ENGINE FAILED TO RUN AT SPEED, DROPPED TO 20 MPH AND WOULD NOT MOVE ANY FASTER.
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 →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Sportage years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
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.
What owners actually said
163 reportsI PURCHASED MY 2018 KIA SPORTAGE EX BRAND NEW 6-8-18. LESS THAN 100 MILES ON THE CAR AND THE DASHBOARD INSTRUMENT LIGHTS WENT DARK WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY IN THE DARK. I BROUGHT IT BACK TO DEALER, THEY HAD TO ORDER A NEW GAUGE DIMMER CLUSTER BECAUSE THE ORIGINAL FAILED. SEVERAL WEEKS LATER THE BRAKES BEGAN VIOLENTLY SHAK…
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I PURCHASED MY 2018 KIA SPORTAGE EX BRAND NEW 6-8-18. LESS THAN 100 MILES ON THE CAR AND THE DASHBOARD INSTRUMENT LIGHTS WENT DARK WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY IN THE DARK. I BROUGHT IT BACK TO DEALER, THEY HAD TO ORDER A NEW GAUGE DIMMER CLUSTER BECAUSE THE ORIGINAL FAILED. SEVERAL WEEKS LATER THE BRAKES BEGAN VIOLENTLY SHAKING THE CAR WHEN BRAKING ON THE HIGHWAY. AGAIN, I BROUGHT IT BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY RESURFACED THE BRAKE ROTORS DUE TO WARPING. SEVERAL MONTHS LATER ON 1-28-19 THE ENGINE DIED ON THE HIGHWAY PLACING THE VEHICLE INTO LIMP HOME MODE. I ALMOST GOT HIT BY A TRACTOR TRAILER TRYING TO GET TO THE BREAKDOWN LANE WITHOUT AMPLE ENGINE POWER. I IMMEDIATELY DROVE IT TO THE DEALER AND IT HAS BEEN THERE EVER SINCE. I GOT THE BBB INVOLVED NOW AND I AM TRYING TO GET THE LEMON LAW IN PLACE. I AM CURRENTLY IN A RENTAL.
AFTER 2 ATTEMPTS TO TRY AND HAVE THE SOUL REPAIRED PROPERLY AS TO STEERING AND AT LEAST 30 EMAILS AND BEGGING FOR HELP, AND FINDING MYSELF THE REASON THERE WAS A RECALL ON A RECALL...WE CONTACTED SENATOR MARCO RUBIO WHO IN TURN CONTACTED NHTSA, A CONGRESSIONAL AIDE ETC. NO HELP CAME FOR TWO DISABLED PERSONS. I EVEN WROTE ABOUT T…
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AFTER 2 ATTEMPTS TO TRY AND HAVE THE SOUL REPAIRED PROPERLY AS TO STEERING AND AT LEAST 30 EMAILS AND BEGGING FOR HELP, AND FINDING MYSELF THE REASON THERE WAS A RECALL ON A RECALL...WE CONTACTED SENATOR MARCO RUBIO WHO IN TURN CONTACTED NHTSA, A CONGRESSIONAL AIDE ETC. NO HELP CAME FOR TWO DISABLED PERSONS. I EVEN WROTE ABOUT THE SOULS CATCHING FIRE AND [XXX] WITNESSED A SOUL CRASH DUE TO STEERING. WE BEGGED CITRUS KIA, KIA MOTORS,KIA AMERICA TO REFUND OUR MONEY. WE LOST OUR HOME BUILT FOR OUR DISABILITIES TO TOXIC DRYWALL, WE WERE IN PROPUBLICA, HUFF POST AND TAMPA BAY TIMES. NO RECOVERY, WE SLEPT IN OUR KIA OPTIMA WHICH IS WHY WE PURCHASED THE SOUL. TWO WEEKS LATER, THE FIRST RECALL. 