2020 Kia Sportage: engine stalls while driving

Filed Nov 3, 2026 · Engine · MA

car and Jen was replaced October 2025 for engine failure 10 months later the engine begin stalling and not accelerating on the highway or on any road so we brought it to our dealership to get it looked at a code came up, which said the engine was in failure . no oke will cover the engine and kia wont stand behind the work that they did

Filed Oct 28, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · OR

"While driving to work and actively attempting to pass another vehicle, the battery light suddenly illuminated out of nowhere. A short time later, while slowing down at a stoplight coming into town, the engine completely stalled out and died in the middle of a busy, active intersection. I lost all acceleration and power steering capabilities, and narrowly avoided an accident while coasting blindly across traffic to safety. The vehicle has had a chronic, active P0420 Catalytic Converter efficiency code caused by a known Kia manufacturing defect of massive, excessive oil consumption (requiring constant oil additions to maintain operation). The excessive oil burning directly fouled the exhaust and caused this sudden, life-threatening engine failure on a public roadway."

Filed Jul 13, 2026 · Engine · TX

the federal safety agency Complaint Description — Kia Sportage Engine Stall While driving my 2020 Kia Sportage in mid‑June 2026 on I‑45 in Houston, TX, the vehicle suddenly stalled while I was driving, with no warning lights, messages, or symptoms beforehand. This created a dangerous situation because I was in active highway traffic and had to pull over immediately. My oil change was due on 06/02/2026, but even between 06/15–06/20, the vehicle should still have had oil. A car does not lose all oil in two weeks under normal conditions. The sudden stall and lack of oil indicate a mechanical defect, not a maintenance issue. I received a Kia notice around December 2025 or early January 2026 stating that my vehicle’s year and model could be eligible for an engine defect inspection. The letter explained that even if my VIN does not show up in their system, the model/year is still included. My vehicle is showing the same symptoms described in the defect notice, including unexpected stalling and oil loss. The problem has not yet been inspected or confirmed by the dealer, but the incident clearly shows a serious safety risk. My vehicle is available for inspection upon request.

Filed Jun 15, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · IL

While driving, the vehicle suddenly lost power and stalled. I was able to safely pull to the side of the road. The engine would not restart. Upon inspection, the engine was found to be completely out of oil despite being maintained according to recommended oil change intervals and not being overdue for service. There were no visible oil leaks under the vehicle and no prior low oil warning light or oil pressure warning light was observed before the failure. The vehicle had previously been serviced by a Kia dealership for turbocharger-related concerns, including turbocharger boost control and wastegate actuator issues. The dealership later diagnosed the vehicle with a burnt valve in cylinder #1 and recommended complete engine replacement. I am concerned because this vehicle experienced excessive oil consumption without sufficient warning to prevent engine failure. The vehicle stalled while being driven, creating a potential safety hazard due to sudden loss of power in traffic. The vehicle is available for inspection. The failure has been confirmed by a Kia dealership service department.

Filed May 14, 2026 · Engine · AR

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The engine is experiencing excessive oil consumption. The vehicle rapidly burns through engine oil between oil changes without visible external leaks. The condition appears related to the engine lubrication and internal engine components. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The excessive oil consumption creates a risk of sudden engine failure, engine seizure, loss of power while driving, or vehicle stalling in traffic. This creates a serious safety concern because the vehicle could lose acceleration or stop unexpectedly while driving at highway speeds or in traffic conditions, increasing the risk of an accident or injury. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? The excessive oil consumption has been consistently reproduced during normal driving conditions. The vehicle requires frequent oil top-offs between oil changes. The issue has been discussed with a dealership/repair facility, and the symptoms are consistent with widespread Kia engine oil consumption complaints. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle will be inspected by a Kia dealership or repair facility regarding the excessive oil consumption issue. No police or insurance inspection has occurred related to this issue. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Symptoms included rapid oil loss between oil changes, the need to frequently add oil, and concerns about low oil levels. Warning indicators related to low oil or engine performance appeared after the oil consumption worsened. According to service records from Walmart dated December 29, 2023, the issue was present at that time and has progressively

