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2019 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.
37
Latest Aug 4, 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.
54%
of 69 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.
3
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 2019 Kia Sportage submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 37 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 37, in the owner's own words

Engine
Filed Aug 4, 2026

The vehicle is have issues every time I get and oil change the vehicle loses about 2 qt of oil there are no leaks that are notice but the lost of engine oil still happens this oil could cause the engine to turn on fire it is nerve reacting to every often to check the oil level dealership are brushing this problem as they don't seem to know what is causing this issue if customer don't check

NHTSA ID
11754692
Incident
Jul 30, 2026
Engine
Filed Jul 3, 2026

The engine locked up about a year ago, and since we didn’t technically have a recall we didn’t know what to do. It was able to drive again after we had a technician work on it, but now it’s not driving anymore. It shakes hard when it’s idling and driving. We have waited over 2 weeks to be diagnosed with the problem. We have had to spend $1300 on rental cars because we can’t get a loaner until diagnosed. The car is not safe to drive and puts our lives at risk to drive it. We were lucky it didn’t start shaking while we were driving on a major highway, but it did still happen while driving and was terrifying. The car is at Williams Kia now, in Elmira NY. They still haven’t diagnosed the problem. The check engine light is on.

NHTSA ID
11748112
Incident
Jun 13, 2026
EngineFuel system
Filed Mar 23, 2026

The vehicle is experiencing excessive engine oil consumption. The engine was found by the dealership to be low by 3 quarts of oil after about 1000 miles during an oil consumption test, indicating abnormal oil loss. The suspected failure involves internal engine components, possibly piston rings, allowing oil to enter the combustion chamber and burn. This condition creates a safety risk because the engine can become critically low on oil, without warning, potentially leading to engine damage, loss of power, or engine failure while driving. The problem has been reproduced and documented by the dealership during oil consumption testing. However, there are inconsistencies in the dealership’s reporting, as later documentation stated that no oil consumption was found despite earlier records showing excessive oil loss. This vehicle has been inspected multiple times by an authorized dealership and is currently part of an open case with the manufacture. The vehicle was also held at the dealership for approximately three weeks without clear documentation of work performed. There were minimal warnings indicators prior to the issue. The vehicle showed rough engine performance, which was consistent with oil fouling the spark plugs. No clear warning light reliably indicated the severity of the oil loss before the condition was discovered during testing.

NHTSA ID
11726557
Incident
Dec 16, 2025
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Jan 9, 2026

This complaint is in reference to my vehicle which is involved with Federal Class Action Lawsuits and the fact that my engine was defective from the day it was built. My engine was consuming oil at a rate of 1 quart every 361.1 miles driven. I was advised to not put oil in it and drive it until it blows up. This would have put myself, my family, friends, or any other passengers or bystanders at risk. Kia is denying my claim solely on a non rod bearing failure.

NHTSA ID
11709880
Incident
Dec 23, 2025
Engine
Filed Dec 31, 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. The contact stated that the vehicle required 6 quarts of oil every 1,900 miles. The vehicle was recently taken to Valvoline, where an oil change was performed. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH the following day, the vehicle started shuddering and misfiring, and the failure increased significantly while idling. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure persisted while driving at 60-65 MPH on the same day, and the engine stalled. The low oil pressure, the battery, and the check engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving; however, the vehicle continuously shuddered and misfired. The vehicle was taken to Valvoline, where the contact was informed that the engine was misfiring. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving after the service appointment. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the spark plugs and other unknown parts were replaced. The dealer then test-drove the vehicle; however the failure persisted. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact related the failure to an unknown engine recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the cost of the repair would not be covered unless the failure was related to the engine rod. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA ID
11707973
Incident
Dec 31, 2024
Mileage
90,000 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed Nov 2, 2025

My check engine light started blinking and the car was stalling out. I have now parked the car in my driveway. I bought the car October, 2024

NHTSA ID
11697043
Incident
Nov 2, 2025
Engine
Filed Oct 24, 2025

Severe oil consumption issue at 100k miles. Same issue seen on kia class action lawsuit for GDI engines. No leaks present, after 800 miles from oil change, no oil seen on dip stick.

NHTSA ID
11695393
Incident
Oct 22, 2025
Engine
Filed Oct 4, 2025

Engine went out at 150,000 miles.

