2018 Kia Sportage

2018 Kia Sportage recalls (3)

• 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.

  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.

• SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

  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.

  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.

• TRAILER HITCHES

  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.

  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.

2018 Kia Sportage safety ratings

Source: NHTSA NCAP ratings.

2018 Kia Sportage owner complaints (15)

• ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Check Engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption, which resulted in spark plug fouling, and the vehicle exhibited an audible engine noise consistent with a potential engine failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the spark plugs were serviced. The contact also reported multiple visits to the mechanic for oil additions. No further information was available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

• POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  I received a voluntary emissions update letter from kia, and although it was voluntary, the letter said failure to update could be considered lack of maintenance. The update was performed on XXX at Dorsch Ford/Kia in [XXX]. The vehicle ran poorly from that day forward. I gave it a couple of weeks to insure that the system could learn my driving habits. I then went to the Dorsch service department to report my issues. The service writer {Andy} said he hadn't heard of any issues with the update. I had him log in my issues to have a record that I complained. I returned several more times and talked to other service writers who told me that if they would check the vehicle and found nothing that I would have to pay service fees. the vehicle jerks and up/downshifts frequently and almost stalls sometimes when accelerating from a stoplight. It will lung periodically when navigating a parking lot at low speeds. It frequently searches for a different gear in traffic. To be clear, my car ran perfectly before this update. I asked them to put the previous tune back into the car but they said they can't do that. The car runs fine sometimes but the uncertainty of the jerking and shifting at improper times makes it dangerous to drive. Also almost stalling at an intersection is very dangerous too. I doubt that I am the only one to have this problem. Please help in any way you can to get this fixed without me having to spend money to correct a factory/dealer initiated problem Thank you for all your help. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

• ENGINE

  1. Component or System Malfunction & Availability Component/System Failed: An unidentified component within the engine compartment failed, resulting in a sudden, catastrophic thermal event (engine fire). Odometer Reading: 100,415 miles at the time of the incident. Available for Inspection: No. The vehicle was completely destroyed by the fire and is a total loss. 2. Safety Risk Assessment The vehicle was being driven at highway speeds on a major freeway by my 21-year-old son, Brennan Font, when the incident occurred. The sudden presence of heavy smoke and intense heat entering the cabin while traveling at high speeds created an immediate, life-threatening hazard. This forced an emergency pullover on the shoulder of a busy freeway. Moments after exiting, the vehicle became fully engulfed in flames, presenting a severe risk of explosion and injury to the driver and passing motorists. 3. Verification & Third-Party Inspection Reproduced/Confirmed by Dealer: No, the sudden and destructive nature of the failure prevented any prior diagnostic testing. Inspected by Manufacturer/Authorities: The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer. However, the incident was handled and documented on-scene by local authorities. A formal police report was filed by the Ventura Police Department (Report Number: 26-31369, responding officer: Officer Steinberger). 4. Warning Symptoms and Timeline There were no prior warning lamps, dashboard messages, check engine lights, or abnormal symptoms leading up to the failure. The onset of heavy smoke and heat was sudden and instantaneous. 5. Detailed Incident Description Brennan immediately steered the vehicle to the shoulder of the freeway. As soon as he brought the vehicle to a stop and attempted to park, open flames breached the hood of the car. He successfully exited the vehicle without injury and immediately dialed 911. The vehicle burned completely before the fire could be extinguished. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

• ENGINE

  Component/System Failed: An unidentified component within the engine compartment failed, resulting in a sudden, catastrophic thermal event (engine fire). Odometer Reading: 100,415 miles at the time of the incident. Available for Inspection: No. The vehicle was completely destroyed by the fire and is a total loss. 2. Safety Risk Assessment The vehicle was being driven at highway speeds on a major freeway by my [XXX] [XXX [XXX] incident occurred. The sudden presence of heavy smoke and intense heat entering the cabin while traveling at high speeds created an immediate, life-threatening hazard. This forced an emergency pullover on the shoulder of a busy freeway. Moments after exiting, the vehicle became fully engulfed in flames, presenting a severe risk of explosion and injury to the driver and passing motorists. 3. Verification & Third-Party Inspection Reproduced/Confirmed by Dealer: No, the sudden and destructive nature of the failure prevented any prior diagnostic testing. Inspected by Manufacturer/Authorities: The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer. However, the incident was handled and documented on-scene by local authorities. A formal police report was filed by the Ventura Police Department (Report Number: 26-31369, responding officer: Officer [XXX] ). [XXX] ymptoms and Timeline There were no prior warning lamps, dashboard messages, check engine lights, or abnormal symptoms leading up to the failure. The onset of heavy smoke and heat was sudden and instantaneous. 5. Detailed Incident Description [XXX] immediat [XXX] red the vehicle to the shoulder of the freeway. As soon as he brought the vehicle to a stop and attempted to park, open flames breached the hood of the car. He successfully exited the vehicle without injury and immediately dialed 911. The vehicle burned completely before the fire could be extinguished. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

• ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINE

  The oil was leaking somewhere not on the motor not under the car not blowing black smoke. I kept adding oil to it. No oil light. I was told not to park between 2 houses or in my garage it could catch on fire. I took it in several times and they did all kinds of stuff motor wash knock sensor was replaced wiring harness was corroded was slipping out of gear and other issues. And now it doesn't run because of the motor issue and they refused to fix it because I didn't have oil change receipts they are the ones that took care of that there was no oil to change I kept adding it. I have all of the detailed work invoices of what they did to it. I've been without a car for a year now they said it's not under warranty my car has several of the recalls. They wouldn't do all of the stuff they did if it wasn't necessary and trying to locate the problem.

• ENGINE

  My Kia Sportage has developed a loud engine knocking noise, which I understand is a known issue with Kia engines. I am concerned that this indicates internal engine failure and could lead to sudden engine seizure while driving, creating a serious safety hazard. The dealership denied repair assistance due to lack of oil change records, but the issue appears consistent with widespread engine defects reported in similar vehicles. I am requesting investigation into this issue due to the safety risk it poses.

• ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  I've had an oil leak for a couple of years, typically having to put in 5 - 7 quarts of oil in between oil changes. In 2025 I had my spark plugs and some oil seal replaced it was quite expensive to have done. 6ish months later my 4th cylinder started misfiring. I took it to the repair shop. They performed an oil wash and it seemed to fix the misfire issue at the time. 3 months later it started to misfire again. I took it back to the repair shop and had them replace all 4 of the ignition coils, which did not help. They recommended I take it the Kia dealer. They believe the engine is burning oil which why it has such high oil consumption and that they believe the engine should be under a warranty. I need a safe vehicle for work and travel and frustrated that I am having to pay so much money just trying to get my vehicle repaired so it is.

• ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  On 1/26/2024 approximately 9am, my husband had been driving on the highway for about 2 hours and pulled over to shut his eyes for a few minutes. He shut off the engine, closed his eyes and immediately smelled smoke. Black smoke began coming from under the hood and quickly got worse. He quickly got out of the car and walked away. He heard a loud pop sound and the engine area was engulfed in flames. He called 911. It took about 10 min for the fire dept to arrive and by then, the fire was being fed by the gas in the tank. They tried to put out the fire but the car burnt completely due to the gasoline. No one was hurt, thank goodness. There were no active lawsuits that I could find to get some compensation for this loss. We had to pay our high deductible and lost personal belongings in the car. This car did have an ongoing oil consumption issue. We had to replace the oil more frequently than normally required and it used much more oil than normal. We were told we had to wait for engine failure to get any kind of resolution.

