2014 Kia Sportage

Routine

Owners filed 122 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 3 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
80,000 milesMedian miles at failure

52 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,00075,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine66
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic19
000
Unknown or Other9
000
Electrical System4
000
Air Bags3
202
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly2
000
Visibility/Wiper2
000
Structure › Body2
001
Service Brakes2
000
Fuel System, Gasoline2
000

3 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module22V051000Park outside
Filed Feb 2, 2022126,747 vehiclesKia Motors America

Defect. Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2018 K900 and 2014-2016 Sportage vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire.

Risk. An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy. Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will install a new fuse for the HECU circuit board, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 22, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC227.

Engine18V907000
Filed Dec 19, 201871,653 vehiclesKia Motors America

Defect. Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.

Risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy. Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.

Equipment › Other › Labels14V023000
Filed Jan 27, 201411,961 vehiclesKia Motors Corporation

Defect. Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2014 Kia Sportage vehicles manufactured September 30, 2013, through January 11, 2014. The certification label has incorrect tire pressure information printed on it, listing a specification that is 1 or 2 psi below the correct information. Thus, these vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."

Risk. Maintaining tire pressure below the recommmend specification could result in premature tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will correct the label information, and owners will also receive a sticker to put into the owners manual, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in February 2014. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall campaign number is SC103.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Engine
Filed May 9, 2026PA

My vehicle stalled (104000mi) bought in 2024 looked up online was known between 2023-2024 engine recall I wasn't told or shown on Car Fax anything about this So [XXX] worked on engine 2. Mths no charge was to get new motor they replaced alternator.Told Done Engine light was on I went to drive it jerked and over dash said engine problems return to dealer ( 5 min) I did .They had it2 more weeks said Transmission box lied I found diagnostics in my dash says engine control problems.Theysaid I had to return loaner and take my vehicle It's not the transmission They are lying. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Engine
Filed Apr 26, 2026IL

Engine went out , starter went out got it replaced been having issues since I purchased it . Makes a noise my engine oil and gasoline was mixing my engine is locked now

Engine
Filed Jan 9, 2026PA

Motor is knocking

Engine
Filed Dec 14, 2025IL

My Kia engine was replaced under recall. The replacement engine triggered P1326 KSDS failure while I was traveling overseas, placing the vehicle in limp mode. Kia USA refuses to assist or authorize diagnosis, leaving me stranded. This is a repeat recall-related safety failure, even though there is a Kia Dealership near me.

Engine
Filed Oct 7, 202599,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle jerked and failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. In addition, the vehicle hesitated and failed to exceed 40 MPH. The contact exited the freeway. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone, where it was diagnosed with a knock sensor failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the knock sensor however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle hesitated and failed to exceed 40 MPH. The contact exited the freeway with the check engine warning light intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the knock sensor had failed. The independent mechanic advised the contact to stop driving the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. Most recently, an abnormal sound was coming from the engine. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 99,000.

Engine
Filed Sep 8, 2025PR

My truck consumes excessive engine oil.

Engine
Filed Aug 26, 2025TX

My 2014 Kia Sportage experienced sudden and complete engine failure while I was driving on the highway at 75 mph. The engine locked up instantly, with no warning lights or alerts of any kind. The only prior issue was that the vehicle constantly burned oil and needed to be topped off frequently, but there was never any indication that the engine was about to fail. This sudden failure left me stranded in a dangerous situation. Thankfully, I was able to maneuver safely, but I am terrified of what could have happened to my daughter and grandson who were in the car or others on the road. Afterward, I learned that this defect was part of a recall. However, I was never notified in time. Kia Customer Service told me a notice had been sent in 2018, but my own research shows the recall was not actually issued until 2022. Because of this, I was denied the chance to have the recall repair performed before the failure. Now, Kia has refused goodwill assistance, leaving me with an $8,000+ repair bill. I am a single mother, a teacher, and caregiver to my daughter and grandson. This Sportage is the vehicle my daughter depends on to get my grandson to and from school safely. Safety Concern: This defect poses a severe safety risk. An engine seizing at highway speeds without warning could easily cause crashes, injuries, or deaths. I am deeply concerned that if Kia failed to notify me properly, other Kia owners may also be driving unsafe vehicles without realizing it. Requested Action: I respectf

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jun 26, 2025103,000 milesFL

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the vehicle, after which the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V907000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 103,000.

