2015 Kia Sportage Complaint Log

Unjustified Denial of Engine Warranty Coverage - 2015 Kia Sportage "I am filing this complaint because Kia is denying warranty coverage for a known engine defect (rod bearing failure in the Theta II GDI engine) on my 2015 Kia Sportage. The manufacturer’s denial is based on the claim that I did not perform the KSDS (Knock Sensor Detection System) software update in previous years. However, I have officially performed this update at an authorized Kia dealership (Hendrick Kia of Cary) on April 17, 2026. Despite my vehicle now fully complying with the recall requirements, Kia continues to deny the warranty claim by retroactively applying a 'missed update' penalty. This is a clear attempt to evade their obligations under the class-action settlement regarding this engine defect. The manufacturer is holding the current owner responsible for maintenance history they cannot control, even though the vehicle is now technically compliant. I request that the NHTSA investigate this practice, as it prevents consumers from accessing the safety-related warranty protections they are entitled to." Tips for your submission:

Oil has been leaking for years. Always got regular oil changes and engine died while driving.

The car just quit running as I was driving. It would not turn over using jumper cables. I had it towed to a local mechanic where they replaced the starter and the battery. Upon picking it up, it was making noises that it did not make previously.

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number 22V051000 (Service Brake, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer stated that an appointment would be scheduled; however, the contact had not yet heard back from the dealer. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the low battery warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started to decelerate. The contact coasted over to the side of the road and had the vehicle towed to the residence. The dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the recall repair could not be completed because the mileage on the vehicle had been exceeded. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that an engine replacement recommended by the dealer was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was 134,644. Parts distribution disconnect.

Hood latch seccondary safety latch did not catch hood and hood flew up causing inability to see and luckily only damage the car itself. This is a dangerous problem with Kia and should be investigated for the safety catch becoming corroded and sticky. Its design is defective and it should be recalled and reworked so that it can not become corroded and sieze preventing safe operation in the event the primary latch comes unclipped while driving down the road at speed if a person were to accidentally pull the hood release in motion or it it were so fail to hold adequately.

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The driver was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the engine had seized, resulting in damages to the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who confirmed the diagnosis. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 91,000.

I was driving my car and it stalled out and stopped and never cranked back up so I had it pulled in and my mechanic said it was a burnt starter and motor locked up

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 MPH, there was a loud clanking sound coming from the engine compartment. There was no warning light illuminated. An independent mechanic was contacted and diagnosed the vehicle with a cracked rod bearing. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer was not contacted, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that a previously associated recall had expired related to the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

I took the vehicle in to Kia due to excessive oil consumption. I was told they could not do anything and that I should continue to drive the vehicle. Kia stated that since I am the second owner (purchased at 7,800 miles) that I am not eligible for the original warranty. They stated that if anything were to happen to my engine I would need to provide documentation of oil changes from the first date the vehicle was purchased (which I don't have access to since I am not the original owner) and that Kia would assess to see if I were eligible for a new engine. They completed an oil change checked for leaks and sent me on my way. I continued to add oil every 500-1000 miles. On 4/11/24 I was driving me vehicle on the freeway at approximately 75-80 miles per hour when the vehicle lost power and would not drive over 40 miles per hour. Upon exiting the freeway the vehicle died at a red light. A tow truck driver took me to a mechanic who ran diagnostics and found codes P0300, P0302, and P0304. He stated that the 2 and 4 cylinders had no compression. Awaiting Kia inspection.

Emission system failure causing check engine light to turn on.

I purchased the vehicle in February 9, 2024. A week after I purchased it the engine started making a knocking noise. I took the Sportage to Kia of Orange Park as I saw some there were some recalls on the vehicle. I paid to have a full diagnostic done. The gentleman that assisted me reached out to the Kia Corporation to see if they would repair the engine. Kia refused stating that the recall PI1802A - PI1802 (ECU Logic Upgrade KSDA 14- 15 MY) had not been done. This recall was out on the car prior to my ownership so there is no way for me to have it done when it came out.

[XXX] Kia Dealer replaced the 2015 Kia Sportage engine under an extended warranty not a recall. (10 months ago) Kia failed to notify us there was a connection issue of the high pressure fuel line on replacement motors. [XXX] daughter drove from Boston to Maine when she arrived home gas vapors were coming out the front grill and between the hood and windshield. When I removed the plastic engine cover and had her start the car fuel sprayed out everywhere. 2-6-24: Kia dealer wont repair the leak because the engine was replaced under an extended warranty and not a recall. 2-7-24: Charles, a supervisor at Kia Customer Care said the same thing, sorry but nothing I can do. So let me understand what you are saying. If two 2015 Kia Sportage come in and both get the engines replaced , one under a recall the other under an extended warranty and then it is discovered that the pipe that connects to the high pressure fuel pump may have been damaged , misaligned or improperly fastened during replacement could result in a fuel leak and fire. Only the owner that had the engine replaced under the recall would be notified. The other owner will be driving around a potential Kia Fireball. He said that unfortunately is the case and our car is out of the warranty period. 18V-907 / SC172 Recall Summary Kia Motors America is recalling certain 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak. This recall affects only some Sportage vehicles. Specifically, it impacts any vehicles that had an engine replacement completed. This could have happened under a different recall or due to a warranty. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

I had the anti-theft security upgrade on my Kia done and it was still easily stolen in minutes from my driveway. The upgrade did absolutely nothing.

The contact’s son owns a 2015 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced lunging and the engine seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the contact’s residence. The contact used an ODB scanner to diagnose the vehicle and retrieved DTC codes related for: camshaft timing in cylinder bank 1 advanced, low oil, phaser stuck, faulty sensor, failed valve control solenoid, and worn timing components. The contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer where a diagnostic test was performed, and the contact was informed that the internal engine failure was likely due to low oil pressure. The dealer also stated that the engine oil level was good and recommended that the engine be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact filed a case regarding the failure; however, the case was denied by the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 111,508.

The engine began knocking on a crowded roadway. The Kia dealership noted an engine recall, but that engine replacement claim was denied because a KSDS sensor update was not completed prior because the corporate office did not have my updated address, and I never got the recall letter.

Testing the vehicle is saying cylinder 3 misfire, tested it and misfire is not following. Cm is saying replacement of engine long block.

Driving on the highway at 65mph, engine light started blinking then stayed solid and my speed declined to 40mph and would not go higher. Had to stay in slow lane to get off and get back on to make it home. I was unsure as to what was happening.It was the weekend so had to wait until Monday until i could find out and the dealership told me it was the valve cover gasket (which is brand new). I was also told they couldnt do anything else for me i need a long block assembly.

My engine is making noise, I have to add oil everyday and there are no leaks under my car. The engine gets hot, i feel like it can catch fire.

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Shortage. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power without warning. The contact was able to pull over on the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who stated that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 130,000.

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming one quart of oil per day. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for an oil change and the mechanic determined that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of oil and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

Had vehicle worked on, on 4/11/2023 ( oil change &tuneup). On 4/17/2023 exiting 151 Hwy vehicle slowed down on me, then regained speed to safety at a Shell gas station. Vehicle started with a loud noise coming from the engine compartment. Got worried, had vehicle towed home. Have been trying to get a hold of kia but they don't answer phone or hang up on me, since I have no warranty on vehicle cause I couldn't afford it. Just wanted to pay it off since I only needed One more year at 140011 miles on it. My first kia lasted longer than that. I currently owe under 3,500 on it. Need help please.

My youngest son was driving on the highway at 65 mpg when all of a sudden, the car would not accelerate. We lost the ability to keep up the speed. The car literally just would not go. I was in the car and was able to put the hazards on in time to not get hit by the 4 cars behind us! We pulled over barely making it to the next exit. Had to call a tow truck that took the car to our mechanic. The next day I was told the engine was shot because an oil issue. This was something the dealership that I took the car to before for excessive oil consumption issues had told me was inherent to this kia model. Seriously!!!! Kia knew about this issue! I was told by the dealer to keep a very close eye on oil levels, changes etc. Which I did and this happens! Shame on Kia for allowing something like this to happen and not take care of. This is a safety issue! What if I wasn't in the car with my son? What if my teen driver got rearended by someone clearly not seeing he had car issues?? NO lights, No warnings! Just like when the oil issue first came up... the oil light didn't even come on! I cannot provide the mechanic paperwork at this time as I am at work, however I would be happy to if this reaches someone who really cares about safety! I have all the work records performed on the car since I purchased it. How can a company continue to produce and sell cars if they consistently and knowingly have safety issues! Or does it take someone getting killed and the news to report it to have something done?