Filed Apr 5, 2026 · Engine · CT

I respectfully request that the federal safety agency review this issue for potential safety related defect trends involving excessive oil consumption that progress to catastrophic engine failure in 2020 Kia Sportages equipped with the 2.4L engine. The vehicle consumed oil at an abnormal rate between oil changes despite routine maintenance and regular oil level checks, and the condition ultimately resulted in a non-operational vehicle. Over the months leading up to the failure, I was forced to add oil at least monthly and began checking the oil level more frequently due to the rate of loss. I maintain my vehicle carefully and have consistently kept up with oil changes. In March 2026, the vehicle broke down after I experienced a sudden loss of power and stalling, and the engine ultimately failed and left the vehicle non-operational. When an engine consumes oil rapidly and then stalls or loses power unexpectedly, drivers can face an increased risk of a crash particularly if the failure occurs at highway speeds or in traffic. I have found numerous similar complaints posted online by other Kia owners describing the same pattern of excessive oil consumption followed by sudden loss of power, stalling, and/or engine failure. While I understand online posts are not formal findings, the volume and consistency of these reports suggest a broader trend that warrants the federal safety agency review for potential defects and safety impacts. After the failure, I had the vehicle towed to Kia of [XXX] . The service department advised that the engine requires replacement and quoted approximately $14,000 for the repair. The invoice I received (#XXX) states that the technician recommends “short block motor replacement,” but the dealership verbally stated they would not perform only a short block replacement and would instead replace the complete engine because, in their view, a short block-only repair would lead to additional problems. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 2, 2025 · Engine · OH

I was driving home and the car kind of jerked, like it was down shifting, and the engine light came on. If I had to stop, it would almost stall out. When I got home I checked the oil and it was bone dry, however, my oil light never came on and I am diligent about oil and filter changes. I added oil to it, but the engine light still is on (flashing). The recall shows two, one for the hitch and one for an engine fire. I only received one for the hitch.

Filed Aug 30, 2025 · Engine · IN

While I was driving on a very busy road (hurstbourne parkway in Louisville KY) during 5:00pm rush hour traffic my car stalled and died on me. We tried to jump it but it would not turn on and I had to have it towed. My life was put at risk as this was a high traffic area during rush hour traffic ( I have anxiety and even had an anxiety attack). I had no warning! No warning lights came on, no noises causing concern. I did not even have time to pull over to a safe spot. It literally shut off right there and would not come back on again. The dealer says it needs a new engine. My car is only 5 years old/ I’ve only have it for 9 months with no issues detected at purchase. My car was running fine with no issues, no concerning sounds or lights until it did this. I have taken very good care of this car and can show proof of oil changes upon request. I feel unsafe driving this vehicle with my 6 month old son and 3 year old daughter in it.

Filed Mar 19, 2025 · Engine · GA

The engine stalls and starts up again when I’m driving. There is a diagnostic code that says engine has internal damage and continuing driving it with out repair will damage the engines. The car burns gasoline very fast. I am reporting the issue as I’m a mother with kids and it’s a safety issue is the engine stalls while I’m driving and leaves me in an unsafe place.

Filed Oct 24, 2024 · Engine · MN

I purchased a 2020 Sportage in 2022 from St.Cloud Honda in St. Cloud, MN. Recently my engine locked up after no oil. I was over in mileage, but had an oil change in April. I would receive warning lights for tire pressures but never received an indication that my oil was low until my engine seized. I don't understand why a critical component for the car, the oil, would not issue an indication that it was low until it was empty (too late). During my recent problem, my oil light came on as did the battery light, but the car stalled at that moment. During my last oil change in April, I let the advisor know that my engine light was on (not oil nor battery). The mechanic said it was from a previous repair, but there wasn't anything detected. They had the light turned off and then as soon as I left the dealership it turned back on. When I called back to let them know, they said it wasn't anything. That was a relief because I didn't want anything to be wrong with my engine. My vehicle is currently at Cornerstone Kia in Elk River, MN should you have anything to discuss with the advisors.

Filed Sep 12, 2024 · Engine · WI

My 2020 Kia sportage ex has been experiencing pre-ignition problems for a while since I got the car I’ve heard this rattling noise and my vehicle has been running hot every time I am driving or even if I’m in stall mode it’s ready hot. I am requesting something be done about these faulty engine problems.

Filed Dec 30, 2023 · NY

Car has barely any power and it will not accelerate more than 40 mph. It stutters from a stop to moving at a red light like it’s going to stall out. Will not do steep hills without almost no power and a stalling sound and bucking. Not sure what’s wrong but I think I was sold a lemon and I am not happy. I need my vehicle to continue working to make money to support my family! The car is not that old and has less than 30,000 miles. It’s a 2020 and has been getting worse and worse. I’ve had a few issues since I got it only 6 months ago. It was a used vehicle from 1 owner and should not be having so many issues already. Please help