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2018 Kia Sportage

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2018 Kia Sportage do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 122.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

51 reports with mileage · 112 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 90 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 29 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 18 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

7 crash reports12 fire reports4 injury reports

What owners actually said

163 reports
Mileage unknown · Apr 8, 2025
Engine

I just found out by the jiffy lube manager where I go for my oil changes. That my Kia is involved in the oil consumption leak. I purchased it used and still making payments on the car. I have tried working this out with Kia and the dealership with no support or assistance in this matter, So frustrating when they know it’s an on…

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I just found out by the jiffy lube manager where I go for my oil changes. That my Kia is involved in the oil consumption leak. I purchased it used and still making payments on the car. I have tried working this out with Kia and the dealership with no support or assistance in this matter, So frustrating when they know it’s an on going problem with their vehicles and the oil consumption leak. Really need help with this. I had two warranty on the car and the oil consumption leak is excluded from both. How convenient.

NHTSA ODI #11653360

Mileage unknown · Mar 26, 2025
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

The contact owned a 2018 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted into first gear. While attempting to accelerate, the vehicle jerked and briefly lost motive power before slamming into gear. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that an abnor…

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The contact owned a 2018 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted into first gear. While attempting to accelerate, the vehicle jerked and briefly lost motive power before slamming into gear. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that an abnormal burning odor was coming from under the hood and entered the vehicle through the A/C vents. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, no cause for the failure was found. The thermostat and the electric switch on the driver’s side window were replaced. The contact stated that while driving uphill or going downhill, the RPM fluctuated, and the engine revved abnormally. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI #11650881

105,000 miles · Mar 18, 2025
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that upon having the vehicle serviced by an independent mobile mechanic, the contact was informed that the engine oil level was extremely low after a recent oil change. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to …

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The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that upon having the vehicle serviced by an independent mobile mechanic, the contact was informed that the engine oil level was extremely low after a recent oil change. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to provide a specific diagnostic result for the failure; however, the contact was informed that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 105,000.

NHTSA ODI #11649109

Mileage unknown · Mar 6, 2025
Engine

I am writing regarding the KIA recall #SC336. About 6 months ago I noticed my 2018 KIA Sportage w 139,000 started using a lil oil. Then 3 days ago it starting cutting out & ck engine light came on. I called mechanic & took it into his shop. He put a coder reader on it and it said, misfire on #2. He did a compression test and …

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I am writing regarding the KIA recall #SC336. About 6 months ago I noticed my 2018 KIA Sportage w 139,000 started using a lil oil. Then 3 days ago it starting cutting out & ck engine light came on. I called mechanic & took it into his shop. He put a coder reader on it and it said, misfire on #2. He did a compression test and there was 0 pressure on #2 cylinder. He then took a camera and went down and there is a hole in #2 piston. He recommends a new engine. He had me call the KIA Customer Care # however, they basically told me the deadline for class action suit expired and I had no remedy with them. My car was not acting up at the end of said deadline so, why would I have filed a claim?! I seen this info on recall #SC336 as to oil consumption & no compression in '20-'23 Souls and Seltos. I have also seen several mechanics forums speaking about my year of Sportage with compression issues. I am a poor lady on disability and still owe $11,000 on this car w no extended warranty coverage. Is there anything I can do in order to get KIA to include my vehicle in an engine recall ? I have now obtained a loan for the $4,800 rebuilt engine I just purchased from Auto Zone! Thank you in advance for your attention to this matter.

NHTSA ODI #11646712

Mileage unknown · Mar 3, 2025
Electrical System

Driver power window regulator stopped working. It is available for inspection upon request. My safety is at risk because it can hinder my ability to exit the car in an emergency. In addition, it is exposing the car's interior and possibly interior electrical parts to the weather elements, and potentially leaving me vulnerable t…

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Driver power window regulator stopped working. It is available for inspection upon request. My safety is at risk because it can hinder my ability to exit the car in an emergency. In addition, it is exposing the car's interior and possibly interior electrical parts to the weather elements, and potentially leaving me vulnerable to theft or intrusion. The problem was intermittent at first, and I reported it to the dealer, but at that time of service, they were unable to reproduce the failure. The service department told me this is a fairly common problem with my model of car. The component has not been inspected by Kia, the police, insurance representatives, or others. The symptoms were intermittent at first prior to the total failure. The full failure happened at 101,500 miles, which is past the 100,000 mile warranty expiration.