I’m going to mall and then go to the store in route 61 in Frackville PA the chips in road break my windshield is so much my phone number [XXX] my name is [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

The contact owned a 2015 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle decelerated, and the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle shut off. The battery warning light, the oil warning light, and the check engine warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the spark plugs; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that while she was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle decelerated, came to a complete stop at a traffic light and shut off. The failure recurred for the third time. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound, and the vehicle would not accelerate above 20 MPH. The contact stated that while driving up a hill, the vehicle shu+t off. The vehicle was towed to the parent's residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer and the contact was informed that because the knock sensor detection system was not replaced, the dealer was unable to replace the engine. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 122,000. The VIN was not available.

Sudden acceleration accident

Driving on the interstate in the passing lane going approximately 70 mph. With no warning the engine completely cut out. I was bearly able to pull over. I was traveling up hill. Car was towed to a service garage where it was decided that the engine locked up. the car was later inspected at a Kia deal ship with the same conclusion. Presently I'm without a car and no help.

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle began to overheat and there was smoke coming out from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V051000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that he had to pay for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to the residence. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000. The VIN was not available.

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle would not accelerate as designed. The contact depressed the brake pedal however, the vehicle failed to stop as needed. Additionally, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact continued driving until the vehicle independently slowed down and she was able to shift into the park positin. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was out of warranty. No further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 60,181.

hit skip acident 12/25/2022 Germain Body Shop, Powell, Ohio for repair Computer module airbag system -part number 959103w800 not available as of 6/20/2023 The repair shop is aware of the liability. Can not release, State of Ohio laws. Confirmed from Germain Kia Columbus, the email part is been on backorder.

2015 KIA SPORTAGE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO ENGINE FAILURE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE MOTOR LOCKED UP EVENTHOUGH MAINTENANCE WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE.

Engine locked up. If it were not for my brother in law being a mechanic and alerted me to Kia engine settlement lawsuit I would not have known the KSDS update was ever even a thing. I never received notification for this. Why not? I am out 1000s of $ on a vehicle I have bought that is useless now. KIA is blaming me when I never even knew anything about this. Please I would like to know why I was never informed and it doesn’t even show up when I search my vin either?

2015 KIA SPORTAGE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO NHTSA SAFETY RECALL 22V-051.

We were driving down the highway and without any kind of warning the car lost all power I had to move to the shoulder of the road and wait over 5 hrs for a tow truck and then get a hotel room for the night before we could get a rental car the next morning once they opened. Then, a couple weeks later we had to have the vehicle towed back home to NY since we broke down on [XXX] in PA. Then we had to have it towed to a repair shop and they told me it was rod iron knocking and was covered under the Theta II class action lawsuit according to the website when the vin# was inputted to the website. And Kia is saying it's not covered because of a recall that wasn't completed but being I never received the notification as I wasn't the 1st or 2nd owner of the vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

I took my kia to the dealer because the check engine light was on. They said 2 parts were recalled and they would fix it. I went to pick it up and its still sputtering the check engine light is still on. They were supposed to fix the knock sensor. They did not.

Two weeks ago my car began making a loud knocking noise from the bottom end and emitting a burning smell from the engine out of nowhere, without any warning lamps. I took it to a mechanic I trust. As soon as he heard the noise and looked at it he told me it was bad and that I could not drive my car, it concerned a HECU unit and/or fuse and could potentially lock up or start on fire. He gave me a printout with NHTSA Recall# 22V051 on it and told me I would need a new engine. When I called Kia Customer Care they did not have the recall number. I gave it to them and they put me on hold for 45 minutes so they could do some research; the representative and her supervisor eventually found the recall and authorized a safety tow to Peak Kia in Denver, CO At Peak Kia they told me they looked at my car and it would need a new engine, but there was nothing they could do because my car was past warranty. That was the first time I had ever heard of anything about a warranty or it being past due. The service clerk told me it would be an out of pocket expense of 6 -12,000$ for a new engine and explained that this was because my car had gone past 100,000 miles, and the engine had already failed so the warranty could not be extended. She also told me to contact my dealership because they could be at fault. I left that building scared, because I still owe about 8000$ on my loan. I purchased the vehicle in Rapid City, SD with my parents at a non Kia dealership called Granite Nissan. When we called the dealership they said they had not been informed of a recall by the previous owner or Kia manufacturers. Neither had I at the time of purchase, or since. My dad and I checked Kelley Blue Book to make sure. I was then informed that the dealership does not have legal responsibility to alert buyers of this info. Now we are being repeatedly told that this will be my expense, and it is a scam. Kia made a car that promised reliability and safety, but have left the defects up to the owner.

