crashtest

2018 / KIA

2018 KIA Sportage

5/5

Overall rating (best variant)

Safety ratings

2018 Kia Sportage SUV AWD

5/5Overall
4/5Frontal crash
5/5Side crash
5/5Side pole
4/5Rollover
Frontal, driver: 4★Frontal, passenger: 5★Side, driver: 5★Side, rear passenger: 5★Rollover risk: 14.7%
  • Lane departure warningOptional
  • Forward collision warningOptional
  • Electronic stability controlStandard

2018 Kia Sportage SUV FWD

5/5Overall
4/5Frontal crash
5/5Side crash
5/5Side pole
4/5Rollover
Frontal, driver: 4★Frontal, passenger: 5★Side, driver: 5★Side, rear passenger: 5★Rollover risk: 15.5%
  • Lane departure warningOptional
  • Forward collision warningOptional
  • Electronic stability controlStandard

Crash test videos & photos

No public crash-test footage is available for this vehicle.

Recalls (3)

⚠ Park outside — urgent recall

NHTSA has flagged 2 recalls on this vehicle as severe (fire risk — park away from structures). Contact a dealer immediately; recall repairs are free.

  • TRAILER HITCHESCampaign 22V703000 · 19/09/2022Park outside

    Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.

    Risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

    Fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect the vehicle, and, as necessary, replace the fuse and/or tow hitch harness module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC249.

  • SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULECampaign 21V137000 · 04/03/2021Park outside

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Sportage and Cadenza vehicles. The electrical circuit in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may short-circuit, which can cause a fire in the engine compartment.

    Risk: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury.

    Fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace certain fuses in the electrical junction box. Vehicles equipped with an electronic parking brake (EPB) will also receive a HECU software update. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on April 30, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC206.

  • FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGSCampaign 18V907000 · 19/12/2018

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.

    Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

    Fix: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.

Owner complaints

162
Complaints
7
Crashes reported
11
Fires reported
5
Injuries
0
Deaths

Most-reported areas

  • ENGINE89
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM28
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER19
  • POWER TRAIN18
  • SERVICE BRAKES11
  • FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM10
  • STEERING9
  • VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL8
Read individual complaints (50 most recent)

These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.

  • 12/29/2022· ENGINE

    We own a 2018 Kia Sportage. We never had any problems with it, UNTIL NOW. I Drove it to work one morning, and was on the way home and suddenly without warning, no lights, or indicators came on, and the car started to shake, and lost full throttle response in the MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. Immediately pulled over! Tried starting the car again, but the car was not cranking. We had to tow our car home, and was told our engine had to be replaced. We were checking out the engine, and notice there was a hole in it. Now keep in mind, we've never had any problems with our KIA until now. So it was odd. We checked the N.H.T.S.A and the KIA has 2 recalls, and we were not aware of them. We called the manufacturer to see if they called replaced the engine but they denied us. So we're stuck without a car.

  • 12/15/2019· ENGINE

    CAR SHIFTS TO LOW MODE FROM 50-20MPH ON ITS OWN SLOW DECELERATION WHEN STOPPING SLOW ACCELERATION WHEN STATIONARY

  • 12/13/2019· ELECTRICAL SYSTEMCrashFire

    THE ENTIRE CAR CAUGHT FIRE. ALL ELECTRIC WIRES CAUGHT FIRE AND THE CAR IT WAS PARK IN MY HOUSE .

  • 12/11/2023· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    Defective exterior rear passenger door handle came off completely when opening door.

  • 12/11/2018· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    I HAD MY KIA SPORTAGE OIL CHANGED, WAS TOLD MY A/C COMPRESSOR HOSE AT THE COMPRESSOR WAS LEAKING, CRIMP FIT, FACTORY DEFECT IS WHAT HE SAID

  • 12/06/2018· SEATS

    HEATING COIL THAT WARM THE SEAT CAUSE SEAT TO MELT AND L SHAPE. PATTERN ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. IT'S LOCATION IS TO THERE REAR OF THE BOTTOM WHERE THE RIGHT SIDE OF YOUR BUTT WITH REST. THE OUT SIDE TEMPERATURE WAS 42 DEGREES. THE CAR WAS SETTING IN THE DRIVEWAY OF HOUSE. WE HAD THE SEAT SET TO IT HIGHEST SETTING OF THERE DOTTED LINES.

