FaultScore

FaultScore report

2021 KIA Sportage problems

Owners have filed 62 complaints about the 2021 KIA Sportage with NHTSA between 2020 and 2026. The largest single group is the engine & cooling. Across this model's run it ranks 24 of 30 worst.

C

FaultScore 49/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the KIA Sportage.

How this is worked out

The numbers

62

Complaints

3

Crashes reported

9

Fires reported

3

Injuries reported

54,000 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

36%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 14 vs 50 Severity 100 vs 50 Early failure 61 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 14
Against the median year of the KIA Sportage. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
24.2% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 61
36% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2021 compares with every other KIA Sportage

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2021 KIA Sportage

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Engine & Cooling 27 43.5%

0 crashes, 4 fires · median 70,000 mi

1 crashes, 3 fires

Electrical System 6 9.7%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 62,500 mi

Equipment & Accessories 3 4.8%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 35,307 mi

Transmission & Drivetrain 3 4.8%

Median failure at 10,000 miles

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 2 3.2%
Fuel & Propulsion 2 3.2%
Lights 2 3.2%
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance 1 1.6%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 700 mi

Acceleration & Cruise Control 1 1.6%
Airbags 1 1.6%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 9,500 mi

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 1 7.1%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 1 7.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 3 21.4%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 1 7.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 5 35.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 3 21.4%

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Dec 2020 peak 5 Aug 2026

NHTSA investigations into the 2021 KIA Sportage

An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.

1 investigation is still open.

AQ23002 Opened 17 Nov 2023 Still open SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543,...

DP22003 Opened 12 Sep 2022 Closed 12 Dec 2023 ENGINE

Loss of Motive Power

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complain...

Recalls on the 2021 KIA Sportage

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

United States — NHTSA

22V703000

TRAILER HITCHES

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.

Risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

21V137000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Sportage and Cadenza vehicles. The electrical circuit in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may short-circuit, which can cause a fire in the engine compartment.

Risk: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2024549 647,384 units in Canada

Label

Issue: On certain vehicles, the compliance label may be missing information in French. The words listed on the label for "Tires", "Rims", "Front" and "Rear" appear in English only, when they should be listed as "Tires/Pneus", "Rims/Jantes", "Front/Avant" and "Rear/Arriere". Canadian regulations require this information to be listed on the label in both English and French. Safety Risk: These small errors do not affect vehicle safety. Corrective Actions: This is not a recall. Kia has corrected the compliance label for all new vehicles.

Recall 2021187 3,688 units in Canada

Other

Issue: On certain vehicles, the owner's manual is missing information for how a person can contact Transport Canada to report a safety concern. As of September 1, 2020, Canadian regulations require all companies to provide this information in the owner's manual. Safety Risk: This error does not affect vehicle safety. Corrective Actions: This is not a recall. Kia has corrected the owner's manual for all new vehicles. Additionally, corrected owner's manuals are available to view on Kia Canada's website.

Recall 2021123 59,106 units in Canada

Electrical

Issue: On certain vehicles, a problem in the control module for the antilock brake system (ABS) could cause it to short circuit. Note: This recall does not affect vehicles equipped with Smart Cruise Control (SCC). Safety Risk: A short circuit could create a fire risk. Corrective Actions: Kia will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealer to install new ABS fuse(s) and, on certain models, update the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) software. Kia recommends that you should park your vehicle outdoors and away from other vehicles or structures until the recall repairs have been completed.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

Waxahachie, TX Fire

ENGINE

Catastrophic fire started in fast food restaurant drive through, but able to drive to the parking lot before it became engulfed in flames.

NHTSA complaint #11729339 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lake Wales, FL Fire

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The oil is mixing with the gas and their was smoke coming from the engine after that the engine has seized and the car stopped working. Also at the body shop i was told some wires were cut.

NHTSA complaint #11725741 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lake Wales, FL Fire

ENGINE

The oil is mixing with the gas and their was smoke coming from the engine after that the engine has seized and the car stopped working. Also at the body shop i was told some wires were cut.

