2021 Kia Sportage Engine Problems

The hose connected on the antifreeze leak into the engine compartment

NHTSA ID

11756338

Incident

Aug 8, 2026

On June 14, 2026, the driver experienced sudden rough engine running followed immediately by a flashing check engine light. The vehicle was towed to the selling dealer, which has performed all prior maintenance. The vehicle is currently at the dealership and available for inspection. Technician notes show DTC P1326 was stored — the Knock Sensor Detection System code associated with connecting rod bearing wear on Kia's Theta II engine family. The technician performed an audible knock check only (none heard) and cleared the code. The vehicle was found approximately 2.5 quarts low on oil due to an internal turbo oil leak. The dealer's notes state the code "may be related" to low oil — hedged language, not confirmed causation. The dealer confirmed the turbo failure but has not performed a bearing clearance test to confirm or rule out bearing damage from the low oil condition. The dealer performed a turbocharger replacement. Despite a verbal commitment from the service manager that a bearing clearance test would follow, no such test was performed 40 days later. When the vehicle was declared ready, the service manager did not recall the commitment and suggested driving 40-50 miles as an alternative. Kia America opened a formal case last month and authorized a partial goodwill adjustment but no one has addressed the safety concern of the unperformed engine test indicated by the thrown code. Driving a vehicle with potential connecting rod bearing wear risks catastrophic engine failure, creating a serious safety hazard. This vehicle has a documented history of oil consumption prior to this incident. The engine has not been cleared for bearing damage following a significant low oil event and a stored P1326 code.

NHTSA ID

11752678

Incident

Jun 14, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the drain plug detached, and oil started leaking from the oil pan. The accelerator was depressed, but the vehicle failed to move and stalled while driving on the highway. The vehicle failed to restart. The oil light illuminated after the failure. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who determined the oil cap had detached. The mechanic informed the contact that the vehicle was difficult to start. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ID

11746610

Incident

Jun 24, 2026

Mileage

60,000 mi

While I was driving in the interstate my car when in limp mode while I was trying to pass a semi. I had my children in the car and was stranded on the side of the road. No warning lights ever came on before hand. My mechanic said it was a problem with my engine and it’s common in Kia’s in but doe not include my year. It’s a costly repair for a car that’s not even 5 years old.

NHTSA ID

11740308

Incident

May 24, 2026

Loosing oil constantly. Always on the low end. I am having to keep oil in my car to put in it when needed which is often.

NHTSA ID

11736064

Incident

Jan 5, 2026

The engine in my 2021 Kia Sportage failed while being driven at highway speeds on US 131 in Michigan. The car was taken to the closest gas station where the oil was checked and it was determined that 5 quarts were needed to reach the dipstick's full line. The fact that the car had consumed 5 quarts of oil seems to be a major safety concern. I've attached a note with additional information that has also been submitted to Kia; a case number has been provided. However, after several weeks, there hasn't been any progress. I haven't even been able to get Kia to provide information as to the fundamental root cause of the engine failure.

NHTSA ID

11732697

Incident

Mar 28, 2026

On March 4, 2026, the engine in my 2021 Kia Sportage malfunctioned while I was driving on a local road on Long Island, NY. The check engine light illuminated, the vehicle lost the ability to accelerate normally, and the steering wheel became heavy and difficult to turn at the same time. This created a serious safety risk, as I was unable to maneuver or accelerate normally and could have been stranded in an active roadway or unable to avoid a collision. The vehicle was able to restart but was towed as a precaution and transported to service. An independent repair shop examined the vehicle and identified the issue as an engine problem, advising that the repair should be covered by Kia. I delivered the vehicle to Kia Smithtown, an authorized Kia dealership, on March 9, 2026. As of today, the dealership has had the vehicle for approximately six weeks and has not yet completed a formal diagnosis or begun the repair, and no loaner vehicle has been provided. No police or insurance inspection has occurred. The check engine light first appeared at the moment of the failure on March 4, 2026; there were no clear warning symptoms prior to that. The vehicle remains in the possession of Kia Smithtown and is available for inspection.

NHTSA ID

11732236

Incident

Mar 4, 2026

I was driving only going around 35 miles and the car went from no check engine light to flashing check engine light I had it taken to a show and was told the rod bears where grinding away and putting metal in the oil which is what the 2017-2019 model of the engines had the same problem

NHTSA ID

11730671

Incident

Dec 17, 2025

Catastrophic fire started in fast food restaurant drive through, but able to drive to the parking lot before it became engulfed in flames.

