2019 Kia Sportage Has A Check Engine Light

Common Causes of the Check Engine Light in Your 2019 Kia Sportage and How to Resolve Them

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Reviewed by
Bo Fader
Written by RepairPal Car Genius
Updated January 14, 2025
0%
40% chance it's the
Emissions System
0%
60% chance it's
Something else
The most common reasons a 2019 Kia Sportage has a check engine light are an emissions system component, a sensor, or a catalytic converter.
  • Emissions System: A faulty emissions system component, such as an oxygen sensor or EGR valve, can lead to increased emissions and trigger the check engine light.
Proper diagnosis will determine the exact cause of your symptom, saving you money on unnecessary repairs. The diagnostic experts at RepairPal Certified shops have the right tools and experience to solve any symptom.

How much does it cost to fix a 2019 Kia Sportage has a check engine light?

Common Repairs

The total repair cost will vary based on the condition of your vehicle and the number of repairs needed to fix your symptom. Proper diagnosis will save you money by finding the exact repairs needed to fix your car right the first time.

A faulty oxygen sensor is one of the most common causes of a check engine light. Symptoms may include a decrease in fuel mileage, hesitation or misfiring from the engine, rough idling or even stalling. A faulty sensor may cause the vehicle to fail an emissions test.

Any time there is an emissions fault the check engine light will be displayed. The purpose of the check engine light is to inform the driver that an emission related fault has been found, and that there are on-board diagnostic (OBD) trouble codes stored in the powertrain or engine control module. Additionally, since the emissions systems are so intertwined into engine control and transmission control systems, symptoms may include nearly any sort of drivability concerns. This may include harsh shifting, failure to shift, hesitation on acceleration, jerking, engine failure to start or run, loss of power, or any number of other drivability issues.

Due to the nature of electrical systems on modern vehicles, the range of problems these can cause are nearly limitless. However, there is a way to categorize them in two ways. Permanent and intermittent problems. Permanent problems appear and remain. This may be the vehicle will not start, the radio does not work, or the door chime will not turn off among many, many others. These problems are more straight-forward to diagnose since they present themselves at all time. This means there will always be a fault to find. Intermittent electrical problems, however, can be difficult or impossible to locate, since they appear then disappear without warning. The best case scenario for an intermittent issue is when replicating the problem is easily accomplished and understood. This allows a technician to make an issue semi-permanent, allowing them to find the fault. Other issues that come and go without warning and cannot be replicated on demand must occur when the technician is servicing the vehicle, otherwise there is no problem to correct. It is most important to understand that electrical system faults always require inspection, and can include the vehicle working in any manner, or not working at all.

Like we noted in the last section, general diagnosis symptoms are the most vague of the bunch. There are several diagnostic spectrums, electrical diagnosis, drivability diagnostics, engine diagnostics, transmission diagnostics, and the list could continue for about 5 or 10 more spectrums of diagnostics. The most important take-away here, is that general diagnostics are diagnostics that have no other spectrum in which they fit, or the problem is unknown. This means that any vehicle left outside of a repair facility with the keys and an authorization to perform diagnosis will be diagnosed under the general diagnosis spectrum.

When the Check Engine Light comes on, you may experience engine performance issues such as poor acceleration, rough idling, or an engine that won't start. In some cases, no abnormal symptoms will be experienced. Other systems like the transmission or ABS can cause the Check Engine Light to illuminate and lights for those systems can come on at the same time. Similar lights may say "Check Engine Soon", "Malfunction Indicator Light" or just "Check". In rare case the engine can overheat.

What are the initial diagnostic steps to take for a check engine light on a 2019 Kia Sportage?

When the check engine light illuminates on your 2019 Kia Sportage, the first step is to check the gas cap, as a loose or damaged cap is a common and easily fixable cause of the warning. Next, examine the dashboard for any additional warning lights or messages that could offer further insight into the problem. If these initial checks do not resolve the issue, using an OBD-II scanner to retrieve error codes from the vehicle's computer is essential; these codes provide specific information about what might be malfunctioning. Additionally, visually inspecting components such as spark plugs, wires, and hoses for any signs of wear or damage can help identify potential issues. Finally, consulting the owner's manual can provide valuable context regarding the check engine light and any manufacturer-specific recommendations for troubleshooting. By following this structured approach, you can effectively diagnose and address the underlying issue, potentially saving time and money on repairs.

What are the common problems that could cause the check engine light to illuminate in a 2019 Kia Sportage?

When the check engine light illuminates in a 2019 Kia Sportage, it serves as a crucial alert for drivers to investigate potential issues that could affect vehicle performance and emissions. Common problems include a loose gas cap, which can disrupt the evaporative emissions system, and a faulty oxygen sensor that may lead to decreased fuel efficiency and increased emissions. Additionally, issues with the catalytic converter can trigger the light, as it plays a vital role in reducing harmful emissions. A malfunctioning mass airflow sensor can also cause performance disruptions by affecting the air-fuel mixture in the engine. Furthermore, problems with spark plugs or ignition coils can result in engine misfires, another frequent reason for the check engine light to activate. Other possible triggers include general engine misfires due to fuel delivery issues and a malfunctioning Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve, which can negatively impact both performance and emissions. If you encounter the check engine light, it is advisable to perform a thorough inspection or seek assistance from a qualified mechanic to accurately diagnose and address the underlying issue.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light in a 2019 Kia Sportage?

When the check engine light illuminates in a 2019 Kia Sportage, it is crucial to recognize the urgency of the situation. This warning light is not merely a nuisance; it indicates potential issues within the engine or emissions system that could range from minor to severe. For DIY enthusiasts, understanding the implications of ignoring this warning is essential. Neglecting the check engine light can lead to more significant problems, such as engine misfires or overheating, which may result in costly repairs and compromise the vehicle's safety and reliability. By addressing the check engine light promptly, you can not only prevent further damage but also enhance fuel efficiency and ensure the longevity of your vehicle. Therefore, if you see this warning, take the time to diagnose the issue, whether through an OBD-II scanner or by consulting repair manuals, to maintain your Kia Sportage's optimal performance.

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