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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.

About this comparison →

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 · Aug 20, 2023
Engine

Engine seized with no warning. Oil was being consumed but dealership said this was normal. Then it seized up now being quoted for $12,500 for new long block. They said it was a freak thing that happened. Something made a hole in my radiator. This is all lies.

NHTSA ODI #11539659

Mileage unknown · Aug 7, 2023
Structure

Driving down interstate, mid-morning, and my front sunroof imploded. VERY loud, like a bomb or gunshot. Shattered glass everywhere, all over myself and my car. I jerked, almost hitting a vehicle to my left. Correcting, and almost got hit by an 18 wheeler. Made it over, got off Interstate, was disoriented, ran a stop sign I think…

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Driving down interstate, mid-morning, and my front sunroof imploded. VERY loud, like a bomb or gunshot. Shattered glass everywhere, all over myself and my car. I jerked, almost hitting a vehicle to my left. Correcting, and almost got hit by an 18 wheeler. Made it over, got off Interstate, was disoriented, ran a stop sign I think. Was the absolute worst sound.

NHTSA ODI #11536965

Mileage unknown · Aug 3, 2023
Unknown Or Other

There wasn't an emissions control in my steering wheel. My car was stolen and was more than a total loss when it was found.

NHTSA ODI #11536359

Mileage unknown · Jul 5, 2023
Engine

I am being told my 5 year old Kia Sportage is going to need a new engine. It does have 122k miles, but other than that, I have never had an issue. After reading complaints made by hundreds of other Kia Sportage owners it seems there is a common denominator. A car made with a defective engine. I have been to the mechanic two time…

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I am being told my 5 year old Kia Sportage is going to need a new engine. It does have 122k miles, but other than that, I have never had an issue. After reading complaints made by hundreds of other Kia Sportage owners it seems there is a common denominator. A car made with a defective engine. I have been to the mechanic two times, for a routine oil change and have been told there is no oil in my car, even though both times they have stated there are no leaks. I need a solution for this that doesn’t cost me 4-10k on a new engine. When this issues should have never been a thing.

NHTSA ODI #11530553

Mileage unknown · Jun 26, 2023
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other

The tow hitch can apparently start a fire. I can not afford to rent a car & must use mine as I am disabled & have a mother with dementia, so I need my vehicle. Kia still has not resolved this issue. This recall has been open since September, 10 MONTHS! This is the THIRD recall for this vehicle, one has a current lawsuit.

NHTSA ODI #11528829

Mileage unknown · Jun 21, 2023
Electrical System

The plugs for the engine cooling fan and wiring harness were damaged from overheating. No fuses blew, plugs were melted and wiring was discolored from overheating. Estimate for repair was: Parts (cooling fan assembly, and wiring harness)- $2430.19 plus tax, Labor 8hrs @ $175.00/hr- $1400, Total cost to replace the cooling fan an…

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The plugs for the engine cooling fan and wiring harness were damaged from overheating. No fuses blew, plugs were melted and wiring was discolored from overheating. Estimate for repair was: Parts (cooling fan assembly, and wiring harness)- $2430.19 plus tax, Labor 8hrs @ $175.00/hr- $1400, Total cost to replace the cooling fan and wiring harness- $3830.19 plus tax. Overheating of the wiring harness poses a significant risk of a short circuit and potential engine fire. The problem was identified by the Kia dealer. No warning lamps, blown fuses, or messages warning of the problem. we smelled smoke on a couple of occasions. Unable to afford the repairs, we traded the vehicle in at a Honda dealer.

NHTSA ODI #11528190

Mileage unknown · Jun 3, 2023
Forward Collision Avoidance

UNKNOWN. A warning light on dash comes on. It stays on up to 20 minutes then goes out. There doesn't seem to be any trigger causing the problem. It does this everyday at ant speed.

NHTSA ODI #11525186

Mileage unknown · May 23, 2023
Service BrakesVehicle Speed Control

With the cruise control set at highway speed (65pmh, etc) If you push the foot controlled parking brake it will not cancel the cruise control. The vehicle increases the acceleration to maximum and overrides the parking brake input. If using the parking brake in an emergency you would stomp on the parking (emergency brake) and no…

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With the cruise control set at highway speed (65pmh, etc) If you push the foot controlled parking brake it will not cancel the cruise control. The vehicle increases the acceleration to maximum and overrides the parking brake input. If using the parking brake in an emergency you would stomp on the parking (emergency brake) and not be able to slow down unless separately cancelling the cruise control.

NHTSA ODI #11523371

46,300 miles · May 22, 2023
EnginePower Train

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and was unable to accelerate above 20 MPH. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed…

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The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and was unable to accelerate above 20 MPH. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that unknown engine repairs were needed. The repairs were completed; however, the mechanic then diagnosed that the driveshaft needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the warranty had expired. The vehicle remained at the dealer awaiting the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 46,300. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI #11523287

Mileage unknown · May 2, 2023
Electrical System

The contact owned a 2018 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that the vehicle was stolen while parked in front of her residence. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to a dealer and the Anti-Theft Logic and Sticker Upgrade per NHTSA ID Number: 10233650 (Electrical System) was performed. The vehicle was repaired.…

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The contact owned a 2018 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that the vehicle was stolen while parked in front of her residence. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to a dealer and the Anti-Theft Logic and Sticker Upgrade per NHTSA ID Number: 10233650 (Electrical System) was performed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI #11520066

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