VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: THETA II 2.4L GDI EMISSIONS: ECM LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SC340 REVISION 5) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information to upgrade the Electronic Control Module ‘ECM’ system software for certain 2016-2020MY Optima, 2016-2020MY Sorento, 2017-2022MY Sportage vehicles equipped with 2.4L Theta II engines listed in the table below. Kia has become aware that certain 2016-2022MY vehicles equipped with 2.4L Theta II engines may have engine calibrations that were not optimized for emissions standards under certain specific co
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2019 Kia Sportage engine problems
moderate 21 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
21
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
When does it fail?
Of the 21 engine complaints filed for the 2019 Kia Sportage, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Engine accounts for 32% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 5 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (SC340 FLIGHT 105) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign to improve the emissions software logic in the Electronic Control Module (ECM) for certain 2017-2022 MY Sportage vehicles equipped with 2.4L Gas Direct Injection (GDI) engines to ensure compliance with emissions regulations.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: THETA II 2.4L GDI EMISSION SECM LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SC340 REV 4) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information to upgrade the Electronic Control Module ‘ECM’ system software for certain 2016-2022MY vehicles equipped with 2.4L Theta II engines listed in the table below. Kia has become aware that certain 2016-2022MY vehicles equipped with 2.4L Theta II engines may have engine calibrations that were not optimized for emissions standards under certain specific conditions. These calibrations
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (SC340 FLIGHT 103 / QL) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign to improve the emissions software logic in the Electronic Control Module (ECM) for certain 2017-2022 MY Sportage vehicles equipped with 2.4L Gas Direct Injection (GDI) engines to ensure compliance with emissions regulations.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: THETA II 2.4L GDI EMISSIONS ECM LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SC340) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information to upgrade the Electronic Control Module ‘ECM’ system software for certain 2016-2022MY vehicles equipped with 2.4L Theta II engines listed in the table below. Kia has become aware that certain 2016-2022MY vehicles equipped with 2.4L Theta II engines may have engine calibrations that were not optimized for emissions standards under certain specific conditions. These calibrations may c
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2019 Kia Sportage engine cluster shows a consistent pattern: rapid oil depletion paired with internal engine failure. Most owners report needing oil top-offs every 1,000–2,500 miles, yet oil warning lights often remain silent until levels are critically low or completely dry. Dealership oil-consumption tests documented 3 quarts lost in 1,000 miles, but results were inconsistent; some shops later claimed no consumption despite earlier findings. Owners also describe sudden engine knocking, check engine lights (sometimes flashing), and catastrophic failure—melted pistons, broken valves, and rod bearing collapse requiring full engine replacement. A few vehicles shut down without warning in traffic, oil lamp flashing, oil level bone dry. Fuel-trim codes (rich, lean, air/fuel ratio at limit) appear alongside these failures, suggesting a combustion or tuning defect, though dealerships have not confirmed a root cause. Kia refuses to extend the rod-bearing recall to cover piston wear, valve breakage, or oil-consumption claims, leaving owners facing $6,700–$7,300 repair bills out of pocket.
Same Kia Sportage engine reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2017 · 2018 · 2020 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
Excessive Oil Consumption
Owners report the engine burning or consuming oil at abnormal rates, with some requiring oil top-offs every 1,000–2,500 miles between scheduled changes. Multiple owners found oil levels critically low or completely dry during driving or after brief intervals post-service. Dealerships document 3 quarts lost in 1,000 miles of testing. The underlying cause is suspected to be internal engine wear—piston rings or similar components allowing oil into the combustion chamber—though definitive root-cause diagnosis is inconsistent across dealership reports.
When: Between 1,000–160,000 miles; most reports cluster at 70,000–100,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Oil level depleting rapidly between scheduled services; Need to add multiple quarts of oil every 1,000–2,500 miles; Oil warning light illuminating late or not at all despite critical low levels; Engine misfiring or rough idle consistent with oil fouling spark plugs; Blue smoke or burning smell (implied by combustion chamber oil entry)
Codes mentioned: P2196 (O2 sensor stuck rich), P0290 (post catalyst fuel trim lean), P0172 (system too rich), P016B (closed loop air/fuel ratio control at limit)
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement quoted at $6,700–$7,300. Oil consumption testing performed by dealers, but results were inconsistent; some documented severe loss (3 quarts/1,000 mi), others later claimed no consumption. Owners added multiple quarts every 1–2 weeks in some cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia denied recall coverage on the grounds that oil consumption falls outside the scope of the Theta II engine rod-bearing recall. Dealerships refused further diagnostics once internal damage was suspected. Kia corporate offered no assistance; one owner reported being told the engine should have failed on the road and been towed rather than having oil added in between.
