# 2018 KIA SPORTAGE — ENGINE
> NHTSA complaint `2210144` · 2026-05-26 · Kia America, Inc.
## Severity
- **Deaths:** 0
- **Injured:** 0
- **Fire:** Yes
- **Crash:** No
- **Police report:** Yes
- **Medical attention:** No
- **Vehicle towed:** No
## Vehicle
- **Make:** KIA
- **Model:** SPORTAGE
- **Year:** 2018
- **Manufacturer:** Kia America, Inc.
- **Component:** ENGINE
## Narrative
1. Component or System Malfunction & Availability Component/System Failed: An unidentified component within the engine compartment failed, resulting in a sudden, catastrophic thermal event (engine fire).  Odometer Reading: 100,415 miles at the time of the incident.  Available for Inspection: No. The vehicle was completely destroyed by the fire and is a total loss.  2. Safety Risk Assessment The vehicle was being driven at highway speeds on a major freeway by my 21-year-old son, Brennan Font, when the incident occurred. The sudden presence of heavy smoke and intense heat entering the cabin while traveling at high speeds created an immediate, life-threatening hazard. This forced an emergency pullover on the shoulder of a busy freeway. Moments after exiting, the vehicle became fully engulfed in flames, presenting a severe risk of explosion and injury to the driver and passing motorists.  3. Verification & Third-Party Inspection Reproduced/Confirmed by Dealer: No, the sudden and destructive nature of the failure prevented any prior diagnostic testing.  Inspected by Manufacturer/Authorities: The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer. However, the incident was handled and documented on-scene by local authorities. A formal police report was filed by the Ventura Police Department (Report Number: 26-31369, responding officer: Officer Steinberger).  4. Warning Symptoms and Timeline There were no prior warning lamps, dashboard messages, check engine lights, or abnormal symp
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*Source: [NHTSA ODI](https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/downloads/) · MORVS · CC0 1.0*