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 PER YEAR
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 | 380 |
| 2014 | 122 |
| 2015 | 146 |
| 2016 | 131 |
| 2017 | 399 |
| 2018 | 163 |
| 2019 | 70 |
| 2020 | 160 |
| 2021 | 50 |
| 2022 | 46 |
| 2023 | 190 |
| 2024 | 68 |
| 2025 | 50 |
| 2026 | 26 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
55% of complaints: engine — 90 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURYShow 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, 20260910
Also filed under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Vehicle stopped running smoke was coming from engine . Wonât start back up
NHTSA ODI report, 20240113
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, 20260813
18% of complaints: electrical system — 29 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing key/sender.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
ALL ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION AND LOSS OF STEERING AND BRAKES RESULTING IN HEADING CRASH
NHTSA ODI report, 20190912
Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES
11% of complaints: power train — 18 distinct reports on file.
Show 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, 20260816
7% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 11 distinct reports on file.
FIRE7% of complaints: service brakes — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
Breaks failed to ingage and caused me to hit the back of the vehicle in front of me.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230916
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, 20180724
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 18V907000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 21V137000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 22V703000 — check if this car was fixed
Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2018 Kia Sportage — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (90 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (29 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 18V907000 (engine, fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V137000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V703000 (trailer hitches) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.