Engine Knock and Piston Failure
Multiple owners report sudden engine knocking, check engine light (often flashing), and eventual engine failure. Dealerships diagnosed melted pistons, faulty pistons, or internal engine damage requiring full engine replacement. In one case, a local mechanic found no abnormalities outside normal wear, yet the vehicle proceeded to catastrophic failure 9 days after a $100 dealership service inspection that found no major issues. The correlation between fuel-trim codes (rich/lean) and piston melt suggests a tuning or combustion anomaly; no owner report cites a confirmed root cause.
When: Generally occurs between 90,000–155,000 miles; one case at approximately 18,000 miles with sudden stall
Symptoms owners cite: Engine knocking or ticking noise; Check engine light, often flashing; Sudden loss of engine compression; Engine misfire and rough idle; Complete engine failure or stall while driving
Codes mentioned: P2196 (O2 sensor stuck rich), P0290 (post catalyst fuel trim lean), P0172 (system too rich), P016B (closed loop air/fuel ratio control at limit), P1326 (knock sensor control)
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required, cost $6,700–$7,300. One owner reported dealership recommended premium fuel and fuel-system cleaning after fuel-trim codes but performed no further diagnostics before catastrophic failure. One case involved broken intake valve; another rod-bearing failure under recall.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia denied claims relating to piston failure and non-rod-bearing internal damage, stating these fall outside the Theta II engine rod-bearing recall scope. Dealerships declined to perform detailed diagnostics to rule out known defects once piston damage was observed. One dealership filed a recall claim that was denied; no written denial was provided to the owner.
Sudden Engine Stall and Loss of Power
Owners describe sudden, unwarned engine shutdown or severe loss of power while driving at highway or city speeds, with little to no check engine light indication beforehand. One vehicle stalled at 18,000 miles with no prior warning lights. Others experienced repeated stalls over weeks or months. In at least one case, limp mode activated with check engine light flashing, oil level found critically low, and vehicle uncontrollable. These events create immediate safety hazards in traffic.
When: 18,000 miles to 160,000 miles; recurring episodes span days to months
Symptoms owners cite: Complete engine shutdown or severe deceleration (from highway speed to 15–30 mph) with no warning; Vehicle entering limp mode and unable to accelerate; Oil warning light illuminating simultaneously or after shutdown; Oil level dangerously low or empty when checked; Delayed or absent check engine light indication; Difficulty restarting after stall
Codes mentioned: P1326 (knock sensor control), Check engine light flashing (specific codes not always retrieved)
Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle required towing and awaited dealership diagnostics. Repairs not completed on multiple vehicles due to cost and unclear warranty coverage. Owners performed temporary fixes (adding oil) but vehicles remained undiagnosed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware but did not offer assistance in most cases. No recalls or warranty support extended beyond rod-bearing recall. One dealership updated Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) and performed oil change, but failure persisted and warranty had expired at 95,000 miles.
Engine Overheating
One owner reported engine overheating alarm and warning message on the dashboard while driving on an expressway, shortly after a complimentary oil and filter change at the dealership. Vehicle managed to return home but required towing the next day. No narrative root cause or diagnosis is provided.
When: Approximately 4 months after purchase (July 28 to December 5)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine overheating alarm and dashboard warning message; No other details provided
Repairs/costs cited: No repair information provided; vehicle awaiting towing and service diagnosis.
Engine Noise and Ticking
Owners report ticking or loud noise coming from the engine compartment, often accompanied by check engine light. Dealership diagnostic testing did not replicate the failure in one case, and the vehicle's VIN was confirmed not to be under recall. No clear diagnosis or root cause identified in the narratives.
When: Approximately 60,000–100,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Ticking or loud noise from engine compartment; Check engine light illumination; Noise heard during acceleration or in reverse
Codes mentioned: Unknown code retrieved by independent mechanic in one case
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not repaired; testing could not replicate the issue at the dealership.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware but no assistance provided; VIN confirmed not under recall.
Synthesized from 21 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 11 most recent
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…
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…
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…
Purchased car on july 28 2019 from hollywood Kia. Took it to their service center on november 26 for complimentary oil and filter change. On december 5 on the I-75 expressway got an alarm sound and sign that the "engine has overheated". Managed to get home, next day waited all day for towing company. Either car is defective or the service they did caused this dangerous issue.
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…
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.
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…
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…
Engine went out at 150,000 miles.
Had engine trouble with your 2019 Kia Sportage?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2019 Kia Sportage?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 21 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 8 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 60,000 and 100,000 miles, with the median around 90,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 60,000; a quarter make it past 100,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2019/Kia/Sportage.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.