NHTSA Complaint #11711020 — 2018 KIA SPORTAGE

ENGINE issue reported to NHTSA

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Complaint Details

ODI Number	11711020
Vehicle	2018 KIA SPORTAGE
Component	ENGINE
Date of Incident	August 29, 2025
Date Filed	January 14, 2026
Mileage	N/A miles
Crash	No
Fire	No
Injuries	0
Deaths	0
Vehicle Towed	No
State	IN

Consumer Description

My vehicle suffered from a catastrophic engine failure while driving on the highway. The vehicle stalled at highway speeds (55mph), during rush hour. Causing a near rear end collision. From this point on my vehicle was unable to reach speeds of 30 Mph. This failure is consistent with a defect in the Theta II engines that has been subject to recalls. The Theta II engine recall is under a soft recall. It is not known to the public unless it happens to the owners vehicle. This sudden stall at highway speeds jeopardized the safety of the driver (myself) and the people and vehicles behind the driver.

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