2018 Kia Sportage

164 complaints on file, page 1 of 9.

1. Filed Sep 19, 2026Failure Aug 22, 2026Richmond, VAEngine

   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 collision or pedestrian injury. The manufacturer has been notified but has failed to transmit a diagnostic pre-authorization to an alternative service center to safely inspect this powertrain hazard.

   NHTSA complaint 11765480
2. Filed Sep 10, 2026Failure Sep 9, 2026Pawtucket, RIElectrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion 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

   NHTSA complaint 11763274
3. Filed Aug 16, 2026Failure Aug 2, 2026Sharon, PAEngine, Power 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 REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint 11757330
4. Filed Aug 13, 2026Failure Aug 12, 2026Round Rock, TXEngine

   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 excessive liquid motor oil out of the engine block and down the exhaust pipe, fouling the sensors and melting the internal catalyst.This failure happened immediately after receiving the mandatory Kia Recall SC340 update (Catalyst Overheating Protection). The vehicle is under the 80,000-mile Federal Emissions threshold, but Kia is denying coverage based strictly on a calendar time limit. They refuse to take responsibility for emissions components destroyed by their settlement-recognized engine defect.This condition poses a serious safety hazard. Driving with heavily fouled O2 sensors and a failing catalytic converter causes poor engine performance, unpredictable stalling or hesitation during acceleration, and excessive unburned fuel vapors to enter the environment and potentially the cabin. I request the NHTSA investigate Kia’s refusal to cover secondary emissions damages directly triggered by their defective oil-burning engines.

   NHTSA complaint 11756810
5. Filed Aug 5, 2026Failure Nov 5, 202464,813 milesPontiac, MIEngine

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11754939
6. Filed Jul 17, 2026Failure Nov 21, 2025Wilton, CTEngine

   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 cleaning had virtually no effect on the consumption rate. Because the protocol sealed the engine and cleaned the combustion chambers and the consumption rate remained unchanged, the protocol itself mechanically excludes maintenance as the cause and isolates the failure to the internal piston rings. This is the exact defect TSB ENG222 was created to diagnose and repair. The defect has been reproduced and confirmed by the manufacturer's own authorized dealer through this protocol, and the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Under the TSB, these results qualify the engine for replacement. The manufacturer nonetheless denied the engine replacement, citing a lack of oil change receipts rather than any technical evidence of neglect, despite its own diagnostic protocol having already ruled out maintenance as the cause. Safety concern: an engine consuming oil at this rate risks sudden loss of oil pressure and engine failure while driving, which can cause a stall or loss of power in traffic.

   NHTSA complaint 11751070
7. Filed Jun 8, 2026Failure Oct 25, 2023100,000 milesFort worth, TXEngine 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.

   NHTSA complaint 11742806
8. Filed Jun 4, 2026Failure Dec 30, 2025Green Bay, WIEngine, Fuel/propulsion system, Power train

   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 talked to other service writers who told me that if they would check the vehicle and found nothing that I would have to pay service fees. the vehicle jerks and up/downshifts frequently and almost stalls sometimes when accelerating from a stoplight. It will lung periodically when navigating a parking lot at low speeds. It frequently searches for a different gear in traffic. To be clear, my car ran perfectly before this update. I asked them to put the previous tune back into the car but they said they can't do that. The car runs fine sometimes but the uncertainty of the jerking and shifting at improper times makes it dangerous to drive. Also almost stalling at an intersection is very dangerous too. I doubt that I am the only one to have this problem. Please help in any way you can to get this fixed without me having to spend money to correct a factory/dealer initiated problem Thank you for all your help. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint 11741993
9. Filed May 26, 2026Failure May 21, 2026Ventura, CAEngineFire

   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. This forced an emergency pullover on the shoulder of a busy freeway. Moments after exiting, the vehicle became fully engulfed in flames, presenting a severe risk of explosion and injury to the driver and passing motorists. 3. Verification & Third-Party Inspection Reproduced/Confirmed by Dealer: No, the sudden and destructive nature of the failure prevented any prior diagnostic testing. Inspected by Manufacturer/Authorities: The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer. However, the incident was handled and documented on-scene by local authorities. A formal police report was filed by the Ventura Police Department (Report Number: 26-31369, responding officer: Officer [XXX] ). [XXX] ymptoms and Timeline There were no prior warning lamps, dashboard messages, check engine lights, or abnormal symptoms leading up to the failure. The onset of heavy smoke and heat was sudden and instantaneous. 5. Detailed Incident Description [XXX] immediat [XXX] red the vehicle to the shoulder of the freeway. As soon as he brought the vehicle to a stop and attempted to park, open flames breached the hood of the car. He successfully exited the vehicle without injury and immediately dialed 911. The vehicle burned completely before the fire could be extinguished. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint 11740228
10. Filed May 26, 2026Failure May 21, 2026Ventura, CAEngineFire

    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 while traveling at high speeds created an immediate, life-threatening hazard. This forced an emergency pullover on the shoulder of a busy freeway. Moments after exiting, the vehicle became fully engulfed in flames, presenting a severe risk of explosion and injury to the driver and passing motorists. 3. Verification & Third-Party Inspection Reproduced/Confirmed by Dealer: No, the sudden and destructive nature of the failure prevented any prior diagnostic testing. Inspected by Manufacturer/Authorities: The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer. However, the incident was handled and documented on-scene by local authorities. A formal police report was filed by the Ventura Police Department (Report Number: 26-31369, responding officer: Officer Steinberger). 4. Warning Symptoms and Timeline There were no prior warning lamps, dashboard messages, check engine lights, or abnormal symptoms leading up to the failure. The onset of heavy smoke and heat was sudden and instantaneous. 5. Detailed Incident Description Brennan immediately steered the vehicle to the shoulder of the freeway. As soon as he brought the vehicle to a stop and attempted to park, open flames breached the hood of the car. He successfully exited the vehicle without injury and immediately dialed 911. The vehicle burned completely before the fire could be extinguished. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

