2013 Kia Sportage Problems

Claim #25921274 To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally dispute Kia’s denial of warranty coverage for the engine failure in my 2013 Kia Sportage. Per communication with customer care, Kia denied my claim on the basis of “excessive mileage between oil changes.” However, this conclusion is not supported by sufficient evidence and does not meet the legal standard required under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. My vehicle received regular oil changes at intervals ranging from approximately 5,000 to 13,000 miles using full synthetic oil designed for extended service intervals. While these intervals may exceed conservative manufacturer recommendations, they do not constitute neglect, nor do they establish that maintenance caused the engine failure. The engine failure occurred suddenly while driving at highway speed, resulting in a complete seizure and requiring an emergency stop. This type of abrupt failure is consistent with known defects in Kia’s engines, particularly rod bearing failure, and not indicative of progressive oil starvation or maintenance-related damage. Under federal warranty law, Kia bears the burden of demonstrating a causal connection between the alleged maintenance deficiency and the specific mechanical failure. A general assertion regarding oil change intervals is insufficient. To date, Kia has not provided evidence establishing that my maintenance practices caused or contributed to the engine seizure. Accordingly, I request the following: 1.All documentation supporting the denial of my claim, including: •Photographs of engine teardown •Inspection reports •Evidence of sludge, oil starvation, or restricted oil flow 2.A written explanation detailing how the oil change intervals directly caused the engine failure, rather than a known defect associated with this engine. Absent such evidence, the denial of coverage constitutes a breach of warranty under KIA’s engine settlement program and the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.

My engine failed due to the knock sensor recall a known issue on my 2013 Kia Sportage the recall is supposed to provide a lifetime warranty but I was denied coverage because the failure happened before I was able to perform the update as I was a new owner to the car and was unaware of the recall at the time I have been going back and forth with the kia dealership for almost 8 months now 4 of those the car was at the dealership because they said I had to pay a $170 the fee for them to inspect the car to see if kia would repair it or not it which I was told I would get a full report when I finally was able to pick my car up I was told the claim was denied "due to recall not being performed" and that's literally all the paper said no report no details nothing I do t understand why I had to pay $170 for something they could have just told me because they knew the recall hadn't been completed at the time of entry and why did it take 4months of my car being there just to tell me that just for them to tell me that furthermore the recall applies to the car not just the original owner and covers all known defects and considering the engine failure was because of the defect and not normal wear and tear I'm requesting that KIA replace the engine in my vehicle in a timely manner as this failure was of no fault of my own but something that came directly from the manufacturer at time of purchase and had there vehicle not had a recall that effects the engine and the notification of a possible problem with the engine then my vehicle would not require a engine at this time.

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while coming to a gas station rest stop, making a left turn to the fuel pump, the vehicle lost power and coasted to the fuel pump. There were no warning lights illuminated. The VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), which had a warranty extension for the engine to be repaired or replaced. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer was unable to replace the engine and referred the contact to another mechanic to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The manufacturer informed the contact that the timeframe for the engine coverage extension had been exceeded, and the HECU not been replaced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer opened a case regarding the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while at a stop light, smoke was present from the vents inside the cabin. Later, while attempting to park more smoke was coming from under the hood and the neighbor also witnessed flames coming from the front of the vehicle. No further information was available. The contact indicated that the fire self extinguished and no fire department was contacted. The cause of the fire was not determined and the vehicle was not yet towed away. The manufacturer and local dealer were not contacted. The contact was informed that the VIN was included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced that same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 218,000.

I bought my car and then I received a letter stating that it had 1 recall. I called KIA to schedule the recall and they said there are 4 in total. I told them to get them all done because the closes KIA is about 45 min from my house. I took it in KIA called me said everything was done that I could go pick up my car. Then on 7/19/25 I am driving in the highway and my car stops accelerating I pull over turn off my car let it cool off and turn it back on. It moves and the moment I try to accelerate it the car stops again. Thank God I was able to arrive to a gas satiation at an exit and not have someone crash into me. I tried jump starting it and nothing. I tried turning it on again and smoke stated coming out from the engine. I had to tow the car to my house. I called my mechanic to check it and 3 codes showed up (C1611, C1612, C1613). I called KIA to let them know the codes and that I needed them to tow my car to their dealership. They proceed to inform me that 1 of the recalls were not fixed (the fuse) had to ordered and was not done. No one had informed me that when I picked up my car. They are not wanting to give me a solution and I have called 3 days straight.