NHTSA ODI #11645908

Mileage unknown · Feb 25, 2025
Seats

Drivers seat reclines but gets sick in that position. You can toggle the control but sometimes it goes back into more of recline, and getting harder to get back up.

NHTSA ODI #11644771

61,000 miles · Feb 20, 2025
Seats

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that the driver's seat was inoperable. The contact stated that the driver's seat latch failed to function properly while attempting to adjust and move the seat forward. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but …

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The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that the driver's seat was inoperable. The contact stated that the driver's seat latch failed to function properly while attempting to adjust and move the seat forward. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.

NHTSA ODI #11643955

Mileage unknown · Jan 22, 2025
EngineFuel/propulsion System

Engine failure due to oil composition leaking.

NHTSA ODI #11637571

Mileage unknown · Jan 18, 2025
Unknown Or Other

I lost power and was sandwiched between semis and as I was going over one of the mountains, I went from 70 mph which was the speed limit at the time down to 45 to 50 I mean I couldn’t keep the speed. It was sudden with no warning and also had this happen on previous occasions which was reported to KIA. It caused road rage from …

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I lost power and was sandwiched between semis and as I was going over one of the mountains, I went from 70 mph which was the speed limit at the time down to 45 to 50 I mean I couldn’t keep the speed. It was sudden with no warning and also had this happen on previous occasions which was reported to KIA. It caused road rage from drivers and also almost multiple accidents over time. I thought at one point I was going over the side of the mountain that didn't have guard rails due to sudden slow down and no where to go and semi behind me. Ended up with a new Waste Gate.

NHTSA ODI #11636816

Mileage unknown · Jan 18, 2025
Unknown Or Other

Sudden strong hot fire smell out of nowhere. Immediately looked at my C to H gauge. It was not on C yet not all the way on H. I immediately looked for smoke/fire from vehicles in front of me as I have seen semis and diesel trucks appear or actually on fire while traveling. No more than Iook I up and look back down at the gauge …

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Sudden strong hot fire smell out of nowhere. Immediately looked at my C to H gauge. It was not on C yet not all the way on H. I immediately looked for smoke/fire from vehicles in front of me as I have seen semis and diesel trucks appear or actually on fire while traveling. No more than Iook I up and look back down at the gauge which was now over halfway now closer to H, smell was stronger and smoke seen seeping through my instrument dashboard and honestly I was having a brief moment where it didn't seem real (between military trauma and fear of burning up in a vehicle). I was right at a stoplight so very quickly smoke started to engulf my engine hood coming out of all sides and I felt it was about to explode as quick as the smell and clouds appeared. I took an immediate left turn and quickly pulled into the parking lot near and immediately got out and called 911. Someone seen it up in smoke and told me he thought it smelled like a fire. I informed him 911 was coming. Two fire engines showed up along with EMS & police along with about 3 non fire engine volunteers. As I turned the vehicle off immediately prior to 911, the smoke started to subside outside of the vehicle. A firefighter in charge informed it was a fire risk/hazard, do not turn on and to contact KIA right way to report...have towed. I have been informed there was huge amounts of oil loss at one time, engine leak concern involving an oil feed tube. I was informed by dealership that so much oil spilling out that a fire could have started if it did not. Firefighters showed sprayed oil to the back of the vehicle under hood that should not ever be there and recommended to not drive.

NHTSA ODI #11636807

Official recalls

3

22V703000 · Trailer Hitches

Sep 19, 2022

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: 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.

21V137000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

Mar 4, 2021

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Sportage and Cadenza vehicles. The electrical circuit in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may short-circuit, which can cause a fire in the engine compartment.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace certain fuses in the electrical junction box. Vehicles equipped with an electronic parking brake (EPB) will also receive a HECU software update. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on April 30, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC206.

18V907000 · Engine; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Dec 19, 2018

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Engine

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.

Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.

Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

AQ23002 · Hyundai And Kia Abs Module Fires

Opened Nov 17, 2023 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.

Go deeper into Kia Sportage problems