NHTSA Complaint #11568502 — 2013 KIA SPORTAGE

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine made a tapping sound, and then the vehicle lost motive power. No warning light was illuminated. Additionally, there was engine oil leaking onto the ground while driving, with smoke coming from underneath the hood. The vehicle was towed to the residence and then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the lower bearing, push rod, and engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that a Product Improvement Campaign to update the Engine Control Unit (ECU) software had previously been performed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer denied the engine replacement due to the vehicle have a Salvage Title. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.