2022 Kia Sportage inspection checklist

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“I am submitting this complaint regarding the positive battery terminal fuse block (battery terminal/fusible link assembly) on my 2022 Kia Sportage. The component is currently installed on the vehicle and is available for inspection upon request. I purchased this vehicle in 2024, when it was only about two years old. Because of the vehicle's age, I did not expect to experience major electrical problems. Approximately one year after purchasing it, in June, the battery failed and I had to purchase a brand-new replacement battery. Then, only about three months later, that replacement battery also failed and had to be replaced with another new battery. Having two batteries fail within such a short period on a relatively new vehicle made me believe there was an underlying electrical problem rather than simply defective batteries. As the problem continued to worsen, I discovered that the issue appeared to be related to the positive battery terminal fuse block connection. The connection became intermittent, and the vehicle would not reliably start because electrical power was not consistently passing through the battery terminal assembly. To temporarily restore the connection, a small metal key was carefully placed between the fuse block connection and the battery terminal. This was never intended to be a repair, but it was the only way to make the electrical connection so the vehicle would start. With the metal key in place, the vehicle would start and operate. Recently, the vehicle was exposed to snow and moisture. After that, the temporary connection stopped working and the vehicle would no longer start. I removed the metal key, allowed the connection to dry, and then inserted a small folded piece of aluminum foil into the same location to temporarily restore the electrical connection. The aluminum foil is still in place because it is currently the only way I can start the vehicle and drive it to a Kia dealership for inspection and replacement of the failed component. I”

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“Engine failure at 93,000 miles. Timing chain jumped, causing internal engine damage. Dealer (Capitol Kia, San Jose CA) diagnosed engine as failed and quoted $11,843 for short block replacement. Vehicle is a 2021 Kia Sportage 2.4L. This is a known issue with the Theta II 2.4L engine.”

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire. A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury. Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect the vehicle, and, as necessary, replace the fuse and/or tow hitch harness module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC249.”