Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2011 Kia Sportage owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V101000 (Engine). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was unsure if there were any warning lights illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and of the recall notification. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer to be repaired. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the oil pressure switch, oil pan, and engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that a follow-up call would follow; however, the contact had not received a response. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. While accelerating to overtake a vehicle driving under the speed limit, the vehicle started to stall. The check engine light was flashing, and the vehicle went into ECO mode. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a misfire and engine failure due to an oil leak. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the rod bearings failed and the engine seized. The contact related the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 27,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle for the State Inspection, the vehicle failed the Emissions test. The State Inspector diagnosed a failure with the Evaporative Emissions Control System (EVAP). The contact was informed that the system was leaking. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 243,000.
I'm [redacted] from Brooks Alberta Canada. I purchased this car from a private seller here in Brooks last [redacted] named "Hein Teresa Lorraine" lives in [redacted], Brooks AB T1R 0R7" and she did not include all the details in her car that it has a recall issue with the engine which is the Knock Sensor Problem. After a couple of days of using it I experience engine malfunction, the oil pressure light is keeps on flickering and as I drove from Brooks going to Calgary the engine suddenly stalled and activates the "Lymp Mode". I cannot able to move forward and almost hit by a huge truck because of that incident. I coordinated with Straightline Kia Medicine Hat that incident, they check the vehicle and test it, after several testings they proved that the vehicle has a engine recall backjob. The check engine code shows P01326 which is responsible for engine stalling while accelerating. …
2011 Kia Sportage engine stalling/failure. Has been having oil pressure/heating/oil feed line/consumption issues. Taken to a Kia dealership on multiple occasions for all routine maintenance, including every 3000 oil changes. Owner was told that a catalytic converter was needed in 2021 due to engine stalling/ failure while driving 55-60mph on highway to a rapid deceleration and vehicle would go >20mph. Owner had car towed to Kia dealership and had a new catalytic converter put on in 2021 by dealership. Then in 2022 same engine stalling occurred again. Taken back to dealership and was told car needed waste gate actuator replaced. Owner agreed to cost/repairs. Then during repair was told that another catalytic converter was needed due to sludge/clogging, when one was put on less than 1.5 years prior. With less than 20k miles on new one. …
Was driving home when car had it's check engine light start flashing and car wouldn't come up to speed. Went by local auto zone to check code given and it was associated with the KSDS recall update and the car is now in limp mode. Towed car to Peak Kia where it's been for almost two months. They wanted me to tow it to Arapahoe Kia since they had previously replaced the engine (see complaint from 2019) and it now needs replacement again but it's not covered under warranty again according to them since it's a 2011 Kia. Not putting another cent into this car after paying over 7500 to replace the first MPI engine if Kia won't cover replacement of faulty engine someone can have the car to investigate the engine issues and hold them accountable, be it the NHTSA or a lawyer. Kia even did the software update that put the engine in limp mode and still won't do anything to cover a known defect.
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle shut off as several warning lights appeared on the instrument panel. The contact managed to coast the vehicle off to the shoulder of the highway. The contact made multiple attempts to restart the vehicle but every attempt failed. Due to the excessive heat and with a newborn baby inside the vehicle, the contact called authorities for assistance. The authorities could not provide the adequate assistance needed to handle the matter; therefore, she called her husband. Her husband was able to call a neighbor who came to assist the contact with her children. The contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer where it had yet to be diagnosed or serviced. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was unknown.
I was driving 65mph on the Freeway and all of a sudden I have no power. I press acceleration to the floor and it done nothing. Code p200a Intake Manifold Code p420 Exhaust Manifold I couldn't go no faster than 25/30 mph on an incline. I live in West Virginia so there's inclines every few miles. I've been looking on the internet and I'm not the only one that is experiencing this. It needs to be fixed ASAP. And Dealership's charge an arm and a leg for things like this. The parts alone are expensive. I believe it is going to get worse before it gets any better. So my opinion and many others say it needs to be a Recall on the 2011 KIA SPORTAGE 2.4L I4 FI DOHC 16V. Thank you for your time.
The engine light came on and it started making loud noise, then the car started pulling on its own and it stop in the middle of the road. My safety Issue was I had to keep my driver hood open so other visible drivers could know my car had an issue. later on, that day I took my car to the mechanic and the mechanic said I have an oil leak and that's why my car started acting like that. The mechanic told me my car was ready to go, so I paid him and left thinking my car was fine. I drive 6 miles away from the car shop and my car broke down in the middle of the road. so, I had to call the tow truck people to tow my car until I could really find out what's wrong with my car.
Related recalls
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
NHTSA investigations
Scope and Timeliness
NHTSA opened Recall Query (RQ) 17-003 to investigate the timeliness and scope of Kia?s Theta II GDI engine recall (Recall No. 17V-224), and Kia?s compliance with reporting requirements. On November 23, 2020, the Agency entered into a Consent Order with Kia to administratively resolve NHTSA?s assertions of violations of law in connection with RQ17-003.
Engine Fires
On March 29, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened two Preliminary Evaluations (PE19-003 on Hyundai and PE19-004 on Kia) to broadly investigate incidents of non-crash fires (regardless of origin or operational status of the vehicle) on various model year Hyundai and Kia vehicles.
Loss of Motive Power
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021.
Engine complaints in other Sportage years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2011 Kia Sportage?
NHTSA has 84 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2011 Kia Sportage, 46% of the model year's 181 complaints. The component named most often is exhaust system › emission control (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2011 Kia Sportage engine problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 19V-101 (engine, Feb 15, 2019); NHTSA recall 18V-907 (engine, Dec 19, 2018); NHTSA recall 17V-224 (engine, Mar 31, 2017). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2011 Kia Sportage engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 99,000 miles, and 15% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.