2016 Kia Sportage: sudden loss of power

Filed Oct 8, 2026 · Engine · NC

The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) and electrical system malfunctioned, causing a severe short circuit, total power collapse, and an engine compartment thermal event (heavy smoke). The vehicle has an open, incomplete federal safety recall (the federal safety agency 22V051 / Kia SC227) for this exact fire and short-circuit hazard. The vehicle is intact, unmodified, and available for inspection upon request at the dealership. My safety and the safety of other motorists were put at severe risk. The vehicle suffered a catastrophic electrical shutdown while in motion on a public roadway. The sudden loss of engine power, power steering, and power brakes created an immediate collision risk. Smoke pouring from under the hood exposed occupants to toxic fumes and an imminent risk of a vehicle fire, forcing an emergency roadside evacuation. The authorized Kia dealership confirmed a total failure. The technician noted the engine is locked up and cannot be rotated manually. The diagnostic report reveals a cascading electrical/system collapse: the starter is completely dead (only clicking), and codes P0014 (Exhaust Camshaft Timing) and P0299 (Turbocharger Underboost) were thrown. This combination of an inoperable starter alongside timing and boost system corruption directly aligns with a sudden, catastrophic voltage drop and short circuit under the hood. The car was inspected by the dealer's technician. They recommend a $12,000 out-of-pocket engine, starter, manifold, and turbo replacement by citing an unrelated, missing class-action software update (KSDS), actively ignoring the open safety recall and the thermal symptoms. There were no long-term warning signs or prior symptoms. The symptoms appeared suddenly and concurrently at the moment of failure. Immediately before the vehicle died, smoke began pouring from the engine compartment, and the dashboard lights flashed before the car died.

Filed Jun 9, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · MD

On Sunday, June 1, 2025, I was leaving work and was exiting I97 to enter on 695 and and I accelerated to proceed on 695 and my vehicle lost power, the engine light along with the oil indictor came on, and making a loud knocking sound. The vehicle was towed and taken to the mechanic and the code read, "Knock sensor." The knock sensor was replaced at $301.85. I was able to drive the vehicle without any problems until Wednesday, June 3, 2025, when going to a doctor's appointment the vehicle's engine came on along with the oil indicator and the power was reduced and I had to pull over again with the same experience. The vehicle was again tested for codes and it then read Camshaft Sensor. This vehicle did not have any ill-performance, bells, dings, whistles or indicator lights until it was actually happening. According to the certified mechanic, this is a defect in the vehicle and although the part may be warranted, it will happen again and buyers will still have to pay for the part and labor, again, to have it fixed. I do not have my invoice on hand, however, I can get another copy.

Filed Apr 21, 2024 · Engine · IN

I was driving down the road on 4/18/2024 and my engine locked up. I got it off the road as far as I could, but was very dangerous spot. All maintenance has been done on this SUV. I had it towed to a local independent shop where I was informed it was locked up. No warning light came on. I just lost all power and coasted to the side of the road. It is available for inspection at the shop it was towed to. No repairs have been done at this time.

Filed Mar 27, 2024 · Engine · GA

Engine started to knock started having power loss and is no longer able to drive

Filed May 13, 2022 · Engine · 105,000 miles · VA

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, she noticed that the vehicle was losing power. The contact stated that she was able to pull off the roadway to assess the vehicle. The contact stated that no warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that she then attempted to restart the vehicle and the engine would not turn over; however, the vehicle regained electrical power. The contact stated that she then had her vehicle towed to an independent mechanic where it remained. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified; however, the manufacturer was made aware of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 105,000.

Filed May 22, 2019 · Engine · 60,000 miles · NY

Our 2016 kia sportage began emitting light smoke out of the exhaust. We became concerned and asked out dealer to look into things. The dealership said they needed to do tests (this consisted of filling the oil up and asking us to drive 1500miles) we did as they asked and pithing 700mile the engine started to make clacking noises and on 2 occasions lost power. We returned the car to the dealership stating our concerns, they wanted to repeat the test but we refused to drive the car. The dealerships communication was very poor, never replying to our calls or emails so we decided to contact consumer affairs. The first call was great, very supportive and informative. Said they would help and we would be totally covered. This is as good as things got, consumer affairs proceeded to repeat the same poor communication as the dealership showed and not reply to call and if they did take a call said we needed to speak to our case worked who was never in work that day. Finally the dealership said that the engine had sludge in the engine and it would need a complete replacement (this is a 3 yearly car with 60,000 miles) kia refused to honer the warranty as we didn't have enough service records (never stating what was enough) and now we are in the process of appealing and consumer affairs and the dealership are repeating the lack of communication with us.

Filed Oct 25, 2017 · Electrical · 16,000 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 kia sportage. On several occasions, while driving, the vehicle stalled and lost power without warning. The vehicle was taken to jim butler kia (722 long rd crossing dr, chesterfield, mo 63005 (636) 256-9600) and the technician stated that the failure was a kia manufacturing engineering issue. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but the contact had not received a call back. The approximate failure mileage was 16,000.