RoadVitals

2014 Kia Sportage Engine Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the engine system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Engine reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
73
Latest May 9, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
60%
of 122 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
1
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2014 Kia Sportage submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 73 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming engine

The 25 most recent of 73, in the owner's own words

EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed May 9, 2026

My vehicle stalled (104000mi) bought in 2024 looked up online was known between 2023-2024 engine recall I wasn't told or shown on Car Fax anything about this So [XXX] worked on engine 2. Mths no charge was to get new motor they replaced alternator.Told Done Engine light was on I went to drive it jerked and over dash said engine problems return to dealer ( 5 min) I did .They had it2 more weeks said Transmission box lied I found diagnostics in my dash says engine control problems.Theysaid I had to return loaner and take my vehicle It's not the transmission They are lying. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11736797
Incident
Feb 19, 2026
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Apr 26, 2026

Engine went out , starter went out got it replaced been having issues since I purchased it . Makes a noise my engine oil and gasoline was mixing my engine is locked now

NHTSA ID
11733904
Incident
Apr 17, 2026
Engine
Filed Jan 9, 2026

Motor is knocking

NHTSA ID
11709967
Incident
Jan 6, 2026
Engine
Filed Dec 14, 2025

My Kia engine was replaced under recall. The replacement engine triggered P1326 KSDS failure while I was traveling overseas, placing the vehicle in limp mode. Kia USA refuses to assist or authorize diagnosis, leaving me stranded. This is a repeat recall-related safety failure, even though there is a Kia Dealership near me.

NHTSA ID
11704954
Incident
Dec 8, 2025
Engine
Filed Oct 7, 2025

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle jerked and failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. In addition, the vehicle hesitated and failed to exceed 40 MPH. The contact exited the freeway. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone, where it was diagnosed with a knock sensor failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the knock sensor however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle hesitated and failed to exceed 40 MPH. The contact exited the freeway with the check engine warning light intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the knock sensor had failed. The independent mechanic advised the contact to stop driving the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. Most recently, an abnormal sound was coming from the engine. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 99,000.

NHTSA ID
11691867
Incident
Feb 17, 2025
Mileage
99,000 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed Sep 8, 2025

My truck consumes excessive engine oil.

NHTSA ID
11685794
Incident
Aug 2, 2025
Engine
Filed Aug 26, 2025

My 2014 Kia Sportage experienced sudden and complete engine failure while I was driving on the highway at 75 mph. The engine locked up instantly, with no warning lights or alerts of any kind. The only prior issue was that the vehicle constantly burned oil and needed to be topped off frequently, but there was never any indication that the engine was about to fail. This sudden failure left me stranded in a dangerous situation. Thankfully, I was able to maneuver safely, but I am terrified of what could have happened to my daughter and grandson who were in the car or others on the road. Afterward, I learned that this defect was part of a recall. However, I was never notified in time. Kia Customer Service told me a notice had been sent in 2018, but my own research shows the recall was not actually issued until 2022. Because of this, I was denied the chance to have the recall repair performed before the failure. Now, Kia has refused goodwill assistance, leaving me with an $8,000+ repair bill. I am a single mother, a teacher, and caregiver to my daughter and grandson. This Sportage is the vehicle my daughter depends on to get my grandson to and from school safely. Safety Concern: This defect poses a severe safety risk. An engine seizing at highway speeds without warning could easily cause crashes, injuries, or deaths. I am deeply concerned that if Kia failed to notify me properly, other Kia owners may also be driving unsafe vehicles without realizing it. Requested Action: I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate Kia’s recall notification practices and ensure Kia is held accountable for leaving customers unprotected against such a serious safety hazard.

NHTSA ID
11683260
Incident
May 1, 2025
EngineFuel system
Filed Jun 26, 2025

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the vehicle, after which the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V907000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 103,000.

