What 158 owners told NHTSA about the 2018 Kia Sportage Phev Phev

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shuddering. Additionally, the contact became aware that the engine oil level was low, and the dipstick was dry. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the piston rings and engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was later taken to an independent mechanic where it was also diagnosed and determined that the piston rings and engine needing to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.

NHTSA ODI 11594794

At just over 120,000 miles the engine issues begain, # 4 cylinder misfiring, No compression # 4 cyl, would no longer Idel. The Dealer claimed the corrective action was to replace the engine. Are cars no longer expected to last past 100,000miles any more?

NHTSA ODI 11590293

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V137000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that while driving on several occasions over two days, at various speeds, she observed a growing loud grinding and clicking noise emanating from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and restarted. The contact stated that on the last occasion, while in reverse(R), the vehicle lost power and failed to reverse as intended. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

NHTSA ODI 11580879

I bought a vehicle from a dealership in 2021. The dealership sold me a 2018 Kia Sportage. To their knowledge, they state they were unaware of any safety recalls. However, fast-forward to [XXX]. As I was entering a busy street (with my two young children in the car (both under the age of 5) and going up a hill, the oil light flashed once and then stayed on, I noticed the vehicle decelerating, as I tried to pull over, making way for vehicles to go around, all three (oil, battery and check engine) lights appear in my dashboard. After one failed attempt of restarting vehicle, I knew I needed to call a tow truck. Thankfully my mom wasn't too long to execute the rescue (it was about 32 outside). The vehicle was towed to the dealership I had purchased it from (NOT a certified Kia dealership mind you). I was told later on that day, that it was a good possibility my engine has blown. I was told the service technician had put over 3.5 qtrs. in order for it to register on the dipstick. I was also told they could replace said engine for a whopping $10,000. Which, the vehicle is only worth $2,000 more than the cost of the motor replacement. I decided to have the vehicle towed to a certified Kia dealership. Where, alas, the engine was in fact, blown. However, per the service manager, the blown engine was due to a recall (XXX) which was in effect as of 1/19/19 (before I bought said vehicle). Per the service manager a vehicle should not be sold with an active safety recall. I then relayed that information to the gentleman who said the vehicle and was told it was illegal for them to work on a vehicle that they are not certified to service (although I had the option for them to replace the engine). I then begin the battle of who is responsible. And ultimately told by the manager of dealership, 70% of the used vehicles they sell have active safety recalls that they do not fix. Nor do they send them to be serviced and checked by the appropriate personnel. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11580012

My 2018 Kia Sportage was burning oil - had to add oil every week. On [XXX] I was driving on the [XXX] and my check engine light came on and the car slowed down. I got to the shoulder this was early in the morning I searched for a dealership and there was one 1 mile away It was 6 am when I arrived to the dealership and had to wait until they opened. And went to DCH Kia and eventually told me it was a cylinder that was blown. Why? Honestly I feel like this may have been a “false” diagnosis since the oil was burning up. I had extended coverage but they said it didn’t qualify for any engine recall. I had to get my entire engine replaced and was out of my car for over a month. Which I’m assuming the cylinder blew because of the oils burning. This should never have happened. And is truly frustrating. Especially when I am a loyal Kia owner and have never had any problems like this before. I was completely overwhelmed with the amount I was charged and that I even had to replace my entire engine and having to get a rental car the entire time as well. I’m noticing from the other comments a lot of oil burning and engine trouble in my make and model. Fortunately I did not get hit on the freeway when my car decided to stop. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11574767

I was in a collision and sandwiched in between cars severe front and back damage. No Air bags!

NHTSA ODI 11569614

When pressing brake during operation, a noise comes from underneath vehicle. The warning lights goes off but come back on while driving and stays on. Kia dealer stated it was the ABS module going bad. Kia dealer recently replaced engine block due to manufacturer defect and completed two recalls. Dealer advised this was a new problem.

NHTSA ODI 11567272

The automobile began to burn oil excessively. The mechanic informed of an ongoing issue with Kia automobiles. Car taken to Kia. I was told nothing was wrong. Car continued to excessively burn oil requiring oil change at least every week. On January 7, while on the 15 freeway returning home the car slowed, then stopped. I had it towed to the Kia dealership. Yesterday

NHTSA ODI 11566314

Vehicle stopped running smoke was coming from engine . Won’t start back up

NHTSA ODI 11565333

Defective exterior rear passenger door handle came off completely when opening door.

