After attempting to remote start my car parked in the lot, I went outside to a car that didn't realize it could start and yet it continued to try. I stopped it and tried the key, and the car lights worked but the car was quiet, and would not turn over. I had it towed to kia dealer, and after two days they said it was the timing chain, guides, and tensions $1,116, plus tax.....after a week they said you have 16 of your 32 valves damaged $2,500, plus tax. Apparently my 2012 kia sportage 2.4l mpi theta ii 64,000 mileage, is not part of the recall. I bought the car as a second owner so the warranty ran out at 60,000 for second owners. Kia corporate, customer service says "no goodwill", which means they can't help me. I like many still have a car loan for the vehicle that has been sitting for 2 weeks at the dealership.
2012 Kia Sportage engine complaints
Page 11 of 12: complaints 281 to 310 of 330, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Driving at 50 MPH down highway, hear a knocking sound come form the engine. Car seized without warning on the highway - had to coast to the shoulder. My VIN does not show up in the recall but has the exact same issue. Car currently at mechanic.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 kia sportage. While driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact had to coast the vehicle on a hill because it was unable to be driven. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for inspection and diagnostic testing. The dealer (butler kia, 4950 crater lake ave, medford, or 97504, (541) 776-3088) stated that the vehicle was excluded from a manufacturer recall for the engine assembly. The contact was uncertain if the vehicle would be repaired. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 51,000.
Driving down the road and vehicle shut off on its own, engine started making a loud noise in the engine area, metal shavings were found in my oil. This happened on a state highway near my home.
Was driving down the road at about 20-25 MPH when the engine died without warning. After having it towed to a local shop, they determined there was an internal "catastrophic" engine failure. Had the car towed to the dealer where it was purchased, lee johnson kia in kirkland, wa. They confirmed the first diagnosis of catastrophic engine failure. It appears the engine starved itself of oil and exactly matches all of the symptoms described in the current kia "theta ii" engine recall campaign. The dealer agrees that it should be covered under the recall but kia refuses to cover it. We have been without this vehicle since late may 2017. It has been sitting at the dealer ever since. Kia's reasoning for not covering the engine replacement was that the engine did not originate from the assembly factory outlined in the recall. However, just as kia assumed the previous hyundai recall didn't impact them (as noted in your currently open investigation), I believe they continue to underestimate the broader impact of this manufacturing defect across all of their assembly factories. This leaves customers like me to foot the bill and replace the defective engine with a used, also likely defective engine, to the cost of ~$7,000. This is unacceptable and unsafe. We count our blessing this didn't happen while on the freeway, as the outcome could have been deadly.
As I pulled out of my driveway and began accelerating, my car began making a loud knocking noise in the front end. After pulling over and verifying the noise was coming from the motor, I took the car to my mechanic. He pulled the oil filter and cut it open. Confirming there were metal shavings in the oil filter. After calling our local kia dealership, they confirmed there was a recall for the 2012 kia sportages, but continued to tell me my VIN was not included in said recall. (I purchase my car used, after a one year lease, so the warranty was void for me.) I am confused as to why my issue was "verified" to be the same issue as the recall, but my engine (2.4 l vs. 2.0 l) was not included?!?!?! Something is not right. Now I am stuck with money remaining on my loan and a very large paperweight. (approximate mileage at the time of issue 79,000)
Engine seized. Moves while in park moves forward in reverse. Driving engine stalled pulled over car died. Then would not engage but still moved as described. Had happened a few months ago after transmission replace. Then the igniter switch needed replacement.
Vehicle is equipped with 2.4l mpi engine, 140,000 kilometers, meticulously maintained with regular oil changes with premium synthetic oil and filters, spark plug change, etc. Engine always made some light knocking sound but assumed it was the injectors, no lights or errors ever came on and service techs never said anything and forums mentioned noisy injectors so assumed it was normal. A few days ago I was on my home ascending a regular hill in the residential area when an unusually loud knocking noise began and engine began to struggle. It was late at night, and 5 minutes away from home so I was hoping I could at least make it home to bed and get it towed to the shop in the morning but as I approached the top of the hill the engine completely shut down causing abrupt deceleration and the vehicle began to roll back down in reverse quite rapidly and was very difficult to slow it to a safe stop since the brakes stiffen up without vacuum from the running engine on top of being startled from the event and slightly panicking from the surprise. Luckily enough it was at night and there was no traffic or pedestrians behind or near me but still was frightening enough. I was able to barely control the speed of the car down the hill in reverse with no power steering and brakes stiffened up and the emergency brake was not strong enough at that incline. I was able to move the car off the main street to a side street and attempted to start the vehicle several times hoping it was either a fuel problem or electrical. With no avail, I called tow company, waited for an hour in the cold at midnight, nothing worked, just clicking, towed it to the dealership and took a cab home. Got news from dealer that engine was infact seized and quote to replace engine is $8500 plus labor.
Car is a 2012 kia sportage. 82,000 miles 5 yrs old. First instance. Car was moving around 2 MPH through drive thru when the car stalled. Engine light came on at that time. Was able to restart. Took to dealership. Said the engine was dirty but could not find problem. 1 week later while exiting freeway around 20mph. Car shut off while still in motion but coming to a stop. Again engine light came on. Car turned over was able to restart. Happened again while approaching stop. Shut down before coming to complete stop. Had car towed to dealership. Found sluge build up and metal shavings in engine. Dealership now stating complete engine failure. Have extended warranty and will not cover engine due to "maintence" issue. Will cover replacement parts only. Mechanic stated issue will most likely not be resolved with part replacement wants oil change records.
Left work and onto highway in rush hour doing around 20 MPH. Within a mile of work, oil light came on and the engine seized. Had to push car off road in large city construction zone of only two lanes with no shoulder lanes available. The vehicle had gotten regular and proper oil changes using synthetic oil. After the event, checking the oil, there was oil still on the dipstick. This is a vehicle that has been involved in a recent recall, and yet, for some reason the claim is my car/engine is not involved. I see many others reporting the same thing with kia engines from this timeframe being given a similar song and dance. The original recall was expanded. I would say it should be expanded again. I was fortunate with it being rush hour that I was not going full highway speed. The engine had 150,000 miles on it, but it was due to averaging almost 27,000 a year in mostly highway miles.
2012 kia sportage (approx 55k miles, VIN not covered by the recall - manufacturer warranty expired in january). Driving across country for thanksgiving. We left tucson, az last thursday night (11/16). Friday afternoon we started hearing a rattling sound coming from the engine. As I accelerated, the rattling became faster and worse. About 1 to 2 miles later, the cars just stopped running. We were stranded 50 miles west of odessa tx for about 2 hours. $400 tow truck ride to the kia dealership in odessa. We got there about 30 minutes before they closed and were told the car likely would need a engine replacement, but they couldn't check it out until monday. We decided to rent a car and forge ahead to north carolina leaving our sportage in texas. I called on monday, and was the told the engine would need to be replaced. I asked about the oil, and was told the oil was "full and clean". They were going to try to find a reasonably priced used engine for us. After learning of the engine recall, I called kia on tuesday morning (800-333-4kia) and was told our car wasn't affected by the recall, but if the car was diagnosed at the dealership a "tech-line" would be generated and kia could look at the case and possibly help out on a case-by-case basis. I called the dealership back and they told me they don't start a "tech-line" if the car is no longer covered by warranty, but they would check with his regional manager and get back to me. I haven't heard from them today. Anyway... Sorry for the novel. Based on other stories, and news articles I've read, I believe this engine has the same kind of defects the others have had. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!
My daughter was driving on the highway and the car just stopped, no warning, nothing. Luckily was able to get to side of road, towed and mechanic said the engine is completely blown/seized. Won't start, still at mechanics in another state. No warnings or prior issues. Consistent w/oil changes and upkeep
The engine seized up while driving on local street. Kia states that my engine (2.4l) was not part of recall. While this engine was unique to the sportage in 2012 it is the same 2.4l that they recalled in other vehicles. Not explanation given for denial. It took kia almost 3 months to tell me that it was not covered which also raised some concerns.
Intake manifold runner control went out right after warranty. I originally had this issue in 2014 at approximately 38k miles- when it would have been covered under warranty. In 2014 the flap was stuck open, they closed the flap, cleared the code and it didn't become a problem again until 2017- right after the warranty expired. Both times I had this issue, I was driving down residential streets, so under 25 MPH. Both times the engine sounded so horrible, I was afraid the engine was going to blow up. My question is how did the vehicles computer not detect this as an issue for 3 years following the initial code and how much engine damage did this cause? The engine tapping noise has continuously gotten worse, even after I had the part replaced. It's so noisy in park, not to mention how loud the sound is during acceleration. They are currently only recalling the engines on the 2012 sportage turbo but I can tell you there is something wrong with my car. This recall is either not being thorough with this recall or its intentional to minimize the companies loss on this recall.
I was traveling north on a city street, came to a stop of a light and noticed the kia was shacking. I turned off the radio and air conditioning and rolled down the windows. The engine was knocking very load so I pulled off the city street into a nearby parking lot. The noise was loud so I started home I made it a few miles to my son's house and had him look at it. He said there was metal in the oil and he guessed the engine had gone. I left it there and called mcgrath thursday july 20th to let them know where it was and what had happened. They towed it to their shop and later drove it to the kia shop north of town. They called a few days later to let me know that I needed a new engine and that would cost $7,300.00
While traveling at or below the speed limit on a highway my vehicle suddenly lost any power or "gas". I pulled over as safely as I could, with proper directional and followed by hazards. After stopping vehicle and placing vehicle in park engine was turned off. After trying to restart with no luck my vehicle was towed to my vehicle technician, whom stated that the vehicles engine seized and that he found bearing material within my engine oil which was just changed one week prior. My vehicle was then towed to kia dealership where I was told that my vehicle doesn't fit under the warranty because I have a different engine. From what I read my 2012 kia sportage with a 2.4l engine made in korea is in fact under sc147 as I research. After following up with kia north america multiple times and getting different stories multiple calls later. My vehicle has been sitting at a kia dealership for now 3 weeks.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 kia sportage. While driving approximately 25 MPH, the contact heard a noise emerging from the engine compartment and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The contact continued driving to the residence. Once at the destination, the vehicle would not restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer (freeway auto center in duluth minnesota) where they diagnosed that the engine failed and needed to be replaced. The contact also stated that the noise started three months before the actual failure occurred. The contact notified the manufacturer and was provided case number: 12428804. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 61,000.
I was driving on highway and just about to take exit and my engine didn't gave me any power and lights on a computer when on, stirring well and brakes become heavy. I pulled to the side of the highway and my car didn't start since then. I took car to service and they sad it's engine seizing up. I could make a serious car excited on a highway. I did all oil changes, I take a good care of the car.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 kia sportage. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal noise coming from the front of the vehicle. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact pulled over, turned off and restarted the vehicle, and a loud banging noise was heard. In addition, smoke appeared from the front and rear of the vehicle. A local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but did not offer any assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000. Updated 10/24/17*lj updated 10/26/2017*js the vehicle was repaired. Updated 10/26/2017
While driving the car, a knocking sound started and the sound seemed to be coming from the engine. As we started to accelerate and gradually climb in elevation (on our way to a camping trip in colorado) we noticed a burning smell. We pulled over and checked the oil and it was at normal levels. Turned around and headed back home (north of denver). Knocking sound got worse. Stopped the car for about 45 minutes and got something to eat. Started the car again and about a half mile down the road the check engine light came on and the knocking sound was louder. Made it home. Took the car into a kia dealership (about 8 miles from home) the next morning 7/22/2017. We learned that our VIN # was not part of the current kia recall (sc147). Our vehicle is currently still parked in the kia dealership lot awaiting next steps.
Terrible noise while driving; parked it for towing; when started it quit! Just complained to kia customer service. This VIN is currently outside the engine recalls---you can't tell me that there are not more engines involved in the current recall!!!!! Kia and hyundai are just waiting us out...and I'm getting pissed off!
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 kia sportage. While driving 23 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact heard an abnormal noise coming from the engine. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine seized due to premature bearing wear. The contact stated that metal shavings were found in the oil. The manufacturer was contacted and advised the contact to take the vehicle taken to an authorized dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired or taken to a dealer. The vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 17v224000 (engine and engine cooling). The approximate failure mileage was 81,000.
Driving down the road at approximately 45-50 MPH and the engine began knocking. Lost all power to the car. A few moments later, the car stopped completely in the middle of a busy intersection. I got out of the car and pushed it into a gas station parking lot. The car would crank but the knocking of the engine was becoming worse. I had the car towed to a shop where the problem was diagnosed as "rod knock" which is caused by a faulty motor, allowing metal shavings to enter and block the flow of oil to the motor. Not wanting to believe that I was going to have to pay $5,000 to replace the engine, I got a second opinion from a kia dealership in my home town. Not only did they confirm what the initial mechanic had diagnosed, but were very rude when asking us to "remove our car from their parking lot because unless we were going to pay them to fix it, it had no business being there." all oil changes have been done regularly and I have documentation for them all. Our vehicle had 74,000 miles on it and was kept in excellent condition. As of now, kia has done nothing to explain why nothing has been done about our problem, as well as many others who have had this same problem.
