2019 Kia Sportage: What to check before buying

Heavy oil burning dominates these reports. Drivers describe topping off between changes, dry dipsticks with no leaks, no low-oil warning, and repeated dealer oil consumption tests that go nowhere. Many cases end in engine failure: knocking, a flashing check engine light, limp mode, a broken intake valve, damaged pistons, or rod bearing failure, often followed by replacement. These failures cluster between 100k and 155k miles. A second pattern is sudden stalling in traffic with no warning light, which leaves the car stopped in a live lane.

Oil burning leads to engine damage here. One report cites 6 quarts every 1,900 miles. Symptoms include shuddering, misfires, stalling, limp mode, and low oil pressure, battery, and check engine lights. A dealer knock sensor software update did not stop the oil loss, and faulty pistons led to a recommended engine replacement. That repair was refused because the car was past warranty mileage.

Fire is the most serious risk in this group. Two reports describe smoke while driving that turned into a vehicle fire, and one owner struggled to get a dealer to perform a recall for a HECU that may short-circuit and cause an engine compartment fire. Other complaints describe the car shutting off without warning, ABS and traction control lights fixed with a wheel speed sensor, cruise control that will not disengage, and airbags that did not deploy in a deer strike.

Drivability faults lead these reports. Cars briefly lose all power, rev on their own between 3000 and 4000 rpm, or hang at 2000 rpm without responding to the gas or brake. Others describe vibration and hesitation around 1200-1500 rpm and at highway speeds, worse on inclines. Dealers often find no codes and cannot duplicate the problem. Oil consumption and stalling appear again, and one fire-related report describes overheating, smoke, and a burning smell.

Most of these complaints are about a recall, not a failure. Owners received notice of the hydraulic brake recall 21V137000 but could not get the repair because parts were unavailable, and one recall request was denied outright. Several say the wait exceeded a reasonable time. One crash report stands apart: the brake pedal did not respond while reversing at 300 miles, and the car hit a building and was totaled.

Poor headlight output is the main complaint. One pattern is a shadow across the low beams that hides objects and shifts on curves and hills, which a dealer adjustment did not fix. High beams failing to light is also reported, at 65,000 miles in one case. The rear turn signals sit low in the bumper, are hard for following drivers to see, and pack with snow and dirt.

Airbags deploy when they should not. In one case they fired as the driver braked at low speed, the brakes locked, and the car sideswiped another vehicle and was rear-ended. In another, a side curtain airbag went off when a tire blew. The two complaints account for 4 injuries, including skin injuries, a black eye, and a concussion.

Loose steering is the common thread. Reports describe a steering wheel with excessive play, a flashing steering warning light, and a tie rod found to have excessive play. One car lost its headlights, signals, and hazards while driving at 45 mph. Both reports also mention engine trouble, including oil consumption and engine sludge that led a dealer to refuse repairs.

Paint failure is the only issue reported. Clear coat peels on top of the hatch, and paint bubbles, chips, and peels on the mirrors, door handles, and rear spoiler. Dealers point to a paint warranty of 3 years or 36,000 miles that has already expired, and no recall or extended coverage applies.