NHTSA complaint #11725741 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 70,000 miles Newnan, GA Fire 2 injured

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that her mother was driving at an undisclosed speed on the freeway and had stopped on the shoulder of the road to access the navigation system. The contact stated that after the driver shifted to park(P), the driver noticed smoke. The contact's grand-mother who was also occupying the vehicle advised the driver that the smoke was coming from underneath the hood. The driver then noticed that smoke and flames were coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle burned to the ground. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the fire. It was unknown whether a fire department report and a police report were filed. The vehicle was towed to an unknown location and was in the process of being inspected by the insurance company adjuster. Both the contact's mother and grand-mother later received medical assistance for smoke inhalation. The cause of the fire was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA complaint #11690967 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 70,000 miles Newnan, GA Fire 2 injured

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that her mother was driving at an undisclosed speed on the freeway and had stopped on the shoulder of the road to access the navigation system. The contact stated that after the driver shifted to park(P), the driver noticed smoke. The contact's grand-mother who was also occupying the vehicle advised the driver that the smoke was coming from underneath the hood. The driver then noticed that smoke and flames were coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle burned to the ground. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the fire. It was unknown whether a fire department report and a police report were filed. The vehicle was towed to an unknown location and was in the process of being inspected by the insurance company adjuster. Both the contact's mother and grand-mother later received medical assistance for smoke inhalation. The cause of the fire was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA complaint #11690967 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 53,000 miles Wasola, MO Fire

TRAILER HITCHES

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V703000 (Trailer Hitches) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the service brakes were inoperable. The contact stated that several warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle lost motive power and rolled before coming to a stop. The contact noticed smoke exiting from the hood compartment. The contact grabbed his five-year-old daughter out of the vehicle safely. The contact stated the vehicle was in flames. The fire department and the police department came to the scene. The fire department extinguished the fire. No police or fire reports were filed. No injuries were sustained. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.

NHTSA complaint #11567595 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Gray, GA

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA complaint #11758286 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Gray, GA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA complaint #11758286 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Clifton, NJ

ENGINE

The hose connected on the antifreeze leak into the engine compartment

NHTSA complaint #11756338 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Cumming, GA

POWER TRAIN

On June 14, 2026, the driver experienced sudden rough engine running followed immediately by a flashing check engine light. The vehicle was towed to the selling dealer, which has performed all prior maintenance. The vehicle is currently at the dealership and available for inspection. Technician notes show DTC P1326 was stored — the Knock Sensor Detection System code associated with connecting rod bearing wear on Kia's Theta II engine family. The technician performed an audible knock check only (none heard) and cleared the code. The vehicle was found approximately 2.5 quarts low on oil due to an internal turbo oil leak. The dealer's notes state the code "may be related" to low oil — hedged language, not confirmed causation. The dealer confirmed the turbo failure but has not performed a bearing clearance test to confirm or rule out bearing damage from the low oil condition. The dealer performed a turbocharger replacement. Despite a verbal commitment from the service manager that a bearing clearance test would follow, no such test was performed 40 days later. When the vehicle was declared ready, the service manager did not recall the commitment and suggested driving 40-50 miles as an alternative. Kia America opened a formal case last month and authorized a partial goodwill adjustment but no one has addressed the safety concern of the unperformed engine test indicated by the thrown code. Driving a vehicle with potential connecting rod bearing wear risks catastrophic engine failure, creating a serious safety hazard. This vehicle has a documented history of oil consumption prior to this incident. The engine has not been cleared for bearing damage following a significant low oil event and a stored P1326 code.

NHTSA complaint #11752678 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Cumming, GA

ENGINE

On June 14, 2026, the driver experienced sudden rough engine running followed immediately by a flashing check engine light. The vehicle was towed to the selling dealer, which has performed all prior maintenance. The vehicle is currently at the dealership and available for inspection. Technician notes show DTC P1326 was stored — the Knock Sensor Detection System code associated with connecting rod bearing wear on Kia's Theta II engine family. The technician performed an audible knock check only (none heard) and cleared the code. The vehicle was found approximately 2.5 quarts low on oil due to an internal turbo oil leak. The dealer's notes state the code "may be related" to low oil — hedged language, not confirmed causation. The dealer confirmed the turbo failure but has not performed a bearing clearance test to confirm or rule out bearing damage from the low oil condition. The dealer performed a turbocharger replacement. Despite a verbal commitment from the service manager that a bearing clearance test would follow, no such test was performed 40 days later. When the vehicle was declared ready, the service manager did not recall the commitment and suggested driving 40-50 miles as an alternative. Kia America opened a formal case last month and authorized a partial goodwill adjustment but no one has addressed the safety concern of the unperformed engine test indicated by the thrown code. Driving a vehicle with potential connecting rod bearing wear risks catastrophic engine failure, creating a serious safety hazard. This vehicle has a documented history of oil consumption prior to this incident. The engine has not been cleared for bearing damage following a significant low oil event and a stored P1326 code.

