2018 Kia Sportage
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 164
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2018
Opened by NHTSA
55% of complaints
Complaints per year
2018: 164 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 56 |
| 1996 | 57 |
| 1997 | 181 |
| 1998 | 303 |
| 1999 | 284 |
| 2000 | 304 |
| 2001 | 228 |
| 2002 | 234 |
| 2003 | 4 |
| 2005 | 68 |
| 2006 | 111 |
| 2007 | 77 |
| 2008 | 98 |
| 2009 | 80 |
| 2010 | 20 |
| 2011 | 181 |
| 2012 | 392 |
| 2013 | 381 |
| 2014 | 125 |
| 2015 | 146 |
| 2016 | 134 |
| 2017 | 402 |
| 2018 | 164 |
| 2019 | 71 |
| 2020 | 166 |
| 2021 | 53 |
| 2022 | 46 |
| 2023 | 195 |
| 2024 | 74 |
| 2025 | 54 |
| 2026 | 28 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
55% · 91 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Shortly after driving away, before reaching a highway on-ramp, I noticed smoke coming from the vehicle. I turned around and returned to the location.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-10
Also filed under Electrical system and fuel/propulsion system
Vehicle stopped running smoke was coming from engine . Wonât start back up
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-01-13
2018 Kia Sportage (78,051 miles). Vehicle is part of the Kia Engine Class Action Settlement due to severe internal engine defects.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-13
Electrical system
18% · 29 reportsMost commonly citing key/sender.
Show complaint excerpts
All electrical malfunction and loss of steering and brakes resulting in heading crash
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-09-12
Also filed under Service brakes
Power train
11% · 18 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Purchased my Kia on the XXX then on the XXX, My engine light came on and my car went into Safety Mode . I at once took it to Auto Zone and their test came back with P1326 Knock signal range / performance.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-16
Fuel/propulsion system
7% · 11 reportsService brakes
7% · 11 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
Breaks failed to ingage and caused me to hit the back of the vehicle in front of me.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-16
2018 Kia Sportage 4D 4X4 while in 'park' rolled down home driveway. Vehicle rolled into street, while wife holding one year old son dodged vehicle to avoid getting crushed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-07-24
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2019-01-17Engine, fuel system, gasoline18V907000 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)...
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.
-
R
2021-04-30Service brakes, hydraulic21V137000 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.
-
R
2023-07-27Trailer hitches22V703000 Kia America, Inc.
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.
-
I
2023-11-17Audit queryOpen Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
Buy-smart checklist
2018 Kia Sportage — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 91 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 29 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 18 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 18V907000 · Engine, fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 21V137000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 22V703000 · Trailer hitches
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2018 Kia Sportage reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2018 Kia Sportage is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2018 Kia Sportage?
- The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 55% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2018 Kia Sportage have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.