NHTSA ID
11691396
Incident
Oct 2, 2025
Engine
Filed Oct 2, 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in for maintenance, the contact was informed that there was no oil in the engine. The contact stated that the oil warning light had only illuminated once. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the first oil consumption test was performed. The dealer added oil to the vehicle. The contact checked the oil level every two weeks and noticed that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact was adding several quarts of oil every two weeks. The vehicle had several oil consumption tests performed by the dealer. The contact was informed that less than a quart of oil was lost. However, while the vehicle was at the dealer, all the oil had leaked out of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance. However, a claim was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA ID
11690970
Incident
Oct 2, 2024
Mileage
70,000 mi
Engine
Filed Sep 13, 2025

My oil consumption is approximately 1.5 quarts every 200 miles. I get my oil changed every month and every other week I need to top off. When my oil, is low there is no indication on the dash. I have to preform inspections on my car on a daily basis. Now, my car will randomly not start. I replaced the battery and changed the spark plugs.

NHTSA ID
11687052
Incident
Jun 21, 2025
Engine
Filed Aug 28, 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle went to LIMP Mode. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who performed an oil change and updated the Knock Sensor Detection System(KSDS). The contact stated that later, while driving, the engine oil warning light illuminated. The contact checked the engine oil and discovered that the oil level was extremely low. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the pistons were faulty, and the engine needed to be replaced; however, the mileage had exceeded the warranty coverage. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

NHTSA ID
11683614
Incident
Jun 5, 2025
Mileage
95,000 mi
Engine
Filed Aug 9, 2025

My engine has been burning through oil very fast, it is only 6 years old. I have to put oil in it approx 3 times before another oil change is due. My mechanic suggested I see if there were any recalls but there are none. I have no lights on or any other issues.

NHTSA ID
11679543
Incident
Aug 1, 2024
Engine
Filed May 31, 2025

The I started noticing my oil light was coming on after only few hundred miles. After every oil change a week or 2 later I would need oil. Took it to a several mechanics and no leaks founds they all said the GDI engines are known for consuming high amounts of oil. I called Kia and they admitted they know about the problem but will do nothing about it

NHTSA ID
11664071
Incident
Oct 12, 2024
Engine
Filed Mar 23, 2025

The car started stalling anf an engine light came on

NHTSA ID
11649966
Incident
Mar 23, 2025
Engine
Filed Mar 11, 2025

Oil consumption issues that kia is not taking responsibility for

NHTSA ID
11647567
Incident
Feb 20, 2025
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Feb 17, 2025

The car continues to burn oil and have to put oil in it although not time for oil change. I took the vehicle to dealership several times because whenever I get gas it won’t let me start it right away or stutters after getting gas. Whenever the car is in park or idle it’s making a knocking noise and shaking really bad. The check engine light keeps going off and on but this most recent time it is not on. Initially i was advised they could only diagnose when check engine light on but that’s the issue because light does not stay on. I was on the freeway going about 70mph the car started declining in speed so had to hurry and pull over. Pulled over and turned off the car then it took several times to start back up. Vehicle currently at dealership waiting for more info but said it’s something related to the engine misfire.

NHTSA ID
11643278
Incident
Feb 17, 2025
EngineFuel system
Filed Dec 13, 2024

Vehicle was throwing codes P2196 O2 sensor stuck rich, P0290 post catalyst fuel trim lean, P01720 system too rich, P016B closed loop air/fuel ratio control at limit. Brought to local dealership where they did an inspection and could not find any major issue that, in their words, “would affect drivability”. Recommended I start using premium fuel and in the future consider a fuel system cleaning. 9 days later while driving my engine starting knocking, check engine light was on and flashing, then my car died. Towed vehicle to the dealership where the assessed and found there to be no compression and stated the pistons looked “melted”. They could not give me a reason as to why, or why none of this was caught at my $100 service inspection 9 days prior. They stated I needed an engine replacement at $6700 due to failed pistons. They would not do any type of diagnostic or testing to rule out a known issue with the Theta II engine recall. They stated they did not have to do any further diagnostic since they found my pistons to be melted. Local mechanic of mine not affiliated with the dealership, assessed the engine and components, stated he did not see any abnormalities outside of normal wear and tear but did recommend I have the dealership tear into the engine since they are “Kia Experts” and know the engines. Kia dealership stated they filed a claim with corporate and it was denied. Kia corporate stated my dealership sent report stating engine failure reason is outside of scope for recall. Kia dealership refused providing me denial in writing. Sent me photo of correspondence with tech line which was a total of 3 messages. Vehicle had been at dealership since November 16th.

NHTSA ID
11630646
Incident
Nov 13, 2024
Engine
Filed Dec 9, 2024

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that on several occasions the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the vehicle occasionally stalled while driving. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly decelerated to 30 MPH. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and attempted to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The contact received a secondary diagnostic test from an independent mechanic and was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.

