2018 Kia Sportage recalls and problems
The 2018 Kia Sportage has 3 safety recalls and 166 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2018 Kia Sportage vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2018 Kia Sportage recalls
Recall 22V-703: 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.
Recall 21V-137: Service Brakes, Hydraulic
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.
Recall 18V-907: Engine, Fuel System, Gasoline
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.
2018 Kia Sportage problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 92 | |
| Electrical System | 31 | |
| Unknown or Other | 20 | |
| Power Train | 18 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 11 | |
| Steering | 9 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 8 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 6 | |
| Service Brakes | 6 | |
| Structure | 6 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 5 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 5 |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 5
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 2
- Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 1
- Structure › Interior Panels › Dashboard — 1
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 1
- Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-Theft › Immobilizer/Proximity › Key/Sender — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 18,400 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2018 Kia Sportage complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Kia Sportage years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2018 Kia Sportage have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2018 Kia Sportage: 22V-703 (trailer hitches), 21V-137 (service brakes, hydraulic), 18V-907 (engine, fuel system, gasoline). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2018 Kia Sportage?
Owners report engine problems most often (92 reports), followed by electrical system (31). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 18,400 miles.
Are Kia recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Kia dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.