2015 Kia Sportage Engine Problems
NHTSA has 86 engine-related complaints for the 2015 Kia Sportage, 59% of all 146 complaints filed for that year. The median mileage at failure is 91,000, and a related recall (18V907000) covers fuel pipe replacement on vehicles that got a prior engine or knock-sensor repair.
- Engine complaints
- 86
- 59% of 146
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 7
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 91,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Engine compartment catches fire, sometimes preceded by smoke, a burning smell, or a popping noise from under the hood.
- Engine stalls or loses power suddenly while driving, including at highway speeds around 65 mph.
- Vehicle shuts off completely at low speed, such as while approaching intersections or train tracks, then fails to restart for several minutes.
- Knocking noise develops in the engine before it stalls or shuts down, even when oil pressure and levels read normal.
- Warning lights and instrument panel illuminate all at once alongside a sudden loss of power or engine shutdown.
When 2015 Kia Sportage engine complaints were filed
First complaint Sep 22, 2015, latest Jun 13, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2015 Kia Sportage
- 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.
Engine complaints by Sportage model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are engine problems in the 2015 Kia Sportage?
- NHTSA lists 86 engine-related complaints for the 2015 Sportage, which is 59% of all 146 complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2015 Kia Sportage engine?
- Yes. Recall campaign 18V907000 covers 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement or knock sensor recall repair; the remedy is inspection and replacement of the fuel pipe.
- At what mileage do 2015 Sportage engine problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for engine-area complaints on the 2015 Sportage is 91,000 miles.
- Do 2015 Sportage engine complaints involve fires?
- NHTSA records 7 fires among the complaints filed in the engine area for the 2015 Sportage, along with 1 crash and 0 injuries.