9.4

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
104,500 miles
Total Complaints:
16 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. replace engine (15 reports)
  2. replace vcm (1 reports)
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This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Kia dealer.

problem #16

Aug 102022

Sportage EX AWD 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 126,357 miles

I was driving on the highway. I went to pass a car, the dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree, and went into limp mode. I pulled over to the side of the road and shut off the vehicle. I tried to restart it, but it sounded horrible like it threw a rod. Shut it back off, and called roadside assistance to have it towed to the Kia dealership.

I had the rod knock sensor recall update done when it came out, extending the warranty on the engine to 150,000 miles. The Kia dealership has always done all my engine maintenance since I bought the vehicle in 2017 with 89K miles.

The local Kia dealership looked at the vehicle. It was pulling all the codes for the recall rod bearing failure issue. Since I had the update done and they had done all the engine maintenance since I purchased it, they put in the warranty claim. While they were waiting for Kia Warranty to approve the claim, the local dealership put in a good faith order for an engine replacement to get it moving along. About 2 weeks later, Kia Warranty approved the engine replacement.

The dealership had my vehicle for about 8 weeks. They had 6 other Kia's in line for this issue at the time ahead of mine. The cost they billed Kia Warranty was $4975. My cost was $0.

I have only had it back for a week, and so far all is good.

- April P., LINCOLN, NE, US

problem #15

Aug 222018

Sportage

  • Automatic transmission
  • 76,000 miles

My 2013 Kia Sportage (with only 78k miles) is not used on a daily basis, as I have a company vehicle. My car stalled a couple of times couple of months ago, then stopped. I thought it was the gas. My husband noticed fluid leaking from rear axle and then my check engine light came on. The Kia Dealer in Evansville said they couldn't get me in for 2 weeks. So, I took it into the Kia Dealer Service Center in Clarksville IN. They advised the VCM is not working, and I have a rear differential leak, which will cost $1202! Also, my brakes need replacing. I paid for an extended warranty, which I've now been told expired March 2018 (I had NO idea!). When you get 10yr/bumper-to-bumper warranty, you think it's covered. Well, as I was told, it's NOT. I paid my car off nearly two years ago, so I am shocked at the issues I'm having now, especially since I rarely drive it during the week. I saw where a recall could be the cause of this, but I'm not sure. Help!! I have medial bills and this will set me back even more.

- Tara D., Leopold, IN, US

problem #14

Jan 282021

Sportage 2.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 125,000 miles

My Fiancee and I were driving on US-19 in our 2013 Kia Sportage and the car randomly just died on the highway and almost 2 cars crashed into us. We could have gotten in a serious injury or worse if someone had ran into us. Our Kia only has 125,000 miles on it and we just got the oil changed the week before at the KIA dealership. We have gotten all of our oil changes done on time and always done at the KIA dealerships and we never have had any engine problems or other problems with the vehicle.

We got the car towed to the dealership and they gave us a bill of $8,000 for a new engine replacement. This is insane because we owe $9,000 on the car and just bought it a year and half ago from dealership. We can't afford this type of repair so now the car is just sitting in the driveway useless. I called KIA corporate and they said our 2013 Kia Sportage wasn't recalled because it has a 2.0L or 2.4L engine size, but all the other 2013 Kia Sportages just got recalled in January, but not ours.

I called KIA corporate and made multiple complaints and they won't help us financially at all. They should be ashamed of themselves for not involving our car in the recall when it should have been. We could have gotten seriously injured or worse and they don't care at all. Really unfortunate and I am telling people to stay FAR AWAY from buying any KIA or Hyundai vehicle since they just can not get their engines to work properly.

- Alexis T., Clearwater, FL, US

problem #13

Jul 092020

Sportage EX 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,379 miles

Well this appears to be a common problem here. Driving on the highway at 110 kms (posted speed limit) when the engine just started knocking and the car stalled out. I was lucky to get it to the side of the road without causing an accident. Called a tow truck driver and upon his arrival and me explaining what happened he said "Your engine is likely blown, seen this in a few Sportage's now" Towed the car to the Mechanic and he asked me what year my car was a and said the same. "Engine is likely blown..." He further confirmed it when he tried to start it and heard the noise it made. Suggested I contact a Kia dealership and tow it there. I contacted the closest dealership, paid to have the car towed there where they had their "certified technician" inspect the car. They called me back and told me "So bad news, the motor is blown and will need to be replaced. We have seen this same thing before but your model of car isn't on the recall list yet so we can't fix it for free" Really?? "You can try calling Kia Canada and see what they can do for you." Called Kia Canada and the lady confirmed there as well that "THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM, but because Transport Canada or Kia Korea has not issued a recall for this yet, there is nothing we can do yet."

