2014 Kia Sportage: Failed head gasket-exhaust gas in coolant
Common wear/failure (not a recall)
Symptoms
Owners of the 2014 Sportage report: failed head gasket-exhaust gas in coolant. CarComplaints.com lists 1 owner complaints, average mileage 113,000 miles.
NHTSA has 75 owner complaints for the 2014 Sportage in this area. Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11772792 (filed 10/21/2026): “While driving, acceleration was greatly reduced followed by a blinking check engine light and loud clanking and knocking sound…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11771452 (filed 10/15/2026): “Vehicle suddenly has an engine knock. the engine light came on, starting flashing and the knock is very loud.…”
Likely causes
Sources do not establish a single root cause; diagnosis is needed. Owner-reported fixes are listed below.
Fix, in plain English
Most common owner-reported solutions on CarComplaints.com: replace head gasket (1 reports). Check for open recalls and extended warranty coverage with a dealer before paying out of pocket.
DIY difficulty: Pro
Internal engine work (lifters, oil consumption, fuel dilution diagnosis) requires engine teardown or dealer software/tests. (Our assessment.)
Cost
CarComplaints.com owners report a typical repair cost of about $4,000 (owner-reported average, not a quote).
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
AutoZone · O'Reilly · Advance · RockAuto
Sources
- CarComplaints.com: Failed head gasket-exhaust gas in coolant (2014 Sportage)
- NHTSA complaints API, 2014 Sportage
Estimated repair cost: head gasket replacement
Average shop cost
$1,135
Range $500–$1,945 (labor)
5.0–14.0 h × $100–$139/h estimated shop labor rate
Parts not included.
Average mobile mechanic cost
$1,705
Range $750–$2,920 (labor)
Shop labor × 1.5 (mobile convenience premium)
Parts not included.
Estimates only, not a quote. Actual prices vary by vehicle, shop and location. See the estimate for your city → · About this repair and its cost
Same repair on other models: 2010 Subaru Forester: Blown head gaskets · 2010 Subaru Outback: Head gasket failure · 2010 Toyota Tacoma: Leaking head gasket · 2016 Jeep Wrangler: Blown head gaskets
Page last updated .