    NHTSA complaint 11740223
11. Filed May 16, 2026Failure May 21, 2020Mentor, OHElectrical system, Engine, Exterior lighting

    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 the detailed work invoices of what they did to it. I've been without a car for a year now they said it's not under warranty my car has several of the recalls. They wouldn't do all of the stuff they did if it wasn't necessary and trying to locate the problem.

    NHTSA complaint 11738238
12. Filed Apr 7, 2026Failure Oct 10, 2025Aiken, SCEngine

    My Kia Sportage has developed a loud engine knocking noise, which I understand is a known issue with Kia engines. I am concerned that this indicates internal engine failure and could lead to sudden engine seizure while driving, creating a serious safety hazard. The dealership denied repair assistance due to lack of oil change records, but the issue appears consistent with widespread engine defects reported in similar vehicles. I am requesting investigation into this issue due to the safety risk it poses.

    NHTSA complaint 11729596
13. Filed Mar 27, 2026Failure May 3, 2024Topeka, KSEngine, Fuel/propulsion system

    I've had an oil leak for a couple of years, typically having to put in 5 - 7 quarts of oil in between oil changes. In 2025 I had my spark plugs and some oil seal replaced it was quite expensive to have done. 6ish months later my 4th cylinder started misfiring. I took it to the repair shop. They performed an oil wash and it seemed to fix the misfire issue at the time. 3 months later it started to misfire again. I took it back to the repair shop and had them replace all 4 of the ignition coils, which did not help. They recommended I take it the Kia dealer. They believe the engine is burning oil which why it has such high oil consumption and that they believe the engine should be under a warranty. I need a safe vehicle for work and travel and frustrated that I am having to pay so much money just trying to get my vehicle repaired so it is.

    NHTSA complaint 11727555
14. Filed Mar 26, 2026Failure Jan 26, 2024Lees Summit, MOElectrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemFire

    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 gasoline. No one was hurt, thank goodness. There were no active lawsuits that I could find to get some compensation for this loss. We had to pay our high deductible and lost personal belongings in the car. This car did have an ongoing oil consumption issue. We had to replace the oil more frequently than normally required and it used much more oil than normal. We were told we had to wait for engine failure to get any kind of resolution.

    NHTSA complaint 11727238
15. Filed Mar 7, 2026Failure Dec 15, 2025Sheffield Village, OHEngine

    2018 kia sportage had oil consumption issue but did not notify car owners, lead to complete engine failure of my car at only 117,000 this car is part of a class action lawsuit due to bad engineering , kia would not replace the engine on this even though i submitted all maintenance records, they had terrible communication when i was calling for months to file a claim with corporate, wouldnt return phone calls, supervisors not doing their jobs, car was sitting on lot for almost three months, still have loan on it, was at loss of work income etc..they should be held liable for bad engineering of cars sportage only had 117,00 miles when engine went out and we had oil changes, maintance and kept it in great shape this was confirmed at montrosse kia complete engine failure

    NHTSA complaint 11722699
16. Filed Feb 28, 2026Failure Jan 31, 2026Kansas City, KSEngine

    At 113,000 my engine failed. It was determined that low compression occurred due to the first cylinder failing. I’ve been having excessive oil consumption since about 60k.

    NHTSA complaint 11721192
17. Filed Feb 26, 2026Failure Feb 22, 2026Bloomington, ILEngine

    My vehicle broke down on my family 2 hours away. The suv started engine failure with the engine light coming on then the rpm’s reved up to 4000 and started chugging. We stoped at the gas station shut the vehicle off and got it towed home to a local shop. I have the 2.4 engine and less then 130,000 miles on it and the shop said my piston is gone and my engine is bad.

    NHTSA complaint 11720802
18. Filed Jan 25, 2026Failure Jan 24, 2026Orlando, FLElectrical system, Engine

    Took my car for the theft recall and had it performed, my vehicle was stolen last night and the theft used a USB charging cable to steal it, the recall did not fix this

    NHTSA complaint 11713189
19. Filed Jan 14, 2026Failure Aug 29, 2025Logansport, INEngine

    My vehicle suffered from a catastrophic engine failure while driving on the highway. The vehicle stalled at highway speeds (55mph), during rush hour. Causing a near rear end collision. From this point on my vehicle was unable to reach speeds of 30 Mph. This failure is consistent with a defect in the Theta II engines that has been subject to recalls. The Theta II engine recall is under a soft recall. It is not known to the public unless it happens to the owners vehicle. This sudden stall at highway speeds jeopardized the safety of the driver (myself) and the people and vehicles behind the driver.

    NHTSA complaint 11711020
20. Filed Dec 5, 2025Failure May 5, 202584,000 milesWaterford, PAEngine and engine cooling

    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 dealer after 1,000 miles. The dealer informed the contact that two more 1,000 miles tests were required to complete the oil consumption test. The contact declined to pay the fee to complete the test and was advised to trade the vehicle in at the owner's expense. The contact stated that the vehicle was purchased from the dealer as a certified pre-owned vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11703319