Vehicle stalled on the highway 4 days after purchasing from The Car Store in Aurora, IL. No warning, no indicator lights. Steering wheel was hard to control while attempting to safely pull over to the side of the road. All dash lights came on as the car stalled. At my expense, had it towed to The Car Store where they were not able to diagnose cause. Had it towed to Gerald Kia of Aurora. Stated engine will have to be replaced. Not covered under any current recalls. I’m reporting this as a safety issue since there was problems pulling off the highway. Hopefully Kia will look into this issue. Not just for safety, but I’m obviously kinda screwed buying a vehicle on the 6th of September that died on the 9th of September with a huge investment into getting it running again.

2015 Kia Sportage I purchased on September 6th stalled on the highway on September 9th. No warning lights, no smoke, no indication of any problems up until it stalled. Since it was on the highway and difficult to get to the side of the road, this could definitely pose a safety risk. The place I purchased the vehicle from could not detect the malfunction. It was towed to Gerald Kia of North Aurora where after a week of waiting, they informed me the engine would need to be replaced and was not covered under warranty or the current recall regarding the engine.

A recall notice was issued in March. The notice advised to park vehicle outside until a remedy is available. When I had the vehicle serviced in June, the service adviser for West hills Kia, noted that a rodent nest was under the hood, and advised me they could install a rodent screen for APROX. $400. I declined. How can Kia, continue to state, to this date, there is no remedy, but are willing to sell me something that was caused by me parking the vehicle outdoors for 5 months? I would appreciate any information concerning this. Sincerely, [XXX]. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

The contact owned a 2015 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a burning odor was detected with smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle then lost motive power. Additionally, after refueling the vehicle, a fuel odor was detected while driving. A bystander alerted the contact that the vehicle had caught fire and to exit the vehicle immediately. The contact was able to safely exit the vehicle. There were flames coming from the engine compartment and underneath the vehicle. The bystander used a fire extinguisher to put out the flames. The fire department arrived on the scene and extinguished the smoke coming from the engine compartment. Police and fire department reports were filed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired and remained at the dealer. The vehicle was not yet deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V051000 (Service Brake, Hydraulic) however, the contact had not yet received the notification. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.

My Kia Sportage drove perfectly fine the past 5 years, out of no where going up a hill it wouldn’t go past 20 mph, was kicking and sputtering. Like it was giving out in a way. I made it home but my check engine light was on. Their was no warning signs, my car ran perfect always. It was very sudden. Had a mechanic look at it and he said a valve from where I put oil in had a leak and caused it to burn up all the oil? Which messed up my motor and needs replaced now. I’m not very good with car specifics but that’s what I was told. My car is now not even drivable.

In 2022 , Kia notified me of a recall that caused engine failure if my vehicle. I was instructed to comes in and receive vehicle updates to the engine to fix the issue. In May 2022, went to have the engine recall worked on and was advised the updates were successful. In August 2022 my engine blew out/ cut off in the middle of the highway causing safety issue for me and my daughter. I was successful with rearing the car to safety. I immediately had a mechanic to assess and was advised of engine failure which prompted me to turn to Kia. Kia has had my car in possession over 3 months, asked for numerous documents and has failed to provide any resolution for this horrible safety issue. I would like this to investigated your the highest degree because this is how peoples lives are put in danger. Company will not provide any safety information to me at all when asked as well.

I have received a recall and nothing is being done about it as of yet. I have taken it to the dealer about multiple issues that i felt have not been fully addressed, but the engine being able to catch on fire is the ultimate. I not only am in this vehicle , my children are as well. This is not safe to be driving around without any remedy. I either need my engine replaced or a vehicle replacement. Warning lights are always flashing on the dashboard. I keep calling and being left on hold for hours without any one addressing this issue. Does my car need to catch on fire or myself /children die before i receive any results. This is dangerous to keep driving and nothing being done. Please help

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle was stalling and was not accelerating despite depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light, along with two other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact managed to pull over and stated that the vehicle had not lost motive power, however, the vehicle was inoperable. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was not diagnosed or repaired and the contact was advised to have the vehicle towed to a local dealer for further diagnosis and repair. The vehicle was then towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine would need to be removed for further diagnosis. The vehicle remained at the dealer awaiting repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was unknown.

