2018 Kia Sportage Problems & Owner Complaints

Engine 86 8 fire 1 injury

“The contact owned a 2018 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he observed black smoke billowing from the engine compartment, after which the vehicle lost motive power, prompting him and his wife to evacuate the vehicle in the middle of the roadway. While attempting to retrieve important belongings from the vehicle, the contact stated that he heard what sounded to be an explosion within the engine compartment, causing him to fall backward and sprain his ankle. Moments later the front end of the vehicle was completely engulfed in flames. Local emergency se…”
NHTSA complaint #11626883, 2024 · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“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 whil…”
NHTSA complaint #11740223, 2026 · fire

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11740228, 2026 · fire

Electrical System 28 3 crash 2 fire 1 injury

“ALL ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION AND LOSS OF STEERING AND BRAKES RESULTING IN HEADING CRASH”
NHTSA complaint #11255041, 2019 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“THE ENTIRE CAR CAUGHT FIRE. ALL ELECTRIC WIRES CAUGHT FIRE AND THE CAR IT WAS PARK IN MY HOUSE .”
NHTSA complaint #11288823, 2019 · crash · fire

“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 gas…”
NHTSA complaint #11727238, 2024 · fire

Unknown Or Other 19 1 crash 1 fire

“I was driving to work, sitting at a stoplight when my car started releasing smoke from under the hood. All warning lights lit up, the car stalled, and the smoke got darker and more intense. Within a minute, flames started appearing under the front of the vehicle and began spreading towards the back of the car”
NHTSA complaint #11421190, 2021 · fire

“This Kia Sportage's alarm system does not go off when the passenger front window is broken. My car was broken into and the youth stripped the steering column and was able to start my car without needing the key nor having the key within the vehicle. This is a security issue and allows the vehicles to be easily stolen. These safety issues should be address and fixed immediately by Kia. The federal government should also hold Kia responsible for the spike in stolen vehicles across the U.S. seeing they know about the issue but have done nothing to fix it. The vehicle was then crashed and lef…”
NHTSA complaint #11449031, 2021 · crash

“Passenger outside rear view mirror the paint is peeling. It’s the original rear view mirror. Vehicle looks brand new except for that mirror.”
NHTSA complaint #11684576, 2025

Power Train 17

“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 talk…”
NHTSA complaint #11741993, 2025

“I started my car and it started shaking violently, and would jolt back and forth, I would be on the highway and the speed would decrease rapidly and overheat slightly to pick up speed”
NHTSA complaint #11685150, 2025

“I was riding on the highway at about 65 mph and then the check engine light came on, the car slowed down and lost power. Now when I take off I have to barely mash the gas to pick up speed, if I mash the gas pedal hard it barely moves and it loses speed and power going up a hill. I took the car to two different part store and had a reader hooked up and it said the power powertrain control module needs a reprogramming.”
NHTSA complaint #11666999, 2025

Service Brakes 11 3 crash 1 injury

“ALL ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION AND LOSS OF STEERING AND BRAKES RESULTING IN HEADING CRASH”
NHTSA complaint #11255041, 2019 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Breaks failed to ingage and caused me to hit the back of the vehicle in front of me.”
NHTSA complaint #11544861, 2023 · crash

“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 complaint #11113458, 2018 · crash

Fuel/Propulsion System 10 2 fire

“My vehicle make and model has been documented to have had engine issues which has caused car fires from the engine compartment from what has been documented this is my best guess.”
NHTSA complaint #11695264, 2025 · fire

“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 gas…”
NHTSA complaint #11727238, 2024 · fire

“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 talk…”
NHTSA complaint #11741993, 2025

Steering 9 3 crash 1 injury

“ALL ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION AND LOSS OF STEERING AND BRAKES RESULTING IN HEADING CRASH”
NHTSA complaint #11255041, 2019 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“My car was stolen from the Kia challenge”
NHTSA complaint #11489673, 2022 · crash

“This Kia Sportage's alarm system does not go off when the passenger front window is broken. My car was broken into and the youth stripped the steering column and was able to start my car without needing the key nor having the key within the vehicle. This is a security issue and allows the vehicles to be easily stolen. These safety issues should be address and fixed immediately by Kia. The federal government should also hold Kia responsible for the spike in stolen vehicles across the U.S. seeing they know about the issue but have done nothing to fix it. The vehicle was then crashed and lef…”
NHTSA complaint #11449031, 2021 · crash

