2011 Kia Sportage engine problems

The 2011 Kia Sportage has 84 engine complaints filed with NHTSA — 32% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

Engine complaints

32%

Share of year

Crash-involved

Related recalls

Engine complaints by year

Sportage engine complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

19V101000EngineFebruary 15, 2019 · 32,296 units

Defect

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2012 Kia Sportage vehicles. The engine oil pan may leak and, if not addressed, the loss of oil may result in engine damage.

Consequence

A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Kia has notified owners, and dealers will replace the oil pressure switch with an improved one, free of charge. In addition, dealers will inspect the oil pan for any oil leaks, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 3, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC174.

18V907000EngineDecember 19, 2018 · 71,653 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

17V224000EngineMarch 31, 2017 · 618,160 units

Defect

Kia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.

Consequence

Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly, and replace the engine if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC147.

What owners report

“WAS DRIVING IN CRUZE CRONTROL STEPPED ON THE GAS AND VEHICLE DIED. I PUSHED THE START BUTTON NOTHING BUT A WARNING SIGN ON DASH SCREEN THAT WOULD GO BLANK BEFORE I COULD SEE WHAT IT SAID. I LIFTED THE HOOD AND CHECK THE BATTERY CABLES THEY WERE ON TIGHT GOT BACK IN THE TRUCK PUSH THE BUTTON NOTHING…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 30, 2019 · fire

Common questions

How many engine complaints does the 2011 Kia Sportage have?

NHTSA has 84 complaints about the 2011 Kia Sportage engine — 32% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2011 Kia Sportage engine?

Yes — 3 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year are tied to the engine: 17V224000, 18V907000, 19V101000.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.