general problems of the 2018 Kia Motor Sportage - part 1

Took my car for the theft recall and had it performed, my vehicle was stolen last night and the theft used a usb charging cable to steal it, the recall did not fix this.

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. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and dtc: p0010 was retrieved. The vehicle was repaired at the owner's expense; however, the local dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the camshaft needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

My 2018 kia Sportage (VIN [xxx] ) experienced complete engine failure due to low compression/internal combustion chamber failure. The vehicle lost power while driving on sept 30, 2025, and had to be towed to [xxx] kia in dayton, OH. This same dealership previously performed an oil retention test in Aug 2024 which failed, identifying a defective engine. Kia was aware of the issue but declined to replace the engine at that time. The failure pattern matches kia’s known engine defect. Kia consumer affairs (case #25572677) has denied goodwill assistance despite this safety-related engine failure and prior diagnostic documentation. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

My 2018 kia Sportage (2. 4l theta ii gdi engine) suddenly triggered diagnostic trouble code p1326 (knock sensor detection system – detection of excessive connecting rod bearing wear) and entered limp mode at 111,595 miles on Sep 13, 2025. The vehicle is now speed- and rpm-limited to protect the engine from catastrophic failure. This is the exact failure mode covered under the well-documented Hyundai/kia theta ii engine defect that has led to thousands of engine seizures and, in some cases, vehicle fires. Kia implemented the knock sensor detection system (ksds) software update (campaign sc200) on this VIN, yet the system has now correctly detected excessive connecting rod bearing wear. Despite the vehicle falling squarely within the class vehicles listed in the 2020–2023 Hyundai/kia engine litigation settlement (in Hyundai and kia engine litigation ii), kia’s settlement VIN-check website [xxx] ) incorrectly states this VIN “has not been matched with an eligible class vehicle. ” I am concerned this may be used as a pretext to deny the lifetime short-block warranty repair that other identically-equipped 2018 Sportage owners have received at no cost. Continued driving risks sudden engine seizure or fire, which NHTSA has previously investigated under pe21-003 and related actions. I am forced to keep the vehicle parked until kia honors the repair or provides clear justification for denial. I can no longer safely use the vehicle for normal transportation requested action: I request that NHTSA investigate kia’s inconsistent application of the theta ii lifetime warranty and settlement benefits, particularly when the ksds system (installed by kia) has triggered the exact warning it was designed to detect. This appears to be a continuing safety defect affecting 2011–2019 kia vehicles equipped with the 2. 4l theta ii gdi engine. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

I started my car and it started shaking violently, and would jolt back and forth, I would be on the highway and the speed would decrease rapidly and overheat slightly to pick up speed.

My vehicle suffered from a catastrophic engine failure while driving on the highway. The vehicle stalled at highway speeds (55mph), during rush hour. Causing a near rear end collision. From this point on my vehicle was unable to reach speeds of 30 mph. This failure is consistent with a defect in the theta ii engines that has been subject to recalls. The theta ii engine recall is under a soft recall. It is not known to the public unless it happens to the owners vehicle. This sudden stall at highway speeds jeopardized the safety of the driver (myself) and the people and vehicles behind the driver.

The engine has been consuming oil. When I brought it to the attention of the dealership the recommendation was to oil consumption test and also to clean the combustion chamber. On this car they lost a class action lawsuit for these engines consuming oil. They are using their faulty manufacturing processes to get more money out of consumers. The only way they said they would approve an engine replacement is to have the engine seize up while driving. This is unsafe for the driver and also for the other motorists. This would put the driver and other motorists at risk because the car can become uncontrollable and could cause an accident. The car has been inspected by a dealer multiple times and they said they would not replace it until the engine seizes. Also kia corporate said the same thing even though they lost a class action lawsuit. The warning lights come on when the oil is low. Also check engine lights have been coming on for the oil issue. Kia should be replacing these faulty engines and the consumer should not have to pay for tests to be able to get the engine replaced that is under warranty.

Due to excessive oil consumption and blow thru to catalytic converter, and burning of oil in the converter clogged up my catalytic converter as seen in pics causing exhaust fumes to enter cabin and engine not run properly. Driver or passenger must open windows to get fresh air. I had to have converter replaced. There is still periodic fumes that enter cabin even with new converter because engine is still consuming excessive oil . This should be addressed to and rectified through kia corporation. Thanks.

Excessive oil consumption and the engine is part of a "silent" recall. I would like my engine to be replaced before it blows up and causes serious injury or death. I do regular oil changes and I can't keep adding oil daily. If they knew about this issue why wasn't there a mass recall to get this fixed.

My 2018 kia Sportage (VIN: [xxx] ) triggered a check engine light and entered limp mode. Diagnostic scan revealed dtc code p1326, which is associated with the knock sensor detection system (ksds) and often linked to engine bearing failure in many affected kia models. This happened at approximately 120,000 miles while driving under normal conditions. The car now runs in reduced power mode, making it unsafe for highway use or commuting. I contacted my local dealership, who confirmed no recall or campaign was active, despite this being a widely known and reported safety defect in kia’s 2. 4l gdi engines. I am requesting NHTSA to investigate this issue further, as many kia and Hyundai vehicles with this engine have experienced sudden failures due to this defect. Kia should extend warranty support or issue a recall to prevent dangerous engine shutdowns. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The code p1326 keeps popping up on my dash board even after changing it that part out which is claimed to be the knock sensor. I researched it and it said something with the rod bearings and my mechanic personal mechanic had mentioned it’d be best to swap the engine, and told me about kia recalls on certain make and model. My vehicle falls into the recall list of year and make and model… but my VIN isn’t on the recall list, yet it is doing the same exact thing that has been listed up for recall. I am concerned about my safety, engine stalls and looses power, how can I go about this?.

