272 complaints reported

2013 Kia Sportage Engine

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

Reports
272
Crashes
1
Fires
13
Injuries
1

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Dec 2025

My engine failed due to the knock sensor recall a known issue on my 2013 Kia Sportage the recall is supposed to provide a lifetime warranty but I was denied coverage because the failure happened before I was able to perform the update as I was a new owner to the car and was unaware of the recall at the time I have been going back and forth with the kia dealership for almost 8 months now 4 of those the car was at the dealership because they said I had to pay a $170 the fee for them to inspect the car to see if kia would repair it or not it which I was told I would get a full report when I finally was able to pick my car up I was told the claim was denied "due to recall not being performed" and that's literally all the paper said no report no details nothing I do t understand why I had to pay $170 for something they could have just told me because they knew the recall hadn't been completed at the time of entry and why did it take 4months of my car being there just to tell me that just for them to tell me that furthermore the recall applies to the car not just the original owner and covers all known defects and considering the engine failure was because of the defect and not normal wear and tear I'm requesting that KIA replace the engine in my vehicle in a timely manner as this failure was of no fault of my own but something that came directly from the manufacturer at time of purchase and had there vehicle not had a recall that effects the engine and the notification of a possible problem with the engine then my vehicle would not require a engine at this time.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Apr 2025
Nov 2025

While driving in the carpool lane, the engine briefly cut-out and than a rattling sound was heard. We decided to immediately exist the free way at a left-side car pool exit as a precaution. Immediately after exiting, the car went into a complete stall. Had we remained on the freeway, we would have been stranded in the fastest lane with no shoulder and with traffic approaching from the rear at 70mph. Thus we likely avoided catastrophe. There was no warning light. The problems was later determined to be caused by a manufacturer defect resulting in a connecting rod bearing failure. Pursuant to a class action settlement the engine was replaced. I'm writing to let others know that this is a potentially life-threatening danger and that the knock sensor recall does not adequately address this. Also, the dealer mischaracterized the symptoms on the engine warranty invoice, misstating the narrative above, wrongly stating "customer states CEL started flashing when driving after light appeared vehicle would not accelerate properly or start." This quote is untrue. There was no warning, and the car stalled.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Sep 2025
Aug 2025

my vehicle, 2013/ SL Sportage recently suffered catastrophic engine failure. I received a renotification from Kia regarding the software updates. Barely a week, [XXX], my engine seized in traffic due to rod failure which the software update could have prevented according to Metro Kia of Madison. I was also told by the same Kia authorized dealer that the repair would cost me $11,000 out of pocket in addition to the diagnostic fees of $210.87. I also contacted Kia Consumer Affairs at 1-800-333-4542 regarding this issue, but the representative told me that the defect is my responsibility as the owner of the vehicle. I think this is absurd and unacceptable. I’m a student who relies on this vehicle to commute to school. With the semester beginning and winter approaching, I can’t imagine being left without safe transportation which places me in a severely disadvantaged position. I cannot and should not bear financial responsibility for a defect Kia has already acknowledged. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jul 2025
Jul 2025

Have been denied replacement of 2013 Kia Engine due to insufficient records. The KSDS had been installed May 7, 2021. Was told because I did my own maintenance and I have receipts and dates when the maintenance was done reason for being denied. I used 5W 20 full synthetic motor oil which was over and above what the car called for and a new oil filter every time which shows on my receipts. Obvious by looking at the vehicle that it was in good shape and maintained well for being a 2013. When I presented this to Kia, they said that they have in writing that you can’t do this. All it says is that they recommend service being done by a Kia dealer . this is when I found out about the Magnus and Moss warranty act of 1975. I kept a log of service done in my car from 5, 16 2019 until present. The car just stopped in the middle of the city street. It gave no warning sensor did not work. It did not slow the car down.. my wife called AAA and had it towed to the closest dealer . Again, I have receipts of all my purchases of oil and oil filters from 2019. I appealed the decision with Kia in which they came back and gave me the decision they weren’t going to replace it. We have been without a car for close to a month. I don’t know where to turn. I will continue to work on this as much as I can do what I think is right. I will also contact a Better Business Bureau . I know of people that had zero maintenance records and not the KSDS and had their car repaired. Talking with the mechanics they said at first they were fixing everything now they’re trying not to fix everything we bought the car in 2018 with 70,000 miles right now. The car has 103,600 miles. We bought the car from a Kia used car dealer.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Apr 2025
Jun 2025

Engine failure

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Apr 2023
Jun 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact 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 diagnosed a failure with the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jun 2025
Oct 2024

the engine on my 2013 kia sportage is under recall and the dealer is refusing to replace the engine after it locked up due to issues that kia was having with their engine i bought the suv brand new and this should be covered

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2024
Aug 2024

The car totally shut down while driving. The motor has ceased up.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Aug 2024
Jun 2024

My car has a recall on the engine due to the chance it could catch fire. I brought my car to the dealership to have them replace the recalled part and they returned the car to me without performing the work. They didn't tell me that they didn't fix the recalled part, but I happened to notice on the receipt a day later that it said "can't perform bulletin parts on backorder freeze".

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: May 2024
May 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was unable to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway and the vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the engine, informing the contact that the engine had seized. 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 131,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: May 2024
May 2024

I have owned this vehicle for two years and last week the engine started making a load noise after some research I found a safety recall from 2017 that Kia made an error in the machining process of the engine and could cause catastrophic damage and a major safety issue if happened while driving. This vehicle has been at the local Kia dealer and they refuse to do anything about the issue.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Aug 2024
Apr 2024

MY WIFE WAS DRIVING AND WENT AROUND A SEMI AND ALL OFTHE SUDDEN THE ENGINE STALLED AND SHE ALMOST GOT HIT BY THESEMI SHE HAD JUST PASSED. NEXT DAY TOWED IT TO KIA AND THE SAID THE ENGINE HAD SEIZED UP BUT THATTHE ENGINEWAS NOT WARRENTY BECAUSE IT HAD NOT THROWN A KNOCK SENSEOR CODE. WE HAVE MAINAINED THIS VEHICLE AND GOTTEN THE UPDATE FOR THE KNOCK SENSOR AND WERE ABOUT TO GIVE IT TO OUR SON AND GET OURSELVES ANOTHER KIA. DONT THINK THATS GOING TO HAPPEN NOW THATI KNOW KIA DOES NOT STAND BEHINDE THEIR PRODUCT OR CARE ABOUT THEIR CUSTOMERS.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Nov 2024
Jan 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine made a tapping sound, and then the vehicle lost motive power. No warning light was illuminated. Additionally, there was engine oil leaking onto the ground while driving, with smoke coming from underneath the hood. The vehicle was towed to the residence and then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the lower bearing, push rod, and engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that a Product Improvement Campaign to update the Engine Control Unit (ECU) software had previously been performed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer denied the engine replacement due to the vehicle have a Salvage Title. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2024
Jan 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while his son was driving 45 MPH, he observed a loud noise coming from the engine compartment before the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not able to be restarted. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that code: P1326 (KSDS – Possible bearing wear) was retrieved using a handheld diagnostic machine. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 182,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2024
Dec 2023 Crash Fire

I have a Kia Sportage Ex 2013 and this motor vehicle has a fire and explotion in the road.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Apr 2023
Dec 2023

On December 13, 2023, at 7:30am I noticed that the check engine light was on in my vehicle. I recently received an Important Safety Recall letter notice on November 14, 2023, regarding a defect with the safety of kia motor vehicles that were manufactured between 2011-2013, in which the defect can result in an engine compartment fire. I currently have a 2013 Kia Sportage so once I saw the check engine light, I was concerned due to the notice I received. I decided to take my vehicle to my nearest kia dealership per the WARNING that states that if you experience illumination of Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) take the vehicle to the nearest dealership as soon as possible. I took my vehicle to the 7050 Ogden Ave Berwyn, IL 60402 location. I informed Rep that my check engine light was turned on. The Rep then stated that diagnostic testing can be done on the vehicle, but it would be $175.00. I stated to the Rep “NO”, I then informed rep that I have a Recall on my vehicle regarding the engine and I have a warranty due to the defect on the engine. I was then informed that I do have a warranty and that I would be good to go in which the car was covered. After it was confirmed that there was a Safety Recall and Warranty along with a statement from the Rep confirming that everything would be taken care of. I provided rep the keys to my vehicle around 8:00am and was informed that the mechanic would have to keep my car overnight to sufficiently diagnose the problem. I later talked to the service manager that stated the previous rep was out and it would cost $655 for the vehicle to be fixed. I informed him that I have a warranty that should cover the cost. I was later informed that the part is not covered under the warranty. I informed him that I do not want the service and he then stated that I would have to pay for the diagnostic testing for the car in the amount of $155.00. I was then told I would have to wait another day until the worker came in. I had to pay $100

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Dec 2023
Aug 2023

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at 75 MPH, the vehicle lost significant motive power, and he heard an abnormal knock emanating from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the rod bearings. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 113,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jul 2023
Aug 2023

On April 29,2023 I was driving my son's Kia Sportage on the interstate after dropping him off at the airport and the car started knocking as soon as I heard that I pulled over on the side of the road. I got out of the car opened the hood checked the oil and there wasn't a drop of oil on the dipstick. I put some oil and Lucas in and tried to start the car and the motor was seized. My son had just got the oil changed at a oil lube center and the car does not leak oil so where did all of the oil go to. There was no warning of anything no lights on the dash came on just less than 5min of knocking engine and then seized.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Mar 2023
Jul 2023

I was driving to my destination on the local highway when my car began to make a noise like a knocking sound, I kept driving so I can get over and get to a street where I can pull over safely. The car started smoking, I can see it through my rear view mirrors, I begin to panic because my car seem to be slowing down and cars are going around me. At this point I was able to pull over, as I was pulling over the car came to stop on its own and completely shutdown. I contacted my insurance and had it towed to my mechanic who determined the engine needed to be replaced. I take good care of my car, there were no warning signs, no lights on in my car indicating that the car was in distress. I contacted Kia and explained what happened, I had to pay out of pocket to have it towed to Kia. I’m currently waiting for them to inspect it.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Feb 2023
Jul 2023 Fire

My car caught on fire on the highway due to a kia recall and kia isn't willing to fix my car because i was unaware of the recall. I was on the highway driving my 9 month old baby to her fathers home and then i heard a rattling under the hood. all of a sudden my car stopped driving and it caught on fire thankfully I had my partner with me so he put out the fire. At the moment the KIA dealership has been brutally rude to the point that they've raised their voices at me and threaten to charge me more fees for my car being there because I was waiting to hear back from KIA. On top of everything i called the dealership that i bought the car from and has cursed me and sent me to hell because they did not go over the car fax with me or even advise me this vehicle had an open recall. he practically took my money, charged me and at the end of the service threw papers on the desk said here is your car fax and told me to have a nice day. I am getting no sympathy for my daughter being in the car and i don't know much about cars so thankfully i had someone with me who notice the fire, on top of my financial hardships right now because of my car being at KIA. I waited 3 weeks for KIA corp to tell me my engine has no warranty and there is nothing they can do to help please tell me you can help me with this if not a referral to someone who can.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Dec 2022
Jun 2023

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving approximately 100 MPH, there was a loud banging sound coming from the front of the vehicle, with white smoke coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle, a huge hole was discovered under the engine which caused all the engine oil to leak out of the engine. The vehicle was later towed to the residence. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted regarding the failure. The failure mileage was 151,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jun 2023
May 2023

I was stopped at a red light, once the light turned green I was accelerating when I lost power and the engine stalled, pumping the gas did nothing. I was able to coast to the side of the road but my car never did start back. There is only 125278 miles on the car and I have only had it 2 months.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: May 2023
Apr 2023

Engine failure told short-block assembly related issues. Told by mechanic it was pistons and related engine failure.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Apr 2023
Mar 2023

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver's side tire had a blowout. The contact pulled over and replaced the tire with a spare. The contact continued to drive, but the vehicle was shaking. The contact pulled over, and a tow truck arrived on the scene. The tow truck driver restarted the vehicle, and a loud sound was heard. A piece of the engine had detached. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 106,188.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Mar 2023
Jan 2023 Fire

At first i heard a knocking noise as if something fell from under the hood then my car stopped accelerating then the engine light went off oil light as well. Mind you I'm in the car with my 9 month old baby in the middle of the highway i stop my car where it was smoking i lifted my hood and there was a fire i had to put out because if i didn't my car would have blew up then the car never turned back on other then the urgency of my situation i dropped my car off to a kia dealership completely rude and unsympathetic and still haven't heard a word back about my car or even trying to get me into a rental worse experience of my life I almost die and kia fails to act like they give a damn.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Dec 2022

Trend Over Time

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Quick Summary

The 2013 Kia Sportage has 272 Engine complaints on file. 1 crashes have been reported. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.