• ENGINE

  2018 kia sportage had oil consumption issue but did not notify car owners, lead to complete engine failure of my car at only 117,000 this car is part of a class action lawsuit due to bad engineering , kia would not replace the engine on this even though i submitted all maintenance records, they had terrible communication when i was calling for months to file a claim with corporate, wouldnt return phone calls, supervisors not doing their jobs, car was sitting on lot for almost three months, still have loan on it, was at loss of work income etc..they should be held liable for bad engineering of cars sportage only had 117,00 miles when engine went out and we had oil changes, maintance and kept it in great shape this was confirmed at montrosse kia complete engine failure

• ENGINE

  At 113,000 my engine failed. It was determined that low compression occurred due to the first cylinder failing. I’ve been having excessive oil consumption since about 60k.

• ENGINE

  My vehicle broke down on my family 2 hours away. The suv started engine failure with the engine light coming on then the rpm’s reved up to 4000 and started chugging. We stoped at the gas station shut the vehicle off and got it towed home to a local shop. I have the 2.4 engine and less then 130,000 miles on it and the shop said my piston is gone and my engine is bad.

• ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

  Took my car for the theft recall and had it performed, my vehicle was stolen last night and the theft used a USB charging cable to steal it, the recall did not fix this

• ENGINE

  My vehicle suffered from a catastrophic engine failure while driving on the highway. The vehicle stalled at highway speeds (55mph), during rush hour. Causing a near rear end collision. From this point on my vehicle was unable to reach speeds of 30 Mph. This failure is consistent with a defect in the Theta II engines that has been subject to recalls. The Theta II engine recall is under a soft recall. It is not known to the public unless it happens to the owners vehicle. This sudden stall at highway speeds jeopardized the safety of the driver (myself) and the people and vehicles behind the driver.

• ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed after an oil change was recently performed on the vehicle, the low oil pressure warning light illuminated with the message "Service Engine" displayed, and the vehicle made a dinging sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where 5 quarts of oil were added to the engine; however, the failure recurred while driving the following day. The contact's son added 3 quarts of oil to the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where an oil consumption test was started. The contact returned to the dealer after 1,000 miles. The dealer informed the contact that two more 1,000 miles tests were required to complete the oil consumption test. The contact declined to pay the fee to complete the test and was advised to trade the vehicle in at the owner's expense. The contact stated that the vehicle was purchased from the dealer as a certified pre-owned vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.

• ENGINE

  My 2018 Kia Sportage (2.4L Theta II GDI engine) suddenly triggered diagnostic trouble code P1326 (Knock Sensor Detection System – Detection of Excessive Connecting Rod Bearing Wear) and entered limp mode at 111,595 miles on Sep 13, 2025. The vehicle is now speed- and RPM-limited to protect the engine from catastrophic failure. This is the exact failure mode covered under the well-documented Hyundai/Kia Theta II engine defect that has led to thousands of engine seizures and, in some cases, vehicle fires. Kia implemented the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software update (Campaign SC200) on this VIN, yet the system has now correctly detected excessive connecting rod bearing wear. Despite the vehicle falling squarely within the class vehicles listed in the 2020–2023 Hyundai/Kia engine litigation settlement (In re: Hyundai and Kia Engine Litigation II), Kia’s settlement VIN-check website [XXX] ) incorrectly states this VIN “has not been matched with an eligible Class Vehicle.” I am concerned this may be used as a pretext to deny the lifetime short-block warranty repair that other identically-equipped 2018 Sportage owners have received at no cost. Continued driving risks sudden engine seizure or fire, which NHTSA has previously investigated under PE21-003 and related actions. I am forced to keep the vehicle parked until Kia honors the repair or provides clear justification for denial. I can no longer safely use the vehicle for normal transportation Requested action: I request that NHTSA investigate Kia’s inconsistent application of the Theta II lifetime warranty and settlement benefits, particularly when the KSDS system (installed by Kia) has triggered the exact warning it was designed to detect. This appears to be a continuing safety defect affecting 2011–2019 Kia vehicles equipped with the 2.4L Theta II GDI engine. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)