2018 Kia Sportage: engine knocking or ticking

Filed Sep 19, 2026 · Engine · VA

The vehicle suffered a primary connecting rod bearing failure covered under the Theta II class action warranty campaign. A brand-new warranty engine long-block was installed by an authorized dealership. Immediately upon vehicle pickup, the brand-new engine began exhibiting an un-metered acceleration defect. While stationary and idling in Park (P), the engine aggressively revs on its own without any operator input on the gas pedal. This malfunction caused the vehicle to violently surge and physically lurch forward several inches while in Park. This un-metered acceleration is an active, unpredictable driving hazard both in parking environments and in traffic, posing an immediate risk of a collision or pedestrian injury. The manufacturer has been notified but has failed to transmit a diagnostic pre-authorization to an alternative service center to safely inspect this powertrain hazard.

Filed Aug 16, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · PA

Purchased my Kia on the XXX then on the XXX, My engine light came on and my car went into Safety Mode . I at once took it to Auto Zone and their test came back with P1326 Knock signal range / performance. I then looked it up and found that a recall was put out quite a while back called an [XXX] # took my car to Kia Dealership in [XXX]. They said I could bring it in that was on the XXX and if an appointment came open they would check but they did not have an opening til the 14th which was today and I was told it would be next week . Could someone please send me updated information concerning the 2018 Kia Sportage and the Knock Sensor [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed May 16, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · OH

The oil was leaking somewhere not on the motor not under the car not blowing black smoke. I kept adding oil to it. No oil light. I was told not to park between 2 houses or in my garage it could catch on fire. I took it in several times and they did all kinds of stuff motor wash knock sensor was replaced wiring harness was corroded was slipping out of gear and other issues. And now it doesn't run because of the motor issue and they refused to fix it because I didn't have oil change receipts they are the ones that took care of that there was no oil to change I kept adding it. I have all of the detailed work invoices of what they did to it. I've been without a car for a year now they said it's not under warranty my car has several of the recalls. They wouldn't do all of the stuff they did if it wasn't necessary and trying to locate the problem.

Filed Apr 7, 2026 · Engine · SC

My Kia Sportage has developed a loud engine knocking noise, which I understand is a known issue with Kia engines. I am concerned that this indicates internal engine failure and could lead to sudden engine seizure while driving, creating a serious safety hazard. The dealership denied repair assistance due to lack of oil change records, but the issue appears consistent with widespread engine defects reported in similar vehicles. I am requesting investigation into this issue due to the safety risk it poses.

Filed Dec 3, 2025 · Engine · DC

My 2018 Kia Sportage (2.4L Theta II GDI engine) suddenly triggered diagnostic trouble code P1326 (Knock Sensor Detection System – Detection of Excessive Connecting Rod Bearing Wear) and entered limp mode at 111,595 miles on Sep 13, 2025. The vehicle is now speed- and RPM-limited to protect the engine from catastrophic failure. This is the exact failure mode covered under the well-documented Hyundai/Kia Theta II engine defect that has led to thousands of engine seizures and, in some cases, vehicle fires. Kia implemented the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software update (Campaign SC200) on this VIN, yet the system has now correctly detected excessive connecting rod bearing wear. Despite the vehicle falling squarely within the class vehicles listed in the 2020–2023 Hyundai/Kia engine litigation settlement (In re: Hyundai and Kia Engine Litigation II), Kia’s settlement VIN-check website [XXX] ) incorrectly states this VIN “has not been matched with an eligible Class Vehicle.” I am concerned this may be used as a pretext to deny the lifetime short-block warranty repair that other identically-equipped 2018 Sportage owners have received at no cost. Continued driving risks sudden engine seizure or fire, which the federal safety agency has previously investigated under PE21-003 and related actions. I am forced to keep the vehicle parked until Kia honors the repair or provides clear justification for denial. I can no longer safely use the vehicle for normal transportation Requested action: I request that the federal safety agency investigate Kia’s inconsistent application of the Theta II lifetime warranty and settlement benefits, particularly when the KSDS system (installed by Kia) has triggered the exact warning it was designed to detect. This appears to be a continuing safety defect affecting 2011–2019 Kia vehicles equipped with the 2.4L Theta II GDI engine. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 16, 2025 · Engine · NV

The code P1326 keeps popping up on my dash board even after changing it that part out which is claimed to be the knock sensor.I researched it and it said something with the rod bearings and my mechanic personal mechanic had mentioned it’d be best to swap the engine, and told me about Kia recalls on certain make and model. My vehicle falls into the recall list of year and make and model… but my vin isn’t on the recall list, yet it is doing the same exact thing that has been listed up for recall. I am concerned about my safety, engine stalls and looses power, how can I go about this?

Filed Jul 5, 2025 · Engine · PA

My 2018 Kia Sportage (VIN: [XXX] ) triggered a check engine light and entered limp mode. Diagnostic scan revealed DTC code P1326, which is associated with the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) and often linked to engine bearing failure in many affected Kia models. This happened at approximately 120,000 miles while driving under normal conditions. The car now runs in reduced power mode, making it unsafe for highway use or commuting. I contacted my local dealership, who confirmed no recall or campaign was active, despite this being a widely known and reported safety defect in Kia’s 2.4L GDI engines. I am requesting the federal safety agency to investigate this issue further, as many Kia and Hyundai vehicles with this engine have experienced sudden failures due to this defect. Kia should extend warranty support or issue a recall to prevent dangerous engine shutdowns. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 4, 2024 · Engine · CA

Connecting rod bearing failure on 2018 Kia Sportage two months after having been to the Kia dealership for a knock sensor software update. (sensor update completed on 7/26/24 at Palm Springs Kia, RO# 6160694/1, engine failure occurred 9/23/24.) Upon doing research, I discovered that connecting rod bearing failure has been a recurrent issue over the years with Kia engines. I believe that my engine is also victim to this defect.

Filed Jan 25, 2023 · Engine · OH

Driving check engine light came on, reduced power. I purchased a warranty through dealer I purchased vehicle from took it there they ran code and it was P1326 knock sensor detection program. Had to go to Kia dealer. Had it towed and waiting to hear.

Filed Jan 24, 2022 · Engine · 86,000 miles · CT · fire

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving a knocking noise was suddenly present coming from the engine and warning messages were present on the dashboard display before the vehicle stalled. Later while attempting the start the engine a burning odor and smoke were present coming from the engine compartment. The engine was turned off and the smoke dissipated. The cause of the failures was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 86,000.

Filed Apr 13, 2021 · Engine, Fuel system · 13,000 miles · FL

Addendum to complaint on kia motors,kia america, citrus kia , their sell of first a brand new 2015 kia soul,now recalled 5 yrs later after we begged for help. We are 2 disabled person s who were duped by kia and citrus, traded in going into further debt after getting no where with the federal safety agency, kia etc. Kia motors traded and financed a brand new 2018 kia sportage only to have dangerous problems with it. Kia knowingly sold us 2 dangerous vehicle s, we had the knock sensor installed per the "upgrade", farce, should be recall. The car stalled in traffic and another dealership put in a wiring harness extension. We only have 13,000 miles on this car because we do not feel safe. The dealership did an oil change last year and day before yesterday. I received a text that our fuel needed additive. It is in " fair condition", recommend with every oil change. Not true, never recommended before and 13,000 miles. It should not need additive anywhere. See attached screenshot. I fully believe they are covering up even more as it relates to the problem ie settlement? Seriously. Our car is worth nothing. I implore our new head of transportation to look into our complaints since 2015 to include the inquiry by senator marco rubio. Joseph and julie mraz ♿ kia soul 2015 to kia sportage 2018. Black book value, resale value, insurance premium increase, how many times will kia be allowed to steal from us ?. This is dangerous on and off the road.

Filed Nov 4, 2020 · Engine, Fuel system · 44,000 miles · MT

I bought this car in may of 2020 with 44k on the odometer. Three days later I was on a 3400 mile road trip on the highway when I started hearing knocking from the engine bay. I took it in and had them listen. They told me it was completely normal. The knock went away for about 400 miles then came back. I took it in to 4 different dealerships. I got told there had been a recall on the motor but that it had been fixed already. The day after I got home the car died at 30 MPH on the way home from work and left me in the middle of a very busy intersection almost causing me to get hit. Took it in and it took them 4 days to find a bad fuse. The car over the next 3 months popped 12 fuses and kept dyeing on the road. Then I started having problems with it not turning over. Took it to a different dealership and they found a bad fuel pump and starter as well as a battery drain thats killed three batteries. Took the car to kia 9 different times to get looked at.7 of those times they said there was nothing wrong with it. They said they knew about the drain but couldnt find it. Then they finally figured out the fuel pump was shorting out and causing the fuse to pop. They supposedly replaced the fuel pump in september of 2020 along with the injection pump. I was 50 miles from end of warranty the day after I get the car out of the shop it wont run for longer then 15 seconds. Not getting fuel.left me stranded on the side of the road 45 miles out of town. Im back to square 1 because half the time my car wont start. The motor is still knocking and has no power with my fuel mileage dropping down to 11mpg it started revving up and speed not changing,not shifting correctly or just not shifting. My new shop discovered the transmission is failing fast. Ive had this car 6 months and am still paying for it and I cant even drive it safely. Complete transmission failure at 64,456 miles.