So to be clear, there were less than 65,000 kms on the engine, it had regular maintenance done and the mechanic told me the oil was clean. There were no signs of an issue with the engine before this happened, no dash lights, nothing. It just started knocking loudly like it had a flat tire on the highway and then stalled. I am still waiting on a call back from Kia Canada as I plan to take this to the highest level as this is just ridiculous. This is obviously a common and KNOWN ISSUE, how can KIA not cover this for their customers.

- Jay W., New Westminster, BC, Canada

problem #12

May 012020

Sportage LX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,000 miles

5-1-20 driving up 87 at 3pm heading to our cabbing. driving 75 all the way 1 mile out side of the city the car starts to slow down. I look a the dash and all the lights our on.pulled over to the side of the road. turn the ignition of. tried turning on the car nothing so I am thinking the batterie died on me. waited for an hour for my brother to come up and bring some jumper cables. we tried and nothing happened. drove in his truck into the city to get a new batterie thing it was just a bad one. installed it and nothing I am like wtf.

we never made it up to the cabin. so we jumped in with my brother and he took us home.

called up a buddy with a tow truck if he could go pick my car up. he did and dropped it of at my house.

took it to Kia Horne in gilbert AZ. talked to the service manger 5-12--20 and told me the engine was seized up.

again the car has only 120,000 miles on it. for the engine to seize up. So I asked him about the recall #17v224000. he said my car did not fall under that #. I am like wtf the year that is mention is from 2011-2013 and guess what year my car is. 2013 Kia Sportage. if the engine seized up it should fall in that recall #..

I tell you I will file a complaint with Kia affairs. this not right.

- Carlos M., Mesa, US

problem #11

Jul 172019

Sportage LX 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 110,468 miles

ENGINE KNOCKING

WHEN I GOOGLED IT IT SAYS THAT IT HAS A RECALL BUT THE KIA DEALERSHIP IS DENYING THE RECALL BAD CRANK SHAFT THAT'S THE PROBLEM IT'S A MANUFACTURE DEFECT IT'S OVER $6000 TO BE REPLACED I THINK THAT'S NOT FAIR

SHAME ON KIA I WILL NEWER BUY KIA AGAIN AND I WILL TELL ALL MY FRIENDS

- Fariborz S., Charlotte, NC, US

problem #10

Jun 142019

Sportage LX 2.4L Ltr Dohc

  • Automatic transmission
  • 152,275 miles

Driving 65 mph on freeway and suddenly all power is lost. There had not been any problems, no stalling, bucking, struggling. No check engine lights or system warnings. Medved KIA in Wheat Ridge, CO, advised the engine, although it was full of oil and had absolutely no leaks, was about to seize. The tech couldn't tell me why he determined that diagnosis, such as piston, rod/lifter, metal shavings, block?? Quoted $7,000 for replacement and more for a used engine (higher labor charges). Advised that no one would ever replace engine in 2013 Kia Sportage; should just buy a new KIA. I still owe nearly $7,000 on the loan and had expectations of 200,000+miles on a KIA.

Online I found a recall for the 2013 KIA Sportage engine for engine seizing, but he assured me that didn't cover my 2013 KIA Sportage engine that was "about to seize", even though it is doing the SAME thing. I will never buy another KIA for this reason and will join the online forum petitioning the NHTSA to issue an expansion of this recall. KIA should make this right. I've already shared this story with anyone who will listen.

My husband and I were on our way to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary with a weekend in Glenwood Springs, when we became stranded by our KIA. Our trip had to be cancelled as we spent 8 hours of our anniversary day trying to figure out what to do, 2 hours waiting for a tow truck, 2 more hours in one repair garage, another tow to the KIA Dealership who might look at our car the middle of the next week, and a $50 Uber ride from the Dealership back home.

- Kaye G., Aurora, CO, US

problem #9

Apr 222019

Sportage LX AWD 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 139,664 miles

We have a 2013 Kia Sportage with 139K miles on it. While driving on the interstate about 200 miles from home we heard a ticking sound. Like a lifter was going bad. Within minutes it went from ticking to sounding like someone was pounding on the engine with a hammer – thrown rod. No warning lights, no indication anything was wrong leading up to the failure. Limped the car to our destination and had it towed to a local mechanic still 200 miles from home.

We have meticulously maintained this car and have the maintenance records to prove it. Time for a rental car. Mechanic said metal shavings in oil – you have a blown motor. They tried to find a replacement motor but Kia/Hyundai discontinued the production of it and they aren’t available. I wonder why? Isn’t there a law that requires car manufacturers to make parts for a car 10 years after the manufacturing point?