There has not been an incident. I received a recall interim letter in March 2022 for my 2015 KIA Sportage. The letter notified me the car engine could experience a fire due to an electrical short circuit. I have contacted the KIA corporation in California and the local KIA in Connecticut and was told there is no remedy yet. The recall letter warned of the potential danger involved. My son in law experienced a life-threatening fire while driving in his KIA and was fortunate to escape death even though his car was entirely destroyed. I find it unbelievable KIA has not rectified this very dangerous problem. The letter stated the problem can be corrected by installing a part. Meanwhile I am not able to use my car as I am sure many other owners are also unable to use theirs. The danger is too great. I hope the NHTSA can assist in this problem.

My check engine light went off on 7/13/22. A little over 24 hours later, on 7/14/22, I was on the highway with a 65 mph speed limit when my engine completely gave out. I had to navigate to the exit ramp and off the highway. I was unable to accelerate. I had it towed to a local repair shop and on 7/15/22 the told me my entire engine needed replaced. I then had it towed to a local Kia dealership on 7/15/22. I am still waiting to hear from Kia Corporate on whether the engine will be replaced. The engine is currently available for inspection at the Kia Dealership.

This car was electronically going crazy tenants calling police cause alarm wouldn't stop going off Smelled gasoline but no leaks o roll the windows down engine ram n lights get dim no check light ever came on car shutting off child locked in car behind this then it goes up in smoke while driving on the freeway what the hell should I say more we could have list our lives in that car I have 2 kids 1 and 2. I need justice asap I have kids with astma is it due to this faulty vehicle

My engine started making a sound at the same time I was due for an inspection but the check engine light was not on. I took the car in for inspection the day after the sound started and when they looked at the engine they said the “ main rod Bering” was broken and the oil filter was full of metal shavings, but they were able to pass the car because the check engine light wasn’t on. The car only had 80,900 miles on it and it was well cared for so the mechanic suggested I check for a recall. When I checked online for a recall I learned that the car was on recall for POTENTIAL ENGINE FIRE! And this was the first I was hearing of it! I took the car to the kia dealership to get it fixed but they refused to fix it because the engine problem started before I got the “update”THAT NO ONE INFORMED ME I NEEDED. My car went from running fine to broken down in TWO DAYS. Imagine if I hadn’t had the time to get it checked out so quickly. The car could of broken down on the middle of the highway with myself and my children in it, it could of caught fire with myself and me children in it. VERRY VERRY DANGEROUS!

We had just had our 2015 Kia Sportage in a repair shop about a week prior due to a compressor issue. They had run a check on the engine due to the check engine light and excessive oil consumption. They said that it was only showing an issue with an O2 sensor. About a week later, on Saturday, June 25, 2022, I was driving down a steep hill (Hands Pike in Covington, KY) with my son in the back seat. I depressed the brakes and the call stalled out and would not restart. I was able to coast down the hill to a safe point. I was able to turn around and by revving the engine while turning the key, I was able to get the car to start to get it back home (only about a mile). Each time I had to stop, the car stalled again, and I had to repeat the process. We called a tow truck to get the vehicle and the repair shop (Bob Sumeral Tire in Ft. Wright, KY) told us the issue was an internal issue related to the engine and it would have to go to Kia. Kia currently has the vehicle and has confirmed the engine needs replaced, but they are fighting us on doing the necessary repairs and are demanding we provide our maintenance records.

The contact's husband owns a 2015 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 25 MPH, the engine seized while driving down an incline with the check engine warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who informed her that the failure was a known issue and referred her to a dealer for assistance. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer and the contact was informed that since her husband was not the original owner, they would not service the vehicle. The contact sent multiple documents confirming that her husband was the original owner as well as several service documents but had not received a response from the dealer. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

The current Kia Recall for the HECU related to the braking system/potential for an engine fire has been open since February. As an owner I received the letter in March. I have contacted both a dealership and Kia directly but have received no information regarding a helpful timeline for when the repair will be available. This has left me unable to use my vehicle for fear of an incident and injury to me and my family. The best response I was given is that I could rent a vehicle at my expense and apply for a refund from Kia directly but they are not offering any loaner vehicles or plans to remedy this issue. It has been over 3 months with no proper communication nor a fix in place.