NHTSA ID
11669548
Incident
Jun 26, 2025
Mileage
103,000 mi
Engine
Filed Jun 17, 2025

I own a 2014 Kia Sportage (VIN: [XXX] ) that qualifies under Recall SC147 for engine seizure. The vehicle’s engine has seized randomly with no check engine lights. Was running and driving perfectly and shut off. However, Kia and the local dealership are refusing to repair the vehicle under the recall because the vehicle is not currently registered. This is a clear violation of NHTSA recall requirements, which mandate free recall repairs regardless of ownership or registration. I am requesting NHTSA review and enforcement. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11667423
Incident
Jun 6, 2025
Engine
Filed May 21, 2025

While driving on an interstate, our vehicle experienced complete engine failure. It was towed to auto garage and examined. We were advised the timing chain had stretched and there were metal shavings in the oil (only roughly 100,000 miles on vehicle). Auto garage advised this was a known issue that was associated with high engine oil consumption and that there was an engine recall. They advised we should contact a Kia dealer for repair. Contacted Kia dealer and was advised the vin for our Kia was not included in the recall, however our Kia also has the Theta 2 engine, which was the subject of the recall of other models and/or years and we are experiencing the same issues. I contacted Kia Corporate and was advised that because the vin of our vehicle was not included in the recall, they would not assist in any way. When this incident occurred, we were 200 miles from home driving on a 4 lane highway and navigating an interchange. Thankfully, we were able to navigate traffic and get to the side of the road, however we felt extremely vulnerable and unsafe, and it left us with no means to return home. Generally, my [XXX] daughter drives this vehicle and had she been driving at the time of this incident, I fear she would not have known what to do to get to safety and could have resulted in a tragedy. I believe this to be a significant safety issue that is the same or at least very closely related to the recalls already in place. We purchased this vehicle in good faith, believing the manufacturer was providing a vehicle that was safe and reliable, however that turned out not to be the case and Kia is not willing to hear our concerns or help with a solution. Please contact me if any additional information is needed and I welcome your feedback. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11662413
Incident
Nov 9, 2024
Engine
Filed Dec 3, 2024

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the service engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle went in LIMP Mode. The contact stated that the engine started to overheat. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the turbo charger, radiator, and the catalytic convertor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 132,000.

NHTSA ID
11628657
Incident
Nov 27, 2024
Mileage
132,000 mi
Engine
Filed Jun 30, 2024

Engine has failed. Mechanic at home has found aluminum shavings in the cam shaft area. This model doesn’t have a recall, but should for engine failure. I have 70,000 miles and it’s on year 10. Should be lasting longer with no engine issues. Never had prior warnings for the engine, just engine failure randomly and shavings built up. Available for inspection. Car stalled and could have resulted in accident. A few months prior, oil smell and burning occurred as well, mechanic was able to fix it. Kia has made it difficult to make an appt for an engine issue, Fette Kia in Clifton NJ says they have emergency slots, but they will only “talk” to me and not look at the car. This seems like an emergency to me. Finally made an appointment for 20 days from now at another dealership.

NHTSA ID
11597841
Incident
Jun 22, 2024
Engine
Filed Apr 3, 2024

Engine failure which was ran through a diagnostic test a the Kia dealership 2 years ago after my car cut off on the interstate. Nothing was found however I have been having problems since

NHTSA ID
11581022
Incident
Feb 21, 2022
Engine
Filed Jan 17, 2024

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25–35 MPH, the engine seized. There was smoke coming from the engine compartment. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the engine had seized. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine failed and needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced, but the failure recurred two years later. While driving at low speeds, the engine seized. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the local dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

NHTSA ID
11566089
Incident
Nov 1, 2021
Mileage
115,000 mi
BrakesEngineSuspension
Filed Dec 1, 2023

Brakes keep squealing and as of a result of previous recall service my engine drink oil fast and not to mention the oil pan gasket is leaking oil. The engine smoke and have a burning smell that seep inside the car vents.

NHTSA ID
11557805
Incident
Oct 1, 2023
Engine
Filed Nov 27, 2023

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated and sputtered while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and was serviced; however, the failure persisted. After a recent failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to Infiniti of Denver (2990 S Havana St, Aurora, CO 80014) where the vehicle was diagnosed with a misfire in cylinder #2. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 111,500.

