There are 4 owner-reported engine complaints for the 2024 Kia Sportagein NHTSA's database. These are unverified consumer reports and may not reflect confirmed defects.
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.
The contact owns a 2024 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart on the third attempt; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was driven to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 17,000.
I was stopped at a red light in middle lane with traffic all around when the car just stopped running. After a few tries it started again.
Two issues that I've taken to dealership 3 times since purchasing vehicle January 2024. 1. Adaptive cruise control -- I was in right lane of 4 lane highway with cruise control on. A car in left lane took a turn to cut through median and my car thought it was a collision and hard braked and took my vehicle from 60mph to 35mph in a few seconds. If a car had been behind me, I would have been rear ended. They cannot "replicate" so I no longer use cruise control unless there are no cars around. 2. Timing has been off (loud clicking every time I crank) since a few months after I bought the car. I sent approximately 9 videos to the service advisor. Took it in 2 times "cannot replicate." Left it overnight at dealership "cannot replicate." It's every time I first crank for the day. It's now louder and gotten worse. I have videos and can take more. I just want this fixed. Afraid I'll be stranded and it feels like they are pushing it farther and farther out so it will exceed warranty and they won't have to eat the cost to repair. It's been 1.5 years I've been dealing with this. Any help you can provide is greatly appreciated!!
Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA. A high complaint count may reflect vehicle popularity, not defect severity. Data sourced from NHTSA public records.
Data synced from NHTSA on Apr 25, 2026