VehicleVerdict

2018 Kia Sportage engine problems

The 2018 Kia Sportage has 90 engine complaints filed with NHTSA — 41% of the year's total, and down from the prior model year.

90

Engine complaints

41%

Share of year

0

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Engine complaints by year

Related recalls

18V907000EngineDecember 19, 2018 · 71,653 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

What owners report

My vehicle make and model has been documented to have had engine issues which has caused car fires from the engine compartment from what has been documented this is my best guess.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 6, 2025 · fire

Common questions

How many engine complaints does the 2018 Kia Sportage have?

NHTSA has 90 complaints about the 2018 Kia Sportage engine — 41% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2018 Kia Sportage engine?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the engine: 18V907000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.