Engine
Filed Jun 17, 2025UT

I own a 2014 Kia Sportage (VIN: [XXX] ) that qualifies under Recall SC147 for engine seizure. The vehicle’s engine has seized randomly with no check engine lights. Was running and driving perfectly and shut off. However, Kia and the local dealership are refusing to repair the vehicle under the recall because the vehicle is not currently registered. This is a clear violation of NHTSA recall requirements, which mandate free recall repairs regardless of ownership or registration. I am requesting NHTSA review and enforcement. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Engine
Filed May 21, 2025OH

While driving on an interstate, our vehicle experienced complete engine failure. It was towed to auto garage and examined. We were advised the timing chain had stretched and there were metal shavings in the oil (only roughly 100,000 miles on vehicle). Auto garage advised this was a known issue that was associated with high engine oil consumption and that there was an engine recall. They advised we should contact a Kia dealer for repair. Contacted Kia dealer and was advised the vin for our Kia was not included in the recall, however our Kia also has the Theta 2 engine, which was the subject of the recall of other models and/or years and we are experiencing the same issues. I contacted Kia Corporate and was advised that because the vin of our vehicle was not included in the recall, they would not assist in any way. When this incident occurred, we were 200 miles from home driving on a 4 lane highway and navigating an interchange. Thankfully, we were able to navigate traffic and get to the side of the road, however we felt extremely vulnerable and unsafe, and it left us with no means to return home. Generally, my [XXX] daughter drives this vehicle and had she been driving at the time of this incident, I fear she would not have known what to do to get to safety and could have resulted in a tragedy. I believe this to be a significant safety issue that is the same or at least very closely related to the recalls already in place. We purchased this vehicle in good faith, believing the

Electrical System
Filed Feb 16, 2025WI

The rear hatch door no longer opens. This could pose a safety risk in an emergency situation. Upon research it appears to be very common issue among Kias from this year.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Catalytic Convertor
Filed Dec 3, 2024132,000 milesOH

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the service engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle went in LIMP Mode. The contact stated that the engine started to overheat. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the turbo charger, radiator, and the catalytic convertor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 132,000.

Engine
Filed Jun 30, 2024NJ

Engine has failed. Mechanic at home has found aluminum shavings in the cam shaft area. This model doesn’t have a recall, but should for engine failure. I have 70,000 miles and it’s on year 10. Should be lasting longer with no engine issues. Never had prior warnings for the engine, just engine failure randomly and shavings built up. Available for inspection. Car stalled and could have resulted in accident. A few months prior, oil smell and burning occurred as well, mechanic was able to fix it. Kia has made it difficult to make an appt for an engine issue, Fette Kia in Clifton NJ says they have emergency slots, but they will only “talk” to me and not look at the car. This seems like an emergency to me. Finally made an appointment for 20 days from now at another dealership.

Engine
Filed Apr 3, 2024FL

Engine failure which was ran through a diagnostic test a the Kia dealership 2 years ago after my car cut off on the interstate. Nothing was found however I have been having problems since

Engine
Filed Jan 17, 2024115,000 milesMA

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25–35 MPH, the engine seized. There was smoke coming from the engine compartment. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the engine had seized. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine failed and needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced, but the failure recurred two years later. While driving at low speeds, the engine seized. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the local dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Dec 1, 2023FL

Brakes keep squealing and as of a result of previous recall service my engine drink oil fast and not to mention the oil pan gasket is leaking oil. The engine smoke and have a burning smell that seep inside the car vents.

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 1, 2023FL

The driver side door has issues with opening from outside.

Engine
Filed Nov 27, 2023111,500 milesCO

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated and sputtered while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and was serviced; however, the failure persisted. After a recent failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to Infiniti of Denver (2990 S Havana St, Aurora, CO 80014) where the vehicle was diagnosed with a misfire in cylinder #2. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 111,500.

Engine
Filed Nov 4, 2023FL

The engine stopped working. And although there was a recall on this issue the dealership is demanding i pay for the repair

Engine
Filed Oct 11, 2023NY

On Sunday May 7th 2023, while traveling on the thruway, the car started to slow down and was no longer accelerating as I was pressing on the accelerator. There was a burning smell coming from the engine, causing me to cough for a week. I could not stop for a mile because there was no shoulder on that portion of the highway. I turned on my hazard lights and kept going until I pulled over a mile down at a rest stop. As soon as I took the exit into that rest stop, all the lights came on the dashboard and the car stopped on its own without me turning it off and without me making it completely into the rest stop. I had the car towed by an authorized thruway towing service to the closest shop and then had Kia tow it from that shop to Healey Brothers Kia dealership. The car does not drive at the moment and Kia does not want to assume any responsibility.

20 of 122 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2017
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202627100Routine
202551100Routine
202469300Routine
2023191610Routine
202246120Routine
202151270Routine
20201602120Routine
201970230Routine
20181633120Routine
20173994270High concern
2016131250Routine
20151462110Routine
2014 — this page122310Routine
20133813220High concern
20123925160Above average
2011181680Routine
201020201Fatalities reported
200980380Routine
2008983240High concern
200777250Routine
2006111150Routine
200568320Routine
20034000Routine
2002234360Above average
2001228240Above average
2000304470Above average
1999284531Fatalities reported
1998303560Above average
1997181351Fatalities reported
199657330Routine
199556210Routine

Compare every Sportage year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Feb 2, 2022. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.