first time I had an issue was in August 2023, my check engine light came on, the car was losing power and sputtering. when I would start the car, it would literally sound like a truck. come to find out, the 3rd cylinder was misfiring due to the piston rings being worn and possibly the coils being faulty and an engine replacement was needed. after going back and forth with the dealer (they had my car for almost a month) the engine was finally replaced. fast forward to last week, it started happening again. same cylinder, same issue. now my car is back in the shop waiting for a new engine (#2). my thing is this....did they use a rebuilt engine, or maybe just fixed the old one and call it new. either way, there is no reason I should need a new engine this close to having it repaired. and judging by the complaints I have been reading, the engines on all 2018 Sportages need to be recalled.
2018 Kia Sportage engine complaints
Page 3 of 4: complaints 41 to 70 of 97, newest first, as owners wrote them.
The contact owned a 2018 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he observed black smoke billowing from the engine compartment, after which the vehicle lost motive power, prompting him and his wife to evacuate the vehicle in the middle of the roadway. While attempting to retrieve important belongings from the vehicle, the contact stated that he heard what sounded to be an explosion within the engine compartment, causing him to fall backward and sprain his ankle. Moments later the front end of the vehicle was completely engulfed in flames. Local emergency services arrived and were able to extinguish the fire. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and needed a total loss by the contact insurance provider. A fire report was filed. A police report was filed, but no injuries were reported. The contact later transported himself to an appointment with his primary care physician after experiencing physiological symptoms consistent with a cardiovascular event and was treated for angina. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V137000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); the VIN was included, but the vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The contact was informed that the manufacturer intended to inspect the vehicle but stated that the inspection had yet to take place. The failure mileage was 55,000.
Connecting rod bearing failure on 2018 Kia Sportage two months after having been to the Kia dealership for a knock sensor software update. (sensor update completed on 7/26/24 at Palm Springs Kia, RO# 6160694/1, engine failure occurred 9/23/24.) Upon doing research, I discovered that connecting rod bearing failure has been a recurrent issue over the years with Kia engines. I believe that my engine is also victim to this defect.
Code P0303. Took car to dealer for diagnosis, dealer recommended long engine block replacement due to bad pistons. Kia will not replace. Car has 68K miles on it. Called Kia and they will not even do a goodwill replacement. There is a history of engine failures on my same year and model car but not for this exact reason.
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shuddering. Additionally, the contact became aware that the engine oil level was low, and the dipstick was dry. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the piston rings and engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was later taken to an independent mechanic where it was also diagnosed and determined that the piston rings and engine needing to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.
At just over 120,000 miles the engine issues begain, # 4 cylinder misfiring, No compression # 4 cyl, would no longer Idel. The Dealer claimed the corrective action was to replace the engine. Are cars no longer expected to last past 100,000miles any more?
I bought a vehicle from a dealership in 2021. The dealership sold me a 2018 Kia Sportage. To their knowledge, they state they were unaware of any safety recalls. However, fast-forward to [XXX]. As I was entering a busy street (with my two young children in the car (both under the age of 5) and going up a hill, the oil light flashed once and then stayed on, I noticed the vehicle decelerating, as I tried to pull over, making way for vehicles to go around, all three (oil, battery and check engine) lights appear in my dashboard. After one failed attempt of restarting vehicle, I knew I needed to call a tow truck. Thankfully my mom wasn't too long to execute the rescue (it was about 32 outside). The vehicle was towed to the dealership I had purchased it from (NOT a certified Kia dealership mind you). I was told later on that day, that it was a good possibility my engine has blown. I was told the service technician had put over 3.5 qtrs. in order for it to register on the dipstick. I was also told they could replace said engine for a whopping $10,000. Which, the vehicle is only worth $2,000 more than the cost of the motor replacement. I decided to have the vehicle towed to a certified Kia dealership. Where, alas, the engine was in fact, blown. However, per the service manager, the blown engine was due to a recall (XXX) which was in effect as of 1/19/19 (before I bought said vehicle). Per the service manager a vehicle should not be sold with an active safety recall. I then relayed that information to the gentleman who said the vehicle and was told it was illegal for them to work on a vehicle that they are not certified to service (although I had the option for them to replace the engine). I then begin the battle of who is responsible. And ultimately told by the manager of dealership, 70% of the used vehicles they sell have active safety recalls that they do not fix. Nor do they send them to be serviced and checked by the appropriate personnel. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U