2 YRS NO ONE DID A THING. IN DECEMBER AT CHRISTMAS, KIA AMERICA " CHALLENGE " THE DEALERSHIPS. TO SELL EVERYTHING. WE WERE ONCE AGAIN DUPED. CITRUS KIA CALLED NUMEROUS TIMES , WHAT THEY DID WAS BROUGHT US IN UNDER FALSE PRETENSE, THEY FINANCED THRU KIA, THE 2018 SPORTAGE. NOW, WE ARE IN FURTHER DEBT WITH A CAR THEY ALL KNEW WAS DEFECTIVE. "SOFTWARE UPGRADE", OH AND BY THE WAY", KEEP THIS LETTER IN YOUR GLOVE BOX FOR EVER "IN CASE" THE ENGINE FAILES AND IF YOU, THE CUSTOMER WHO BOUGHT IN GOOD FAITH THAT IT WAS SAFER THAN THE SOUL, IF YOU DO NOT GET IT TO DEALER IF AND WHEN LIGHT COMES ON. YOU WILL BE CONSIDERED "ABUSING THE CAR" THE CONSUMER IS SUPPOSED TO DRIVE AND LIVE IN FEAR? NHTSA HAD NOT APPROVED THIS BANDAID. THE 1000 SPORTAGES NEED TO BE TRADED FOR 2019. THIS IS A SAD DAY WHEN A GAI , WE HAVE TO LIVE AND DRIVE IN FEAR AND PAY MONEY . I HAVE READ THE NEWS ARTICLES, THE WHISTLEBLOWER. THIS "SOFTWARE UPGRADE" IS NOT RIGHT. THE FIRES ARE HORRIFIC. ONE PERSON STATED HER CAR STILL HAD ISSUES. THIS IS CRIMINAL AS TO WHAT KIA MOTORS, KIA AMERICA, CITRUS KIA HAS AND IS STILL DOING TO TWO DISABLED PERSONS. WE NEED SOME HELP. OUR AUTO INSURANCE PREMIUM. INCREASED.[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
ENGINE WAS UPDATED REGARDING SOFTWARE , BUT ENGINE SHUT DOWN WHILE IN HWY OPERATION AT ACCELERATING SPEEDS AND IMMEDIATLY SHUT DOWN REDUCING SPEED TO 20 MPH MAY CAUSE FATAL ACCIDENT IF TRATOR TRAILER REAR ENDS YOU DURING THIS OCCURACE SINCE ONE WAS COMING UP OR TRAFFIC IN GENERAL CONSIDERING PEOPLE DON'T REACT ANYMORE. DEALERS…
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ENGINE WAS UPDATED REGARDING SOFTWARE , BUT ENGINE SHUT DOWN WHILE IN HWY OPERATION AT ACCELERATING SPEEDS AND IMMEDIATLY SHUT DOWN REDUCING SPEED TO 20 MPH MAY CAUSE FATAL ACCIDENT IF TRATOR TRAILER REAR ENDS YOU DURING THIS OCCURACE SINCE ONE WAS COMING UP OR TRAFFIC IN GENERAL CONSIDERING PEOPLE DON'T REACT ANYMORE. DEALERS SEAM RELUCTANT TO REPORTS THESE OCCURANCES.
DRIVER EXPERIENCED INITIAL BOGGING DOWN ON ACCELERATION BEFORE NORMAL ACCELERATION OCCURRED. THERE HAVE BEEN TWO OCCURANCES THUS FAR. HAPPENED WHILE ONE FOOT ON BRAKE AND THE OTHER ON ACCELERATOR IN ORDER TO GET RAPID RESPONSE CHANGING LANES IN TRAFFIC AND OTHER WHILE MAKING LEFT TURN THROUGH TRAFFIC. VERY DANGEROUS TO EXPERIENC…
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DRIVER EXPERIENCED INITIAL BOGGING DOWN ON ACCELERATION BEFORE NORMAL ACCELERATION OCCURRED. THERE HAVE BEEN TWO OCCURANCES THUS FAR. HAPPENED WHILE ONE FOOT ON BRAKE AND THE OTHER ON ACCELERATOR IN ORDER TO GET RAPID RESPONSE CHANGING LANES IN TRAFFIC AND OTHER WHILE MAKING LEFT TURN THROUGH TRAFFIC. VERY DANGEROUS TO EXPERIENCE BOGGING INSTEAD OF ACCELERATION. THIS WAS A RECALL PROBLEM WITH MY 2011 JEEP GC. REPLACED AN INTERNAL FUEL PUMP RELAY IN THE TIPM THAT CURED THE PROBLEM. SUSPECT KIA HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. I OWN A 2018 KIA SPORTAGE FE FWD W/ APPROX. 6500 MILES.
