2018 Kia Sportage recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2018 Kia Sportage and 164 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are engine (91), electrical system (29), unknown or other (19). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 21–23 mpg combined, depending on engine. 2 recalls carry a Park It or Park Outside warning.
The 2018 ranks #10 of 14 Sportage model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (171). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 2.8 per model year.
Recalls 3
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2018 Kia Sportage. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Trailer hitches
Problem: 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.
Risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Service brakes, hydraulic · antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · control unit/module
Problem: 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.
Risk: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Fuel system, gasoline · delivery · hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Problem: 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.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
The vehicle suffered a primary connecting rod bearing failure covered under the Theta II class action warranty campaign. A brand-new warranty engine long-block was installed by an authorized dealership. Immediately upon vehicle pickup, the brand-new engine began exhibiting an un-metered acceleration defect. While stationary and idling in Park (P), the engine aggressively revs o…
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. By the time I arrived, the vehicle was emitting black smoke, and shortly after, it was fully engulfed in fire before I could retrieve a fire extinguisher. Vehicle has a documented history of a known manufacturer recall related to…
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. I then looked it up and found that a recall was put out quite a while back called an [XXX] # took my car to Kia Dealership in [XXX]. They said I could bring it in that wa…
Safety ratings
2018 Kia Sportage SUV AWD
2018 Kia Sportage SUV FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2018 Kia Sportage.
Sportage AWD
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 2.4 L
Regular
Sportage AWD
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 2.0 L · Turbo
Regular
Sportage FE AWD
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 2.4 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2018 Kia Sportage have?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2018 Kia Sportage, most recently for trailer hitches (09/19/2022). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Kia Sportage?
Based on 164 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are engine (91), electrical system (29), unknown or other (19).
Is the 2018 Kia Sportage safe?
The 2018 Kia Sportage earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings. It has 2 recalls with a Park It or Park Outside warning, so check your VIN.
Is the 2018 a good year for the Kia Sportage?
The 2018 ranks #10 of 14 Sportage model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (171). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 2.8 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Kia Sportage get?
EPA ratings for the 2018 Kia Sportage range from 21 to 23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2018 Kia Sportage in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: SPORTAGE, Sportage.