2014 Kia Sportage · symptom sheet
Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing
- 38owner reports
- 90,000median miles
- $8,000median quote
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Jan 9, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
73 of the 121 complaints on this car are about the engine. 38 of those describe engine failure, which makes it the most reported problem on the 2014 Sportage.
Tick what matches of 38 reports
Engine failure on other Sportage years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2023, 2026.
What this problem usually is
These are the reports nobody wants to file. The engine started knocking or ticking, the oil light came on, and then it seized or had to be replaced. Some owners had the replacement covered under warranty or an extension, and plenty were told they'd pay. Several narrower sheets split this group into knocking, seized engines and rod bearing failure.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the engine (33 reports).
Recalls and investigations
No recall on the engine covers the 2014 model year as of Oct 2, 2026.
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Sportage
Loss of motive power. Closed dec 12, 2023.
Engine fires. Closed feb 5, 2024, led to recall 23V-877.
Scope and timeliness. Closed dec 22, 2021, led to recall 17V-224.
Fan blade cracking/separation. Closed apr 16, 2007, led to recall 07V-161.
Fan blade cracking/separation. Closed jan 22, 2007.
What owners paid
5 of the 38 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $6,500 to $8,000.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 70,000 and 120,000 miles, from the 25 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 23 service bulletins or notices for the 2014 Kia Sportage that deal with this problem. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1802Y/Z) This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published PI1802 titled "Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement"; equipped w/THETA II engine.
PITSTOP: INJECTOR HARNESS ROUTING FOR PI1802Y/Z AND PI1803Y/Z ENGINE REPLACEMENTS This bulletin provides information to address a no-start or hard start with poor running condition after engine replacement under PI1802Y/Z or PI1803Y/Z. Some replacement long blocks may come with pre-installed fuel rail, injectors, and injector wiring ...
ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1802Y/Z) This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published PI1802 titled "Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement" equipped w/THETA II engine.
PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT TSB_PI1802_R2 - Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement - This bulletin provides information related to a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to install the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) in order to protect the engine from ...
19 more on the 2014 Kia Sportage page.
What owners wrote
“Engine failure which was ran through a diagnostic test a the Kia dealership 2 years ago after my car cut off on the interstate. Nothing was found however I have been having problems since”
Filed Apr 3, 2024
“I was driving home from work on the expressway driving around 60 miles when my car out of no where started jerking and lost speed as driving at some points I could go over 40 I had to put my hazards on and drive at a speed of 30 on the expressway when I parked the car and put my foot on gas pedal I could not drive had a mechanic look at it they said it was my knock sensor”
Filed Jun 27, 2023
“On May 4th, my 2014 Kia Sportage seized up, in the middle of the road, while I was driving at 60 miles per hour. I was driving my 73-year-old Mother to a funeral in Miami, Oklahoma. Kia Lawrence confirmed that it was a recall, and they verbally agreed to replace the engine. It is July 16th, and Kia Lawrence has still not replaced the engine yet.”
Filed Jul 16, 2022
“Engine failure. Connecting rod bearings failed. Vehicle is available for inspection. Car went into Limp mode and would not go over twenty mph on the Highway. Has been inspected by mechanic and will be examined by dealership. Check engine light came on when issue arose.”
Filed Feb 3, 2022
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 38 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Taking it to a shop? How to describe this problem so it gets found