54 complaints reported

2015 Kia Sportage Engine

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
54
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
0

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Nov 2025

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)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Oct 2022
Mar 2025

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Sep 2020
Oct 2024

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Feb 2024
Aug 2024

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Oct 2023
Apr 2024

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Apr 2024
Apr 2024

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Nov 2024
Apr 2024

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2020
Feb 2024

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Feb 2024
Oct 2023

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

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Oct 2023
Sep 2023

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Sep 2023
Aug 2023

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Nov 2023
Aug 2023

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Mar 2023
Jul 2023

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jul 2023
May 2023

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?

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: May 2023
Nov 2022

Engine locked up. If it were not for my brother in law being a mechanic and alerted me to Kia engine settlement lawsuit I would not have known the KSDS update was ever even a thing. I never received notification for this. Why not? I am out 1000s of $ on a vehicle I have bought that is useless now. KIA is blaming me when I never even knew anything about this. Please I would like to know why I was never informed and it doesn’t even show up when I search my vin either?

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Mar 2022
Nov 2022

In 2022 , Kia notified me of a recall that caused engine failure if my vehicle. I was instructed to comes in and receive vehicle updates to the engine to fix the issue. In May 2022, went to have the engine recall worked on and was advised the updates were successful. In August 2022 my engine blew out/ cut off in the middle of the highway causing safety issue for me and my daughter. I was successful with rearing the car to safety. I immediately had a mechanic to assess and was advised of engine failure which prompted me to turn to Kia. Kia has had my car in possession over 3 months, asked for numerous documents and has failed to provide any resolution for this horrible safety issue. I would like this to investigated your the highest degree because this is how peoples lives are put in danger. Company will not provide any safety information to me at all when asked as well.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Oct 2022
Nov 2022

2015 KIA SPORTAGE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO ENGINE FAILURE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE MOTOR LOCKED UP EVENTHOUGH MAINTENANCE WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Nov 2022
Nov 2022

I took my kia to the dealer because the check engine light was on. They said 2 parts were recalled and they would fix it. I went to pick it up and its still sputtering the check engine light is still on. They were supposed to fix the knock sensor. They did not.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Nov 2022
Nov 2022

The contact's husband owns a 2015 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 25 MPH, the engine seized while driving down an incline with the check engine warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who informed her that the failure was a known issue and referred her to a dealer for assistance. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer and the contact was informed that since her husband was not the original owner, they would not service the vehicle. The contact sent multiple documents confirming that her husband was the original owner as well as several service documents but had not received a response from the dealer. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jun 2022
Oct 2022

My Kia Sportage drove perfectly fine the past 5 years, out of no where going up a hill it wouldn’t go past 20 mph, was kicking and sputtering. Like it was giving out in a way. I made it home but my check engine light was on. Their was no warning signs, my car ran perfect always. It was very sudden. Had a mechanic look at it and he said a valve from where I put oil in had a leak and caused it to burn up all the oil? Which messed up my motor and needs replaced now. I’m not very good with car specifics but that’s what I was told. My car is now not even drivable.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Aug 2022
Sep 2022

2015 Kia Sportage I purchased on September 6th stalled on the highway on September 9th. No warning lights, no smoke, no indication of any problems up until it stalled. Since it was on the highway and difficult to get to the side of the road, this could definitely pose a safety risk. The place I purchased the vehicle from could not detect the malfunction. It was towed to Gerald Kia of North Aurora where after a week of waiting, they informed me the engine would need to be replaced and was not covered under warranty or the current recall regarding the engine.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Sep 2022
Sep 2022

Vehicle stalled on the highway 4 days after purchasing from The Car Store in Aurora, IL. No warning, no indicator lights. Steering wheel was hard to control while attempting to safely pull over to the side of the road. All dash lights came on as the car stalled. At my expense, had it towed to The Car Store where they were not able to diagnose cause. Had it towed to Gerald Kia of Aurora. Stated engine will have to be replaced. Not covered under any current recalls. I’m reporting this as a safety issue since there was problems pulling off the highway. Hopefully Kia will look into this issue. Not just for safety, but I’m obviously kinda screwed buying a vehicle on the 6th of September that died on the 9th of September with a huge investment into getting it running again.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Sep 2022
Sep 2022

I have received a recall and nothing is being done about it as of yet. I have taken it to the dealer about multiple issues that i felt have not been fully addressed, but the engine being able to catch on fire is the ultimate. I not only am in this vehicle , my children are as well. This is not safe to be driving around without any remedy. I either need my engine replaced or a vehicle replacement. Warning lights are always flashing on the dashboard. I keep calling and being left on hold for hours without any one addressing this issue. Does my car need to catch on fire or myself /children die before i receive any results. This is dangerous to keep driving and nothing being done. Please help

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Sep 2022
Jul 2022

My check engine light went off on 7/13/22. A little over 24 hours later, on 7/14/22, I was on the highway with a 65 mph speed limit when my engine completely gave out. I had to navigate to the exit ramp and off the highway. I was unable to accelerate. I had it towed to a local repair shop and on 7/15/22 the told me my entire engine needed replaced. I then had it towed to a local Kia dealership on 7/15/22. I am still waiting to hear from Kia Corporate on whether the engine will be replaced. The engine is currently available for inspection at the Kia Dealership.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jul 2022
Jul 2022

There has not been an incident. I received a recall interim letter in March 2022 for my 2015 KIA Sportage. The letter notified me the car engine could experience a fire due to an electrical short circuit. I have contacted the KIA corporation in California and the local KIA in Connecticut and was told there is no remedy yet. The recall letter warned of the potential danger involved. My son in law experienced a life-threatening fire while driving in his KIA and was fortunate to escape death even though his car was entirely destroyed. I find it unbelievable KIA has not rectified this very dangerous problem. The letter stated the problem can be corrected by installing a part. Meanwhile I am not able to use my car as I am sure many other owners are also unable to use theirs. The danger is too great. I hope the NHTSA can assist in this problem.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jul 2022

Trend Over Time

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Quick Summary

The 2015 Kia Sportage has 54 Engine complaints on file. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.