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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

Engine complaints

90 reports
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Mileage unknown · Mar 28, 2024
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

I bought a vehicle from a dealership in 2021. The dealership sold me a 2018 Kia Sportage. To their knowledge, they state they were unaware of any safety recalls. However, fast-forward to [XXX]. As I was entering a busy street (with my two young children in the car (both under the age of 5) and going up a hill, the oil light flas…

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I bought a vehicle from a dealership in 2021. The dealership sold me a 2018 Kia Sportage. To their knowledge, they state they were unaware of any safety recalls. However, fast-forward to [XXX]. As I was entering a busy street (with my two young children in the car (both under the age of 5) and going up a hill, the oil light flashed once and then stayed on, I noticed the vehicle decelerating, as I tried to pull over, making way for vehicles to go around, all three (oil, battery and check engine) lights appear in my dashboard. After one failed attempt of restarting vehicle, I knew I needed to call a tow truck. Thankfully my mom wasn't too long to execute the rescue (it was about 32 outside). The vehicle was towed to the dealership I had purchased it from (NOT a certified Kia dealership mind you). I was told later on that day, that it was a good possibility my engine has blown. I was told the service technician had put over 3.5 qtrs. in order for it to register on the dipstick. I was also told they could replace said engine for a whopping $10,000. Which, the vehicle is only worth $2,000 more than the cost of the motor replacement. I decided to have the vehicle towed to a certified Kia dealership. Where, alas, the engine was in fact, blown. However, per the service manager, the blown engine was due to a recall (XXX) which was in effect as of 1/19/19 (before I bought said vehicle). Per the service manager a vehicle should not be sold with an active safety recall. I then relayed that information to the gentleman who said the vehicle and was told it was illegal for them to work on a vehicle that they are not certified to service (although I had the option for them to replace the engine). I then begin the battle of who is responsible. And ultimately told by the manager of dealership, 70% of the used vehicles they sell have active safety recalls that they do not fix. Nor do they send them to be serviced and checked by the appropriate personnel. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U

NHTSA ODI #11580012

Mileage unknown · Feb 29, 2024
Engine

My 2018 Kia Sportage was burning oil - had to add oil every week. On [XXX] I was driving on the [XXX] and my check engine light came on and the car slowed down. I got to the shoulder this was early in the morning I searched for a dealership and there was one 1 mile away It was 6 am when I arrived to the dealership and had to wa…

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My 2018 Kia Sportage was burning oil - had to add oil every week. On [XXX] I was driving on the [XXX] and my check engine light came on and the car slowed down. I got to the shoulder this was early in the morning I searched for a dealership and there was one 1 mile away It was 6 am when I arrived to the dealership and had to wait until they opened. And went to DCH Kia and eventually told me it was a cylinder that was blown. Why? Honestly I feel like this may have been a “false” diagnosis since the oil was burning up. I had extended coverage but they said it didn’t qualify for any engine recall. I had to get my entire engine replaced and was out of my car for over a month. Which I’m assuming the cylinder blew because of the oils burning. This should never have happened. And is truly frustrating. Especially when I am a loyal Kia owner and have never had any problems like this before. I was completely overwhelmed with the amount I was charged and that I even had to replace my entire engine and having to get a rental car the entire time as well. I’m noticing from the other comments a lot of oil burning and engine trouble in my make and model. Fortunately I did not get hit on the freeway when my car decided to stop. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11574767

Mileage unknown · Jan 18, 2024
Engine

The automobile began to burn oil excessively. The mechanic informed of an ongoing issue with Kia automobiles. Car taken to Kia. I was told nothing was wrong. Car continued to excessively burn oil requiring oil change at least every week. On January 7, while on the 15 freeway returning home the car slowed, then stopped. I had it …

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The automobile began to burn oil excessively. The mechanic informed of an ongoing issue with Kia automobiles. Car taken to Kia. I was told nothing was wrong. Car continued to excessively burn oil requiring oil change at least every week. On January 7, while on the 15 freeway returning home the car slowed, then stopped. I had it towed to the Kia dealership. Yesterday

NHTSA ODI #11566314

Mileage unknown · Jan 13, 2024
EngineFire

Vehicle stopped running smoke was coming from engine . Won’t start back up

NHTSA ODI #11565333

Mileage unknown · Nov 16, 2023
Engine

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH, the vehicle was jerking and hesitating while driving. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence and then towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the …

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The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH, the vehicle was jerking and hesitating while driving. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence and then towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine had failed and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact that there would be an reimbursement after legal matters were resolved. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI #11555486

117,000 miles · Oct 31, 2023
EngineVehicle Speed Control

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while her son was driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle independently accelerated. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine ne…

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The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while her son was driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle independently accelerated. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.

NHTSA ODI #11552897

Mileage unknown · Oct 19, 2023
Engine

Oil leakage and engine locked while on the highway. No acident. Tried to accelerate and it wouldn’t go. Engine is gone and won’t start

NHTSA ODI #11550834

Mileage unknown · Sep 23, 2023
Engine

Unknown, my Kia has been burning oil there is no oil leak and I had to get my oil changed every 2k miles. Then one day it started shaking on the freeway making noise and I had to exit 30+ miles from my city found the closest Kia dealership I took it there and they said I don’t qualify for the engine recall because it is a cylind…

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Unknown, my Kia has been burning oil there is no oil leak and I had to get my oil changed every 2k miles. Then one day it started shaking on the freeway making noise and I had to exit 30+ miles from my city found the closest Kia dealership I took it there and they said I don’t qualify for the engine recall because it is a cylinder my car is a 2018 it’s 5 years old! There is no reason it should be having problems like this. I have now been out of a car and with a rental for a month now not only do I have to pay to replace my entire engine I have to pay for a rental. Oil shouldn’t be burning up. I’ve never had this happen before. And when I googled it it is a common issue in Kia’s same with cylinder issues. Why would this be happening. Burning oils leads to destruction. Even though I am forced to have oils put in or go to a shop because there is little oil in my car by 1500miles when it should be able to go 5k miles I’m beyond frustrated.

NHTSA ODI #11546154

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 · 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

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.

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