NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2019 Kia Sportage. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
WHEN I PUSH ON THE GAS PEDAL SOME TIMES I GET NOTHING FOR A SHORT TIME WHEN STARTING FROM A STOP
This complaint is in reference to my vehicle which is involved with Federal Class Action Lawsuits and the fact that my engine was defective from the day it was built. My engine was consuming oil at a rate of 1 quart every 361.1 miles driven. I was advised to not put oil in it and drive it until it blows up. This would have put myself, my family, friends, or any other passengers or bystanders at risk. Kia is denying my claim solely on a non rod bearing failure.
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sportage. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 22V703000 (Trail Hitches) and 21V137000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the recall repair requests were denied by the manufacturer. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, it failed to start as intended. No warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that while her brother was driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from under the hood. After restarting the vehicle, there was a burning odor coming from under the hood. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it remained, and the contact was advised that a recall warranty had expired. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the costs. In addition, the contact stated that the recall was initiated prior to owning the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.
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.
The brake peddle keeps jamming and sticking . The steering wheel is now very lose and a lot of play . There is a steering wheel with exclamation point flashing on the dash . When the card turns off it makes electrical noises . It is consuming oil . A pint a week . It’s been towed twice in three weeks
My check engine light started blinking and the car was stalling out. I have now parked the car in my driveway. I bought the car October, 2024
Severe oil consumption issue at 100k miles. Same issue seen on kia class action lawsuit for GDI engines. No leaks present, after 800 miles from oil change, no oil seen on dip stick.
Engine went out at 150,000 miles.
CLEAR COAT PAINT IS PEELING. ON TOP OF HATCHBACK. I DON'T KNOW WHEN IT STARTED, I JUST NOTICED IT TODAY 9-29-25. iT IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION UPON REQUEST. NO WARNING MESSAGE PRIOR TO THE PROBLEM. I WENT TO DEALER AND THEY SAID THE PAINT WARRANTY EXPIRED IN 1922 AND THERE ARE NO RECALLS AND NOT EXTENDED WARRANTIES FOR THIS AND KIA HAS NO RESPONSIBILITY THAT'S WHY THEY ONLY GIVE A 3 YEAR, 36,000 MILE WARRANTY ON PAINT.
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that the high beam headlights failed to illuminate as designed. The contact researched and learned of an undisclosed Technical Service Bulletin concerning the failure with the halogen bulbs on the 2020 Kia Telluride. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed. The dealer confirmed that the VIN was not under recall or covered under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 65,000.
My oil consumption is approximately 1.5 quarts every 200 miles. I get my oil changed every month and every other week I need to top off. When my oil, is low there is no indication on the dash. I have to preform inspections on my car on a daily basis. Now, my car will randomly not start. I replaced the battery and changed the spark plugs.
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle went to LIMP Mode. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who performed an oil change and updated the Knock Sensor Detection System(KSDS). The contact stated that later, while driving, the engine oil warning light illuminated. The contact checked the engine oil and discovered that the oil level was extremely low. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the pistons were faulty, and the engine needed to be replaced; however, the mileage had exceeded the warranty coverage. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
The car started stalling anf an engine light came on
The paint started peeling on my 2019 Kia Sportage
I have a 2019 Kia Sportage with 41k miles on it and the paint is peeling. As of now, the roof spoiler is completely peeled off. The side view mirrors, and the door handles, have paint peeling and bubbling. I have reported it to Kia and they are unwilling to stand by their product and extend the warranty on the paint. Kia is fully aware of the problem but is not willing to fix it.
Oil consumption issues that kia is not taking responsibility for
The car continues to burn oil and have to put oil in it although not time for oil change. I took the vehicle to dealership several times because whenever I get gas it won’t let me start it right away or stutters after getting gas. Whenever the car is in park or idle it’s making a knocking noise and shaking really bad. The check engine light keeps going off and on but this most recent time it is not on. Initially i was advised they could only diagnose when check engine light on but that’s the issue because light does not stay on. I was on the freeway going about 70mph the car started declining in speed so had to hurry and pull over. Pulled over and turned off the car then it took several times to start back up. Vehicle currently at dealership waiting for more info but said it’s something related to the engine misfire.
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. The contact stated that the vehicle required 6 quarts of oil every 1,900 miles. The vehicle was recently taken to Valvoline, where an oil change was performed. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH the following day, the vehicle started shuddering and misfiring, and the failure increased significantly while idling. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure persisted while driving at 60-65 MPH on the same day, and the engine stalled. The low oil pressure, the battery, and the check engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving; however, the vehicle continuously shuddered and misfired. The vehicle was taken to Valvoline, where the contact was informed that the engine was misfiring. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving after the service appointment. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the spark plugs and other unknown parts were replaced. The dealer then test-drove the vehicle; however the failure persisted. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact related the failure to an unknown engine recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the cost of the repair would not be covered unless the failure was related to the engine rod. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
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.
The I started noticing my oil light was coming on after only few hundred miles. After every oil change a week or 2 later I would need oil. Took it to a several mechanics and no leaks founds they all said the GDI engines are known for consuming high amounts of oil. I called Kia and they admitted they know about the problem but will do nothing about it
The vehicle just suddenly stopped without any warning or anything. No warning lights came on until after the engine had almost completely stopped in the middle of the road. Vehicle is also using oil without any warning light coming on at all and vehicle is out of oil. That is a problem with both things. Suddenly stopping can cause me to be in an accident. This is not safe at all and should be the manufacturer responsible to repair this issue.
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in for maintenance, the contact was informed that there was no oil in the engine. The contact stated that the oil warning light had only illuminated once. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the first oil consumption test was performed. The dealer added oil to the vehicle. The contact checked the oil level every two weeks and noticed that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact was adding several quarts of oil every two weeks. The vehicle had several oil consumption tests performed by the dealer. The contact was informed that less than a quart of oil was lost. However, while the vehicle was at the dealer, all the oil had leaked out of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance. However, a claim was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
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.
On my way driving to pick up my kids my vehicles check engine light started flashing and went into limp mode. It wouldn't go above 15 mph. The oil lamp started to flash. I had to ease it out of traffic and park the vehicle. I proceeded to check the oil and the dip stick was completely dry. I had to walk to the nearest autozone purchase 5 quarts of oil, walk back to the vehicle and put it into it. I then had to bring it home. I ran a diagnostic test and it was putting out a P1326 code. The car is not drivable. I had to have it towed to the dealership and they currently have it and I am awaiting further details.
The contact owned a 2019 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle started overheating and smoke started emitting smoke from the hood. No warning lights were illuminated. No injuries were reported. The vehicle was destroyed leaving only the framing. The fire department arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire. A fire department report was filed. A police report was not filed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the vehicle was inspected; however, the inspector did not find a defect in the vehicle. The vehicle was also inspected by the fire department who determined that the cause was in the rear passenger window. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the ABS and traction control warning lights illuminated, and Hill Descent Assist message was displayed. The contact also stated that while in park(P), the speedometer intermittently fluctuated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the wheel speed sensor and the rear engine bearings were replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 46,206.
My engine has been burning through oil very fast, it is only 6 years old. I have to put oil in it approx 3 times before another oil change is due. My mechanic suggested I see if there were any recalls but there are none. I have no lights on or any other issues.
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that on several occasions the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the vehicle occasionally stalled while driving. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly decelerated to 30 MPH. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and attempted to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The contact received a secondary diagnostic test from an independent mechanic and was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle very briefly lost all motive power before quickly returning to normal functionality. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
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.
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the electrical and mechanical systems became inoperable. The headlights, signal, and hazard lights became inoperable. The contact pulled over, placed the vehicle in park, and turned the vehicle off. After restarting the vehicle, an abnormal ticking sound was coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the radiator needed to be replaced and the tie rod had excessive play. The dealer denied repairing the vehicle due to sludge in the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 75,490.
Complained since buying car noise in motor was told it was fine on dec 7th car broke down 200 miles from home was told it was the rod bearings that was under recall
I have been fighting with Cronin Kia over my engine that needs replaced due to a known problem with the GDI engine. This vehicle is burning so much oil and I have reported the problem. I was told to perform oil consumption tests, which I have been compliant with. The problem is that on 11/16/23, I had to go to an oil change company due to my engine having no oil, yet again. I called Cronin Kia and was told that since I put oil in the car, I have to start all over again. I hadn't even gone the 1,000 miles that they requested me to do. I called the dealership and the service manager, Josh Hopkins, told me he could not help me even though I had photos. I then called the Kia corporate office number and spoke to Angel and was told that I should have let my engine blow up on the road and have it towed to the dealership. This would have caused an accident and they told me they didn't care that is what I needed to do. I feel this is so unacceptable and needs to be reported to you. This could cause a major accident and I have a daughter wo has special needs and I need to drive a safe vehicle and telling me to take the chance of an accident is so scary. I would really appreciate any help you can offer. [XXX] (formerly [XXX] ). [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked abnormally. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle lost motive power. Additionally, on several occasions while in reverse, there was a loud noise coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer five times; however, the failure could not be replicated. The contact stated that on another occasion the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where an unknown code was retrieved. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
On the computer radio area the screen is showing green and red saying to insert USB drive . Press Power key or ACC off and on. Total Update Mode. Caution! Keep the power and don't remove USB. Kia dealership told me I should receive a USB drive in the mail from Kia corporate to do the update at home at no charge. Kia corporate told me my vehicle is not a part of the current update. Then the Kia dealership in Saltillo, MS advised me to but my own USB drive and download the update on my own to do it. The whole situation seems unsafe. I feel someone needs to be advised of this situation. The case # is notated on the screenshot of the email from Kia corporate.
