# Kia Sportage check engine light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 202 - **Most complaints:** 2017 (65) - **Related recalls:** 2 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 202 owner complaints about the check engine light on the Kia Sportage (2015-2026 models), most for the **2017** model year (65). There are **2 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. ## Kia Sportage check engine light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the check engine light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 26 | 146 | 18% | | 2016 | 15 | 134 | 11% | | 2017 | 65 | 404 | 16% | | 2018 | 27 | 165 | 16% | | 2019 | 14 | 71 | 20% | | 2020 | 23 | 166 | 14% | | 2021 | 9 | 54 | 17% | | 2022 | 11 | 47 | 23% | | 2023 | 7 | 195 | 4% | | 2024 | 1 | 75 | 1% | | 2025 | 3 | 55 | 5% | | 2026 | 1 | 30 | 3% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Kia Sportage recalls related to the check engine light **[23V531000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V531000)** (2023 models, reported 2023-07-31): An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire. **Remedy:** Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the electric oil pump controller, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 28, 2023. **[18V907000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=18V907000)** (2015-2018 models, reported 2018-12-19): A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire. **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. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Kia Sportage owners report - "A check engine light then came on around 12/10 & we took the car back to Naperville Kia on 12/16 asking to look at the check-engine warning & continued gas mileage issues. We were told there was damage to the underside of the vehicle with the Evap Cannister split open & the under-shield smashed in. The technician,..." -- owner of a 2026 Kia Sportage, complaint filed 2025 - "The car seemed as normal without check engine lights or any manual transmission gear activated. Car was on drive and there was no alert or fail shown on screens" -- owner of a 2025 Kia Sportage, complaint filed 2025 - "The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart on the third attempt; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was driven to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The..." -- owner of a 2024 Kia Sportage, complaint filed 2024 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the check engine light means The check engine light means the engine computer has stored a diagnostic trouble code for an emissions, engine or transmission fault. Common causes include a loose gas cap, a failing oxygen sensor, a worn catalytic converter, and misfires from plugs or coils. A steady light is usually not an emergency, but a flashing light means a severe misfire and you should reduce speed and get it checked right away. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Loose gas cap or EVAP system leak** (common) 2. **Failing oxygen sensor** (common) 3. **Catalytic converter efficiency below threshold** (common) 4. **Misfire from worn spark plugs or ignition coils** (common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Check engine light](/warning-lights/check-engine). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Kia Sportage check engine light? Yes. NHTSA lists 2 related recalls (23V531000, 18V907000) covering 2015-2023 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Kia Sportage years have the most check engine light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2015, 2017 and 2018 Sportage model years have the most complaints mentioning the check engine light, with 65 for 2017. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Kia Sportage with the check engine light on? Drive to a shop this week. With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. If the light is flashing, the engine runs very rough, or the temperature or oil light also comes on, stop driving and have it checked. ### How do I check if my Kia Sportage has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Kia dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Kia Sportage warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/kia-sportage): 5 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/kia-sportage): 14 complaints - [Battery (charging system) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery/kia-sportage): 8 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/kia-sportage): 14 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/kia-sportage): 22 complaints - [Oil pressure warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/kia-sportage): 76 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/kia-sportage): 19 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/kia-sportage): 8 complaints ## Check engine light on other models - [Ford Escape](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-escape): 2245 complaints - [Ford Edge](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-edge): 1380 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-silverado): 911 complaints - [Kia Soul](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/kia-soul): 785 complaints - [Hyundai Sonata](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-sonata): 731 complaints - [Hyundai Tucson](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-tucson): 705 complaints - [Chevrolet Malibu](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-malibu): 666 complaints - [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chrysler-pacifica): 630 complaints - [Hyundai Santa Fe](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-santa-fe): 602 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/jeep-cherokee): 587 complaints ## Kia Sportage - [Kia Sportage specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/kia-sportage) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/kia-sportage Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.