  • 12/05/2025· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

    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.

  • 12/03/2025· ENGINE

    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 re: 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)

  • 12/02/2022· ENGINE

    The RPM randomly goes up and down frequently. When I took it in to the dealer they test drove it and said didn’t do it and blew me off.

  • 11/29/2022· TRAILER HITCHES

    The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V703000 (Trailer Hitches) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that he called the dealer and was advised to contact the manufacturer to confirm parts availability. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and a case was opened. The contact was concerned about parking the vehicle outside the garage. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

  • 11/23/2021· POWER TRAIN

    Intermittently, the car’s transmission slips out of gear completely, around 30-40 MPH. It gets back into gear after a few seconds. At times, it has presented a safety risk especially when attempting to merge on a highway in a short merge lane. When the slipping occurs in this situation, the car no longer accelerates and merging into traffic becomes very problematic and increases the risk of a rear end collision, putting me and my passengers at risk as well as a risk to others The problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by the dealer. It started occurring immediately after I purchased the car used while still under the manufacturers warranty. Because the dealer service department could not replicate the issue, no further attempt to diagnose the issue has been conducted, such as a transmission tear down. I’ve taken it to the dealer at least 3 times for this issue and have documentation. I elevated the issue to the manufacturer but they have offered no solution to the issue because it cannot be replicated by the dealer and there is no recall or other service issue with the model. Melissa from the KIA Escalation Department contacted me today offered no resolution to the matter. There were no warning lamps or other messages which indicated a problem. The Kia Forum website reveals that I am not the only one with this issue. https://www.kia-forums.com/threads/transmission-slipping.288137/page-5

  • 11/22/2024· ENGINEFire

    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 contact 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.

  • 11/22/2021· ENGINE

    Vehicle engine accelerated and raced without warning with foot on brake. Has occurred on several occasions with different household operators. Vehicle has about 18,000 miles.

  • 11/19/2025· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

    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.

  • 11/19/2021· STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

    I was driving and the radio went out along with navigation screen, then power steering went out along with headlights, tail lights. Engine was still running but would not rev up. All kinds of warning lights went off, had a harder time steering vehicle out of the Road way. Engine eventually shut off. My dealer said my starter had a continuous draw on my battery and drained it. This was on 11/10/21. They replaced the starter and the battery. Got vehicle back on 11/10. Last night 11/18/21 I was driving my vehicle again at night and the same thing happened again, no lights, no power steering, no electronics in the vehicle worked. Got someone to jump My vehicle, we let it charge from the jumper and got the vehicle started again. Drove 4 miles down the road, same thing again. Had my wife come there and we again put jumper cables on for 20 minutes, was able to drive the vehicle home, did notice this time I had a check engine light. Have scheduled an appointment with my dealer again. I feel that on a dark country road with limited areas to pull over with no headlights or tail lights or 4 way flashers I could have easily been rear ended. I did have cars pass me and blow their horn at me, did finally make it to a cross road with a street light and got off the main road. The dealer has not set an appointment yet, vehicle would be available for inspection, if needed.

  • 11/16/2023· ENGINE

    The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH, the vehicle was jerking and hesitating while driving. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence and then towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine had failed and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact that there would be an reimbursement after legal matters were resolved. The failure mileage was unknown.