NHTSA complaint #11752678 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Cumming, GA

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

On June 14, 2026, the driver experienced sudden rough engine running followed immediately by a flashing check engine light. The vehicle was towed to the selling dealer, which has performed all prior maintenance. The vehicle is currently at the dealership and available for inspection. Technician notes show DTC P1326 was stored — the Knock Sensor Detection System code associated with connecting rod bearing wear on Kia's Theta II engine family. The technician performed an audible knock check only (none heard) and cleared the code. The vehicle was found approximately 2.5 quarts low on oil due to an internal turbo oil leak. The dealer's notes state the code "may be related" to low oil — hedged language, not confirmed causation. The dealer confirmed the turbo failure but has not performed a bearing clearance test to confirm or rule out bearing damage from the low oil condition. The dealer performed a turbocharger replacement. Despite a verbal commitment from the service manager that a bearing clearance test would follow, no such test was performed 40 days later. When the vehicle was declared ready, the service manager did not recall the commitment and suggested driving 40-50 miles as an alternative. Kia America opened a formal case last month and authorized a partial goodwill adjustment but no one has addressed the safety concern of the unperformed engine test indicated by the thrown code. Driving a vehicle with potential connecting rod bearing wear risks catastrophic engine failure, creating a serious safety hazard. This vehicle has a documented history of oil consumption prior to this incident. The engine has not been cleared for bearing damage following a significant low oil event and a stored P1326 code.

NHTSA complaint #11752678 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

East Meadow, NY

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The infotainment center screen in my 2021 Kia Sportage is DELAMINATING. The uv gel adhesive that holds the screen is failing. This is a known widespread safety issue as many controls are handled through the infotainment touch screen as well as the screen displaying the back up camera visability. You should force Kia to fix this problem past 3 years /36000 miles! Please advise me.

NHTSA complaint #11751282 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 55,000 miles Caldwell, AR

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while parked on several occasions, a "Battery Discharge Warning" message was displayed, which disappeared once the vehicle was driven. The contact then stated that on several occasions after the vehicle sat unoperated for a day, the engine failed to start. The contact's husband jump-started the vehicle on multiple occasions and noticed that the battery was completely drained. The contact's husband replaced the battery approximately three times; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with an electrical issue, requiring repair or replacement. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to a dealer for a full diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

NHTSA complaint #11748804 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 60,000 miles Olympia Fields, IL

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the drain plug detached, and oil started leaking from the oil pan. The accelerator was depressed, but the vehicle failed to move and stalled while driving on the highway. The vehicle failed to restart. The oil light illuminated after the failure. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who determined the oil cap had detached. The mechanic informed the contact that the vehicle was difficult to start. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA complaint #11746610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Boscawen, NH

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

While driving southbound on Route 93 on 6/11/2026 during the morning commute, my 2021 Kia Sportage suddenly sputtered and lost the ability to accelerate. I was traveling about 65 mph in heavy traffic when the vehicle abruptly lost power without any warning lights or prior symptoms. As my speed dropped, I had to cross multiple lanes to reach the breakdown lane, creating a dangerous situation for me and surrounding drivers. The vehicle had to be towed to a repair shop, where I was informed that the high‑pressure fuel pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The car has only 22,000 miles on it and is just one month out of warranty. This sudden loss of drive power at highway speed poses a significant safety risk.

NHTSA complaint #11743759 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Billings, MT

ENGINE

While I was driving in the interstate my car when in limp mode while I was trying to pass a semi. I had my children in the car and was stranded on the side of the road. No warning lights ever came on before hand. My mechanic said it was a problem with my engine and it’s common in Kia’s in but doe not include my year. It’s a costly repair for a car that’s not even 5 years old.

