general problems of the 2018 Kia Motor Sportage - part 1

My vehicle broke down on my family 2 hours away. The SUV started engine failure with the engine light coming on then the rpm’s reved up to 4000 and started chugging. We stoped at the gas station shut the vehicle off and got it towed home to a local shop. I have the 2. 4 engine and less then 130,000 miles on it and the shop said my piston is gone and my engine is bad.

At 113,000 my engine failed. It was determined that low compression occurred due to the first cylinder failing. I’ve been having excessive oil consumption since about 60k.

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.

2018 kia Sportage had oil consumption issue but did not notify car owners, lead to complete engine failure of my car at only 117,000 this car is part of a class action lawsuit due to bad engineering , kia would not replace the engine on this even though I submitted all maintenance records, they had terrible communication when I was calling for months to file a claim with corporate, wouldnt return phone calls, supervisors not doing their jobs, car was sitting on lot for almost three months, still have loan on it, was at loss of work income etc. . They should be held liable for bad engineering of cars Sportage only had 117,00 miles when engine went out and we had oil changes, maintance and kept it in great shape this was confirmed at montrosse kia complete engine failure.

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.

I've had an oil leak for a couple of years, typically having to put in 5 - 7 quarts of oil in between oil changes. In 2025 I had my spark plugs and some oil seal replaced it was quite expensive to have done. 6ish months later my 4th cylinder started misfiring. I took it to the repair shop. They performed an oil wash and it seemed to fix the misfire issue at the time. 3 months later it started to misfire again. I took it back to the repair shop and had them replace all 4 of the ignition coils, which did not help. They recommended I take it the kia dealer. They believe the engine is burning oil which why it has such high oil consumption and that they believe the engine should be under a warranty. I need a safe vehicle for work and travel and frustrated that I am having to pay so much money just trying to get my vehicle repaired so it is.

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.

On 1/26/2024 approximately 9am, my husband had been driving on the highway for about 2 hours and pulled over to shut his eyes for a few minutes. He shut off the engine, closed his eyes and immediately smelled smoke. Black smoke began coming from under the hood and quickly got worse. He quickly got out of the car and walked away. He heard a loud pop sound and the engine area was engulfed in flames. He called 911. It took about 10 min for the fire dept to arrive and by then, the fire was being fed by the gas in the tank. They tried to put out the fire but the car burnt completely due to the gasoline. No one was hurt, thank goodness. There were no active lawsuits that I could find to get some compensation for this loss. We had to pay our high deductible and lost personal belongings in the car. This car did have an ongoing oil consumption issue. We had to replace the oil more frequently than normally required and it used much more oil than normal. We were told we had to wait for engine failure to get any kind of resolution.

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.