In 2022, my 2013 Kia Sportage (VIN: [XXX] ) experienced a spontaneous engine compartment fire while parked. I was unaware of any existing recalls at the time. The vehicle was stationary and turned off when the incident occurred. I extinguished the fire myself. There was no crash involved, but the damage rendered the vehicle inoperable. I later discovered that this exact vehicle is subject to Recall 23V652000, related to an electrical short in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) that can result in an engine compartment fire while the vehicle is parked or driving. As of now, the recall remains open and unrepaired under this VIN. I was never notified of this critical safety recall before the incident. Kia’s authorized dealer in Puerto Rico (MOTORAMBAR) confirmed the recall but declined responsibility for the damage already caused, offering only the standard fuse replacement. I have submitted a written complaint to Kia and am now documenting this safety failure with NHTSA. This fire was not caused by misuse or wear-and-tear — it occurred under normal conditions and clearly matches the exact language of the recall defect. I believe this represents a serious failure of notification and manufacturer accountability. I am seeking resolution and accountability through both Kia and the NHTSA. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

KIA America has rejected my appeal for an Engine replacement through the Recall , I had the KSDS, Knock Sensor Installed by North Town KIA 3900 Sheridan Drive Amherst NY , May 7 2021. The warranty I received mentioned to keep oil and filter changed every 7500 miles with 5 w 20 oil . The oil was changed by Myself and I have receipts every 5k miles or less. I was turned down for what KIA tech line said Insufficient maintenance . As in they are calling me a liar . I bought 5w 20 full Synthetic oil and filters on 12 occasions from Walmart that Fit my 2013 KIA Motor The weight was recommended by KIA and the Filters rated at 10K miles . Have worked on My cars since I was [XXX] old have thousands of dollars in tools. I do what ever maintenance that is still possible to do on newer cars . Brakes , Filters Fluid changes tire rotations Ect . If KIA would have mentioned in the Warrenty you need to take Videos I would have . Why are not receipts enough? Also the way the oil looks rite now ?? Clean on the dipstick. Have talked to 3 different car service technicians. And they said the same thing. If that motor was not maintained the oil would not look that good. I asked the dealer for the video that the technician does when they told me what I already knew. I paid 230 dollars for the diagnostic, They sent the video to KIA tech line. KIA told me I have to get a subpoena . To get a copy.. Does that tell you they may be hiding something?? So I have brought this to the attention of 3 different KIA dealers. They said hands are tied to to KIA tech line . My 2013 KIA Sportage looks as good if not better then some cars 3 years old .Everything works except The 2.4 liter motor with bad rod bearings. The car died while my Wife was driving it while at a stop light at a busy intersection. No light on dash no warning. What if it quit when she was at a high speed. No power steering, no power brakes??That is dangerous . This happened on September 4 2025, towed straight to the KIA Dealer . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF I

I had my vehicle in for a recall from Kia PI2103 for Kia to update the software in my Kia Sportage. Which was to install software that could help my engine from failing. This was performed on January 19th 2024. Along with this recall they were supposed to extend my warranty to 15 yrs 150,000 miles. Shortly after aout 500 miles later and a few weeks my engine developed a knocking noise. I took back to the dealer that performed the recall to have it diagnosed. They advised that it needs and engine and is part of the campaign but they needed to get prior authorization. After a month went by Kia determined because I never took the key tag out of the car that I would not be getting a new engine for not meeting the requirements. How they determined this is when a service advisor is making a repair order they use window tags to locate cars. Well, the advisor rather than using a new window tag used the one that was sitting on my seat. I would like Kia to honor their extended coverage and replace my engine at no charge. Attached is proof I had KSDS and also a copy of the Kia techline that the service manager gave me to show the reason.