NHTSA ID

11729339

Incident

Mar 29, 2026

I am filing a complaint regarding a 2021 Kia Sportage that experienced catastrophic engine failure, leaving the vehicle non-drivable despite regular maintenance and documented oil changes. I brought the vehicle to an authorized Kia dealership, located at 402 NJ-35, Keyport, NJ 07735, for evaluation. On or about March 17, 2026, I was informed by the dealership that coverage for engine replacement had been denied. At that time, I was not provided with a clear or sufficient explanation for the denial. Due to the lack of explanation and assistance, I escalated the matter to Kia corporate and was assigned a case manager. On March 30, 2026, I was contacted by my assigned case worker from Kia corporate, Marcia, who confirmed that my request for engine replacement remained denied. Again, no specific or sufficient explanation for the denial was provided, despite my attempts to obtain clarification. I made multiple efforts to understand the reason for the denial and to resolve the issue directly with both the dealership and Kia corporate. Despite these efforts, I was not offered a reasonable solution, nor was meaningful assistance provided. The vehicle ultimately stalled out in the middle of a highway. As a result, I am now left with a non-drivable vehicle and a significant financial burden, including an outstanding loan balance on a vehicle that cannot be used. I am also aware that there have been reported concerns, recalls, and investigations involving engine issues in certain Kia vehicles. While I understand each case is reviewed individually, this raises concern that my situation may not be an isolated incident and warrants further review. I believe this outcome is unfair given my documented maintenance history and the severity of the engine failure. I am requesting assistance in obtaining a fair resolution, including reconsideration of the denial and/or financial assistance toward the cost of engine replacement.

NHTSA ID

11729133

Incident

Feb 22, 2026

The oil is mixing with the gas and their was smoke coming from the engine after that the engine has seized and the car stopped working. Also at the body shop i was told some wires were cut.

NHTSA ID

11725741

Incident

Mar 16, 2026

smoke coming from the engine.

NHTSA ID

11725117

Incident

Mar 16, 2026

I have experienced chronic and excessive engine oil consumption in my 2021 Kia Sportage S with the 2.4 L Theta II engine. Since around 80,000 miles, I have had to add oil every 2 weeks between oil changes to prevent the engine from running low. My vehicle now requires a complete engine replacement, estimated at $10,000. Despite regular maintenance and oil changes (documented by Express Oil Change in Pinson, AL, with service records at 81,520 mi, 88,215 mi, 94,153 mi, 96,970 mi, 98,902 mi, 101,522 mi, and 105,273 mi), the vehicle continues to lose oil rapidly. Kia and my dealer have confirmed there are no recalls or warranty campaigns for my VIN, even though this issue is identical to the well-documented engine defect affecting earlier Kia models covered under the Theta II engine settlement. This defect creates a serious safety risk, as the engine can run dangerously low on oil between services, leading to engine failure or stalling while driving. I am currently out of work recovering from surgery and cannot afford the $10,000 repair. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate and expand the existing Kia engine defect recalls to include 2021 Sportage models using this engine.

NHTSA ID

11697338

Incident

Nov 3, 2025

My vehicle is burning oil. In a little over 1500 miles after I get a oil change from the King Kia Dealership Service, my oil stick shows that the level of oil in my engine is none at all. When I check my oil, the stick, is absolutely dry. This has happened in the last 3 oil changes with my vehicle. There is no oil indicator light that comes on in the dash, but the oil stick is dry. Additionally, there is no indication of oil leaking from my car in my drive way. I will be returning to the King Kia dealer service for the third time on 10/13/25 for remedy of this situation. I contacted Kia Customer care and reported this situation and received a case number: [XXX]. I currently have 75,943 miles on my vehicle. To prevent engine damage, I've added quarts of oil to my vehicle to compensate but I'm most concerned that this oil is prematurely burning. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11692991

Incident

May 23, 2024

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that her mother was driving at an undisclosed speed on the freeway and had stopped on the shoulder of the road to access the navigation system. The contact stated that after the driver shifted to park(P), the driver noticed smoke. The contact's grand-mother who was also occupying the vehicle advised the driver that the smoke was coming from underneath the hood. The driver then noticed that smoke and flames were coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle burned to the ground. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the fire. It was unknown whether a fire department report and a police report were filed. The vehicle was towed to an unknown location and was in the process of being inspected by the insurance company adjuster. Both the contact's mother and grand-mother later received medical assistance for smoke inhalation. The cause of the fire was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA ID

11690967

Incident

Oct 2, 2025

Mileage

70,000 mi

My car has been burning oil way too quickly! I got the 10,000 mile oil to see if it way maybe that and by 3,000 miles there was hardly any one in there! It is not leaking out! My oil is changed faithfully! And I heard there is a recall on some newer model Kia sportages! This is craziness! I take care of my vehicle stay up on all of the maintenance! I’ve read complaints on here and there are others having the same issue it isn’t just me!

NHTSA ID

11682391

Incident

Jul 21, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power and was unable to accelerate. The contact's wife arrived at the destination where the failure persisted, prompting her to discontinue driving the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), but 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 117,000.

NHTSA ID

11680688

Incident

Aug 14, 2025

Mileage

117,000 mi

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sportage. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for an oil change, and the contact was advised that the oil level was low. The contact stated there was no warning illuminated with the oil level being low. The contact was advised by the mechanic to check the oil level more frequently. The contact had recently checked the oil level and needed to add one quart of engine oil. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact researched online and related the oil consumption to a known failure with the engine installed in similar vehicles. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.