  • 11/04/2020· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

    I BOUGHT THIS CAR IN MAY OF 2020 WITH 44K ON THE ODOMETER. THREE DAYS LATER I WAS ON A 3400 MILE ROAD TRIP ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN I STARTED HEARING KNOCKING FROM THE ENGINE BAY. I TOOK IT IN AND HAD THEM LISTEN. THEY TOLD ME IT WAS COMPLETELY NORMAL. THE KNOCK WENT AWAY FOR ABOUT 400 MILES THEN CAME BACK. I TOOK IT IN TO 4 DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS. I GOT TOLD THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL ON THE MOTOR BUT THAT IT HAD BEEN FIXED ALREADY. THE DAY AFTER I GOT HOME THE CAR DIED AT 30 MPH ON THE WAY HOME FROM WORK AND LEFT ME IN THE MIDDLE OF A VERY BUSY INTERSECTION ALMOST CAUSING ME TO GET HIT. TOOK IT IN AND IT TOOK THEM 4 DAYS TO FIND A BAD FUSE. THE CAR OVER THE NEXT 3 MONTHS POPPED 12 FUSES AND KEPT DYEING ON THE ROAD. THEN I STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH IT NOT TURNING OVER. TOOK IT TO A DIFFERENT DEALERSHIP AND THEY FOUND A BAD FUEL PUMP AND STARTER AS WELL AS A BATTERY DRAIN THATS KILLED THREE BATTERIES. TOOK THE CAR TO KIA 9 DIFFERENT TIMES TO GET LOOKED AT.7 OF THOSE TIMES THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. THEY SAID THEY KNEW ABOUT THE DRAIN BUT COULDNT FIND IT. THEN THEY FINALLY FIGURED OUT THE FUEL PUMP WAS SHORTING OUT AND CAUSING THE FUSE TO POP. THEY SUPPOSEDLY REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP IN SEPTEMBER OF 2020 ALONG WITH THE INJECTION PUMP. I WAS 50 MILES FROM END OF WARRANTY THE DAY AFTER I GET THE CAR OUT OF THE SHOP IT WONT RUN FOR LONGER THEN 15 SECONDS. NOT GETTING FUEL.LEFT ME STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD 45 MILES OUT OF TOWN. IM BACK TO SQUARE 1 BECAUSE HALF THE TIME MY CAR WONT START. THE MOTOR IS STILL KNOCKING AND HAS NO POWER WITH MY FUEL MILEAGE DROPPING DOWN TO 11MPG IT STARTED REVVING UP AND SPEED NOT CHANGING,NOT SHIFTING CORRECTLY OR JUST NOT SHIFTING. MY NEW SHOP DISCOVERED THE TRANSMISSION IS FAILING FAST. IVE HAD THIS CAR 6 MONTHS AND AM STILL PAYING FOR IT AND I CANT EVEN DRIVE IT SAFELY. COMPLETE TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT 64,456 MILES.

  • 11/01/2025· ENGINE

    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

  • 11/01/2025· STRUCTURE

    I purchased a 2018 Kia Sportage and ever since the last few years the paint is starting to come off of this vehicle. I do not go through any type of car wash. I washed it at home. It is getting worse and worse than certain spots, I do not want any monetary for this I would just appreciate getting what I should have, which is fresh paint that last. The paint in the front bumper underneath the hood area is all coming off and it’s like white. Then on the roof of that vehicle, there’s white spots of the clearcoat actually coming off the whole vehicle. If you look also at my hood of the vehicle, you can see spots as well.

  • 10/31/2023· ENGINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

    The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while her son was driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle independently accelerated. The contact stated that the check engine warning light 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.

  • 10/29/2025· ENGINE

    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.

  • 10/28/2025· ENGINE

    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.

  • 10/23/2025· ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMFire

    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.

  • 10/23/2018· POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 KIA SPORTAGE. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP OR LOW SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE IN A TIMELY MANNER. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, BUT A FAILURE CODE WAS NOT LOCATED. THE DEALER ALSO TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE AND WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

  • 10/19/2023· ENGINE

    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

  • 10/18/2021· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

    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. The contact was informed to pick up the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 16,147.

  • 10/17/2022· STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMCrash

    My car was stolen from the Kia challenge

  • 10/16/2025· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

    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, only high beam works and turn signals, that is basically it. Several auto service centers have advised me to submit a report as a safety issues since all options have been exhausted. With that said, this safety issue concerning headlight should be addressed with the manufacturer. Thank you for taking this matter seriously!

  • 10/16/2025· ENGINE

    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?

  • 10/08/2025· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE

    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)

  • 10/08/2022· POWER TRAIN

    Driving at highway speeds the RPM would suddenly rev up very fast and the car would appear to be in neutral then soon go back to normal. On another occasion, taking a turn at 15 mph the car became as if in neutral, RPM would go very high, then shortly the RPM would drop and the car would be back in drive. The car was taken to the dealership, they checked it, noted that they could not duplicate the problem, and will not take any further action unless it repeats. The danger is if this occurs when driving into traffic, turning into traffic, driving on a freeway and the engine slips into the neutral mode, a collision can occur , risking injury, life and property. The only warning was the RPM going up very fast, and the car not reacting to pushing on the gas pedal. Attached is a PDF file that includes some summaries summaries of issues from web sites relating transmission problems of slipping into neutral.