My 2018 Kia Sportage was burning oil - had to add oil every week. On [XXX] I was driving on the [XXX] and my check engine light came on and the car slowed down. I got to the shoulder this was early in the morning I searched for a dealership and there was one 1 mile away It was 6 am when I arrived to the dealership and had to wait until they opened. And went to DCH Kia and eventually told me it was a cylinder that was blown. Why? Honestly I feel like this may have been a “false” diagnosis since the oil was burning up. I had extended coverage but they said it didn’t qualify for any engine recall. I had to get my entire engine replaced and was out of my car for over a month. Which I’m assuming the cylinder blew because of the oils burning. This should never have happened. And is truly frustrating. Especially when I am a loyal Kia owner and have never had any problems like this before. I was completely overwhelmed with the amount I was charged and that I even had to replace my entire engine and having to get a rental car the entire time as well. I’m noticing from the other comments a lot of oil burning and engine trouble in my make and model. Fortunately I did not get hit on the freeway when my car decided to stop. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The automobile began to burn oil excessively. The mechanic informed of an ongoing issue with Kia automobiles. Car taken to Kia. I was told nothing was wrong. Car continued to excessively burn oil requiring oil change at least every week. On January 7, while on the 15 freeway returning home the car slowed, then stopped. I had it towed to the Kia dealership. Yesterday
Vehicle stopped running smoke was coming from engine . Won’t start back up
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH, the vehicle was jerking and hesitating while driving. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence and then towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine had failed and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact that there would be an reimbursement after legal matters were resolved. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while her son was driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle independently accelerated. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.
Oil leakage and engine locked while on the highway. No acident. Tried to accelerate and it wouldn’t go. Engine is gone and won’t start
Unknown, my Kia has been burning oil there is no oil leak and I had to get my oil changed every 2k miles. Then one day it started shaking on the freeway making noise and I had to exit 30+ miles from my city found the closest Kia dealership I took it there and they said I don’t qualify for the engine recall because it is a cylinder my car is a 2018 it’s 5 years old! There is no reason it should be having problems like this. I have now been out of a car and with a rental for a month now not only do I have to pay to replace my entire engine I have to pay for a rental. Oil shouldn’t be burning up. I’ve never had this happen before. And when I googled it it is a common issue in Kia’s same with cylinder issues. Why would this be happening. Burning oils leads to destruction. Even though I am forced to have oils put in or go to a shop because there is little oil in my car by 1500miles when it should be able to go 5k miles I’m beyond frustrated.
Engine seized with no warning. Oil was being consumed but dealership said this was normal. Then it seized up now being quoted for $12,500 for new long block. They said it was a freak thing that happened. Something made a hole in my radiator. This is all lies.
I am being told my 5 year old Kia Sportage is going to need a new engine. It does have 122k miles, but other than that, I have never had an issue. After reading complaints made by hundreds of other Kia Sportage owners it seems there is a common denominator. A car made with a defective engine. I have been to the mechanic two times, for a routine oil change and have been told there is no oil in my car, even though both times they have stated there are no leaks. I need a solution for this that doesn’t cost me 4-10k on a new engine. When this issues should have never been a thing.
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and was unable to accelerate above 20 MPH. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that unknown engine repairs were needed. The repairs were completed; however, the mechanic then diagnosed that the driveshaft needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the warranty had expired. The vehicle remained at the dealer awaiting the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 46,300. The VIN was not available.
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle independently accelerated with the tachometer elevated to 5,000 RPM’s. The contact shifted into neutral(N) to correct the failure. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000. The VIN was not available.
My 2018 kia Sportage got stolen and never received a letter from kia to prevent this from happening knowingly kias of this year and model were being stolen and mine got stolen March 23, 2023 is there any help for me ?
Engine failed while driving on busy highway at high speeds. Engine suddenly stopped, forcing us to coast to a stop on a narrow shoulder. Safety was impacted by the risk of impact by oncoming vehicles. Check engine lamp illuminated shortly before failure, giving little warning of a problem. Upon inspection of the engine, engine oil could be seen sprayed out from the front of the engine under the intake manifold area.