NHTSA ID

11679132

Incident

Jul 21, 2025

Mileage

41,000 mi

I had catastrophic engine failure driving down the road to work. Check engine light started flashing the the oil light. The car then shut off. Got it towed and they found two pieces of the engine block in the cradle cover.

NHTSA ID

11662565

Incident

May 22, 2025

BATTERY DIED, FOB DIDNT WORK 2 TIMES HAD TO HV TOWED, RIGHT FRONT LIGHT SEEMS AS IT HAS A SHORT, OVERHEATED OUT OF NOWHERE, NOW ALL HEADLIGHTS AND BACKLIGHT INCLUDING BRAKE LIGHT NO LONGER WORK. VERY UNSAFE AND UNABLE TO DRIVE. EVERYTHING IN THE RECALL HAS HAPPENED EXCEPT FOR CATCHING ON FIRE. THE TOW HITCH, I DONT HAVE ONE SO IT WASNT COMPLETED IN THE RECALL. THIS IS UNSAFE AND VERY DANGEROUS. PER NHSTA WHICH I HAVE FILED COMPLAINT ADVISED THAT THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH MY WARRANTY. I HAVE A BRAND NEW VEHICLE THAT I CAN NO LONGER DRIVE AND TAKING UBER DUE TO THESE ISSUES. I NEED HELP AND AGENT ADVISE NOTHING CAN BE DONE BC THE RECALL HAS BEEN REPAIRED, BUT IT WAS A FAIL AND NOW I HV TO TAKE THE HIT FOR IT.

NHTSA ID

11637371

Incident

Jan 17, 2025

Kia Sportage 2021- The service department at the dealership ran basic inspection of fault codes and found fault in system for knock sensor and camshaft b position sensor. These codes have relation to engine failure or possible timing chain failure. My safety was put at risk as I was driving down the highway and my car would not go over 40 miles per hour and cars were serving from hitting me from behind. Then my check engine light came on and started flashing. This information on my vehicle was looked at the dealership I purchased my vehicle, and they do not have the software/special tools to repair/replace timing components and vehicle was towed to Kia dealership. There was no warning lamps or symptoms that warned me before it happened. Once it wouldn’t go over 40 mph (wouldn’t accelerate) and my car light came on and blinking I pulled over.

NHTSA ID

11635069

Incident

Dec 4, 2024

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low oil light and engine warning lights illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle had been consuming excessive engine oil. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed crankshaft and rocker arm. The contact was informed that the crankshaft and the rocker's arm needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ID

11616707

Incident

Sep 16, 2024

Mileage

100,000 mi

On Thursday [XXX] I purchased a 2021 Kia Sportage LX from Liberty Auto Plaza Dealership located in Libertyville, IL. During this purchase, the salesman Isaac told me the car was updated with Anti-Theft Protection. Between Friday [XXX] evening and Saturday [XXX] my Kia Sportage that I just purchased was stolen. I called the police department and made a police report and I filed a claim with my insurance company, American Alliance Casualties. My vehicle was recovered on Wednesday [XXX] and the insurance company picked the vehicle up on Friday [XXX]. My insurance company, American Alliance Casualties has had my vehicle since. [XXX] will be five months this company has had my vehicle. On [XXX] American Alliance sent me an Offer Letter to, either have the vehicle to be repaired or, have a direct check sent to me. I choose to have the vehicle repaired because I wasn't looking for money I wanted my car repaired. The company I chose was Fender Mender Auto Collision Center. I spoke with their receptionist, Heather on, Thursday [XXX] and she said my insurance company, American Alliance Casualties delivered my vehicle to their facility and they were going to start working on it right away. I called Monday [XXX] to follow up and see how is the progress going to repair my vehicle and she told me that there was something going on with the engine. On Monday [XXX] Heather from Fender Mender Auto Collision called and said my claim was denied because there is wear and tear on the engine. The engine has 27,000 miles from the time it was stolen so that's impossible. However, I spoke with the insurance adjuster Annette Khatib and she said the inspector stated there was a blockage in the engine possibly due to a manufacturer defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11583810

Incident

Nov 11, 2023

Remote start my car walked out to a puddle of oil. All the oil ran out. Had 400 mile left before oil change was due.

NHTSA ID

11496058

Incident

Dec 4, 2022

The contact owned a 2021 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that upon pulling into a parking space on the third floor of a parking garage at her workplace, she smelled a strong burning odor. The contact also noticed smoke coming from underneath the driver's side of the hood. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact turned off the vehicle and quickly exited it. The contact stated that the vehicle caught fire. The contact began to extinguish the fire with the assistance of sheriffs who used fire extinguishers until the fire department arrived and took over. There were no injuries sustained. A fire department report was filed. A police report was filed. The vehicle remained at the scene and was totaled. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The contact was awaiting a call back from the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 19,920.

NHTSA ID

11448187

Incident

Jan 18, 2022

Mileage

19,920 mi