*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Electrical system
I have spent two months trying to get my keys re-programmed to the system and the dealership informed me that the system has been "bypassed" somehow with no solution. This is after my account had been taken over and at one point the vehicle was being remotely controlled. I am out $500.00 for keys that cant work and this is a safety issue as I cant remotely lock or unlock my own vehicle or use the panic button. There have been people who gained access to the vehicle because somehow they have access to it remotely where I do not. This allowed them to brick the infotainment center and navigation. This is also an issue as this means they cant be utilized.
Feb 5, 2023Engine
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 on its own without any operator input on the gas pedal. This malfunction caused the vehicle to violently surge and physically lurch forward several inches while in Park. This un-metered acceleration is an active, unpredictable driving hazard both in parking environments and in traffic, posing an immediate risk of a…
Aug 22, 2026Electrical systemFire
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 an electrical/HECU component and a separate high-pressure fuel pipe recall, both reportedly remedied prior to this incident
Sep 9, 2026Power train
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 was on the XXX and if an appointment came open they would check but they did not have an opening til the 14th which was today and I was told it would be next week . Could someone please send me updated information concerning the 2018 Kia Sportage and the Knock Sensor [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION…
Aug 2, 2026Engine
2018 Kia Sportage (78,051 miles). Vehicle is part of the Kia Engine Class Action Settlement due to severe internal engine defects. The engine suffers from catastrophic oil consumption, running almost completely dry three times in less than six months with no external leaks, meaning it is internally burning motor oil at a dangerous rate.This known engine defect caused severe consequential damage to the exhaust and emissions systems. On Aug 12, 2026, a Kia dealer technician diagnosed active code P0420. The technician's video inspection stated both the catalytic converter and O2 sensors are completely "out of specification." This double failure is a direct result of the engine defect blowing…
Aug 12, 2026Engine
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power with the accelerator pedal depressed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 64,813.
Nov 5, 2024 · 64,813 milesEngine
The engine consumes excessive oil due to the known Theta II piston oil control ring defect that the manufacturer documents in its own Technical Service Bulletin ENG222, covering this engine family across model years 2011 to 2024. The vehicle loses over one quart of oil per 1,000 miles with no external leak and no oil pressure warning. The manufacturer's authorized dealer completed the entire TSB ENG222 diagnostic protocol, which is itself a controlled test designed to isolate cause. The engine was sealed, and after 1,080 miles it was 1.5 quarts low. The dealer then performed the TSB's combustion chamber cleaning. After that repair, over 1,149 miles, the engine was 1.4 quarts low. The…
Nov 21, 2025Engine and engine cooling
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Check Engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption, which resulted in spark plug fouling, and the vehicle exhibited an audible engine noise consistent with a potential engine failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the spark plugs were serviced. The contact also reported multiple visits to the mechanic for oil additions. No further information was available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Oct 25, 2023 · 100,000 miles
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.
