There are 21 owner-reported engine complaints for the 2019 Kia Sportagein NHTSA's database. These are unverified consumer reports and may not reflect confirmed defects.
The vehicle is experiencing excessive engine oil consumption. The engine was found by the dealership to be low by 3 quarts of oil after about 1000 miles during an oil consumption test, indicating abnormal oil loss. The suspected failure involves internal engine components, possibly piston rings, allowing oil to enter the combustion chamber and burn. This condition creates a safety risk because the engine can become critically low on oil, without warning, potentially leading to engine damage, loss of power, or engine failure while driving. The problem has been reproduced and documented by the dealership during oil consumption testing. However, there are inconsistencies in the dealership’s reporting, as later documentation stated that no oil consumption was found despite earlier records showing excessive oil loss. This vehicle has been inspected multiple times by an authorized dealership and is currently part of an open case with the manufacture. The vehicle was also held at the dealership for approximately three weeks without clear documentation of work performed. There were minimal warnings indicators prior to the issue. The vehicle showed rough engine performance, which was consistent with oil fouling the spark plugs. No clear warning light reliably indicated the severity of the oil loss before the condition was discovered during testing.
Severe oil consumption issue at 100k miles. Same issue seen on kia class action lawsuit for GDI engines. No leaks present, after 800 miles from oil change, no oil seen on dip stick.
Engine went out at 150,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle went to LIMP Mode. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who performed an oil change and updated the Knock Sensor Detection System(KSDS). The contact stated that later, while driving, the engine oil warning light illuminated. The contact checked the engine oil and discovered that the oil level was extremely low. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the pistons were faulty, and the engine needed to be replaced; however, the mileage had exceeded the warranty coverage. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
The car started stalling anf an engine light came on
Oil consumption issues that kia is not taking responsibility for
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. The contact stated that the vehicle required 6 quarts of oil every 1,900 miles. The vehicle was recently taken to Valvoline, where an oil change was performed. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH the following day, the vehicle started shuddering and misfiring, and the failure increased significantly while idling. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure persisted while driving at 60-65 MPH on the same day, and the engine stalled. The low oil pressure, the battery, and the check engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving; however, the vehicle continuously shuddered and misfired. The vehicle was taken to Valvoline, where the contact was informed that the engine was misfiring. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving after the service appointment. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the spark plugs and other unknown parts were replaced. The dealer then test-drove the vehicle; however the failure persisted. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact related the failure to an unknown engine recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the cost of the repair would not be covered unless the failure was related to the engine rod. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Vehicle was throwing codes P2196 O2 sensor stuck rich, P0290 post catalyst fuel trim lean, P01720 system too rich, P016B closed loop air/fuel ratio control at limit. Brought to local dealership where they did an inspection and could not find any major issue that, in their words, “would affect drivability”. Recommended I start using premium fuel and in the future consider a fuel system cleaning. 9 days later while driving my engine starting knocking, check engine light was on and flashing, then my car died. Towed vehicle to the dealership where the assessed and found there to be no compression and stated the pistons looked “melted”. They could not give me a reason as to why, or why none of this was caught at my $100 service inspection 9 days prior. They stated I needed an engine replacement at $6700 due to failed pistons. They would not do any type of diagnostic or testing to rule out a known issue with the Theta II engine recall. They stated they did not have to do any further diagnostic since they found my pistons to be melted. Local mechanic of mine not affiliated with the dealership, assessed the engine and components, stated he did not see any abnormalities outside of normal wear and tear but did recommend I have the dealership tear into the engine since they are “Kia Experts” and know the engines. Kia dealership stated they filed a claim with corporate and it was denied. Kia corporate stated my dealership sent report stating engine failure reason is outside of scope for recall. Kia dealership refused providing me denial in writing. Sent me photo of correspondence with tech line which was a total of 3 messages. Vehicle had been at dealership since November 16th.
The I started noticing my oil light was coming on after only few hundred miles. After every oil change a week or 2 later I would need oil. Took it to a several mechanics and no leaks founds they all said the GDI engines are known for consuming high amounts of oil. I called Kia and they admitted they know about the problem but will do nothing about it
The vehicle just suddenly stopped without any warning or anything. No warning lights came on until after the engine had almost completely stopped in the middle of the road. Vehicle is also using oil without any warning light coming on at all and vehicle is out of oil. That is a problem with both things. Suddenly stopping can cause me to be in an accident. This is not safe at all and should be the manufacturer responsible to repair this issue.
