2018 Kia Sportage electrical system problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 10, 2026RIFireElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Shortly after driving away, before reaching a highway on-ramp, I noticed smoke coming from the vehicle. I turned around and returned to the location. By the time I arrived, the vehicle was emitting black smoke, and shortly after, it was fully engulfed in fire before I could retrieve a fire extinguisher. Vehicle has a documented history of a known manufacturer recall related to an electrical/HECU component and a separate high-pressure fuel pipe recall, both reportedly…

   NHTSA complaint #11763274 · source
2. Filed May 16, 2026OHElectrical SystemEngineLighting

   The oil was leaking somewhere not on the motor not under the car not blowing black smoke. I kept adding oil to it. No oil light. I was told not to park between 2 houses or in my garage it could catch on fire. I took it in several times and they did all kinds of stuff motor wash knock sensor was replaced wiring harness was corroded was slipping out of gear and other issues. And now it doesn't run because of the motor issue and they refused to fix it because I didn't have oil…

   NHTSA complaint #11738238 · source
3. Filed Mar 26, 2026MOFireElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   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,…

   NHTSA complaint #11727238 · source
4. Filed Jan 25, 2026FLElectrical SystemEngine

   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

   NHTSA complaint #11713189 · source
5. Filed Oct 16, 2025WIElectrical SystemLighting

   This vehicle has a safety issue with the headlights. Basically, the low beams for both, driver and passenger sides are not functioning at all. Several diagnostic have been done to repair the existing issue such as replacing new light bulbs, new OEM turn signal switch, replacing whole new headlight assembly for both driver/ passenger sides, checking the relay, replacing new fuses, though, the issue still exists to date and the vehicle is undrivable in the dark. On a side not,…

   NHTSA complaint #11693945 · source
6. Filed Oct 8, 2025OHElectrical SystemEngineAcceleration & Cruise Control

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11692091 · source
7. Filed Mar 26, 2025NYElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   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;…

   NHTSA complaint #11650881 · source
8. Filed Mar 3, 2025WVElectrical System

   Driver power window regulator stopped working. It is available for inspection upon request. My safety is at risk because it can hinder my ability to exit the car in an emergency. In addition, it is exposing the car's interior and possibly interior electrical parts to the weather elements, and potentially leaving me vulnerable to theft or intrusion. The problem was intermittent at first, and I reported it to the dealer, but at that time of service, they were unable to…

   NHTSA complaint #11645908 · source
9. Filed Jun 26, 2023OHElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

   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 · source
10. Filed Jun 21, 2023MDElectrical System

    The plugs for the engine cooling fan and wiring harness were damaged from overheating. No fuses blew, plugs were melted and wiring was discolored from overheating. Estimate for repair was: Parts (cooling fan assembly, and wiring harness)- $2430.19 plus tax, Labor 8hrs @ $175.00/hr- $1400, Total cost to replace the cooling fan and wiring harness- $3830.19 plus tax. Overheating of the wiring harness poses a significant risk of a short circuit and potential engine fire. The…

    NHTSA complaint #11528190 · source
11. Filed May 2, 2023PAElectrical System

    The contact owned a 2018 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that the vehicle was stolen while parked in front of her residence. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to a dealer and the Anti-Theft Logic and Sticker Upgrade per NHTSA ID Number: 10233650 (Electrical System) was performed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

    NHTSA complaint #11520066 · source
12. Filed Feb 25, 2023SCElectrical System

    Anti-theft security software update fix. I have not received a recall or any information from Kia to have this repaired. I wish to have this repaired ASAP. Thank you.

    NHTSA complaint #11509118 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology