2014 Kia Sportage engine problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

61 owners have reported engine problems with the 2014 Kia Sportage, 63% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 103,000 mi.

Engine complaints
61
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Related recalls
1
Median mileage
103,000 mi

Specific components reported

Engine covers: stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating.

ComponentComplaints
Engine59
Engine and engine cooling1
Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger1
Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:catalytic convertor1

Engine complaints across Kia Sportage years

42006282008312010271302012164612014675420161997920183682202029222022381020247
Engine complaints by model year. The 2014 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

Under 10k210k–30k130k–60k660k–100k9100k–150k3150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • Recall 18V907000Dec 19, 201871,653 vehicles
    ENGINE · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

    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.

What owners say

  1. Filed May 9, 2026PAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11736797 · source
  2. Filed Apr 26, 2026ILElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    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
    NHTSA complaint #11733904 · source
  3. Filed Dec 14, 2025ILEngine
    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.
    NHTSA complaint #11704954 · source
  4. Filed Oct 7, 202599,000 miCAEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11691867 · source
  5. Filed Aug 26, 2025TXEngineOther / Unknown
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11683260 · source
  6. Filed Jun 26, 2025103,000 miFLTowedEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11669548 · source
  7. Filed Jun 17, 2025UTEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11667423 · source
  8. Filed May 21, 2025OHEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11662413 · source
  9. Filed Dec 3, 2024132,000 miOHEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11628657 · source
  10. Filed Jun 30, 2024NJEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11597841 · source
  11. Filed Apr 3, 2024FLEngine
    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
    NHTSA complaint #11581022 · source
  12. Filed Jan 17, 2024115,000 miMATowedEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11566089 · source

Other 2014 Kia Sportage problem areas

  • Brakes (24)
  • Other / Unknown (11)
  • Electrical System (8)
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (7)
  • Suspension (3)
  • Transmission & Drivetrain (3)
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control (3)
  • Visibility & Wipers (2)
  • Body & Structure (1)
  • Airbags (1)

Back to all 2014 Kia Sportage problems →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology