What 146 owners told NHTSA about the 2015 Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid

Engine fire which led to explosion and total loss.

NHTSA ODI 11743850

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:

NHTSA ODI 11733440

I own a 2015 Kia Sportage with an open safety recall (NHTSA Recall No. 22V051 / SC227B). The vehicle became undriveable years ago due to engine issues. I contacted both the dealership and Kia several times, but no one has responded or completed the recall. I received no notification letter. The vehicle has sat inoperable for years, and I had to stop payments because the engine failed and posed a safety risk. I am requesting NHTSA intervention as Kia has failed to complete the safety recall in a timely manner.

NHTSA ODI 11664477

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.

NHTSA ODI 11661458

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

NHTSA ODI 11660427

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.

NHTSA ODI 11642762

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)

NHTSA ODI 11635473

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.

NHTSA ODI 11606196

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

NHTSA ODI 11595739

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.

NHTSA ODI 11587984

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.

NHTSA ODI 11585942

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.

NHTSA ODI 11582922

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.

NHTSA ODI 11581345

Having to refill the oil every week ! This has been check over and over and they can’t find nothing my engine needs to be replaced ! Burning way too much oil and costing me too much money to keep refilling.

NHTSA ODI 11575250

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.

NHTSA ODI 11564222

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.

NHTSA ODI 11549981

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

NHTSA ODI 11549098

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.

NHTSA ODI 11535547

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.

NHTSA ODI 11535379

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.

NHTSA ODI 11526724

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.

NHTSA ODI 11526186

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.

NHTSA ODI 11525972

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?

NHTSA ODI 11522410

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.

NHTSA ODI 11510772

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.

NHTSA ODI 11507116