2018 Kia Sportage: sudden loss of power

Filed Jul 17, 2026 · Engine · CT

The engine consumes excessive oil due to the known Theta II piston oil control ring defect that the manufacturer documents in its own Technical Service Bulletin ENG222, covering this engine family across model years 2011 to 2024. The vehicle loses over one quart of oil per 1,000 miles with no external leak and no oil pressure warning. The manufacturer's authorized dealer completed the entire TSB ENG222 diagnostic protocol, which is itself a controlled test designed to isolate cause. The engine was sealed, and after 1,080 miles it was 1.5 quarts low. The dealer then performed the TSB's combustion chamber cleaning. After that repair, over 1,149 miles, the engine was 1.4 quarts low. The cleaning had virtually no effect on the consumption rate. Because the protocol sealed the engine and cleaned the combustion chambers and the consumption rate remained unchanged, the protocol itself mechanically excludes maintenance as the cause and isolates the failure to the internal piston rings. This is the exact defect TSB ENG222 was created to diagnose and repair. The defect has been reproduced and confirmed by the manufacturer's own authorized dealer through this protocol, and the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Under the TSB, these results qualify the engine for replacement. The manufacturer nonetheless denied the engine replacement, citing a lack of oil change receipts rather than any technical evidence of neglect, despite its own diagnostic protocol having already ruled out maintenance as the cause. Safety concern: an engine consuming oil at this rate risks sudden loss of oil pressure and engine failure while driving, which can cause a stall or loss of power in traffic.

Filed Oct 8, 2025 · Acceleration, Electrical · OH

My 2018 Kia Sportage (VIN [XXX] ) experienced complete engine failure due to low compression/internal combustion chamber failure. The vehicle lost power while driving on Sept 30, 2025, and had to be towed to [XXX] Kia in Dayton, OH. This same dealership previously performed an oil retention test in Aug 2024 which failed, identifying a defective engine. Kia was aware of the issue but declined to replace the engine at that time. The failure pattern matches Kia’s known engine defect. Kia Consumer Affairs (Case #25572677) has denied goodwill assistance despite this safety-related engine failure and prior diagnostic documentation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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 Jun 15, 2025 · Transmission · FL

I was riding on the highway at about 65 mph and then the check engine light came on, the car slowed down and lost power. Now when I take off I have to barely mash the gas to pick up speed, if I mash the gas pedal hard it barely moves and it loses speed and power going up a hill. I took the car to two different part store and had a reader hooked up and it said the power powertrain control module needs a reprogramming.

Filed Jan 18, 2025 · NC

I lost power and was sandwiched between semis and as I was going over one of the mountains, I went from 70 mph which was the speed limit at the time down to 45 to 50 I mean I couldn’t keep the speed. It was sudden with no warning and also had this happen on previous occasions which was reported to KIA. It caused road rage from drivers and also almost multiple accidents over time. I thought at one point I was going over the side of the mountain that didn't have guard rails due to sudden slow down and no where to go and semi behind me. Ended up with a new Waste Gate.

Filed Jan 16, 2025 · Engine · PA

first time I had an issue was in August 2023, my check engine light came on, the car was losing power and sputtering. when I would start the car, it would literally sound like a truck. come to find out, the 3rd cylinder was misfiring due to the piston rings being worn and possibly the coils being faulty and an engine replacement was needed. after going back and forth with the dealer (they had my car for almost a month) the engine was finally replaced. fast forward to last week, it started happening again. same cylinder, same issue. now my car is back in the shop waiting for a new engine (#2). my thing is this....did they use a rebuilt engine, or maybe just fixed the old one and call it new. either way, there is no reason I should need a new engine this close to having it repaired. and judging by the complaints I have been reading, the engines on all 2018 Sportages need to be recalled.

Filed Apr 3, 2024 · Brakes · 115,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V137000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that while driving on several occasions over two days, at various speeds, she observed a growing loud grinding and clicking noise emanating from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and restarted. The contact stated that on the last occasion, while in reverse(R), the vehicle lost power and failed to reverse as intended. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

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 Mar 22, 2019 · Engine · 8,800 miles · WI

After ecu upgraded under "product improvement campaign", engine suffered severe loss of power while traveling at highway speed, leading to rapid loss of speed. Less than 9k miles on vehicle.