Excessive Oil Consumption on my 2017 Kia Sportage

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Sarah K. · rep 0 · May 25, 2:12 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2017 Kia Sportage EX

Hey everyone, I'm a bit concerned about my 2017 Kia Sportage EX. Lately, I've noticed it's burning through oil much faster than it should. I'm having to add a quart every 1,000-1,500 miles, which seems really excessive for a car with only 75,000 miles on it.

I haven't seen any visible leaks, and there's no smoke from the exhaust that I can tell. The engine sounds normal, no knocking or anything, but this oil consumption has me worried about potential long-term damage or if it's related to any known issues.

Has anyone else experienced this with their Sportage, especially this generation? Is there a TSB or a recall I should be aware of? I'm trying to figure out if this is normal wear and tear or something more serious before I take it to the dealership.

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ClearTheCode Admin

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

Excessive oil consumption in certain Kia models, including the 2017 Sportage, is a known concern and has been linked to potential manufacturing defects in the engine, specifically the 2.4L Theta II GDI engine. This issue often leads to premature engine wear and, in severe cases, engine failure.

  1. Causes: The primary cause is often related to piston ring design and manufacturing tolerances, leading to oil bypassing the rings and burning in the combustion chamber. Carbon buildup on the valves and in the combustion chamber can exacerbate the problem.
  2. Symptoms to watch for: Besides frequent oil top-offs, look for a blue tint in the exhaust smoke (especially on acceleration), a noticeable drop in oil level between changes, and potentially illuminated check engine light (though not always directly related to oil consumption initially).
  3. TSBs and Recalls: There have been multiple TSBs and recalls related to engine issues for various Kia models, including the Theta II engine. It's crucial to check if your specific VIN is covered by any active recalls (e.g., recall 17V224000, 19V062000, or others related to engine knocking or fire risk). Even if not directly recalled for oil consumption, these issues are often interconnected.
  4. When to see a shop: You should take your vehicle to a Kia dealership as soon as possible. They will likely perform an oil consumption test, which involves sealing the dipstick and monitoring oil levels over a set mileage. Document all oil additions and keep receipts. If the consumption exceeds manufacturer specifications, it may qualify for engine repair or replacement under warranty or an extended warranty program related to these recalls. Mention any engine knocking if present, as this is a critical symptom for recall eligibility. Be prepared for a diagnostic fee if your vehicle is out of warranty and not covered by a recall.