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.

My check engine light has been on for some time . It will go off for a day and a half and then come back on . I was told by one garage that it was the catalytic converter. I have 99,339 miles on . It was tuned up and the light had gone off until the next day . Runs good and body is in great shape . I’m disappointed with this since it’s not covered ! and my lights are not working , the garage said it was a bad connection .

I had an oil change done because my engine oil level was showing low on the dipstick. I had just had an oil change about 2 months prior so it was not due but I thought that maybe there was an oil leak . On the way to my mechanic shop the check engine light came on so I had them to check it out. There were no visible oil leaks and they said they oil was extremely low. They did the full oil change and told me to bring it back 200 miles later to see if there was any oil lost. 200 miles later the car was down an entire quart of oil. My mechanic suggested I call kia to advise them of the engine oil consumption issue. His words. I called kia and was advised to bring it into the dealership for a diagnostic and consumption test. I am bringing it tomorrow morning but I don't know what will happen after that. I see the recall for other models with this same issue but not for my model.

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. The contact returned to the dealer after 1,000 miles. The dealer informed the contact that two more 1,000 miles tests were required to complete the oil consumption test. The contact declined to pay the fee to complete the test and was advised to trade the vehicle in at the owner's expense. The contact stated that the vehicle was purchased from the dealer as a certified pre-owned vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.

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.

I am writing regarding the kia recall #sc336. About 6 months ago I noticed my 2018 kia Sportage w 139,000 started using a lil oil. Then 3 days ago it starting cutting out & ck engine light came on. I called mechanic & took it into his shop. He put a coder reader on it and it said, misfire on #2. He did a compression test and there was 0 pressure on #2 cylinder. He then took a camera and went down and there is a hole in #2 piston. He recommends a new engine. He had me call the kia customer care # however, they basically told me the deadline for class action suit expired and I had no remedy with them. My car was not acting up at the end of said deadline so, why would I have filed a claim?! I seen this info on recall #sc336 as to oil consumption & no compression in '20-'23 souls and seltos. I have also seen several mechanics forums speaking about my year of Sportage with compression issues. I am a poor lady on disability and still owe $11,000 on this car w no extended warranty coverage. Is there anything I can do in order to get kia to include my vehicle in an engine recall ? I have now obtained a loan for the $4,800 rebuilt engine I just purchased from auto zone! thank you in advance for your attention to this matter.

The contact owned a 2018 kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted into first gear. While attempting to accelerate, the vehicle jerked and briefly lost motive power before slamming into gear. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that an abnormal burning odor was coming from under the hood and entered the vehicle through the a/c vents. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, no cause for the failure was found. The thermostat and the electric switch on the driver’s side window were replaced. The contact stated that while driving uphill or going downhill, the rpm fluctuated, and the engine revved abnormally. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

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.

There has been high oil consumption after 100,000 miles and the low oil light has shown. It will burn more than a quart in less than 1,000 miles.

I just found out by the jiffy lube manager where I go for my oil changes. That my kia is involved in the oil consumption leak. I purchased it used and still making payments on the car. I have tried working this out with kia and the dealership with no support or assistance in this matter, so frustrating when they know it’s an on going problem with their vehicles and the oil consumption leak. Really need help with this. I had two warranty on the car and the oil consumption leak is excluded from both. How convenient.

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.

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 contacts 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 NHTSA 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.

Engine failure due to oil composition leaking.

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.

The original factory engine is malfunctioning, causing excess oil consumption -- at or over one quart consumption per 1000 miles -- believed to be caused by fouled piston rings. It is a known defect for this and similar kia engines. Issues and remedies outlined in kia technical service bulletin 222. The vehicle and engine are available for inspection upon request. Our safety and the safety of others is continuously at risk in the event of engine failure and/or vehicle breakdown in city or freeway traffic, and in our rural location. Safety is also a factor in the event of vehicle breakdown which would put vulnerable passengers (five year old granddaughter, etc. ) in danger if such event occurred in traffic or during weather extremes. The oil consumption problem has been confirmed by butler kia. The engine was inspected by the manufacturer via butler kia only in the form of three 1000-mile oil consumption tests from may through October 2025. Dealership personnel began the first test with an oil change, and then inspected/verified excess oil consumption at each 1000 mile interval. An oil warning light illuminated between regular (4489 historical average interval vs 7500 manufacturer-specified intervals) oil change intervals, and immediate inspection revealed the engine oil was 2. 5 quarts low. Oil was added and owner tracking was commenced, verifying excess oil consumption.

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 March 18th 2024. 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 (pi1802) 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.

Vehicle stopped running smoke was coming from engine . Won’t start back up.

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.

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?.

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.

The contact owns a 2018 kia Sportage. The contact stated that while her son was driving approximately 65 mph he stated that vehicle had begun to independently accelerate and surge forward without his depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated the check engine warning 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.

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.

My 2018 kia Sportage was burning oil - had to add oil every week. On August 26, 2023 I was driving on the 15 north 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.