How many engine complaints does the 2011 Kia Sportage have?

NHTSA lists 89 engine complaints for the 2011 Kia Sportage, which is 49% of the 181 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for engine problems on the 2011 Kia Sportage?

Yes. Three recalls cover engine issues: campaign 17V224000 for machining errors causing premature bearing wear, 18V907000 for fuel pipe inspection tied to prior engine replacements, and 19V101000 for an oil pan leak that can cause engine damage.

At what mileage do 2011 Sportage engines typically fail?

NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 99,000 miles for engine complaints on this model year.

Were there any fires or crashes linked to the engine complaints?

NHTSA records show 2 fires and 2 crashes among the engine-related complaints for the 2011 Kia Sportage, with no reported injuries.

2011 Kia Sportage Engine Problems

NHTSA received 89 engine complaints for the 2011 Kia Sportage, 49% of all 181 complaints filed for the year. Median mileage at failure was 99,000 miles, and three separate recalls cover engine problems on this model year.

Engine complaints: 89; 49% of 181
Crashes reported: 2
Fires reported: 2
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 99,000 mi
Related recalls: 3

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Engine loses power or fails to respond to the gas pedal, often accompanied by a check engine light and turbo boost/position sensor fault codes.
Vehicle stalls or dies unexpectedly, sometimes followed by burning smells or smoke from the engine bay.
Turbocharged 2.0L engine reported to fail catastrophically without warning.
Owners describe abnormal rattling noises traced to bushings inside the engine.
Engine oil pan or internal bearing wear leads to loss of oil and reported engine fire in at least one case.
Push-button start fails to engage, sometimes tied to electrical faults that overlap with reported engine shutdowns.

When 2011 Kia Sportage engine complaints were filed

First complaint Aug 1, 2011, latest Jun 17, 2026.

89 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2011 Q3 to 2026 Q2; peak 2019 Q3 (9).

Engine recalls for the 2011 Kia Sportage

NHTSA 19V101000Feb 15, 2019Engine32,296 vehicles
Engine
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.
Risk: 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.
NHTSA 18V907000Dec 19, 2018Engine71,653 vehicles
Engine
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.
NHTSA 17V224000Mar 31, 2017Engine618,160 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine
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.
Risk: 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.

Engine complaints by Sportage model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20103 (15%)
201189 (49%)
2012331 (84%)
2013314 (82%)
201474 (61%)
201586 (59%)
201665 (50%)
2017234 (59%)
2018100 (61%)
201940 (57%)
202085 (53%)
202126 (51%)
202222 (48%)
202346 (24%)
202413 (18%)
202511 (22%)

Frequently asked questions

How many engine complaints does the 2011 Kia Sportage have?: NHTSA lists 89 engine complaints for the 2011 Kia Sportage, which is 49% of the 181 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for engine problems on the 2011 Kia Sportage?: Yes. Three recalls cover engine issues: campaign 17V224000 for machining errors causing premature bearing wear, 18V907000 for fuel pipe inspection tied to prior engine replacements, and 19V101000 for an oil pan leak that can cause engine damage.
At what mileage do 2011 Sportage engines typically fail?: NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 99,000 miles for engine complaints on this model year.
Were there any fires or crashes linked to the engine complaints?: NHTSA records show 2 fires and 2 crashes among the engine-related complaints for the 2011 Kia Sportage, with no reported injuries.