2019 Kia Sportage: engine failure

Filed Sep 13, 2026 · Engine · IL

The car engine is losing oil without any leaks being found. I got my oil changed and was told to have it done every 3k miles. Within a month of that oil change, my engine ran hot. I had all of my components checked. Radiator and coolant was fine but they found that my engine was 2 qrts short of what should be in there. I told them that the oil was just changed not even a month ago and that had to be false unless they weren't fully giving me the quarts that I paid for. They stated that this particular engine burns oil for unknown reasons as no cracks or leaks are ever found and to alleviate the issue, I would need to come in and pay for addtl qrts to be added. This is crazy and costly to owners! Kia knew that their engine doesn't perform as it should and can give way to cars overheating and potentially causing an engine fire. This should be a recall to replace the engines so that they perform as they should. This was deceitful practices that Kia set in play.

Filed Jul 7, 2026 · TN

Vehicle suddenly entered recall limp-mode due to the ongoing engine campaign. Prior to this, the vehicle had immaculate maintenance records and zero driveability issues. The franchise dealership performed a short-block engine replacement under the safety recall, rushing the complete powertrain swap in less than a single afternoon.The dealership subsequently returned the vehicle in a dangerously malfunctioning and incomplete repair state. At delivery, the Check Engine Light was actively illuminated, and the car exhibited severe acceleration stumbles, power loss under load, and engine misfires (driving "punchy"). Because I am a non-mechanic, I gave the vehicle one week to settle, but the life-threatening acceleration stumbles persisted.Upon immediate return to the service center, the technician (Nathaniel) formally diagnosed failing intake manifold "butterfly" valves (Variable Charge Motion assembly). Nathaniel explicitly admitted to me that this auxiliary component failure was directly caused by the mechanical extraction and engine replacement process. Despite admitting their labor caused this defect, the dealership refused to complete the safety repair, demanding a fraudulent $900 out-of-pocket payment to correct it. Management then falsely claimed a simple manifold service would take two full days—directly contradicting their rushed afternoon engine swap.The dealership released the vehicle back to me with no confirmation of safety or roadworthiness. I escalated this to Kia Corporate Customer Care, but they officially responded via email refusing to intervene or facilitate any auxiliary repairs. Out of absolute necessity as a single mother working 12-hour shifts, I am forced to drive this vehicle short distances. It remains a major safety hazard due to unpredictable stumbling, chronic cylinder misfires, and high risk of sudden stalling in active traffic, leaving a federal safety recall completely incomplete. I have invoices and emails if needed

Filed Mar 23, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · AZ

The vehicle is experiencing excessive engine oil consumption. The engine was found by the dealership to be low by 3 quarts of oil after about 1000 miles during an oil consumption test, indicating abnormal oil loss. The suspected failure involves internal engine components, possibly piston rings, allowing oil to enter the combustion chamber and burn. This condition creates a safety risk because the engine can become critically low on oil, without warning, potentially leading to engine damage, loss of power, or engine failure while driving. The problem has been reproduced and documented by the dealership during oil consumption testing. However, there are inconsistencies in the dealership’s reporting, as later documentation stated that no oil consumption was found despite earlier records showing excessive oil loss. This vehicle has been inspected multiple times by an authorized dealership and is currently part of an open case with the manufacture. The vehicle was also held at the dealership for approximately three weeks without clear documentation of work performed. There were minimal warnings indicators prior to the issue. The vehicle showed rough engine performance, which was consistent with oil fouling the spark plugs. No clear warning light reliably indicated the severity of the oil loss before the condition was discovered during testing.

Filed Dec 13, 2024 · Engine, Fuel system · ID

Vehicle was throwing codes P2196 O2 sensor stuck rich, P0290 post catalyst fuel trim lean, P01720 system too rich, P016B closed loop air/fuel ratio control at limit. Brought to local dealership where they did an inspection and could not find any major issue that, in their words, “would affect drivability”. Recommended I start using premium fuel and in the future consider a fuel system cleaning. 9 days later while driving my engine starting knocking, check engine light was on and flashing, then my car died. Towed vehicle to the dealership where the assessed and found there to be no compression and stated the pistons looked “melted”. They could not give me a reason as to why, or why none of this was caught at my $100 service inspection 9 days prior. They stated I needed an engine replacement at $6700 due to failed pistons. They would not do any type of diagnostic or testing to rule out a known issue with the Theta II engine recall. They stated they did not have to do any further diagnostic since they found my pistons to be melted. Local mechanic of mine not affiliated with the dealership, assessed the engine and components, stated he did not see any abnormalities outside of normal wear and tear but did recommend I have the dealership tear into the engine since they are “Kia Experts” and know the engines. Kia dealership stated they filed a claim with corporate and it was denied. Kia corporate stated my dealership sent report stating engine failure reason is outside of scope for recall. Kia dealership refused providing me denial in writing. Sent me photo of correspondence with tech line which was a total of 3 messages. Vehicle had been at dealership since November 16th.

Filed Sep 14, 2024 · Engine · TX

1) Vehicle is burning oil and engine is overheating quite fast. 2)Vehicle has stalled or shut off on its own during use 3) Kia dealership refused to address the specific issue due to car being out of warranty because of the mileage. They also wanted to run different tests not directly associated with the issue; Wants to do trial and error which is only creating a humongous bill for the customer. 4) Insurance was contacted and currently awaiting instruction at the present time this form is completed on September 14, 2024 11:35 AM MST 5)No warning lamps or messages appeared. Only found out about initial issue when vehicle was taken in for yearly inspection in accordance to state laws for Tag renewal at a local Pep Boys. The mechanic informed me that my vehicle had an engine recall, the vehicle is burning oil drastically, and that the vehicle will need a new engine. After this and Kia refusing to do anything, all my vehicle issues became worse(April 2024-Present). I must put oil every 1k miles now presently. I revisited Oil Changers multiple times for a top off before it was even time for an oil change. The mechanic also made it so my oil would burn slower but it did not work.

Filed Feb 10, 2024 · Engine · CA

Fully maintained services with my 2019 Kia Sportage with my local Kia dealership. I am a sales rep and use my car daily. I have 155k miles on my car. My car was needing oil changes about every 2500 miles because it was burning so much oil. Yesterday, 2/08,I turned on my car during my work day and while ideling my car in park, my engine light came on. The car immediately started to shake uncontrollably. No other indication prior to the shaking of the car did I think something was wrong. Again I get services done frequently to my car. I took it to Kia immediately. They diagnosed that in cylinder 2 one of my intake valves was broken. This is not covered under the recall already put in place or with the extended warranty with the software update. According to my Kia Dealership, the current recall for an engine replacement is only for the under rod bearing. The dealership wants $7300 for a completely new engine. I have never had a car that has ever had an engine go. Nor have heard of one having the engine fail within the first 5 years. I have looked online and many people have complained about this exact same problem and Kia says they can’t do anything for us. I do not have current documentation because my car is still at Kia. I am trying to figure out what to do before I drive it off the lot.