes in regard to engine failure. The consumer stated the motor locked up eventhough maintenance was performed on the vehicle.

- Merrillville, IN, USA

problem #56

Oct 242022

Sportage 4-cyl

  • miles
2015 Kia Sportage. Consumer writes in regard to NHTSA safety recall 22V-051.

- Forest, VA, USA

problem #55

Aug 162022

Sportage

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My Kia Sportage drove perfectly fine the past 5 years, out of no where going up a hill it wouldn-€™t go past 20 mph, was kicking and sputtering. Like it was giving out in a way. I made it home but my check engine light was on. Their was no warning signs, my car ran perfect always. It was very sudden. Had a mechanic look at it and he said a valve from where I put oil in had a leak and caused it to burn up all the oil? Which messed up my motor and needs replaced now. I-€™m not very good with car specifics but that-€™s what I was told. My car is now not even drivable.

- Shamokin, PA, USA

problem #54

Oct 112022

Sportage

  • miles
I took my kia to the dealer because the check engine light was on. They said 2 parts were recalled and they would fix it. I went to pick it up and its still sputtering the check engine light is still on. They were supposed to fix the knock sensor. They did not.

- Green Bay, WI, USA

problem #53

Sep 192022

Sportage

  • miles
Two weeks ago my car began making a loud knocking noise from the bottom end and emitting a burning smell from the engine out of nowhere, without any warning lamps. I took it to a mechanic I trust. As soon as he heard the noise and looked at it he told me it was bad and that I could not drive my car, it concerned a HECU unit and/or fuse and could potentially lock up or start on fire. He gave me a printout with NHTSA Recall# 22V051 on it and told me I would need a new engine. When I called Kia Customer Care they did not have the recall number. I gave it to them and they put me on hold for 45 minutes so they could do some research; the representative and her supervisor eventually found the recall and authorized a safety tow to Peak Kia in Denver, CO At Peak Kia they told me they looked at my car and it would need a new engine, but there was nothing they could do because my car was past warranty. That was the first time I had ever heard of anything about a warranty or it being past due. The service clerk told me it would be an out of pocket expense of 6 -12,000$ for a new engine and explained that this was because my car had gone past 100,000 miles, and the engine had already failed so the warranty could not be extended. She also told me to contact my dealership because they could be at fault. I left that building scared, because I still owe about 8000$ on my loan. I purchased the vehicle in Rapid City, SD with my parents at a non Kia dealership called Granite Nissan. When we called the dealership they said they had not been informed of a recall by the previous owner or Kia manufacturers. Neither had I at the time of purchase, or since. My dad and I checked Kelley Blue Book to make sure. I was then informed that the dealership does not have legal responsibility to alert buyers of this info. Now we are being repeatedly told that this will be my expense, and it is a scam. Kia made a car that promised reliability and safety, but have left the defects up to the owner.

- Littleton, CO, USA

problem #52

Sep 092022

Sportage

  • miles
2015 Kia Sportage I purchased on September 6th stalled on the highway on September 9th. No warning lights, no smoke, no indication of any problems up until it stalled. Since it was on the highway and difficult to get to the side of the road, this could definitely pose a safety risk. The place I purchased the vehicle from could not detect the malfunction. It was towed to Gerald Kia of North Aurora where after a week of waiting, they informed me the engine would need to be replaced and was not covered under warranty or the current recall regarding the engine.

- Fort Atkinson, WI, USA

problem #51

Sep 092022

Sportage 4-cyl

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Vehicle stalled on the highway 4 days after purchasing from The Car Store in Aurora, IL. No warning, no indicator lights. Steering wheel was hard to control while attempting to safely pull over to the side of the road. All dash lights came on as the car stalled. At my expense, had it towed to The Car Store where they were not able to diagnose cause. Had it towed to Gerald Kia of Aurora. Stated engine will have to be replaced. Not covered under any current recalls. I-€™m reporting this as a safety issue since there was problems pulling off the highway. Hopefully Kia will look into this issue. Not just for safety, but I-€™m obviously kinda screwed buying a vehicle on the 6th of September that died on the 9th of September with a huge investment into getting it running again.

- Fort Atkinson, WI, USA

problem #50

Jul 072022

Sportage

  • miles
This car was electronically going crazy tenants calling police cause alarm wouldn't stop going off Smelled gasoline but no leaks o roll the windows down engine ram n lights get dim no check light ever came on car shutting off child locked in car behind this then it goes up in smoke while driving on the freeway what the hell should I say more we could have list our lives in that car I have 2 kids 1 and 2. I need justice asap I have kids with astma is it due to this faulty vehicle

- Cleveland, OH, USA

problem #49

Aug 092022

Sportage

  • miles
I have received a recall and nothing is being done about it as of yet. I have taken it to the dealer about multiple issues that i felt have not been fully addressed, but the engine being able to catch on fire is the ultimate. I not only am in this vehicle, my children are as well. This is not safe to be driving around without any remedy. I either need my engine replaced or a vehicle replacement. Warning lights are always flashing on the dashboard. I keep calling and being left on hold for hours without any one addressing this issue. Does my car need to catch on fire or myself /children die before i receive any results. This is dangerous to keep driving and nothing being done. Please help

- Southington, CT, USA

problem #48

Jul 142022

Sportage

  • miles
My check engine light went off on 7/13/22. A little over 24 hours later, on 7/14/22, I was on the highway with a 65 mph speed limit when my engine completely gave out. I had to navigate to the exit ramp and off the highway. I was unable to accelerate. I had it towed to a local repair shop and on 7/15/22 the told me my entire engine needed replaced. I then had it towed to a local Kia dealership on 7/15/22. I am still waiting to hear from Kia Corporate on whether the engine will be replaced. The engine is currently available for inspection at the Kia Dealership.

