2018 Kia Sportage Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 30about this part
- Share
- 18%of 165 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 9,400miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 30 complaints about the electrical system of the 2018 Kia Sportage, 18% of the 165 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 9,400 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 3 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“High pitched whirring sound lasting 10 to 15 seconds when car is parked a day or more after driving. Has happened 4 times we have heard it. Vehicle has 1200 miles on it. Occurs intermittently. It sounds to me like starter motor running.”
NHTSA complaint #11122459, filed 2018-08, 1,000 miles“Initially, I attempted to crank the vehicle by pressing the starter button. I heard a click and noticed quick flashing lights from the dash, then nothing happened except clicks, noises and minimal light as if the battery was down. There was nothing on inside the car to cause battery failure. The brake was hard to press down to restart the vehicle. Therefore, I opted to jump-start the car and it immediately powered up. All of the lights on the dashboard flashed on a few times then the letters afls appeared on the dashboard. …”
NHTSA complaint #11416596, filed 2021-05, 39,500 miles“All of the lights on my dashboard come on and when this happens it's generally night time. I can't drive my car with the headlights on because if I cut them on my car won't move and my rear view camera will not work. The first time this happened it was 05/18/2019. I was driving in the evening hours to pick my son up from work I noticed that the car started to slow down as I had my foot on the accelerator, I pulled the car to the side before it stopped and turned everything off. I waited a few minutes cut it back on and every light on the dashboard was on. …”
NHTSA complaint #11232675, filed 2019-07, 200,030 miles“While driving at low speed the engine cuts off.also while trying to start the engine nothing happens .totally dead,no warning ligths come on .have battery check,no problem found,jump start every thing seems to be normal.this happen in several occasions.”
NHTSA complaint #11360161, filed 2020-09, 20 miles“Vehicle suddenly decelerated to 20 MPH on one way highway in a passing zone. Problem then diagnosed as engine failure. 5 weeks later, with vehicle still out of service, diagnosed instead as wiring harness problem. Wiring harness replaced. Brand new car, 11 months old , 5,925 miles, serviced with first oil change 5 days before problem occurred. Kia roadside assistance had no regard for my safety on the side of a dangerous freeway and had to be resolved two hours later with aaa service towing. Still no reimbursement from Kia.”
NHTSA complaint #11203287, filed 2019-04, 5,925 milesRelated service bulletins
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- 11024469Oct 23, 2025Sc340_stkr: voluntary emissions service campaign completion label/sticker
- 11024468Oct 23, 2025VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: QUESTION AND ANSWER (SC340) - This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding the…
- 11024467Oct 23, 2025Voluntary emissions service campaign: sc340_poc: proof of correction card
- 11024462Oct 23, 2025VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO (SC340) - This document is the announcement to the dealer Parts and Service managers advising that Kia…
- 11024445Oct 23, 2025VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO (SC340) - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary…
- 11001593Jun 6, 2024TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGREADE $ DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2302) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information…
- 10252085Mar 22, 2024TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1802Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional…
- 10240563Aug 7, 2023TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: KIA GENUINE REMOTE START CONTROL MODULE UPGRADE FOR ANTI-THEFT LOGIC COMPATIBILITY (CS2310) - This bulletin has been revised to…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | 21% |
| 2025 | 15 | 27% |
| 2024 | 16 | 21% |
| 2023 | 45 | 23% |
| 2022 | 8 | 17% |
| 2021 | 6 | 11% |
| 2020 | 20 | 12% |
| 2019 | 11 | 15% |
| 2018 | 30 | 18% |
| 2017 | 63 | 16% |
| 2016 | 17 | 13% |
| 2015 | 18 | 12% |
| 2014 | 8 | 6% |
| 2013 | 22 | 6% |
| 2012 | 29 | 7% |
| 2011 | 38 | 21% |
| 2010 | 1 | 5% |
| 2009 | 18 | 23% |
| 2008 | 27 | 28% |
| 2007 | 13 | 17% |
| 2006 | 22 | 20% |
| 2005 | 8 | 12% |
| 2002 | 16 | 7% |
| 2001 | 23 | 10% |
| 2000 | 32 | 11% |
| 1999 | 41 | 14% |
| 1998 | 47 | 16% |
| 1997 | 21 | 12% |
| 1996 | 7 | 12% |
| 1995 | 8 | 14% |
Other parts of the 2018 Kia Sportage
91 complaintsOther or unknown
23 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
18 complaintsBrakes
11 complaintsFuel system
11 complaintsSteering
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsEngine cooling
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsSeats
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2018 Kia Sportage
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology