10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 0 / 15
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 2 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 83,403 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
Recall was issued 09/23 for a possible engine fire and the replacement parts for repair have yet to be provided as of 5/24.
- Belgium, WI, USA
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 60-?"65 MPH, the engine seized. The contact stated that there was no oil entering the engine. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who replaced the engine. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
- Witchita, KS, USA
I was driving on the freeway when the vehicle wanted to stall and shut off. I was able to get it to the side of the highway and had it towed back home where my son checked the vehicle and said that there was no compression in the motor and to not drive it anymore until it is fixed.
- Mt. Pleasant, NC, USA
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact stated that he was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving; however, the failure reoccurred while driving. The vehicle was taken to a local Pep Boys, where it was diagnosed that the speed sensor had failed. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where the speed sensor was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer determined that the contact qualified for a free engine replacement; however, the part was not available. The contact stated that the vehicle remained at the dealer for 6 months. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
- Sacramento, CA, USA
On June 26th 2023 my Malfunction Indicator Lamp engine light came on. I went to Goodyear and they had to entirely replace a main component of my engine which cost me over $1400. Earlier in June I received a letter in the mail about a Kia settlement stating that I could report a claim of engine failure and be fully compensated; however, they denied me compensation. Meanwhile, I just received another letter in the mail from Kia regarding a safety recall stating that once the remedy part is available I can get it replaced at no charge, yet I paid for this part back in July.
- Canonsburg, PA, USA
As I approached a red light, releasing the gas and engaging the brakes, the car shut off. It never cranked again. I had to flag down a passing police officer and workers from a nearby auto shop pushed my car from the redlight and through the intersection. The car was taken to Playground Auto Services, a local repair shop, and I was told that the "motor was bad" and the repairs are estimated at $8200. There were no indications of a problem prior to the engine turning off. There were no warning lights, no performance issues, or anything else that would have warned me that my vehicle was not functioning properly. This happened on July 3rd, 2023. I purchased the vehicle used in December 2022 and took it to Auto Zone early in 2023 to run a diagnostic check after the check engine light came on while getting gas. The diagnostic indicated that the O2 sensor was alerting to a fuel issue. They recommended adding a fuel treatment additive. I did and the check engine light went away and NEVER came back on. There were 0 performance issues even with that light coming on that would indicate that my vehicle would stop working while I was approaching a red light at a busy intersection. Thank goodness the light was actually red. Had it been green and my vehicle just stopped, I could have caused a serious accident harming myself or anyone else, if not worse.
- Fort Walton Beach, FL, USA
Just purchased KIA Sportage used and was informed they run for hundreds of thousands of miles. Less than three months later the engine blows up due an engine defect according to the dealer. The dealer wrote, "This letter is in reference to a repair that was done on a 2012 KIA Sportage Vin Number [XXX]. The Customer referenced is [XXX]. We sold the vehicle to him in ApriI of2019. On June 24, 2019 the vehicle was brought in for a noise in the engine. Not having proper diagnostic tooIs to identify and repair the problem we subject the repair to Overturf KIA at lO16 W. CoIumbia Dr. Kennewick, WA 99336 for diagnosis and repair. The vehicle needed a short-bIock to complete the repair. The total of the repair was $5040.48. As a dealer we agreed to assist the customer financially with the repair. The customer paid $3200 and Corwin Ford paid $1840.48. Attached are copies of the invoice from Overturf KIA for the total amount Of the repair and a copy of the Visa receipt." I have received numerous letters from KIA stating there was an issue, but when I make a claim it says my vehicle was unaffected. Obviously this is incorrect. Looking for guidance on how to hold KIA accountable. I have the same engine, model and year of the other complaints. My make, model and year are even listed on the latest paperwork sent out. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
- The Dalles, OR, USA
Driving 25-30 MPH engine died, no warning lights illuminated prior to the engine stopping. The vehicle drifted to a stop on the side of the road. There was no loss of power steering. Safety was at risk due to sudden engine loss while driving on a road. Vehicle was towed to nearby service center for evaluation. Motor is seized per service center.
- Columbus, OH, USA
I have a 2012 kia sportage. Well I found out 2012 kia sportages have a recall on the knock sensor. I found this out because while going 75 mphs on the George bush turnpike in tx, my car all of a sudden shut off and came to a complete stop! If there had been others around me I would have been in a serious car accident. When I finally got my car started again it wouldn't go over 30mph without having major problems and trying to shut down again. I had to nurse my car home that day. I had a panic attack thanks to that incident and am still shaking. After that I took it to have codes checked on it to find the problem. Come to find out the knock sensor is not working properly. We were informed by the mechanic those had been recalled on our model car back in jan 2021. Well we called kia and they said there is no recall for that part. Yet we had just received mail about that part having been recalled on our car and the lawsuit. My child and I could have DIED because the part is faulty and kia says they won't fix it.