My daughter has a 2013 Kia Sporage. Last week she was driving and the engine kept cutting off on the highway. She has had the recalled engine replaced last year and has 33,000 miles on it. When we took it to be checked out the guy said it could be the timing chain. The dealership said that was unlikely. It sounds like it’s not getting gas, so we put fuel injector cleaner in and it still isn’t running.

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed gas cap. The contact was informed that the gas cap needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred after a month. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the gas cap was replaced a second time, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that he recently received notification NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated the vehicle was scheduled for a appointment at the dealer in several days. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.

We were driving down the road and heard a whine. About 2 minutes later there was a pop in both front wheels locked we could not move and we cannot get them to unlock

I WAS DRIVING AT 45MPH, WENT INTO THE OPPOSITE LANE TO PASS A VEHICLE AND THE ENGINE REVVED INTO THE 7000RPM RANGE, ALL THE LIGHTS CAME ON IN THE DASH, AND IT IMMEDIATELY LOST POWER. I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE ENGINE STOPPED. I TRIED TO RESTART THE ENGINE AND IT WOULDN'T EVEN CRANK OVER. NO WARNING LIGHTS HAD COME ON PRIOR TO THIS AND MY OIL IS CHANGED REGULARLY. THE ENGINE IS NOW "LOCKED" UP. I AM READING THIS HAS BEEN A FREQUENT PROBLEM, BUT MY VEHICLE VIN SHOWS NO RECALLS. THIS WAS ON A 55MPH HIGHWAY, WHILE PASSING AT APPROXIMATELY 55MPH.

Driver side door will not open from the outside. Handle no longer operates.

INTERIOR DOOR PANELS EXPANDED DUE TO WEATHER (HEAT IN CALIFORNIA) AND DOORS CANNOT BE PULLED OPEN. IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION, PASSENGERS WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE CAR DUE TO THE EXPANDED INTERIOR DOOR PANELS.

We were driving down the road and heard a whine. About 2 minutes later there was a pop in both front wheels locked we could not move and we cannot get them to unlock

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, WHEN SHE DROVE OVER A POTHOLE AND DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR WHEELS SHIFTED. THE CONTACT DROVE TO HER RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC HOWEVER, WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at 45 MPH, the daughter collided with another vehicle after the vehicle aggressively merged in front of her. The collision was at the front driver and passenger side of the vehicle. The contact added that the collision threw her daughter forward and backward, and the contact's daughter sustained neck, shoulder, and lower back injuries, and surgery on her neck was needed. A police report was filed. The vehicle was taken to the residence and parked. The vehicle was then towed to a body shop. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

CLOCK SPRING MALFUNCTIONED, REPLACED X2, THEN MAT FAILED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. STAYED IN DRIVEWAY. SELDOM USED TOTAL MILAGE 111,659

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE AND THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED LACERATIONS TO THE EYE THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER WHEN AN UNKNOWN OBJECT STUCK THE TOP OF THE VEHICLE. THE IMPACT CAUSED THE SUNROOF GLASS TO SHATTER AND THE SUNROOF AREA WAS CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR REPAIRS. THE AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS NOT ABLE TO INFORM THE CONTACT OF WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE TO COMPLETE THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD BEEN WAITING FOR MONTHS FOR THE REPAIR PART TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE HAD YET TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, WHEN SHE DROVE OVER A POTHOLE AND DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR WHEELS SHIFTED. THE CONTACT DROVE TO HER RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC HOWEVER, WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,000.