It turns out there was at least one defect in the manufacturing process of these motors. Metal shavings in the motor cause excessive wear on the bearings, pistons, etc. Premature engine failure is the result. Often the thrown rod punctures the engine block releasing fuel and oil on a hot engine which immediately causes a fire while you are driving.

- D W., Monroe City, Mo, US

problem #8

Apr 222019

Sportage 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 139,664 miles

Our 2013 Kia Sportage 2.4 engine failed while driving on the interstate. No warning lights just started to knock and lose power. Had it towed to a local mechanic and said they found metal shavings in the oil, that the engine was bad. Started looking online and found Kia, during manufacturing had failed to remove metal shavings from the crank case which leads to excessive wear on the bearings and would cause serious engine failure. I never received any recall notice and they knew this was a problem for several years.

Contacted Kia Consumer affairs the next day. They said to get a rental car, said we will reimburse you and they had it towed to a dealer. 2 weeks later, and many un-returned phone calls and emails about the status of the repairs- they deny any wrong doing and will not fix their defective engine as we are over the 120,000 mile limit.

We bought this car new and have maintained the manufacturer recommended oil change and have taken meticulous care. Very expensive mistake to spend that much on a new car to only have it fail.

We will never buy from Kia as they are unreliable.

- D W., Monroe City, Mo, US

problem #7

Oct 222018

Sportage EX 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 141,000 miles

KIA needs to add 2013 KIA Sportage with the 2.4L engines to the recall list. My SUV exhibited the same problems as the other vehicles in the recall by the NHTSB. I was on my way to work and KIA SPORTAGE started making knocking noises, lost power and then stalled. I had many oil changes in the past and had recently had my SUV service two months ago, with an oil change service. When my engine failed and I check the oil, there was very little oil in the SUV.

I had my SUV towed back to the place where I had my oil changed and they informed me that the problem with my SUV did not have anything to do with the how they completed the oil change. They informed me that KIA was having problems with the type of engine in my SUV and there was big recall. Therefore, I had my SUV towed to a KIA service department and they stated I did not have my SUV properly maintenance over the years and that other service dealers use aftermarket filters which aren't suitable for KIA vehicles.

They said that because of the lack of maintenance and aftermarket filters, my engine failed and seized up. Now they want me to show them proof of maintenance and oil changes. If the recall is about the engine being defective from the start, then what KIA is saying is not true. The engine was going to inevitably fail regardless of how many oil changes I got or maintenance service on my SUV. . KIA also stated that since my VIN number was not listed on the recall list, my only recourse is to buy a replacement engine.

The NHTSB needs to reevaluate the recall that's presently going on and add all the KIA SPORTAGES to the recall that have the defective 2.4 engines. Everything that happened to my SUV is listed on the reasons for the recall. The NHTSB needs to reopen the investigation and insist that KIA add the SPORTAGE and all other vehicles with the defective engines to the recall list. I don't understand how they can recall the OPTIMA with the 2.4 engines when there are other KIA vehicles with the same 2.4 engine.

This is so frustrating! Maybe all of us who KIA is refusing to help needs to start a movement too....#My KIA Defective Too!!!

K

- Rene D., Petersburg, VA, US

problem #6

Aug 242018

Sportage EX 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 73,000 miles

We bought the car certified pre-owned from a KIA dealership in 2013. The car had under 5k miles. It was new by all intensive purposes. KIA warranties do not transfer from owner to owner which is complete BS. However, we had an "secondary" warranty supplied to us through the dealership. I'm not sure if I actually agreed to paying for this (I don't remember saying yes to an aftermarket warranty) or if one was provide to us through Kia's certified pre-owned policy.

Anyway.... I've been meticulous about the maintenance. I've had the oil changed every 5k miles, not 7500 like the manual suggests. I've had all the fluids (transmission, coolant, etc.) changed, and replaced the spark plugs. This all happened while driving 300 miles across the state of Arkansas. I went to pass a truck on a two lane road and noticed the vehicle had no power. I look down and all the lights on the instrument panel were lit up. I pulled over on the shoulder, put the car in park and pushed the push-start and it fired right up. I drove for another 2 hours, even stopping to get gas, and tried to pass someone at night. The car did the same exact thing, died while going down the road. This time it was deader than a door nail and would not start up.

Had it towed to the nearest dealership 40 miles away to the tune of $300. They proceed to tell me my engine had seized and there were metal shavings in the oil pan. The service department literally didn't bat an eye because they see this all the time with 2011-14 KIA motors. I now know why, because of the recalls due to rod bearing failure in the motors. Here's the thing though, my Kia was not one of the ones recalled. It wasn't the turbo model produced in the Alabama factory with all the issues. Luckily we had a warranty and it's paying for a new motor, but it's on back order and could take a month just to arrive.