  • 10/06/2018· ENGINE

    KNOCKING ON THE ENGINE UPON STARTING. NO LONGER RUNNING THE VEHICLE BECAUSE OF NOISE.

  • 10/04/2024· ENGINE

    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.

  • 09/26/2022· POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    While the 2018 Kia Sportage is in drive proceeding forward I have noticed on numerous occasions the transmission just dies out. When stepping on the gas, you can hear the engine rev but for a few seconds, there is no reaction by the transmission and the vehicle doesn't increase in speed; the vehicle just coasts. This occurs intermittently. While on highway travel this possesses a danger as other vehicles can approach your vehicle quickly and they might not notice you're having a mechanical malfunction. I tried to make appointments with the KIA dealership. The vehicle is a 2018 and has 25,000 miles. They threaten me with big bills if the vehicle is not covered under warranty. I finally made the appointment and when I dropped the vehicle off they said it would take more than a week to diagnose the vehicle. There are no warning lamps, bells, buzzers, or any notice being given to the driver that a mechanical malfunction is occurring.

  • 09/24/2022· VISIBILITY/WIPER

    Windshield cracking for no reason. No chips to signify it was hit. Noticed a zigzag on Friday 9/23 approximately 12" and this evening 9/24 has gone laterally an additional 6-8"

  • 09/23/2023· ENGINE

    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.

  • 09/21/2022· ENGINE

    9/15 car goes in limp mode on expressway. Get to towed to dealership. Get the car back on 9/17. Only make it about 20 miles, and the same thing happens again. I’m able to make it back to the dealership the same day. On my way home. Pick up the car on 9/19. Happens again on 9/20. Now I am being told I need a full engine replacement. The dealership has no loaners to give out. They are expecting me to pay for a rental in hopes of getting reimbursed. I am a single mom. I work in sales and drive in my territory every single day I do not have the money to put out for the rental and now after researching, it could be months before I get the car back.

  • 09/21/2020· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEED THE ENGINE CUTS OFF.ALSO WHILE TRYING TO START THE ENGINE NOTHING HAPPENS .TOTALLY DEAD,NO WARNING LIGTHS COME ON .HAVE BATTERY CHECK,NO PROBLEM FOUND,JUMP START EVERY THING SEEMS TO BE NORMAL.THIS HAPPEN IN SEVERAL OCCASIONS.

  • 09/16/2023· SERVICE BRAKESCrash

    Breaks failed to ingage and caused me to hit the back of the vehicle in front of me.

  • 09/16/2019· POWER TRAIN

    I'VE BEEN EXPERIENCING AN TRANSMISSION ISSUE. I'LL BE DRIVING ALONG, STEADILY WITH SPEED CONTROL SET AT 70 AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY ENGINE AND RPM GAUGE WILL REV UP DOWN SHIFT AND THEN GO BACK TO NORMAL. MY SPEED DOESN'T CHANGE, NO LIGHTS GO ON, JUST THE REV-ING SOUND AND THE GAUGE GOES UP IT ALSO HAPPENING AT LOW SPEEDS AS WELL, IT'S VERY ALARMING TO ME. I'VE CHECKED WITH KIA AND THEY'RE AWARE OF THE ISSUE BUT STATE THAT THERE IS CURRENTLY NO RECALL OR ALERT AS TO WHAT EXACTLY THE PROBLEM IS, IT ALSO ENTERMITTING WILL HAVE NO ACCELERATION ON TAKE OFF. HAS BEEN BACK TO THE KIA DEALER TWICE , THE LAST TIME WAS TOLD BY GENERAL MANAGER AND SERVICE MANAGER AND THEY HAVE NO CLUE , AND GENERAL MANAGER WAS VERY RUDE AND TRIED TO JUST SALE ME ANOTHER VEHICLE WHEN I DECLINE HE GOT VERY UNPROFESSIONAL AND SEEMED HE WAS NOT CONCERNED OF THE WARRANTY AND TO TAKE IT BACK TO DEALER THAT SOLD IT TO ME 600 MILES AWAY PLEASE HELP

  • 09/14/2020· ENGINEFire

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2018 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE APPROACHING A SCHOOL ZONE AND ENTERING THE SCHOOL LOT AT ABOUT 5 MPH, THERE WAS GREY SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT EXIT HIS CHILD FROM THE VEHICLE AND PARKED THE VEHICLE TO INSPECT IT THAT WAS WHEN THE HOOD WAS OPENED. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN IMPOUND LOT. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V907000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, ENGINE) AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THE FAILURE HOWEVER THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,000.