I HAVE HAD MY VEHICLE LOOKED AT NUMEROUS TIMES SINCE I BOUGHT IT 3 YEARS AGO. THERE IS A ODD THUMPING/HUMMING LIKE SOUND COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD OR AXLE AREA, WHILE DRIVING, AT ANY SPEED. NOTHING HAS BEEN FOUND. MY VEHICLE SHAKES OCCASIONALLY WHILE DRIVING OVER 45 MPH. MY AIR PRESSURE LIGHT CONTINUES TO BE ON CONSTANTLY, EVEN AFTER SHELLING OUT THE MONEY TO HAVE THE SENSORS REPLACED. I ALWAYS FEEL LIKE I HAVE FLAT TIRES, ALTHOUGH THEY SEEM FINE WHEN I CHECK THEM. I AM CONCERNED FOR MY SAFETY, MY CHILDREN AND OTHER DRIVERS ON THE ROAD WHILE I AM DRIVING. I HAVE SEARCHED NUMEROUS TIMES FOR RECALLS AND FOUND NOTHING FOR MY VIN. HOWEVER, I WAS TOLD BY A DEALER THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR SAFETY CAMPAIGN (SOME UNDERBODY ADDL ANTI-CORROSION: SL). I HAVE HAD MY RADIO HEAD UNIT REPLACED AS IT WAS GLITCHING WHEN USING BACKUP CAMERA. THE RADIO STOPPED PLAYING THROUGH THE SPEAKERS, ALTHOUGH IT STILL SHOWED I HAD FULL CONTROL OVER THE VOLUME AND TOGGLING STATIONS. MY PHONE WOULD CONNECT VIA BLUETOOTH BUT I WAS UNABLE TO USE IT. I FEEL MY VEHICLE IS PART OF MANY RECALLS THAT HAVE PREVIOUSLY AFFECTED AND ARE CURRENTLY AFFECTING MANY KIA'S AND WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE IT IF IT CAN BE ADDED TO THE LIST SO I CAN HAVE A SAFE VEHICLE TO DRIVE AROUND FOR MY FAMILY. BELOW I PUT MY LAST SERVICE DATE AS WHEN IT STARTED HAPPENING, AGAIN IT HAPPENED JUST SHORTLY AFTER I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE IN 2016.

I WAS DRIVING AT 45MPH, WENT INTO THE OPPOSITE LANE TO PASS A VEHICLE AND THE ENGINE REVVED INTO THE 7000RPM RANGE, ALL THE LIGHTS CAME ON IN THE DASH, AND IT IMMEDIATELY LOST POWER. I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE ENGINE STOPPED. I TRIED TO RESTART THE ENGINE AND IT WOULDN'T EVEN CRANK OVER. NO WARNING LIGHTS HAD COME ON PRIOR TO THIS AND MY OIL IS CHANGED REGULARLY. THE ENGINE IS NOW "LOCKED" UP. I AM READING THIS HAS BEEN A FREQUENT PROBLEM, BUT MY VEHICLE VIN SHOWS NO RECALLS. THIS WAS ON A 55MPH HIGHWAY, WHILE PASSING AT APPROXIMATELY 55MPH.

THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL BEARINGS STARTED TO WEAR. THEY WERE REPLACED AND SEIZED UP WHILE DRIVING. A NEW WHEEL BEARINGS WAS REPLACED AND REPAIRED. AGAIN IT SEIZED UP WHILE DRIVING. CAR IS BEING TOWED TO SHOP FOR THIRD REPAIR. IT WAS RECOMMENDED I LOOK UP RECALL ON CAR NOTICED THERE WAS ONE RECALL AND 114 COMPLAINTS FOR SAME ISSUE FOR 2011-2014 SPORTAGES.

DRIVERS SEAT BELT CLICKS BUT DOESN'T WANT TO LOCK.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOW BEAM AND HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS SHORTED OUT WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED THE SHORT IN THE LIGHTS DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER (A DOWNPOUR) AND WAS UNCERTAIN IF WIRES HAD BEEN AFFECTED AS WELL OR ANY OTHER COMPONENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE.

See attached document for complaint.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE CONTACT SMELLED A BURNING ODOR AND FLAMES ERUPTED UNDER THE DRIVER SEAT. THE CONTACT PLACED THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND EXITED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE CONTACT WAS UNINJURED, BUT WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,000.