Vehicle Speed Control 8

“My 2018 Kia Sportage (VIN [XXX] ) experienced complete engine failure due to low compression/internal combustion chamber failure. The vehicle lost power while driving on Sept 30, 2025, and had to be towed to [XXX] Kia in Dayton, OH. This same dealership previously performed an oil retention test in Aug 2024 which failed, identifying a defective engine. Kia was aware of the issue but declined to replace the engine at that time. The failure pattern matches Kia’s known engine defect. Kia Consumer Affairs (Case #25572677) has denied goodwill assistance despite this safety-related engine failure…”
NHTSA complaint #11692091, 2025

“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 complaint #11552897, 2023

“With the cruise control set at highway speed (65pmh, etc) If you push the foot controlled parking brake it will not cancel the cruise control. The vehicle increases the acceleration to maximum and overrides the parking brake input. If using the parking brake in an emergency you would stomp on the parking (emergency brake) and not be able to slow down unless separately cancelling the cruise control.”
NHTSA complaint #11523371, 2023

Exterior Lighting 6

“This vehicle has a safety issue with the headlights. Basically, the low beams for both, driver and passenger sides are not functioning at all. Several diagnostic have been done to repair the existing issue such as replacing new light bulbs, new OEM turn signal switch, replacing whole new headlight assembly for both driver/ passenger sides, checking the relay, replacing new fuses, though, the issue still exists to date and the vehicle is undrivable in the dark. On a side not, only high beam works and turn signals, that is basically it. Several auto service centers have advised me to submit a re…”
NHTSA complaint #11693945, 2025

“My check engine light has been on for some time . It will go off for a day and a half and then come back on . I was told by one garage that it was the catalytic converter. I have 99,339 miles on . It was tuned up and the light had gone off until the next day . Runs good and body is in great shape . I’m disappointed with this since it’s not covered ! And my lights are not working , the garage said it was a bad connection .”
NHTSA complaint #11664898, 2025

“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 t…”
NHTSA complaint #11738238, 2020

Structure 6

“I purchased a 2018 Kia Sportage and ever since the last few years the paint is starting to come off of this vehicle. I do not go through any type of car wash. I washed it at home. It is getting worse and worse than certain spots, I do not want any monetary for this I would just appreciate getting what I should have, which is fresh paint that last. The paint in the front bumper underneath the hood area is all coming off and it’s like white. Then on the roof of that vehicle, there’s white spots of the clearcoat actually coming off the whole vehicle. If you look also at my hood of the vehicle, yo…”
NHTSA complaint #11696946, 2025

“Driving down interstate, mid-morning, and my front sunroof imploded. VERY loud, like a bomb or gunshot. Shattered glass everywhere, all over myself and my car. I jerked, almost hitting a vehicle to my left. Correcting, and almost got hit by an 18 wheeler. Made it over, got off Interstate, was disoriented, ran a stop sign I think. Was the absolute worst sound.”
NHTSA complaint #11536965, 2023

“My 2018 kia Sportage got stolen and never received a letter from kia to prevent this from happening knowingly kias of this year and model were being stolen and mine got stolen March 23, 2023 is there any help for me ?”
NHTSA complaint #11518568, 2023

Engine And Engine Cooling 5

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11703319, 2025

“The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sportage. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V703000 (Trailer Hitches) and 21V137000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the contact was possibly charged for the recall repairs. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The KSDS warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact became aware of abnormal oil consumption. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to a local deal…”
NHTSA complaint #11700368, 2025

“The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that upon having the vehicle serviced by an independent mobile mechanic, the contact was informed that the engine oil level was extremely low after a recent oil change. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to provide a specific diagnostic result for the failure; however, the contact was informed that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 105,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11649109, 2025

Seats 4

“Drivers seat reclines but gets sick in that position. You can toggle the control but sometimes it goes back into more of recline, and getting harder to get back up.”
NHTSA complaint #11644771, 2025

“The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that the driver's seat was inoperable. The contact stated that the driver's seat latch failed to function properly while attempting to adjust and move the seat forward. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11643955, 2025

“PASSANGER SEAT HAD A L SHEAP BURN APEAR AFTER TURNNING ON THE SEAT WARMER.”
NHTSA complaint #11243456, 2019

Visibility/Wiper 4

“Windshield cracking for no reason. No chips to signify it was hit. Noticed a zigzag on Friday 9/23 approximately 12" and this evening 9/24 has gone laterally an additional 6-8"”
NHTSA complaint #11486222, 2022

“Driving on the freeway when the glass on the driver side passenger door suddenlty shattered into little pieces. The only portion of the window that remains is a small part on the bottom edge. The window was not hit with an object. The window was intact prior to this happening (no problem with the door either).”
NHTSA complaint #11475018, 2022

“WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY ABOUT 65 MPH, THE SUNROOF EXPLODED SENDING GLASS THROUGHOUT THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR. NOTHING HIT THE CAR, NO CARS IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, DIDN'T GO UNDER ANY OVERPASS OR SIGNS, AND THERE WAS NO PREVIOUS DAMAGE TO THE CAR. THE TEMPERATURE WAS IN THE 70'S AND A CLEAR SUNNY DAY. THE CENTER OF THE SUNROOF HAS A LARGE JAGGED HOLE IN IT, IT APPEARS THE GLASS IS BENT UPWARD AS IF IT BLOWN OUT, NOT IN. VERY FORTUNATE THERE WERE NO PASSENGERS IN THE BACK SEAT WHICH WAS COVERED IN GLASS AND GLASS DUST. RESEARCHING ONLINE, IT APPEARS THIS TYPE OF INCIDENT HAS BEEN RE…”
NHTSA complaint #11230005, 2019

Trailer Hitches 3 1 fire 2 injury

“The contact owned a 2018 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 50 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle decelerated to approximately 45 MPH, and the contact pulled over to the side of the road and the vehicle caught on fire. The contact and her daughter who was inside the vehicle was able to exit the vehicle safely. The contact stated that the fire had started under the hood of the vehicle and totally engulfed the entire vehicle. The Fire Department was contacted and ar…”
NHTSA complaint #11660415, 2025 · fire · 2 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V703000 (Trailer Hitches) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer was made aware of the issue however, no timeframe for part availability was available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. The contact was concerned that he had to park the vehicle outside after hearing reports of vehicles being stolen using a USB cord. Parts…”
NHTSA complaint #11504959, 2023

“The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V703000 (Trailer Hitches) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that he called the dealer and was advised to contact the manufacturer to confirm parts availability. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and a case was opened. The contact was concerned about parking the vehicle outside the garage. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts d…”
NHTSA complaint #11495252, 2022

Forward Collision Avoidance 2

“When pressing brake during operation, a noise comes from underneath vehicle. The warning lights goes off but come back on while driving and stays on. Kia dealer stated it was the ABS module going bad. Kia dealer recently replaced engine block due to manufacturer defect and completed two recalls. Dealer advised this was a new problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11567272, 2024

“UNKNOWN. A warning light on dash comes on. It stays on up to 20 minutes then goes out. There doesn't seem to be any trigger causing the problem. It does this everyday at ant speed.”
NHTSA complaint #11525186, 2021

Air Bags 1 1 crash 1 injury

“I was in a collision and sandwiched in between cars severe front and back damage. No Air bags!”
NHTSA complaint #11569614, 2024 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 1

“IN MOTION ; VEHICLE DOES NOT ACCELERATE PROPERLY, NO PICKUP MY LIFE IN DANGER SEVERAL TIMES. KIA HAS SENT LETTER IN WHICH I FOLLOWED INSTRUCTIONS. DEALERSHIP UPDATED SYSTEM. NOW MY DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM IS NOT WORKING PUTTING ME AT EVEN GREATER RISK NO WARNING LIGHT INDICATE ENGINE TROUBLE. ACCORDING TO KIA , THE RECALL I RECEIVED IN THE MAIL WAS SPECIFICALLY DONE SO I WOULD HAVE WARNING LIGHT TAKE ASAP TO DEALERSHIP.., CLEANING OUT ALL MY BANK ACCOUNTS- KIA FINANCE NEVER SENT RIGHT TITLE IN MY LEGAL NAME AFTER I FAXED FRONT AND BACK END ,WITH DOCS THEY REQUESTED. CALLED WEEKLY & BECAUSE OF THE…”
NHTSA complaint #11208555, 2018

Visibility 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL RUMBLING SOUND COMING FROM THE ROOF OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT THEN HEARD A LOUD EXPLOSION. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND BECAME AWARE THAT THE SUNROOF HAD EXPLODED. A GLASS REPLACEMENT COMPANY WAS CALLED OUT TO REPLACE THE SUNROOF BUT WAS UNABLE TO DO SO DUE TO THE MISALIGNMENT OF THE TRACKS. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED TO CONTACT THE LOCAL DEALER FOR ASSISTANCE. PEAK KIA NORTH (1111 SOUTHGATE DR, WINDSOR, CO 80550 970-576-3100) WAS CONTACTED AND IN…”
NHTSA complaint #11327086, 2020

Wheels 1

“MY KIA SPORTAGE NEEDED A STEERING COLUMN REPLACEMENT AND AFTER IT WAS REPLACED THE CAR STARTED PULLING TO THE LEFT AND IT'S HARD TO KEEP STRAIGHT, I HAVE INFORMED THE DEALER AND TIRE ROTATION AND ALIGNMENT WAS DONE TO THE CAR BUT NEVER CHANGED THE CONDITION”
NHTSA complaint #11297720, 2019