NHTSA ID
11629690
Incident
Jun 17, 2024
Mileage
160,000 mi
Engine
Filed Oct 17, 2024

The vehicle just suddenly stopped without any warning or anything. No warning lights came on until after the engine had almost completely stopped in the middle of the road. Vehicle is also using oil without any warning light coming on at all and vehicle is out of oil. That is a problem with both things. Suddenly stopping can cause me to be in an accident. This is not safe at all and should be the manufacturer responsible to repair this issue.

NHTSA ID
11620419
Incident
Oct 10, 2024
ElectricalEngine
Filed Sep 30, 2024
Fire reported

The contact owned a 2019 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle started overheating and smoke started emitting smoke from the hood. No warning lights were illuminated. No injuries were reported. The vehicle was destroyed leaving only the framing. The fire department arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire. A fire department report was filed. A police report was not filed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the vehicle was inspected; however, the inspector did not find a defect in the vehicle. The vehicle was also inspected by the fire department who determined that the cause was in the rear passenger window. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID
11617339
Incident
Sep 3, 2024
Engine
Filed Sep 14, 2024

1) Vehicle is burning oil and engine is overheating quite fast. 2)Vehicle has stalled or shut off on its own during use 3) Kia dealership refused to address the specific issue due to car being out of warranty because of the mileage. They also wanted to run different tests not directly associated with the issue; Wants to do trial and error which is only creating a humongous bill for the customer. 4) Insurance was contacted and currently awaiting instruction at the present time this form is completed on September 14, 2024 11:35 AM MST 5)No warning lamps or messages appeared. Only found out about initial issue when vehicle was taken in for yearly inspection in accordance to state laws for Tag renewal at a local Pep Boys. The mechanic informed me that my vehicle had an engine recall, the vehicle is burning oil drastically, and that the vehicle will need a new engine. After this and Kia refusing to do anything, all my vehicle issues became worse(April 2024-Present). I must put oil every 1k miles now presently. I revisited Oil Changers multiple times for a top off before it was even time for an oil change. The mechanic also made it so my oil would burn slower but it did not work.

NHTSA ID
11614592
Incident
Sep 13, 2024
Engine
Filed Sep 9, 2024

On my way driving to pick up my kids my vehicles check engine light started flashing and went into limp mode. It wouldn't go above 15 mph. The oil lamp started to flash. I had to ease it out of traffic and park the vehicle. I proceeded to check the oil and the dip stick was completely dry. I had to walk to the nearest autozone purchase 5 quarts of oil, walk back to the vehicle and put it into it. I then had to bring it home. I ran a diagnostic test and it was putting out a P1326 code. The car is not drivable. I had to have it towed to the dealership and they currently have it and I am awaiting further details.

NHTSA ID
11613488
Incident
Sep 6, 2024
Engine
Filed Jun 12, 2024

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked abnormally. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle lost motive power. Additionally, on several occasions while in reverse, there was a loud noise coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer five times; however, the failure could not be replicated. The contact stated that on another occasion the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where an unknown code was retrieved. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ID
11593887
Incident
Oct 11, 2023
Mileage
60,000 mi
ElectricalEngineSteering
Filed Apr 18, 2024

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the electrical and mechanical systems became inoperable. The headlights, signal, and hazard lights became inoperable. The contact pulled over, placed the vehicle in park, and turned the vehicle off. After restarting the vehicle, an abnormal ticking sound was coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the radiator needed to be replaced and the tie rod had excessive play. The dealer denied repairing the vehicle due to sludge in the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 75,490.

NHTSA ID
11583756
Incident
Jan 11, 2024
Mileage
75,490 mi
Engine
Filed Feb 10, 2024

Fully maintained services with my 2019 Kia Sportage with my local Kia dealership. I am a sales rep and use my car daily. I have 155k miles on my car. My car was needing oil changes about every 2500 miles because it was burning so much oil. Yesterday, 2/08,I turned on my car during my work day and while ideling my car in park, my engine light came on. The car immediately started to shake uncontrollably. No other indication prior to the shaking of the car did I think something was wrong. Again I get services done frequently to my car. I took it to Kia immediately. They diagnosed that in cylinder 2 one of my intake valves was broken. This is not covered under the recall already put in place or with the extended warranty with the software update. According to my Kia Dealership, the current recall for an engine replacement is only for the under rod bearing. The dealership wants $7300 for a completely new engine. I have never had a car that has ever had an engine go. Nor have heard of one having the engine fail within the first 5 years. I have looked online and many people have complained about this exact same problem and Kia says they can’t do anything for us. I do not have current documentation because my car is still at Kia. I am trying to figure out what to do before I drive it off the lot.

NHTSA ID
11571139
Incident
Feb 8, 2024

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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