2015 Kia Sportage

146 complaints on file, page 1 of 8.

1. Filed Jul 7, 2026Failure Jul 5, 2026Carmel, INElectrical system, Steering

   I own a 2015 Kia Sportage VIN in detail. On 7-2-2026, an authorized Kia dealer completed the anti-theft ignition campaign. Within days of that repair, my daughter was driving at highway speed when the ignition moved from the ON/RUN position to ACC. The engine shut off, resulting in loss of power steering and brake assist. Fortunately, she was able to safely pull over. The servicing dealer has stated that the ignition's ability to rotate from RUN to ACC with minimal pressure is normal and that the vehicle is safe. However, because this incident occurred immediately following the anti-theft campaign and involved a loss of engine power while driving it appears there could be a casual impact.

   NHTSA complaint 11748764
2. Filed Jun 13, 2026Failure May 20, 2026Palm Coast, FLEngineFire

   Engine fire which led to explosion and total loss.

   NHTSA complaint 11743850
3. Filed Apr 23, 2026Failure Apr 10, 2026cary, NCEngine, Power train

   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 complaint 11733440
4. Filed Jun 3, 2025Failure Apr 9, 2020Garland, TXEngine

   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 complaint 11664477
5. Filed May 16, 2025Failure May 10, 2025South Fulton, TNElectrical system, Engine

   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 complaint 11661458
6. Filed May 12, 2025Failure May 11, 2025Milford, OHEngine, Unknown or other

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

   NHTSA complaint 11660427
7. Filed Feb 14, 2025Failure Nov 14, 2024134,644 milesGreensboro, NCElectrical system, Engine, Service brakes, Hydraulic

   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 complaint 11642762
8. Filed Jan 11, 2025Failure Oct 22, 2022Madrid, NYEngine

   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 complaint 11635473
9. Filed Oct 15, 2024Failure Oct 2, 2024Poughkeepsie, NYBody

   Hood latch seccondary safety latch did not catch hood and hood flew up causing inability to see and luckily only damage the car itself. This is a dangerous problem with Kia and should be investigated for the safety catch becoming corroded and sticky. Its design is defective and it should be recalled and reworked so that it can not become corroded and sieze preventing safe operation in the event the primary latch comes unclipped while driving down the road at speed if a person were to accidentally pull the hood release in motion or it it were so fail to hold adequately.

   NHTSA complaint 11619803
10. Filed Aug 2, 2024Failure Aug 2, 202491,000 milesCamas, WAEngine

    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 complaint 11606196
11. Filed Jun 21, 2024Failure Jun 16, 2024Mcminnville, TNElectrical system, Engine

    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 complaint 11595739
12. Filed May 27, 2024Failure Mar 15, 2024San diego, CAFuel/propulsion system, Unknown or other

    Emission system failure causing check engine light to turn on.

    NHTSA complaint 11590900
13. Filed May 10, 2024Failure Feb 16, 2024Jacksonville, FLEngine

    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 complaint 11587984
14. Filed Apr 29, 2024Failure Apr 29, 202490,000 milesFarmington, MNEngine

    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 complaint 11585942
15. Filed Apr 14, 2024Failure Apr 11, 2024Folsom, CAEngine

    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 complaint 11582922
16. Filed Apr 5, 2024Failure Jan 20, 2024111,508 milesCave City, AREngine, Power train

    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 complaint 11581345
17. Filed Mar 4, 2024Failure Jan 1, 2020Fort Worth Worth, TXEngine

    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 complaint 11575250
18. Filed Feb 7, 2024Failure Feb 5, 2024Eliot, MEFuel/propulsion system

    [XXX] Kia Dealer replaced the 2015 Kia Sportage engine under an extended warranty not a recall. (10 months ago) Kia failed to notify us there was a connection issue of the high pressure fuel line on replacement motors. [XXX] daughter drove from Boston to Maine when she arrived home gas vapors were coming out the front grill and between the hood and windshield. When I removed the plastic engine cover and had her start the car fuel sprayed out everywhere. 2-6-24: Kia dealer wont repair the leak because the engine was replaced under an extended warranty and not a recall. 2-7-24: Charles, a supervisor at Kia Customer Care said the same thing, sorry but nothing I can do. So let me understand what you are saying. If two 2015 Kia Sportage come in and both get the engines replaced , one under a recall the other under an extended warranty and then it is discovered that the pipe that connects to the high pressure fuel pump may have been damaged , misaligned or improperly fastened during replacement could result in a fuel leak and fire. Only the owner that had the engine replaced under the recall would be notified. The other owner will be driving around a potential Kia Fireball. He said that unfortunately is the case and our car is out of the warranty period. 18V-907 / SC172 Recall Summary Kia Motors America is recalling certain 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) 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. This recall affects only some Sportage vehicles. Specifically, it impacts any vehicles that had an engine replacement completed. This could have happened under a different recall or due to a warranty. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

    NHTSA complaint 11570633
19. Filed Feb 2, 2024Failure Feb 2, 2024Atlanta, GAUnknown or other

    I had the anti-theft security upgrade on my Kia done and it was still easily stolen in minutes from my driveway. The upgrade did absolutely nothing.

    NHTSA complaint 11569447
20. Filed Jan 8, 2024Failure Oct 31, 2023150,000 milesArnoldsville, GAEngine

    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 complaint 11564222