[XXX], I was driving alone on [XXX] in McAllen, TX. & intersection of [XXX] St. Weather was sunny, hot, and dry. My car was 1st in middle lane, speed about 20 mph. I applied the brakes for a red traffic light. Instantly, the brakes locked and 3 air bags deployed -driver and passenger side + passenger side windows. The windshield was blocked but it seemed like the car swerved slowly, about 10-15 mph, to the right. My car sideswiped the Chevy Equinox stopped at red light in right lane. The car behind me, Toyota Corolla, hit my rear end. I didn't hear or feel either of these crashes. McAllen PD arrived and called a wrecker and ambulance for me. The airbag peeled back layers of skin on my right forearm which was bleeding profusely. Lone Star EMS #[XXX] ambulance took me to South Texas Health System ER on Ware Rd., arriving at 4:50 p.m. I didn't see the two other cars until I was on the gurney in the ambulance. Police report - wrecker and ambulance were called for driver of Toyota. The ER doctor treated 3 wounds and released me. The Police Report does not cite defective brakes and deployed air bags as cause of wreck. Also, Bert Ogden KIA in Mission where I bought the car denied any responsibility. Manager said, "Not my problem. Call Kia." I filed a complaint with KIA consumer affairs re: defective brakes and air bags, case #[XXX]. Geico declared Total Loss & sent settlement check. Geico claim #: [XXX]. Geico adjuster: Peter Valdivia, COPART Mercedes, in Mercedes, TX. Phone:281-939-2879. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V703000 (Trailer Hitches) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
My cruise control works some times and then it doesn't. I was driving 80 mph with my cruise control on and couldn't shut it off. Finally stepping on the brake door work to shut it off. I can't see the mileage driven more than half the time, as well.
My vehicle keeps stalling and its been having an oil consumption problem for several months. I keep taking it to kia, they keep doing oil consumption tests. I'm afraid to drive my vehicle anymore. I had an oil change done one month 3k miles later she was out of oil.
The tire suddenly exploded and the curtain air bag on the drivers side exploded too for some reason. I have a huge black eye and a concussion.
Paint is bubbling, chipping and peeling in mirrors, door handles and rear spoiler
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard an unusual ticking sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with tow hitch wiring harness deficiency. The contact was informed that the tow hitch wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had received an interim recall notification in November 2022. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V703000 (Trailer Hitches) in July 2023. The contact stated that the vehicle was stolen in April 2023 for a short while. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The manufacturer offered to cover half the cost of the repair. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at various speeds, there was a ticking noise heard coming from the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer who confirmed the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle remained at the dealer awaiting diagnostic testing and repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure; however, no assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
the continued to over heat smoke and has burning smell and seat belt stop tracting and retracting
Kia Ignition switch it is making it easy for criminals to steal due to them not have immobilizers and the criminal are able from them yo start up with just a usb cord
On two occasions, most recently on 5/28/22, the gasoline overflowed when filling tank. If working properly, the vehicle should have automatically stopped the flow when the tank was full.
When you put the car in gear, the car rolls backward in drive. The engine light, oil light and battery light are on the dashboard.
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V137000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the dealer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
I have received a safety recall on the VIN # above a lease car and have been trying to contact 2 different KIA dealerships in my area, since receiving this recall letter, to no avail. Per the recall, this HECU may short-circuit and cause a engine compartment fire....since this seems very serious and failure to get this done is out of my control, I would greatly appreciate some help in this matter. I reside in Clinton Township Michigan 48035. Thank you, Susan Bartle
When cruise control is in place and you brake for traffic, to resume cruise speed if you hold the resume button for more than standard the car resets speed to 20MPH and you have no control on gas pedal. The only fix is to turn off the card and restart. We are glad to have it inspected. This item has put our lives in danger about five times as we were using cruise on the highway traveling 65 plus mph and cars were coming upon us. We reported the issue back in March 2021 and several more times back into a KIA dealership. It took months but they duplicated the problem on our vehicle and so they tested a 2020 Sportage and had the same issue. The car stalls while on the freeway and KIA dealership states it is normal operating procedures as the resume button should be a quick touch, not a prolonged one. There are no warning indicators this is going to happen. The local Kia Dealership states they have contacted KIA Engineers and they are confirming that it is operating within normal parameters.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026