NHTSA complaint #11740308 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Denham Springs, LA

ENGINE

Loosing oil constantly. Always on the low end. I am having to keep oil in my car to put in it when needed which is often.

NHTSA complaint #11736064 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Holland, MI

ENGINE

The engine in my 2021 Kia Sportage failed while being driven at highway speeds on US 131 in Michigan. The car was taken to the closest gas station where the oil was checked and it was determined that 5 quarts were needed to reach the dipstick's full line. The fact that the car had consumed 5 quarts of oil seems to be a major safety concern. I've attached a note with additional information that has also been submitted to Kia; a case number has been provided. However, after several weeks, there hasn't been any progress. I haven't even been able to get Kia to provide information as to the fundamental root cause of the engine failure.

NHTSA complaint #11732697 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

East Setauket, NY

ENGINE

On March 4, 2026, the engine in my 2021 Kia Sportage malfunctioned while I was driving on a local road on Long Island, NY. The check engine light illuminated, the vehicle lost the ability to accelerate normally, and the steering wheel became heavy and difficult to turn at the same time. This created a serious safety risk, as I was unable to maneuver or accelerate normally and could have been stranded in an active roadway or unable to avoid a collision. The vehicle was able to restart but was towed as a precaution and transported to service. An independent repair shop examined the vehicle and identified the issue as an engine problem, advising that the repair should be covered by Kia. I delivered the vehicle to Kia Smithtown, an authorized Kia dealership, on March 9, 2026. As of today, the dealership has had the vehicle for approximately six weeks and has not yet completed a formal diagnosis or begun the repair, and no loaner vehicle has been provided. No police or insurance inspection has occurred. The check engine light first appeared at the moment of the failure on March 4, 2026; there were no clear warning symptoms prior to that. The vehicle remains in the possession of Kia Smithtown and is available for inspection.

NHTSA complaint #11732236 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Wilmerding, PA

ENGINE

I was driving only going around 35 miles and the car went from no check engine light to flashing check engine light I had it taken to a show and was told the rod bears where grinding away and putting metal in the oil which is what the 2017-2019 model of the engines had the same problem

NHTSA complaint #11730671 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Waxahachie, TX Fire

ENGINE

Catastrophic fire started in fast food restaurant drive through, but able to drive to the parking lot before it became engulfed in flames.

NHTSA complaint #11729339 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Cliffwood, NJ

ENGINE

I am filing a complaint regarding a 2021 Kia Sportage that experienced catastrophic engine failure, leaving the vehicle non-drivable despite regular maintenance and documented oil changes. I brought the vehicle to an authorized Kia dealership, located at 402 NJ-35, Keyport, NJ 07735, for evaluation. On or about March 17, 2026, I was informed by the dealership that coverage for engine replacement had been denied. At that time, I was not provided with a clear or sufficient explanation for the denial. Due to the lack of explanation and assistance, I escalated the matter to Kia corporate and was assigned a case manager. On March 30, 2026, I was contacted by my assigned case worker from Kia corporate, Marcia, who confirmed that my request for engine replacement remained denied. Again, no specific or sufficient explanation for the denial was provided, despite my attempts to obtain clarification. I made multiple efforts to understand the reason for the denial and to resolve the issue directly with both the dealership and Kia corporate. Despite these efforts, I was not offered a reasonable solution, nor was meaningful assistance provided. The vehicle ultimately stalled out in the middle of a highway. As a result, I am now left with a non-drivable vehicle and a significant financial burden, including an outstanding loan balance on a vehicle that cannot be used. I am also aware that there have been reported concerns, recalls, and investigations involving engine issues in certain Kia vehicles. While I understand each case is reviewed individually, this raises concern that my situation may not be an isolated incident and warrants further review. I believe this outcome is unfair given my documented maintenance history and the severity of the engine failure. I am requesting assistance in obtaining a fair resolution, including reconsideration of the denial and/or financial assistance toward the cost of engine replacement.