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in for maintenance, the contact was informed that there was no oil in the engine. The contact stated that the oil warning light had only illuminated once. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the first oil consumption test was performed. The dealer added oil to the vehicle. The contact checked the oil level every two weeks and noticed that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact was adding several quarts of oil every two weeks. The vehicle had several oil consumption tests performed by the dealer. The contact was informed that less than a quart of oil was lost. However, while the vehicle was at the dealer, all the oil had leaked out of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance. However, a claim was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
On my way driving to pick up my kids my vehicles check engine light started flashing and went into limp mode. It wouldn't go above 15 mph. The oil lamp started to flash. I had to ease it out of traffic and park the vehicle. I proceeded to check the oil and the dip stick was completely dry. I had to walk to the nearest autozone purchase 5 quarts of oil, walk back to the vehicle and put it into it. I then had to bring it home. I ran a diagnostic test and it was putting out a P1326 code. The car is not drivable. I had to have it towed to the dealership and they currently have it and I am awaiting further details.
My engine has been burning through oil very fast, it is only 6 years old. I have to put oil in it approx 3 times before another oil change is due. My mechanic suggested I see if there were any recalls but there are none. I have no lights on or any other issues.
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that on several occasions the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the vehicle occasionally stalled while driving. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly decelerated to 30 MPH. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and attempted to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The contact received a secondary diagnostic test from an independent mechanic and was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
Fully maintained services with my 2019 Kia Sportage with my local Kia dealership. I am a sales rep and use my car daily. I have 155k miles on my car. My car was needing oil changes about every 2500 miles because it was burning so much oil. Yesterday, 2/08,I turned on my car during my work day and while ideling my car in park, my engine light came on. The car immediately started to shake uncontrollably. No other indication prior to the shaking of the car did I think something was wrong. Again I get services done frequently to my car. I took it to Kia immediately. They diagnosed that in cylinder 2 one of my intake valves was broken. This is not covered under the recall already put in place or with the extended warranty with the software update. According to my Kia Dealership, the current recall for an engine replacement is only for the under rod bearing. The dealership wants $7300 for a completely new engine. I have never had a car that has ever had an engine go. Nor have heard of one having the engine fail within the first 5 years. I have looked online and many people have complained about this exact same problem and Kia says they can’t do anything for us. I do not have current documentation because my car is still at Kia. I am trying to figure out what to do before I drive it off the lot.
Complained since buying car noise in motor was told it was fine on dec 7th car broke down 200 miles from home was told it was the rod bearings that was under recall
I have been fighting with Cronin Kia over my engine that needs replaced due to a known problem with the GDI engine. This vehicle is burning so much oil and I have reported the problem. I was told to perform oil consumption tests, which I have been compliant with. The problem is that on 11/16/23, I had to go to an oil change company due to my engine having no oil, yet again. I called Cronin Kia and was told that since I put oil in the car, I have to start all over again. I hadn't even gone the 1,000 miles that they requested me to do. I called the dealership and the service manager, Josh Hopkins, told me he could not help me even though I had photos. I then called the Kia corporate office number and spoke to Angel and was told that I should have let my engine blow up on the road and have it towed to the dealership. This would have caused an accident and they told me they didn't care that is what I needed to do. I feel this is so unacceptable and needs to be reported to you. This could cause a major accident and I have a daughter wo has special needs and I need to drive a safe vehicle and telling me to take the chance of an accident is so scary. I would really appreciate any help you can offer. [XXX] (formerly [XXX] ). [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked abnormally. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle lost motive power. Additionally, on several occasions while in reverse, there was a loud noise coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer five times; however, the failure could not be replicated. The contact stated that on another occasion the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where an unknown code was retrieved. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at various speeds, there was a ticking noise heard coming from the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer who confirmed the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle remained at the dealer awaiting diagnostic testing and repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure; however, no assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
WHEN DRIVING IN TRAFFIC ENGINE SHUTS OFF WITH NO WARNING. COMPLETE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. HAVE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP IN LANE OF TRAFFIC AND THEN PUT VEHICLE IN PARK AND RESTART ENGINE. HAPPENED 3 TIMES IN LAST MONTH. MY KIA SPORTAGE 2019 ONLY HAS 18,000 MILES ON IT. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS ON. EXTREMELY UNSAFE AND KIA SERVICES VERY UNHELPFUL. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ALL 3 TIMES THIS HAPPENED ON A CITY STREET GOING STRAIGHT IN TRAFFIC.
Showing 1–20 of 21 complaints
Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA. A high complaint count may reflect vehicle popularity, not defect severity. Data sourced from NHTSA public records.
Data synced from NHTSA on Apr 25, 2026