- fletcher34, Farmington, US

problem #5

Jun 192018

Sportage ES 2.4L Inline 4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,000 miles

While driving on Highway 71, the engine just stalled. Barely made it to the side of the road. Had car towed to Kia in Ontario, Ohio where I was told the engine had seized up. The car was maintained perfectly, the dealership agreed.

$9000 to replace the engine. Contacted Consumer Affairs where they said because the car was maintained, they would give 50% off the engine replacement, and can only go with a new engine. $5000 to replace an engine on a car with 120K miles on it.

NEVER had a car last only 120,000 miles. This is not the way for Kia to compete in the US Market. The recall should be expanded to cover this engine as well. What is the differentiating factor???

Further, Consumer Affairs is terrible at follow through. They say they will call you within 3 business days, and by 7 business I have to call them, just to hear them say, sorry about your luck. It's frustrating.

My case was escalated to the Consumer Affairs District Manager.

Something needs to be done about this. I highly DOUBT I will EVER buy a Kia again.

- Rich A., North Ridgeville, OH, US

problem #4

Jul 202018

Sportage LS 2.4L

  • Manual transmission
  • 76,829 miles

I bought my 2013 KIA Sportage used with 57,000 miles in August of 2017, July 2018 while driving on the freeway headed to work I heard an awful noise coming from the front end of my car, thank goodness I was able to pull off the busy freeway and into a parking lot where I proceeded to make all the necessary calls. Had it towed to the nearest KIA dealer, not the one I use.

The mechanic called me about an hour later and said that just by turning the car on he knew that it was the engine and that it needed to be replaced! I was shocked needless to say. Finally had my car towed to my KIA dealership where he attempted to plead with KIA for "goodwill assistance" since the car is fairly new. KIA denied any assistance. There are numerous complaints on this site all related to the engine and similar occurrences. Why is this happening and why is KIA not doing anything about this problem?

I am told that the problem is: Connecting Rod Bearing Failure

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/VehicleComplaint/

I will not rest until KIA replaces my engine at no cost to me.

- lp1963, Atwater, US

problem #3

May 212018

Sportage

  • Automatic transmission
  • 77,000 miles

Bought a 2013 Kia Sportage from a used car dealership around Atlanta, GA. Carfax report was perfect and after a long test drive we were sold. The next two years were problem free with routine oil changes as recommended. Without warning while driving to work I noticed the engine light appear and an immediate rattle coming from the engine. This quickly progressed to the whole car shaking and completely shutting down. Had the car towed to a local mechanic in town who informed me soon after that the engine was a lost cause. Kia customer service informed me that they would be more than happy to fix the issue if I would just have the car towed to the closest dealership, let them run diagnostics to figure out the issue, and be ready to pay for all of it due to the warranty only being good for 60,000 miles. Seeing the same issue happening with other 2013 Kia Sportages with similar engines while researching has aggravated me even more knowing that others have been recalled while mine and people just like me are having to pay out of pocket.

- Randy R., Thomasville, US

problem #2

Mar 252018

Sportage LX 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 97,000 miles

Car lost engine power as I was driving up a pass on the freeway. Check engine light came on and engine died. Had to have it towed. Being told it blew a rod and engine needs replacement. Contacted Kia and told not in their recall as it is a 2.4L engine which apparently is having same issues as 2.0L. Maybe another class action needs to be started to get recall.

- eyezz, Fresno, US

problem #1

Aug 192016

Sportage

  • Automatic transmission
  • 57,000 miles

My 2013 Kia Sportage with less than 60k miles throws a tie rod shutting down the car while I am traveling on the Interstate!

It had to be towed to Kia Dealership in North Little Rock, Arkansas on 8/19/2016. It took 2 weeks for them to decide it was not my fault that the engine failed. Now here it is 9/20/2016 and the short block assembly designed (or so I have been told) has changed and that it is on back-order for an undetermined amount of time. Meanwhile I continue to make a monthly payment of $400. and my car is still not fixed 4 weeks later. Dealership (whose customer service is severely lacking) doesn't know when it will be repaired.

I am suppose to be happy about this, because they gave me a 2017 Sorento to drive, and then have the audacity to call me wanting to make me "a great deal & to make this right". I DONT THINK SO!

Update from Oct 6, 2016: Well here it is October 6th, and for the last 6 weeks my car continues to sit on the lot at Crain Kia in Sherwood, AR. As you may recall, 3 year old car with less than 57k miles through a tie rod thru the short block assembly and what makes this better is apparently there was a design change since 2013, so we wait.

- Teri F., Cabot, AR, US