NHTSA ID
11556985
Incident
Jun 1, 2022
Mileage
111,500 mi
Engine
Filed Nov 4, 2023

The engine stopped working. And although there was a recall on this issue the dealership is demanding i pay for the repair

NHTSA ID
11553525
Incident
Nov 1, 2023
Engine
Filed Oct 11, 2023

On Sunday May 7th 2023, while traveling on the thruway, the car started to slow down and was no longer accelerating as I was pressing on the accelerator. There was a burning smell coming from the engine, causing me to cough for a week. I could not stop for a mile because there was no shoulder on that portion of the highway. I turned on my hazard lights and kept going until I pulled over a mile down at a rest stop. As soon as I took the exit into that rest stop, all the lights came on the dashboard and the car stopped on its own without me turning it off and without me making it completely into the rest stop. I had the car towed by an authorized thruway towing service to the closest shop and then had Kia tow it from that shop to Healey Brothers Kia dealership. The car does not drive at the moment and Kia does not want to assume any responsibility.

NHTSA ID
11549500
Incident
May 7, 2023
Engine
Filed Aug 4, 2023

Last Tuesday I was taking my Ill mother to the Dr 30 min away. All of a sudden the engine light came on and the car died. Would not do anything after that it was 100 degrees that day I had to get a ride for my mother in the hot day back to the facility she lived call a tow truck and call the dealership where I bought the car. I had to pay for the towing and to top it off I have to pay partially for a rental car The engine is blown in the vehicle I just bought this car in april how could it of blown already? I did the oil changes and checked it also. There is a extended contract on the vehicle but it needs a engine and a starter. I'm lucky my mother was not sick after how hot is was I have made 2 payments and that's it. I think I should get money back for what I paid that's over 2000 since I bought it and for this to happen .I depend on this car for my job for apps for everything. It isn't right it wasn't disclosed to me that the engine was bad . I feel they did me wrong when I bought it .

NHTSA ID
11536477
Incident
Jul 25, 2023
BrakesDriver assistanceEngine
Filed Jul 20, 2023

My car won’t go up to speed and it keeps throwing out it’s the turbo boost sensor not only that I almost crashed when I pushed on the brakes a little bit

NHTSA ID
11533402
Incident
Jun 27, 2023
Engine
Filed Jul 12, 2023

The motor sputtered and died. Is there an engine recall on this vehicle?

NHTSA ID
11531919
Incident
Jul 11, 2023
Driver assistanceEngine
Filed Jun 27, 2023

I was driving home from work on the expressway driving around 60 miles when my car out of no where started jerking and lost speed as driving at some points I could go over 40 I had to put my hazards on and drive at a speed of 30 on the expressway when I parked the car and put my foot on gas pedal I could not drive had a mechanic look at it they said it was my knock sensor

NHTSA ID
11529080
Incident
Jun 23, 2023
Engine
Filed Jun 3, 2023

I was driving on a road with an incline and as I accelerated up the hill I lost all power in my gas pedal. At that same moment my engine light and battery light came on the dash board. I tried to pull the car over but I had no power at all. I put the car in park and it would not start again. We checked the battery and alternator and that is not the problem. It is most certainly the engine. I didn’t not get any warning lights what so ever, and it did not act funny before hand. I just suddenly lost power and had to get my car towed home.

NHTSA ID
11525218
Incident
Jun 2, 2023
Engine
Filed Apr 28, 2023

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized, and the vehicle lost motive power with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure recurred. The contact pulled over and parked the vehicle in a parking lot. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance because the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V051000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) had not been completed. The contact stated that she had not received the recall notification. The failure mileage was approximately 158,376.

NHTSA ID
11519509
Incident
Apr 28, 2023
Mileage
158,376 mi
Engine
Filed Apr 1, 2023

My vehicle completely stalled out on the 15 freeway in Southern California, and I barely made it off of the road and had to call 911 due to the traffic coming so near to me. My vehicle was towed to the Kia dealership in Victorville, where they told me a bearing engine knock occured and I was told by them and Kia that the warranty doesn’t stand because of a previous owner to owner’s before I bought the car did not do the update they were supposed to do. It was a very very scary situation. I was on the side of the 15 freeway with a ditch beside me just waiting to get plowed down by big rigs going by me. And now I am out $8000 that I paid to purchase the car two months ago with no recourse to have it fixed because they told me it’s going to be $11,000 because the engine in my car is discontinued. I did my due diligence. I did a CARFAX and a Bumper report and because Kia and Hyundai decided this wasn’t a recall, but rather a product improvement campaign, it was not listed in any of the forms I used to do my best to find out if this car was a good car to buy.

NHTSA ID
11514956
Incident
Mar 24, 2023

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

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