  • 09/13/2018· ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

    I PICKED UP A BRAND NEW KIA SPORTAGE SX TURBO AWD WITH 34 MILES ON IT TODAY. IT WAS DRIVING KIND OF HESITANTLY, SEEMING LIKE IT WAS MISFIRING. ABOUT 30 MILES LATER, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE AS I HAVE AN ESTABLISHED RELATIONSHIP WITH THEM. THEY ADVISED TO TAKE IT TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP. I TOOK MY CAR TO SUMMIT PLACE KIA IN AUBURN HILLS WHERE THE INITIAL DIAGNOSIS BASED ON A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT READING WAS AN IMPROPER FUEL/AIR MIXTURE IN CYLINDER 2. I AM NOT SURE WHAT PROTOCOL WILL BE FOLLOWED FROM THIS POINT OR WHAT ACTIONS WILL BE NEEDED TO RECTIFY THIS ISSUE. HOWEVER, IT IS APPARENT THAT THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH KIA'S GDI TURBO ENGINES.

  • 09/12/2019· STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKESCrash

    ALL ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION AND LOSS OF STEERING AND BRAKES RESULTING IN HEADING CRASH

  • 09/09/2019· STEERING

    WHILE DRIVING THE WHEEL BLOCKS FOR A WHILE AND CAN'T CONTROL THE CAR. BROUGHT TO THE DEALERS AND CLAIMS NOTHING WRONG. NOW HAPPENS VERY OFTEN AND THE CAR IS NOT DRIVABLE. WROTE 3 TIMES TO COSTUMER SERVICE , NO ANSWER. SHOULD A FATAL ACCIDENT MUST OCCURRING TO TAKE ACTION? THIS HAPPENS WHILE TURNING.

  • 09/04/2025· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

    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

  • 09/02/2025· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    Passenger outside rear view mirror the paint is peeling. It’s the original rear view mirror. Vehicle looks brand new except for that mirror.

  • 08/30/2021· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

    Kia knowing that they are selling nothing but junk to consumers are refusing to provide ANY Assistance to customers whom pay 25+K for their trash called vechicles. Kia has recalled my vechicle 2× now for Motor and ECU problems and now my vechicle is having electrical problems and had to be towed to a dealership to be looked at. This dealership is not looking to find out where the electrician problem is coming from and when I contact Kia America they are refusing any assistance to help me get their 25K piece of trash back on the road. When is the NTHSA going to do something and hold these car companies RESPONSIBLE FOR THE JUNK THEY ARE SELLING!!!

  • 08/26/2018· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    HIGH PITCHED WHIRRING SOUND LASTING 10 TO 15 SECONDS WHEN CAR IS PARKED A DAY OR MORE AFTER DRIVING. HAS HAPPENED 4 TIMES WE HAVE HEARD IT. VEHICLE HAS 1200 MILES ON IT. OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY. IT SOUNDS TO ME LIKE STARTER MOTOR RUNNING.

  • 08/20/2023· ENGINE

    Engine seized with no warning. Oil was being consumed but dealership said this was normal. Then it seized up now being quoted for $12,500 for new long block. They said it was a freak thing that happened. Something made a hole in my radiator. This is all lies.

  • 08/19/2022· ENGINE

    I was driving and the car and it just stopped. The oil light and engine light came on and now it’s making a clicking noise, now. I am not driving the car but I was told that my car had no oil in it and investigation was conducted by a shop that confirmed that the last oil change was conducted as expected, on July 30, 2022. A professional mechanic advised me to contact you all and inform you all of what happen and that you all have made consumers aware of the possible issues that could occur and actually happened.