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Engine coolingPart report

2018 Kia Sportage Engine cooling Problems

Complaints
5about this part
Share
3%of 165 total for the year
Median mileage
100,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2018 Kia Sportage, 3% of the 165 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 100,000 miles.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Check Engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption, which resulted in spark plug fouling, and the vehicle exhibited an audible engine noise consistent with a potential engine failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the spark plugs were serviced. The contact also reported multiple visits to the mechanic for oil additions. No further information was available. …”

NHTSA complaint #11742806, filed 2026-06, 100,000 miles

“The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sportage. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V703000 (Trailer Hitches) and 21V137000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the contact was possibly charged for the recall repairs. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The KSDS warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact became aware of abnormal oil consumption. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the failure reoccurred. …”

NHTSA complaint #11700368, filed 2025-11, 150,000 miles

“The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed after an oil change was recently performed on the vehicle, the low oil pressure warning light illuminated with the message Service Engine displayed, and the vehicle made a dinging sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where 5 quarts of oil were added to the engine; however, the failure recurred while driving the following day. The contact's son added 3 quarts of oil to the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where an oil consumption test was started. …”

NHTSA complaint #11703319, filed 2025-12, 84,000 miles

“The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that upon having the vehicle serviced by an independent mobile mechanic, the contact was informed that the engine oil level was extremely low after a recent oil change. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to provide a specific diagnostic result for the failure; however, the contact was informed that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 105,000.”

NHTSA complaint #11649109, filed 2025-03, 105,000 miles

“The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the contact noticed a strong odor of gasoline in the interior of the vehicle. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a local dealer who inspected the vehicle but was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact later received notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V137000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer for the recall repair however, the vehicle was not repaired. …”

NHTSA complaint #11437214, filed 2021-10, 16,147 miles

Related service bulletins

Engine cooling: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202512%
202311%
202212%
2021713%
202095%
201923%
201853%
201782%
201632%
201511%
201422%
2013144%
201221%
201174%
200855%
200723%
200687%
200546%
20026929%
20014520%
20004515%
19997928%
19987926%
19975631%
19961018%
19951425%

Other parts of the 2018 Kia Sportage

Engine
91 complaints
Electrical system
30 complaints
Other or unknown
23 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
18 complaints
Brakes
11 complaints
Fuel system
11 complaints
Steering
9 complaints
Vehicle speed control
8 complaints
Exterior lighting
6 complaints
Body and structure
6 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaints
Seats
4 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2018 Kia Sportage

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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