- Mesquite, TX, USA
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an intendent mechanic and the mechanic stated that the engine had no compression and referred the contact to the dealer. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the dealer stated that the timing belt and the exhaust needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 130,000.
- Creve Coeur, IL, USA
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact's husband arrived on the scene and attempted to jumpstart the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who performed an unknown repair. The contact later replaced the battery; however, the failure recurred. Upon investigation, the contact was made aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced; however, the dealer declined to perform the recall repair due to the previous owner's failure to keep up with routine maintenance and confirmed that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. 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 previous Owner's failure to keep up with routine the maintenance of the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
- Greenwood Village, CO, USA
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the check engine warning light and several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle started to stall. The contact depressed the brake pedal, stopped, and parked the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart. The contact shifted into neutral and pushed the vehicle to the side of the road. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart upon attempting to jumpstart vehicle with the assistance of a friend. The vehicle was towed to the Mazda dealer where it was purchased. The dealer diagnosed that the engine, the starter, the battery, and unknown parts needed to be replaced. The Kia dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.
- Linesville, PA, USA
Vehicle has never had any issue. No noises, no misfiring, no warning lights. Drove vehicle home one say and parked it. Next day would not start. Had towed to Kia dealership.. They are stating that they put a starter in and now my timing chain is snapped and my valves are bent. Stating it is not their fault and now I need a new engine. I did have the Knock Sensor Detection System update installed 2 years ago. Now I don't have a vehicle because they are stating that this has nothing to do with NSDS recall and I cant afford to fix. What do I do now?
- Wisconsin Rapids, WI, USA
It died when we turned it on but we didn-??t think it started so we started it again and it was fine. Then 1 hour later we were driving and check engine light came on and it turned off then the car was dying. When I pulled over to let it cool down the car wouldn-??t turn back on and when I checked under the hood there was oil all over the engine and the cap was there, it was smoking.
- Ahwahnee , CA, USA
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving approximately 70-75 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and stalled. The contact was able to coast the vehicle off the road where she noticed a fuel odor. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to her residence and then towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that there was excessive wear on the bearings and seals caused by the engine consuming oil. The failure produced diagnostic trouble code: P0301 (Cylinder #1 Misfire). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case manager and informed that the failure was not related to a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
- Zanesville, OH, USA
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, he heard an abnormal tapping sound. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle emitted an abnormal screeching sound. The contact veered to the side of the road. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as he had failed to complete the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software update under NHTSA Campaign number 20V750000 (Engine). However, the contact stated that he was unaware that the VIN was included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000
- Houston, TX, USA
- Engine issue, there is an problem with engine - kia bulletin TSB PI1803Y/zrev6. - I was in dangerous situation. I was on highway and my car automatically slow down. I was driving alone. it was very stressful situation and it was Saturday night. I was not able to find any safe place to stop by. It was very risky as people was driving behind me and there was not the shoulder of the highway where I can stopped. - I went to Kia dealership and they confirmed this issue. - It was inspected - Engine light just turn on 2 minutes before the car slowed down by itself to 20 MPH.
- Georgetown, TX, USA
Loss of power while traveling uphill on I25 at high speed (75 mph). Speed slowed to less than 30 mph while other vehicles passed at high speeds. Once on side of road, car would not start. Engine and battery lights remained on, but were not on prior to this event. Vehicle was towed to mechanic shop for evaluation, diagnosed with seized engine and due to high repair cost, is a total loss.
- Corrales, NM, USA
I own a 2012 Kia Sportage. The engine locked up due to a defect which Kia corporate is aware of and has admitted to. I took my vehicle to a local Kia dealership where they performed an inspection to see if my vehicle qualifies for the engine replacement. They denied my replacement due to the fact that I did not have a sensor update performed before the engine died (this sensor does not prevent the defective engine from locking up, this is a software update, not a mechanical issue). I bought my vehicle pre-owned, I have never received any notification, recall or information from Kia about my vehicle. Kia is claiming they sent me a letter informing me of this software update, they did not. I was not aware of any of the issues until my car died on the side of the road and I had it towed to a mechanic who referred me to the local Kia dealership because of the nationwide problems with my model vehicle as well as other Kia-??s. When my claim was denied I contacted corporate, they were very rude and disrespectful. The supervisor would not let me speak and talked over me. Kia has admitted that these engines are defective and are robbing people of their hard earned money based on a notification that was never received. When I asked for a copy of that notification I was told they would send generic letter, nothing with my VIN, name, address or information pertaining to my vehicle. Any other documentation is -??corporate confidential-?? and I would have to file a lawsuit-?? to receive a copy of what they claim they have sent"!? How is this company getting away with creating a hardship for thousands of Americans" This has effected my job, my finances, my income, and most importantly my family. And it-??s all based on a letter I never received from a company that cannot provide said letter. A corporation that effects so many lives in such a negative manner should not be allowed to operate without doing what is right by the consumer.
- Felton, DE, USA
- Dayton, OH, USA