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    Kia Sportage

    EPA MPG: 23 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    The 2018 Sportage is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.

    The 2018 Kia Sportage has been recalled 3 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2018 Kia Sportage owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    What Owners Say

    Engine rebuild or replacement

    "We hit a deer and it caused the problem. It was taken care of completely."

    Anonymous, (2018 Kia Sportage Unsure Unsure)

    ""Engine warning light led to engine and catalytic converter replacement due to high oil consumption, motor failure covered by warranty and both replaced free of charge.""

    Anonymous A., OH (2018 Kia Sportage EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

    "Kia never told us about engine burning oil even though took to dealership for ever oil change until 100K took to another repair who informed 3.5 qts low provided document of Kia knowledge since 202. Dealer told no issues until produced info tracked usage Qt low 674 miles Mgr said have to have factory rep to review left 3 msg on cell no returns. Fianlly went to dealership caught him there. Said Factory rep reviewed be at leasr month till hr could get back asked reps name and # told could not give either. Knew dealership had no concern about issues since 6000 miles past warranty refused to address even though they knew problem existed for years and never mentioned it or told burning oil. Changed each time and failed to tell us. Would never purchase another Kia because of tariffs bought Subaru Crosstreck Ltd next week before tariffs went into affect. Tried to contact Dealership owner at his Toyota dealership and told he did not see any customers. Mike Shaw dealerships are a rip off."

    Anonymous, TX (2018 Kia Sportage LX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Catalytic converter

    "The burning of oil ruined the catalytic converter which was covered by warranty and replaced by KIA without charge."

    Anonymous A., OH (2018 Kia Sportage EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
    Other/unsure

    "The car came with a tire with a slow leak"

    Anonymous, NY (2018 Kia Sportage EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

    "Motorized rear hatch mechanism needed to be replaced."

    Anonymous, NC (2018 Kia Sportage SX 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    What Owners Say

    Antifreeze leaks

    "Thermostat Housing crack caused coolant leak."

    Anonymous, MA (2018 Kia Sportage SX 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Thermostat

    "Thermostat Housing crack caused coolant leak."

    Anonymous, MA (2018 Kia Sportage SX 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    What Owners Say

    Premature brake wear

    "Had to replace brakes 3 times in 18 months"

    Anonymous, WI (2018 Kia Sportage EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
    Regular brake failure

    "Brakes were in need of replacing."

    Anonymous, (2018 Kia Sportage LX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    What Owners Say

    Ignition switch

    ""The ignition switch was easily bypassed and became the most stolen cars in US. Mfg finally issued a recall to correct problem, but insurance companies quit writing policies for these brands and doubled the insurance on our car since had been with same company for 25 years vs cancelling our policy""

    Anonymous, TX (2018 Kia Sportage LX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    What Owners Say

    Other electrical system problem

    "The power window operations for now 2 windows (front passenger side first, and now rear driver's side) from the driver's door no longer function. You have to reach and operate them from the switches on their respective doors. Dealer service department quoted price to repair (when it was only one window that had stopped functioning) was over $450."

    Anonymous, CA (2018 Kia Sportage EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    Suspension/Steering

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    Noises/Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    Paint/Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    2018 SUVs Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Kia vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
    * Redesign year
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    Overall Reliability Verdict
    NA
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    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
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    Engine Major
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    Engine Minor
    NA
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    Engine Cooling
    NA
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    Engine Electrical
    NA
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    Transmission Major
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    Transmission Minor
    NA
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    Drive System
    NA
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    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    NA
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    NA
    NA
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    NA
    NA
    NA
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    Exhaust
    NA
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    Suspension/Steering
    NA
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    Brakes
    NA
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    Climate System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
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    NA
    NA
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    Build Quality
    NA
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    Electrical Accessories
    NA
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    Body Hardware
    NA
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    Paint/Trim
    NA
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    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    TRAILER HITCHES
    Sep 19, 2022
    A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 22V703000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 70887
    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
    Mar 04, 2021
    An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury.
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 21V137000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 379931
    ENGINE, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
    Dec 19, 2018
    A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18V907000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 71653
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