2018 Kia Sportage Other or unknown Problems
- Complaints
- 23about this part
- Share
- 14%of 165 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 10,250miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 23 complaints about the other or unknown of the 2018 Kia Sportage, 14% of the 165 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 10,250 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Driving my Kia Sportage (gt line) at about 30-40 miles/hour, descending red hills (jamaica) and without warning the car went dead, all the light comes on the dash and the speed cut drastically. It was scary and I can only imagine if it was on the highway. Afraid to drive it.”
NHTSA complaint #11221187, filed 2019-06, 11,000 miles“I have a 2018 Kia Sportage that has air vents peeling. I went to the Kia dealership and was hoping that the warranty would cover this fix, but that was not the case. The Kia dealership told me the vents peeling is because of the chemical reaction with the product that I was using. I have detailed my cars since the beginning of time...and have sworn by meguiar's supreme shine. I still do, and I am certain it is crappy vent material that Kia has. I contacted meguiar's and their customer service said that all their products are water based and it is impossible for this to happen. …”
NHTSA complaint #11300239, filed 2020-01, 18,000 miles“Addendum to the complaint dated january through senator marco rubio office. I received a letter from NHTSA DOT that the investigation is open as to the software upgrade , should be labeled recall and into the theta engine , see attached. As I write this, my disabled husband is in a tow truck with the driver because he went to the dollar general store, turned the corner onto a busy highway and the car limp mode light came on, car shut down dangerously slow. Luckily he was not rear-ended. This is pathetic for Kia motors, Kia america to get away with this. These vehicles need to be bought back. …”
NHTSA complaint #11242698, filed 2019-08, 9,500 miles“My oil drain pan has a crack in it valvoline gave me a paper for me to fill this out, I was here at valoline on 6/8 and then on 6/10 my brother inlae told me my car was leaking oil so I had to bring it back today 6/11 to find out why and that's what I was told it has to do with having a crack on the oil drain pan”
NHTSA complaint #11666299, filed 2025-06“The tow hitch can apparently start a fire. I can not afford to rent a car & must use mine as I am disabled & have a mother with dementia, so I need my vehicle. Kia still has not resolved this issue. This recall has been open since September, 10 MONTHS! This is the THIRD recall for this vehicle, one has a current lawsuit.”
NHTSA complaint #11528829, filed 2023-06Other or unknown: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8 | 29% |
| 2025 | 22 | 40% |
| 2024 | 21 | 28% |
| 2023 | 50 | 26% |
| 2022 | 8 | 17% |
| 2021 | 16 | 30% |
| 2020 | 34 | 20% |
| 2019 | 18 | 25% |
| 2018 | 23 | 14% |
| 2017 | 75 | 19% |
| 2016 | 18 | 13% |
| 2015 | 27 | 18% |
| 2014 | 14 | 11% |
| 2013 | 27 | 7% |
| 2012 | 23 | 6% |
| 2011 | 24 | 13% |
| 2010 | 2 | 10% |
| 2009 | 8 | 10% |
| 2008 | 4 | 4% |
| 2007 | 1 | 1% |
| 2006 | 3 | 3% |
| 2005 | 7 | 10% |
| 2002 | 6 | 3% |
| 2001 | 8 | 4% |
| 2000 | 12 | 4% |
| 1999 | 14 | 5% |
| 1998 | 25 | 8% |
| 1997 | 16 | 9% |
| 1996 | 3 | 5% |
| 1995 | 2 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2018 Kia Sportage
91 complaintsElectrical system
30 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 31, 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