Kia Sportage harsh shifting problems

Filed Mar 18, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · AZ

On December 24, 2025, while driving in traffic, my Kia Sportage experienced severe lurching, bucking, and jerking, causing the engine to shut down. All dashboard warning lights illuminated, including a message prompting me to "turn engine back on." The vehicle would not restart, necessitating a tow to Horne Kia. After several days of diagnostics, it was determined that a blown ignition fuse and a bad fuel pump relay were the issues, along with a battery replacement. However, just 19 days later, while attempting to merge onto the freeway, the vehicle again bucked violently, and the engine shut down with all warning lights flashing. The police had to assist in moving my vehicle out of traffic, and it was towed to Courtesy Kia in Mesa, AZ. Once again, no error codes were found. After further diagnostics, it was discovered that the same ignition fuse had blown and that the catalytic converter had "shattered." The catalytic converter was replaced. Upon picking up the vehicle from the dealership, and driving less then 5 miles on freeway, the vehicle was bucking and hard shifting once again resulting in a third tow to dealership just 48 hours later after the previous service. The dealership ran several diagnostics under Kia's tech line, which revealed that the engine pistons are slipping and not functioning properly, resulting in loss of compression. Per Kia's tech line, a new engine long block was ordered and replaced.

Filed Dec 6, 2025 · Engine · WA

Engine began to knock on [XXX] on my way home from work. Drove to work and back the next day, but heard a loud CLUNK when I started it to head home. Stopped at auto parts store and checked oil. Completely dry dip stick (after wiping it clean). Added 2 qts of synthetic since I had an appt the next morning ([XXX]) at 7:30am at dealership where I purchased it. Knocking stopped but only drove about 12 miles total from that time until appt in the morning. Kia now tells me that engine failed and based on their records, insufficient maintenance. Kia dealer changed hands recently so not sure of the recordkeeping on their end. I've only ever had my vehicle serviced there. Also, no engine light nor oil light ever came on to warn me of low oil pressure. Service tech says he will email me video of their inspection. Not yet received. Currently requesting warranty coverage. Expect it to be denied, based on what service techs have said. I cannot believe Kia didn't get their act together after the Theta II engine debaucle. My car is a 2022 Kia Sportage with ~50-51k miles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Mar 26, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · NY

The contact owned a 2018 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted into first gear. While attempting to accelerate, the vehicle jerked and briefly lost motive power before slamming into gear. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that an abnormal burning odor was coming from under the hood and entered the vehicle through the A/C vents. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, no cause for the failure was found. The thermostat and the electric switch on the driver’s side window were replaced. The contact stated that while driving uphill or going downhill, the RPM fluctuated, and the engine revved abnormally. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Mar 6, 2023 · Steering · CA

When I turn my steering wheel in either direction, I hear and feel a clunk.

Filed Nov 16, 2019 · Body · 210,000 miles · FL

My 07 sportage had developed a mysterious creak noise when accelerating from a stop and going over batches and bumps(which I ignored). This progressed into a rather loud clunk going over bumps that you could also feel in the floorboards. This prompted me to take a look see as to the source of the noise. Turns out, the source of the noise was due to the rear chassis crossmember that mounts the upper trailing arms for the rear axle assembly had rotten clean through and the mounting arm on the right side had broken free. Here you can see the remnants of the crossmember and mounting bracket still bolted to the rear axle assembly; the damage was across the entire crossmember including the fuel tank mount and note the left side trailing arm mount was not too far away from breaking off as well. The frame was also rotted down by the right rear lower trailing arm mount. This particular vehicle had a recall about 3 years ago for undercoating, I took it to the kia dealer in yonkers, new york and I am sure they saw this rotten damage and did nothing about it putting my family and myself in danger. I could have got into an accident with devastating consequences. It looks like the frame and components are of cheap quality

Filed Sep 26, 2019 · Transmission · 57,000 miles · CA

07/25/2019 took car to hilltop kia because auto transmission had been slipping, then stuck in 4th gear. Could not manually shift to change. Dealer replaced transmission switch plate/sensor. Car was returned to me on 8/15/2019. 9/19 returned car to dealer as transmission started slipping again, shifting rough and then accelerating to get on freeway rpms flew up as car went into neutral. I luckily stayed to right as truck behind me swerved left. Car then went into gear, I got off freeway. Dealer had me ride with mechanic and problem of slow upshifting, rough shifting and delayed shifting was duplicated. Dealer was not able to pull any codes. This is serious safety issue. I opened kia case number 13369527. Kia customer service, chris, stated per his manager jada would escalate. Chris also stated there was no record of previous the federal safety agency complaint 11231076 file 07/11/2019

Filed Sep 11, 2019 · Engine · 58,084 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 kia sportage. While driving 40 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal clunking noise and the check engine indicator illuminated. The vehicle was towed to allentown kia (2350 lehigh st, allentown, pa 18103, (610) 628-3126) where it was diagnosed that there was bearing wear, metal shavings in the oil, and engine damage. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and provided case number: 13301394. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 17v224000 (engine and engine cooling). The contact stated that the warranty did not transfer to owners. The failure mileage was 58,084.

Filed Aug 22, 2019 · Transmission · 147,000 miles · FL

Kia technical service bulletin transaxle oil temperature sensor dtc p0711, p0712 & p0713 https://static.oemdtc.com/tsb/2012-043.pdf my vehicle, when still cold experiences rough shifting. Vehicle will slam into gear, up through gears and down shift hard as well, until the car has warmed up. After that the shifting issue goes away. I have taken the vehicle into the shop multiple times, for the problem, and they had trouble duplicating the problem as the vehicle had warmed up transmission repair shop is currently replacing temp sensor as the vehicle is repeating the issue and also stored code related to the problem. This vehicle has had multiple recall related issues, including the engine seizing (which was replaced under recall) which damaged the turbo (also replaced as part of the engine recall). Also, the brake switch light has been replaced multiple times (only once for free) due to failure (related to a recall on that as well). Thank you, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Jul 12, 2019 · Engine · 85,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 kia sportage. While driving 55 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal rattling, clunking noise and observed smoke coming from the engine. The instrument panel indicators illuminated and the engine stalled. The vehicle was towed to the contact's home and then to cooper kia (5056 commercial dr, yorkville, ny 13495, (315) 736-6660). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by cooper kia. The vehicle was then towed to fuccillo kia (3900 state st, schenectady, ny 12304, (518) 847-0800) where it was diagnosed that a rod went through the engine block. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but did not assist. The failure mileage was 85,000.

Filed Mar 22, 2019 · Engine · 73,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 kia sportage. While driving 60-65 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate and lost power. The contact heard abnormal knocking and clunking noises, and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. Additionally, while checking the fluids, the contact noticed that the oil level was low. The vehicle was towed to vandevere kia (328 w market st, akron, oh 44303, (330) 253-8800) where it was diagnosed that the engine assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was similar to the federal safety agency campaign number: 17v224000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 73,000.