After an oil change on Jan 4, 2023, I have driven approximately 3500 miles. On April 12 I had to brake a little harder on a hill turn & the dash oil light came on & off. Took it to the garage to be checked. Analyzer said nothing was wrong. On April 13, it happened again at a stop light, immediately took it back to the garage to be checked. The mechanic discovered there was ZERO OIL in the engine, even though there was no sign of any leakage. I've seen no visible sign of burning oil and no off odor. Had garage do a complete oil change, (even though it should go 5k between changes), and will check after 1k miles. Mileage at oil change was 72078 and today 4/14/23 is approximately 72100 Were no accident and is not running (but I'm watching) but if the engine had seized I was in the middle of the road, if on the Interstate it would have been bad.
Driving check engine light came on, reduced power. I purchased a warranty through dealer I purchased vehicle from took it there they ran code and it was P1326 knock sensor detection program. Had to go to Kia dealer. Had it towed and waiting to hear.
Purchased this vehicle from CarMax on 7/2/22 with 32,888 miles. During the next 4 months, we had to add 5.5 quarts of oil as the oil light kept coming on. The car was virtually out of oil by the time the oil light came on. Researching on the internet showed that millions of Kia cars apparently have this issue due to defective engines. Took the car to Greenway Kia on November 28 with approximately 40,000 miles. They performed the required tests, which proved the engine was excessively burning oil. However, Kia denied the warranty claim due to a lack of historical oil change records, which obviously we can't produce since we aren't the original owner. Now I'm left with no recourse and a vehicle that isn't safe to drive. Given that most of the Kia engines of this vintage have this issue, they should be required to recall the vehicles rather than hide behind the small print in their warranty.
We own a 2018 Kia Sportage. We never had any problems with it, UNTIL NOW. I Drove it to work one morning, and was on the way home and suddenly without warning, no lights, or indicators came on, and the car started to shake, and lost full throttle response in the MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. Immediately pulled over! Tried starting the car again, but the car was not cranking. We had to tow our car home, and was told our engine had to be replaced. We were checking out the engine, and notice there was a hole in it. Now keep in mind, we've never had any problems with our KIA until now. So it was odd. We checked the N.H.T.S.A and the KIA has 2 recalls, and we were not aware of them. We called the manufacturer to see if they called replaced the engine but they denied us. So we're stuck without a car.
The RPM randomly goes up and down frequently. When I took it in to the dealer they test drove it and said didn’t do it and blew me off.
9/15 car goes in limp mode on expressway. Get to towed to dealership. Get the car back on 9/17. Only make it about 20 miles, and the same thing happens again. I’m able to make it back to the dealership the same day. On my way home. Pick up the car on 9/19. Happens again on 9/20. Now I am being told I need a full engine replacement. The dealership has no loaners to give out. They are expecting me to pay for a rental in hopes of getting reimbursed. I am a single mom. I work in sales and drive in my territory every single day I do not have the money to put out for the rental and now after researching, it could be months before I get the car back.
I was driving and the car and it just stopped. The oil light and engine light came on and now it’s making a clicking noise, now. I am not driving the car but I was told that my car had no oil in it and investigation was conducted by a shop that confirmed that the last oil change was conducted as expected, on July 30, 2022. A professional mechanic advised me to contact you all and inform you all of what happen and that you all have made consumers aware of the possible issues that could occur and actually happened.
My check engine light came on. I had the code diagnosis done and it came back P200A. When I try to accelerate, my car will not accelerate up hills or on the interstate. I’ve noticed this happening occasionally before the check engine light came on but the car wouldn’t do it when I took it to the dealer when it was still under warranty and since the check engine light wasn’t on at the time, they said there was nothing they could do. I’ve also noticed on occasion the car dashboard and radio will randomly flash when I am driving.
My car engine failed due to extreme oil consumption. It ran out of oil completely after 2K miles from my last synthetic oil change and damaged my 3rd cylinder. I have maintained the car perfectly and done all recommended repairs. My car only has 66K miles and already needs a new engine.
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving a knocking noise was suddenly present coming from the engine and warning messages were present on the dashboard display before the vehicle stalled. Later while attempting the start the engine a burning odor and smoke were present coming from the engine compartment. The engine was turned off and the smoke dissipated. The cause of the failures was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 86,000.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2018 Kia Sportage?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history