NHTSA complaint #11729133 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lake Wales, FL Fire

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The oil is mixing with the gas and their was smoke coming from the engine after that the engine has seized and the car stopped working. Also at the body shop i was told some wires were cut.

NHTSA complaint #11725741 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lake Wales, FL Fire

ENGINE

The oil is mixing with the gas and their was smoke coming from the engine after that the engine has seized and the car stopped working. Also at the body shop i was told some wires were cut.

NHTSA complaint #11725741 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lake Wales, FL

ENGINE

smoke coming from the engine.

NHTSA complaint #11725117 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Birmingham, AL

ENGINE

I have experienced chronic and excessive engine oil consumption in my 2021 Kia Sportage S with the 2.4 L Theta II engine. Since around 80,000 miles, I have had to add oil every 2 weeks between oil changes to prevent the engine from running low. My vehicle now requires a complete engine replacement, estimated at $10,000. Despite regular maintenance and oil changes (documented by Express Oil Change in Pinson, AL, with service records at 81,520 mi, 88,215 mi, 94,153 mi, 96,970 mi, 98,902 mi, 101,522 mi, and 105,273 mi), the vehicle continues to lose oil rapidly. Kia and my dealer have confirmed there are no recalls or warranty campaigns for my VIN, even though this issue is identical to the well-documented engine defect affecting earlier Kia models covered under the Theta II engine settlement. This defect creates a serious safety risk, as the engine can run dangerously low on oil between services, leading to engine failure or stalling while driving. I am currently out of work recovering from surgery and cannot afford the $10,000 repair. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate and expand the existing Kia engine defect recalls to include 2021 Sportage models using this engine.

NHTSA complaint #11697338 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Upper Marlboro, MD

ENGINE

My vehicle is burning oil. In a little over 1500 miles after I get a oil change from the King Kia Dealership Service, my oil stick shows that the level of oil in my engine is none at all. When I check my oil, the stick, is absolutely dry. This has happened in the last 3 oil changes with my vehicle. There is no oil indicator light that comes on in the dash, but the oil stick is dry. Additionally, there is no indication of oil leaking from my car in my drive way. I will be returning to the King Kia dealer service for the third time on 10/13/25 for remedy of this situation. I contacted Kia Customer care and reported this situation and received a case number: [XXX]. I currently have 75,943 miles on my vehicle. To prevent engine damage, I've added quarts of oil to my vehicle to compensate but I'm most concerned that this oil is prematurely burning. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11692991 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 70,000 miles Newnan, GA Fire 2 injured

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that her mother was driving at an undisclosed speed on the freeway and had stopped on the shoulder of the road to access the navigation system. The contact stated that after the driver shifted to park(P), the driver noticed smoke. The contact's grand-mother who was also occupying the vehicle advised the driver that the smoke was coming from underneath the hood. The driver then noticed that smoke and flames were coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle burned to the ground. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the fire. It was unknown whether a fire department report and a police report were filed. The vehicle was towed to an unknown location and was in the process of being inspected by the insurance company adjuster. Both the contact's mother and grand-mother later received medical assistance for smoke inhalation. The cause of the fire was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA complaint #11690967 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 70,000 miles Newnan, GA Fire 2 injured

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that her mother was driving at an undisclosed speed on the freeway and had stopped on the shoulder of the road to access the navigation system. The contact stated that after the driver shifted to park(P), the driver noticed smoke. The contact's grand-mother who was also occupying the vehicle advised the driver that the smoke was coming from underneath the hood. The driver then noticed that smoke and flames were coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle burned to the ground. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the fire. It was unknown whether a fire department report and a police report were filed. The vehicle was towed to an unknown location and was in the process of being inspected by the insurance company adjuster. Both the contact's mother and grand-mother later received medical assistance for smoke inhalation. The cause of the fire was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA complaint #11690967 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Black Mountain, NC

ENGINE

My car has been burning oil way too quickly! I got the 10,000 mile oil to see if it way maybe that and by 3,000 miles there was hardly any one in there! It is not leaking out! My oil is changed faithfully! And I heard there is a recall on some newer model Kia sportages! This is craziness! I take care of my vehicle stay up on all of the maintenance! I’ve read complaints on here and there are others having the same issue it isn’t just me!

NHTSA complaint #11682391 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.