NHTSA has received 162 owner complaints about the 2018 Kia Sportage, or 18.7 per year on the road — far fewer complaints than typical for a vehicle of its age (complaint index 0.44, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 73 model-year 2018 vehicles we track, it ranks #30 for fewest complaints per year. Against other Kia models its rate is 47% lower; against other Compact SUVs it is 70% lower.
Counts are normalized by time on the road, not by sales volume: a popular model generates more reports than a rare one, and complaints are not verified individually. How we count
Complaints filed between 2018-05-24 and 2026-08-16. Median delay from incident to filing: 10 days.
162Complaints
18.7Complaints per year on the road
0.44Complaint index vs. all tracked vehicles
3Recalls · ⚠ 2
10.5%Share involving a crash or fire
29Last 12 months
Analysis
The following model year (2019) drew 9.0 per year, fewer than this one. In its first two years on the road the 2018 model collected 33 complaints, 63% lower than the average vehicle of the same model year.
The most common problem area is Engine (58.0% of complaints), followed by Electrical (10.5%) and Interior & equipment (6.8%). Engine complaints are 2.6 times as common here as across all tracked vehicles. Within Engine reports, owners most often mention “engine”, “oil”, “consumption”, “knock sensor” and “change”. 17 reports (10.5%) describe a crash or fire; owners mention 5 injuries and 0 deaths.
Half of the reported incidents happened within 61 months of the model year's start; the busiest period was after five years (50% of incidents). In the last 12 months 29 new complaints were filed, versus 23 in the 12 months before — a steady pace.
NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for this model year, 2 with a do-not-drive or park-outside warning. 10% of the complaints fall in component areas that a recall addresses. 1 NHTSA defect investigation covers this model year; the most recent is “Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires” (opened 2023-11-17, still open).
Complaint index
vs. all tracked vehicles0.44
vs. other Kia models0.53
vs. other 2018 models0.38
vs. other Compact SUVs0.3
Complaints in first 2 years on the road · vs. same-year average (33)0.37
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).
Engine · 2026-05-26 · ODI 11740223 · 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.
Engine · 2026-05-26 · ODI 11740228 · Fire
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.
Body & structure · 2025-11-01 · ODI 11696946
This vehicle has a safety issue with the headlights. Basically, the low beams for both, driver and passenger sides are not functioning at all.
Electrical · 2025-10-16 · ODI 11693945
Passenger outside rear view mirror the paint is peeling. It’s the original rear view mirror. Vehicle looks brand new except for that mirror.
Interior & equipment · 2025-09-02 · ODI 11684576
Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, trimmed for length. The ODI number is NHTSA's record identifier.
Summary: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Summary: 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.
Remedy: 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 Campaign 18V907000 · 2018-12-19
Summary: 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.
Remedy: 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.
AQ23002 · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE · Opened 2023-11-17 · Model years: 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect…
Frequently asked questions
How many complaints were filed for the 2018 Kia Sportage?
162 complaints were filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Kia Sportage, or about 18.7 per year on the road.
What is the most common problem reported for the 2018 Kia Sportage?
The most common category is Engine, accounting for 58.0% of complaints.
Does the 2018 Kia Sportage have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 3 safety recall(s) for this model year. 1 NHTSA defect investigation covers this model year; the most recent is “Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires” (opened 2023-11-17, still open).
Is the 2018 Kia Sportage still generating complaints?
In the last 12 months 29 new complaints were filed, versus 23 in the 12 months before — a steady pace.
How does the 2018 Kia Sportage compare with similar vehicles?
NHTSA has received 162 owner complaints about the 2018 Kia Sportage, or 18.7 per year on the road — far fewer complaints than typical for a vehicle of its age (complaint index 0.44, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 73 model-year 2018 vehicles we track, it ranks #30 for fewest complaints per year. Against other Kia models its rate is 47% lower; against other Compact SUVs it is 70% lower.