- Columbus, OH, USA

problem #47

Jul 152022

Sportage

  • miles
There has not been an incident. I received a recall interim letter in March 2022 for my 2015 KIA Sportage. The letter notified me the car engine could experience a fire due to an electrical short circuit. I have contacted the KIA corporation in California and the local KIA in Connecticut and was told there is no remedy yet. The recall letter warned of the potential danger involved. My son in law experienced a life-threatening fire while driving in his KIA and was fortunate to escape death even though his car was entirely destroyed. I find it unbelievable KIA has not rectified this very dangerous problem. The letter stated the problem can be corrected by installing a part. Meanwhile I am not able to use my car as I am sure many other owners are also unable to use theirs. The danger is too great. I hope the NHTSA can assist in this problem.

- Wolcott, Ct., CT, USA

problem #46

Feb 012022

Sportage

  • miles
I have not had an "incident" because I have not driven this auto since I received the recall notice early April. KIA is crazy if they believe it is safe to drive while under constant threat of fire. I was hoping you could initiate another class action suit to force them to act, as it has been an unreasonable amt of time...5 and ½ months since recall date. Please help. I have contacted NHTSA, FTC, Attorney General, etc etc. NO ONE has responded other than to to issue a complaint report #.

- Hollywood, FL, USA

problem #45

Jun 252022

Sportage

  • 98,000 miles
The contact's husband owns a 2015 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 25 MPH, the engine seized while driving down an incline with the check engine warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who informed her that the failure was a known issue and referred her to a dealer for assistance. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer and the contact was informed that since her husband was not the original owner, they would not service the vehicle. The contact sent multiple documents confirming that her husband was the original owner as well as several service documents but had not received a response from the dealer. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

- Covington, KY, USA

problem #44

Jan 152022

Sportage

  • 70,000 miles
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart after briefly turning off the vehicle. The vehicle was initially towed to her residence and was later towed to Shawnee Mission Kia (7951 Shawnee Mission Pkwy, Mission, KS 662020). The dealer informed her that the battery would be replaced and that an oil change would be performed; however, the failure continued immediately upon the contact leaving the dealer. The failure worsened over time and the contact discovered that the battery was never replaced. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was also informed that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V051000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). Another dealer was then notified about the recall and informed her that the failure was not related to the recall. The manufacturer had yet to notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

- Kansas City, MO, USA

problem #43

Jul 012022

Sportage

  • miles
My engine started making a sound at the same time I was due for an inspection but the check engine light was not on. I took the car in for inspection the day after the sound started and when they looked at the engine they said the -€œ main rod Bering-€ was broken and the oil filter was full of metal shavings, but they were able to pass the car because the check engine light wasn-€™t on. The car only had 80,900 miles on it and it was well cared for so the mechanic suggested I check for a recall. When I checked online for a recall I learned that the car was on recall for POTENTIAL ENGINE FIRE! And this was the first I was hearing of it! I took the car to the kia dealership to get it fixed but they refused to fix it because the engine problem started before I got the -€œupdate-€THAT NO ONE INFORMED ME I NEEDED. My car went from running fine to broken down in TWO DAYS. Imagine if I hadn-€™t had the time to get it checked out so quickly. The car could of broken down on the middle of the highway with myself and my children in it, it could of caught fire with myself and me children in it. VERRY VERRY DANGEROUS!

- Alvin , TX, USA

problem #42

Jun 252022

Sportage

  • miles
We had just had our 2015 Kia Sportage in a repair shop about a week prior due to a compressor issue. They had run a check on the engine due to the check engine light and excessive oil consumption. They said that it was only showing an issue with an O2 sensor. About a week later, on Saturday, June 25, 2022, I was driving down a steep hill (Hands Pike in Covington, KY) with my son in the back seat. I depressed the brakes and the call stalled out and would not restart. I was able to coast down the hill to a safe point. I was able to turn around and by revving the engine while turning the key, I was able to get the car to start to get it back home (only about a mile). Each time I had to stop, the car stalled again, and I had to repeat the process. We called a tow truck to get the vehicle and the repair shop (Bob Sumeral Tire in Ft. Wright, KY) told us the issue was an internal issue related to the engine and it would have to go to Kia. Kia currently has the vehicle and has confirmed the engine needs replaced, but they are fighting us on doing the necessary repairs and are demanding we provide our maintenance records.

- Covington, KY, USA

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