NHTSA ODI 11559605

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH, the vehicle was jerking and hesitating while driving. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence and then towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine had failed and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact that there would be an reimbursement after legal matters were resolved. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11555486

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while her son was driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle independently accelerated. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.

NHTSA ODI 11552897

Oil leakage and engine locked while on the highway. No acident. Tried to accelerate and it wouldn’t go. Engine is gone and won’t start

NHTSA ODI 11550834

Unknown, my Kia has been burning oil there is no oil leak and I had to get my oil changed every 2k miles. Then one day it started shaking on the freeway making noise and I had to exit 30+ miles from my city found the closest Kia dealership I took it there and they said I don’t qualify for the engine recall because it is a cylinder my car is a 2018 it’s 5 years old! There is no reason it should be having problems like this. I have now been out of a car and with a rental for a month now not only do I have to pay to replace my entire engine I have to pay for a rental. Oil shouldn’t be burning up. I’ve never had this happen before. And when I googled it it is a common issue in Kia’s same with cylinder issues. Why would this be happening. Burning oils leads to destruction. Even though I am forced to have oils put in or go to a shop because there is little oil in my car by 1500miles when it should be able to go 5k miles I’m beyond frustrated.

NHTSA ODI 11546154

Breaks failed to ingage and caused me to hit the back of the vehicle in front of me.

NHTSA ODI 11544861

Engine seized with no warning. Oil was being consumed but dealership said this was normal. Then it seized up now being quoted for $12,500 for new long block. They said it was a freak thing that happened. Something made a hole in my radiator. This is all lies.

NHTSA ODI 11539659

Driving down interstate, mid-morning, and my front sunroof imploded. VERY loud, like a bomb or gunshot. Shattered glass everywhere, all over myself and my car. I jerked, almost hitting a vehicle to my left. Correcting, and almost got hit by an 18 wheeler. Made it over, got off Interstate, was disoriented, ran a stop sign I think. Was the absolute worst sound.

NHTSA ODI 11536965

There wasn't an emissions control in my steering wheel. My car was stolen and was more than a total loss when it was found.

NHTSA ODI 11536359

I am being told my 5 year old Kia Sportage is going to need a new engine. It does have 122k miles, but other than that, I have never had an issue. After reading complaints made by hundreds of other Kia Sportage owners it seems there is a common denominator. A car made with a defective engine. I have been to the mechanic two times, for a routine oil change and have been told there is no oil in my car, even though both times they have stated there are no leaks. I need a solution for this that doesn’t cost me 4-10k on a new engine. When this issues should have never been a thing.

NHTSA ODI 11530553

The tow hitch can apparently start a fire. I can not afford to rent a car & must use mine as I am disabled & have a mother with dementia, so I need my vehicle. Kia still has not resolved this issue. This recall has been open since September, 10 MONTHS! This is the THIRD recall for this vehicle, one has a current lawsuit.

NHTSA ODI 11528829

The plugs for the engine cooling fan and wiring harness were damaged from overheating. No fuses blew, plugs were melted and wiring was discolored from overheating. Estimate for repair was: Parts (cooling fan assembly, and wiring harness)- $2430.19 plus tax, Labor 8hrs @ $175.00/hr- $1400, Total cost to replace the cooling fan and wiring harness- $3830.19 plus tax. Overheating of the wiring harness poses a significant risk of a short circuit and potential engine fire. The problem was identified by the Kia dealer. No warning lamps, blown fuses, or messages warning of the problem. we smelled smoke on a couple of occasions. Unable to afford the repairs, we traded the vehicle in at a Honda dealer.

NHTSA ODI 11528190

UNKNOWN. A warning light on dash comes on. It stays on up to 20 minutes then goes out. There doesn't seem to be any trigger causing the problem. It does this everyday at ant speed.

NHTSA ODI 11525186

With the cruise control set at highway speed (65pmh, etc) If you push the foot controlled parking brake it will not cancel the cruise control. The vehicle increases the acceleration to maximum and overrides the parking brake input. If using the parking brake in an emergency you would stomp on the parking (emergency brake) and not be able to slow down unless separately cancelling the cruise control.

NHTSA ODI 11523371

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and was unable to accelerate above 20 MPH. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that unknown engine repairs were needed. The repairs were completed; however, the mechanic then diagnosed that the driveshaft needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the warranty had expired. The vehicle remained at the dealer awaiting the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 46,300. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI 11523287

The contact owned a 2018 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that the vehicle was stolen while parked in front of her residence. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to a dealer and the Anti-Theft Logic and Sticker Upgrade per NHTSA ID Number: 10233650 (Electrical System) was performed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11520066