One day me and my wife were driving around the city running some errands when I noticed a sound coming from the engine area. So I admediatly headed home. When I arrived I opened the hood of my 2012 kia sportage to hear a knocking sound. After confirming the sound was my engine I call kia telling them what was going on, they made me a appointment date and told me to call my extended warranty company to notify them of the situation and get authorization to do an inspection. So I did and they told me to take it in while they investigate. As a couple days passed I took my car in an immediately they knew what the problem was and guaranteed me kia would handle the problem. As three weeks went bye I called the warranty company to see what was taking so long and they began to say that the reason for the problem was my fault due to lack of maintenance and if I wanted the engine fixed it would cost $8000. I refused repairs and went to recover my vehicle. As I drove away in my vehicle I noticed they gave it back making a louder knocking. As I proceeded to go home my car suddenly stalled in the middle of the street with traffic behind me. The car would not turn on anymore. I pushed it to the side of the road were I had to call for a tow truck to take it home were my vehicle has been for the last two months.. Kia and the extended warranty company still refusing to do any repairs without me paying $8000 for a new engine.
Tl* the contact is an attorney whose client owns a 2012 kia sportage. While the client's wife was driving 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer (rick case kia sunrise 14500 w sunrise blvd, sunrise, fl 33323), but the failure could not be replicated. The failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer again and the failure recurred as the dealer drove the vehicle. It was diagnosed that the crankshaft and crank position sensors failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact spoke to the dealer who stated that if no warning indicators illuminated, they could not assist. The failure recurred once again. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 17v224000 (engine) and took the vehicle back to rick case kia for an engine inspection. The dealer performed an oil change, replaced the dipstick, and stated that the vehicle passed per kia's specifications. The failure had not recurred at the time of the complaint. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the contact should make an appointment with the dealer. The approximate failure mileage was 59,918.
While driving on a highway, the engine of the car began to make a loud knocking sound. After the noise started, the engine power was severely reduced. The car failed to accelerate as normal. At the first stoplight after exiting the highway, the engine stalled. It started again, and stalled again at the next light but we were able to get it safely to a parking lot at an automotive service center. At no time, did the check engine light ever illuminate indicating that there may be a problem before or during this issue. The car was inspected the next day and the shop recommended engine replacement. Car was towed to a kia dealership and upon their inspection, it was determined that the knocking noise was coming from the crankshaft which caused "excessive metal throughout the engine". Total engine replacement was necessary. The car had approximately 103,000 miles at the time. Kia corporate offered no financial assistance since certified pre-owned warranty expired at 100,000 miles. The total cost of the engine replacement was $5,037.93 which had to be paid out of pocket.
Engine knocked as I sped up on highway then car died and engine and oil lights came on as I pulled onto an off-ramp car will no longer start or run had to be towed diagnosed as failed engine
Yesterday when I was driving my check engine light came on. So I took it to pepboys that said the code was 791. Then, called the dealership and mechanics to find out about it. Most people that part should not had went bad. This code is for the butterfly flips in the intake manofold.
Driving down the freeway at 80mph (speed limit in idaho), rpms started to rev over 6k, heard a ticking sound, then a very loud bang, followed by a big puff of black smoke, all in the span of around 20 seconds. Car died on the freeway, had to coast to get in emergency lane. Then the check engine light came on. There was no indication of engine issues until it was far too late. Thankful the cars behind me were paying attention or I would have been in an awful accident with an 18 wheeler. Mechanic found that engine had thrown a rod and put a hole in the engine block. 106k miles on the vehicle, did not expect to have engine failure this early. This VIN is not part of the current recall, I believe it should be, as it has been properly maintained and should not have failed on the freeway with no indication of problems until it was too late.
Cruising along at freeway speed, 75 MPH, vehicle momentarily lost power as if it was going to stall or down shift. Upon resuming speed, heard a tapping noise and a loud bang, saw smoke coming out the back of the vehicle and objects tossed out. Saw a vehicle following in my lane, swerve as if avoiding an object but did not stop. Coasted to the side of the freeway, noticed a trail of oil. Upon parking, checked underneath the engine compartment, noticed oil dripping and metal pieces, and what appeared to be a hole in the oil pan. Vehicle was towed to a dealership and was told, a couple of days later, that the vehicle may be subject to a recall for similar defects. Doing an online query, I noticed that the 2.4 engine for this model was not a part of the recall campaign, although other models with the 2.4 engine were. Fortunately, it appears that no following vehicles were hit with any of the debris coming off the vehicle. Upon checking the side of the freeway, I picked up what appeared to be a piece of the engine's connecting rod. Had this piece hit a following vehicle, it could've resulted in property damage or unknown injuries to its occupants.
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