NHTSA Complaint #11692682 — 2013 KIA SPORTAGE

While driving in the carpool lane, the engine briefly cut-out and than a rattling sound was heard. We decided to immediately exist the free way at a left-side car pool exit as a precaution. Immediately after exiting, the car went into a complete stall. Had we remained on the freeway, we would have been stranded in the fastest lane with no shoulder and with traffic approaching from the rear at 70mph. Thus we likely avoided catastrophe. There was no warning light. The problems was later determined to be caused by a manufacturer defect resulting in a connecting rod bearing failure. Pursuant to a class action settlement the engine was replaced. I'm writing to let others know that this is a potentially life-threatening danger and that the knock sensor recall does not adequately address this. Also, the dealer mischaracterized the symptoms on the engine warranty invoice, misstating the narrative above, wrongly stating "customer states CEL started flashing when driving after light appeared vehicle would not accelerate properly or start." This quote is untrue. There was no warning, and the car stalled.