I HAD MY KIA SPORTAGE OIL CHANGED, WAS TOLD MY A/C COMPRESSOR HOSE AT THE COMPRESSOR WAS LEAKING, CRIMP FIT, FACTORY DEFECT IS WHAT HE SAID
HEATING COIL THAT WARM THE SEAT CAUSE SEAT TO MELT AND L SHAPE. PATTERN ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. IT'S LOCATION IS TO THERE REAR OF THE BOTTOM WHERE THE RIGHT SIDE OF YOUR BUTT WITH REST. THE OUT SIDE TEMPERATURE WAS 42 DEGREES. THE CAR WAS SETTING IN THE DRIVEWAY OF HOUSE. WE HAD THE SEAT SET TO IT HIGHEST SETTING OF THERE DOTTED…
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HEATING COIL THAT WARM THE SEAT CAUSE SEAT TO MELT AND L SHAPE. PATTERN ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. IT'S LOCATION IS TO THERE REAR OF THE BOTTOM WHERE THE RIGHT SIDE OF YOUR BUTT WITH REST. THE OUT SIDE TEMPERATURE WAS 42 DEGREES. THE CAR WAS SETTING IN THE DRIVEWAY OF HOUSE. WE HAD THE SEAT SET TO IT HIGHEST SETTING OF THERE DOTTED LINES.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 KIA SPORTAGE. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP OR LOW SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE IN A TIMELY MANNER. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, BUT A FAILURE CODE WAS NOT LOCATED. THE DEALER ALSO TEST …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 KIA SPORTAGE. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP OR LOW SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE IN A TIMELY MANNER. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, BUT A FAILURE CODE WAS NOT LOCATED. THE DEALER ALSO TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE AND WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
KNOCKING ON THE ENGINE UPON STARTING. NO LONGER RUNNING THE VEHICLE BECAUSE OF NOISE.
I PICKED UP A BRAND NEW KIA SPORTAGE SX TURBO AWD WITH 34 MILES ON IT TODAY. IT WAS DRIVING KIND OF HESITANTLY, SEEMING LIKE IT WAS MISFIRING. ABOUT 30 MILES LATER, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE AS I HAVE AN ESTABLISHED RELATIONSHIP WITH THEM. THEY ADVISED TO TAKE IT TO THE NEAREST D…
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I PICKED UP A BRAND NEW KIA SPORTAGE SX TURBO AWD WITH 34 MILES ON IT TODAY. IT WAS DRIVING KIND OF HESITANTLY, SEEMING LIKE IT WAS MISFIRING. ABOUT 30 MILES LATER, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE AS I HAVE AN ESTABLISHED RELATIONSHIP WITH THEM. THEY ADVISED TO TAKE IT TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP. I TOOK MY CAR TO SUMMIT PLACE KIA IN AUBURN HILLS WHERE THE INITIAL DIAGNOSIS BASED ON A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT READING WAS AN IMPROPER FUEL/AIR MIXTURE IN CYLINDER 2. I AM NOT SURE WHAT PROTOCOL WILL BE FOLLOWED FROM THIS POINT OR WHAT ACTIONS WILL BE NEEDED TO RECTIFY THIS ISSUE. HOWEVER, IT IS APPARENT THAT THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH KIA'S GDI TURBO ENGINES.
Official recalls
322V703000 · 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
1AQ23002 · 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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