Recall 19V101 affects 32,296 2011-2012 Kia Sportage SUVs for engine oil pan leaks and related engine damage. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
Kia is recalling 32,296 2011-2012 Sportage vehicles under recall 19V101 because the engine oil pan can leak, and continued oil loss can damage the engine. A damaged engine can raise the risk of fire or cause a stall, which raises crash risk, and Kia dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The oil pan on a 2011-2012 Kia Sportage with a 2.4L engine is the metal reservoir at the bottom of the engine. It holds engine oil after the oil drains back from the moving parts above it. The pan has to seal tightly to the engine block so oil stays inside while the engine is running and while the vehicle is parked.
On affected Sportage vehicles, the oil pan was not sealed correctly. Oil can seep past the pan gasket area and drip onto the ground or the underbody. If the leak is not repaired, the engine loses oil over time. Too little oil leaves internal parts without enough lubrication, which can damage the engine and lead to stalling.
What you notice can start outside the engine bay: oil spots after parking, oil on underbody surfaces, or the smell of oil on hot parts. Warning lights can also appear, including the check engine light or oil pressure light. Reduced power or hesitation is another sign to take seriously.
Who's affected?
Both listed model years point to the same engine component.
| 2011 Kia Sportage | Engine |
|---|---|
| 2012 Kia Sportage | Engine |
| Units affected | 32,296 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
A damaged engine raises fire risk and can cause an engine stall, increasing crash risk. Watch for oil on the ground after parking, oil on the underbody, Check Engine or oil pressure warning lights, oil smell or smoke near hot surfaces, reduced power, or hesitation. Schedule the repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2012 Kia Sportage is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Kia dealer to schedule the free oil-pressure-switch replacement and oil-pan inspection that address engine oil leaks and engine damage risk.
- Ask the dealer to replace the oil pan at no charge if the inspection finds a leak.
- Bring the recall notice if Kia mailed one. If not, reference recall number 19V101 and Kia recall SC174 when you call.
- Watch for visible oil leaks or engine stalling, and stop driving if either happens before the repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kia technician replaces the oil pressure switch with an improved part and inspects the oil pan for leaks. If the oil pan is leaking, the technician replaces it as part of the recall. The replacement parts and labor are free. Kia's General Reimbursement Plan covers repair expenses owners already paid for this issue before the recall work. Bring repair invoices, payment records, and related paperwork to the Kia service desk when you arrive.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| February 15, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 5, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| April 5, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 10, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| July 3, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V101?
Recall 19V101 covers 32,296 2011-2012 Kia Sportage vehicles with an engine oil pan leak that can lead to engine damage, fire risk, or an engine stall. Kia dealers will replace the oil pressure switch and inspect the oil pan, replacing it if needed, for free.
What should I do if my 2011-2012 Kia Sportage is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Sportage is included in recall 19V101. If it is, contact a franchised Kia dealer and ask for recall SC174. The dealer will replace the oil pressure switch and inspect the oil pan for leaks for free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Kia's recall remedy says dealers will replace the oil pressure switch with an improved part for free. Dealers will also inspect the oil pan for leaks and replace the oil pan if needed, free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is engine damage that can increase fire risk or cause an engine stall. Recall 19V101 ties that risk to oil loss from the engine oil pan. If your VIN is included, arrange the free Kia dealer repair and ask about any oil leak concerns before driving.
What if I bought my Kia Sportage used?
The recall still follows the vehicle. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2011-2012 Sportage is included in recall 19V101, even if Kia never mailed you a notice. If it is included, a franchised Kia dealer performs the recall repair for free.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V101000 |
|---|---|
| Kia customer service | 1-800-333-4542 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V101 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V101000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →