About this problem
Engine failure complaints describe engines that knock, seize or stop running entirely, often with a sudden loss of power on the road. The usual mechanical cause is wear in the connecting rod bearings, which can follow from manufacturing debris, low oil or oil starvation. Once a bearing fails, the engine usually needs to be replaced. Some failures on these engines are covered by recalls or extended warranties.
Across all owner complaints filed about the Kia Sportage since 2012, 770 (30.7%) describe engine knocking and failure, making it the most reported problem we track on the Sportage. The reports cluster on the 2012, 2013 and 2017 model years, and the 2012 drew the most, with 218. It tends to show up at higher mileage: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 79,000 and 120,000 miles. 26 reports describe a crash or fire linked to it. 2 recalls are related to it, and recall repairs are free at any dealer.
What owners report
Owners of 2011 to 2013 Sportages report engines failing while driving, often with no warning, plus knocking and overheating. Kia recalled many of these engines.
How it gets fixed
Kia replaces failed engines under recalls 17V224, 19V101 and 20V750 and the engine warranty extension.
Typical cost: Free if covered. Otherwise a replacement engine costs $4,000 to $7,000.
Complaints by model year
In owners' words
"Just before reaching tryon, nc, coming from charleston, sc, we began to hear a distinct knocking noise coming from under the hood, and were unable to accelerate any further than around 55 mph."
2013 Kia Sportage, 85,000 miles
"While traveling in id heading home to ut (in motion) on an interstate interchange at hwy us-20 w to I-15 s, my 2012 Kia Sportage with only 36,000 miles, experienced engine power loss, the engine seized with no warning indicators."
2012 Kia Sportage, 36,000 miles
"My 2017 Kia Sportage has 74,695 miles. I am the 2ND owner. The engine failed at highway speed, due to so called knock sensor. This the first safety issue, no assisted steering or brakes. I paid to have towed. The Kia dealer had no loaner cars."
2017 Kia Sportage, 74,695 miles
Excerpts from public owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lightly trimmed.
Related recalls
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign.
Kia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. Check a specific car by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Kia has sent dealers 102 bulletins that mention this problem on the Sportage. A bulletin tells technicians how to fix a known fault. It is not a recall, so the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty or covered by an extension.
Dealer parts and service manager memo: wty007 - 2011-2014 my Sportage 2.0l turbo gdi & 2.4l gdi engine - effective immediately, Kia motors america, inc.
Request for reimbursement form: wty007 - 20112014 my Sportage 2.0l turbo gdi & 2.4l gdi engine warranty extension program - if you have paid to have your engine repaired/replaced due to connecting rod failure, you may be eligib...
Owner letter: wty007 - 2011-2014 my Sportage 2.0l turbo gdi and 2.4l gdi engine warranty extension - dear Kia Sportage vehicle owner: Kia motors america takes pride in providing you with high quality and dependable vehicles.
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION BULLETIN: 2017-02 - 2014 MY Sportage (SL) ENGINE SHORT BLOCK WARRANTY EXTENSION - The purpose of this bulletin is to provide information related to the extension of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty for the...
VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (SC293) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia America, Inc.
VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: ENGINE INSPECTION AND REPLACEMENT (SC315) - This bulletin provides information to inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine sub assembly on certain 2024MY Sportage P/HEV vehicles produc...
Government investigations
Engineering analysis EA21003 · 2012, 2013 · opened Dec 2021, closed Feb 2024
Before you buy a Sportage
- Ask for oil change records; long gaps are a red flag on these engines.
- Listen for knocking or ticking at idle and when accelerating.
- Check by VIN for open engine recalls and for any extended engine warranty.
Questions
Which Kia Sportage years have engine knocking and failure?
Complaints are highest for the 2012, 2013, 2017 model years. The 2012 drew the most, with 218 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 100,000 miles, and half reported it between 79,000 and 120,000 miles.
How much does it cost to fix?
Free if covered. Otherwise a replacement engine costs $4,000 to $7,000.