2021 Kia Sportage: engine failure

Filed Sep 26, 2026 · Engine · AR

The Kia never showed an engine light error or gave a code stating there was a problem. We Change the oil every 3000 miles. There was no oil on the dip stick and the oil was extremely low. The engine seized up today.

Filed Jul 24, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · GA

On June 14, 2026, the driver experienced sudden rough engine running followed immediately by a flashing check engine light. The vehicle was towed to the selling dealer, which has performed all prior maintenance. The vehicle is currently at the dealership and available for inspection. Technician notes show DTC P1326 was stored — the Knock Sensor Detection System code associated with connecting rod bearing wear on Kia's Theta II engine family. The technician performed an audible knock check only (none heard) and cleared the code. The vehicle was found approximately 2.5 quarts low on oil due to an internal turbo oil leak. The dealer's notes state the code "may be related" to low oil — hedged language, not confirmed causation. The dealer confirmed the turbo failure but has not performed a bearing clearance test to confirm or rule out bearing damage from the low oil condition. The dealer performed a turbocharger replacement. Despite a verbal commitment from the service manager that a bearing clearance test would follow, no such test was performed 40 days later. When the vehicle was declared ready, the service manager did not recall the commitment and suggested driving 40-50 miles as an alternative. Kia America opened a formal case last month and authorized a partial goodwill adjustment but no one has addressed the safety concern of the unperformed engine test indicated by the thrown code. Driving a vehicle with potential connecting rod bearing wear risks catastrophic engine failure, creating a serious safety hazard. This vehicle has a documented history of oil consumption prior to this incident. The engine has not been cleared for bearing damage following a significant low oil event and a stored P1326 code.

Filed Jul 7, 2026 · Electrical · 55,000 miles · AR

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while parked on several occasions, a "Battery Discharge Warning" message was displayed, which disappeared once the vehicle was driven. The contact then stated that on several occasions after the vehicle sat unoperated for a day, the engine failed to start. The contact's husband jump-started the vehicle on multiple occasions and noticed that the battery was completely drained. The contact's husband replaced the battery approximately three times; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with an electrical issue, requiring repair or replacement. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to a dealer for a full diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

Filed Apr 21, 2026 · Engine · MI

The engine in my 2021 Kia Sportage failed while being driven at highway speeds on US 131 in Michigan. The car was taken to the closest gas station where the oil was checked and it was determined that 5 quarts were needed to reach the dipstick's full line. The fact that the car had consumed 5 quarts of oil seems to be a major safety concern. I've attached a note with additional information that has also been submitted to Kia; a case number has been provided. However, after several weeks, there hasn't been any progress. I haven't even been able to get Kia to provide information as to the fundamental root cause of the engine failure.

Filed Apr 4, 2026 · Engine · NJ

I am filing a complaint regarding a 2021 Kia Sportage that experienced catastrophic engine failure, leaving the vehicle non-drivable despite regular maintenance and documented oil changes. I brought the vehicle to an authorized Kia dealership, located at 402 NJ-35, Keyport, NJ 07735, for evaluation. On or about March 17, 2026, I was informed by the dealership that coverage for engine replacement had been denied. At that time, I was not provided with a clear or sufficient explanation for the denial. Due to the lack of explanation and assistance, I escalated the matter to Kia corporate and was assigned a case manager. On March 30, 2026, I was contacted by my assigned case worker from Kia corporate, Marcia, who confirmed that my request for engine replacement remained denied. Again, no specific or sufficient explanation for the denial was provided, despite my attempts to obtain clarification. I made multiple efforts to understand the reason for the denial and to resolve the issue directly with both the dealership and Kia corporate. Despite these efforts, I was not offered a reasonable solution, nor was meaningful assistance provided. The vehicle ultimately stalled out in the middle of a highway. As a result, I am now left with a non-drivable vehicle and a significant financial burden, including an outstanding loan balance on a vehicle that cannot be used. I am also aware that there have been reported concerns, recalls, and investigations involving engine issues in certain Kia vehicles. While I understand each case is reviewed individually, this raises concern that my situation may not be an isolated incident and warrants further review. I believe this outcome is unfair given my documented maintenance history and the severity of the engine failure. I am requesting assistance in obtaining a fair resolution, including reconsideration of the denial and/or financial assistance toward the cost of engine replacement.

Filed Mar 20, 2026 · Engine · FL · fire

The oil is mixing with the gas and their was smoke coming from the engine after that the engine has seized and the car stopped working. Also at the body shop i was told some wires were cut.

Filed Nov 4, 2025 · Engine · AL

I have experienced chronic and excessive engine oil consumption in my 2021 Kia Sportage S with the 2.4 L Theta II engine. Since around 80,000 miles, I have had to add oil every 2 weeks between oil changes to prevent the engine from running low. My vehicle now requires a complete engine replacement, estimated at $10,000. Despite regular maintenance and oil changes (documented by Express Oil Change in Pinson, AL, with service records at 81,520 mi, 88,215 mi, 94,153 mi, 96,970 mi, 98,902 mi, 101,522 mi, and 105,273 mi), the vehicle continues to lose oil rapidly. Kia and my dealer have confirmed there are no recalls or warranty campaigns for my VIN, even though this issue is identical to the well-documented engine defect affecting earlier Kia models covered under the Theta II engine settlement. This defect creates a serious safety risk, as the engine can run dangerously low on oil between services, leading to engine failure or stalling while driving. I am currently out of work recovering from surgery and cannot afford the $10,000 repair. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate and expand the existing Kia engine defect recalls to include 2021 Sportage models using this engine.

Filed May 22, 2025 · Engine · SC

I had catastrophic engine failure driving down the road to work. Check engine light started flashing the the oil light. The car then shut off. Got it towed and they found two pieces of the engine block in the cradle cover.

Filed Jan 9, 2025 · Engine · IN

Kia Sportage 2021- The service department at the dealership ran basic inspection of fault codes and found fault in system for knock sensor and camshaft b position sensor. These codes have relation to engine failure or possible timing chain failure. My safety was put at risk as I was driving down the highway and my car would not go over 40 miles per hour and cars were serving from hitting me from behind. Then my check engine light came on and started flashing. This information on my vehicle was looked at the dealership I purchased my vehicle, and they do not have the software/special tools to repair/replace timing components and vehicle was towed to Kia dealership. There was no warning lamps or symptoms that warned me before it happened. Once it wouldn’t go over 40 mph (wouldn’t accelerate) and my car light came on and blinking I pulled over.