2013 Kia Sportage: Engine complaints
Owner-reported issue (NHTSA complaints, not a recall)
Symptoms
NHTSA has 313 owner complaints for the 2013 Kia Sportage that list the engine component. Complaints are individual owner reports, not verified defects.
Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11764471 (filed 09/15/2026): “While driving all of a sudden my 2013 sportage began shaking check ingine light flashing. this happened out of nowhere. i pulled off to the side of the road, towed to mechanic shop. they found that a piece of spark plug had broken off into the cylinder shaft. they said it was very unusual. i had it …”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11733886 (filed 04/26/2026): “Claim #25921274 to whom it may concern, i am writing to formally dispute kia’s denial of warranty coverage for the engine failure in my 2013 kia sportage. per communication with customer care, kia denied my claim on the basis of “excessive mileage between oil changes.” however, this conclusion is…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11704971 (filed 12/14/2025): “My engine failed due to the knock sensor recall a known issue on my 2013 kia sportage the recall is supposed to provide a lifetime warranty but i was denied coverage because the failure happened before i was able to perform the update as i was a new owner to the car and was unaware of the recall at …”
Likely causes
These complaints do not establish a single root cause; read the examples above and get a diagnosis.
Fix, in plain English
No single fix is established by these reports. Check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, ask a dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs) or extended warranty coverage, then have the system diagnosed.
DIY difficulty: Pro
Internal engine work (lifters, oil consumption, fuel dilution diagnosis) requires engine teardown or dealer software/tests. (Our assessment.)
Cost
No sourced cost range for this issue. Get a written quote after diagnosis.
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
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Sources
Page last updated .