2018 Kia Sportage · symptom sheet
Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing
- 43owner reports
- 66,000median miles
- $10,000median quote
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Sep 19, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
96 of the 164 complaints on this car are about the engine. 43 of those describe engine failure, which makes it the most reported problem on the 2018 Sportage.
Tick what matches of 43 reports
Engine failure on other Sportage years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2023, 2026.
What this problem usually is
These are the reports nobody wants to file. The engine started knocking or ticking, the oil light came on, and then it seized or had to be replaced. Some owners had the replacement covered under warranty or an extension, and plenty were told they'd pay. Several narrower sheets split this group into knocking, seized engines and rod bearing failure.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the engine (40 reports).
Recalls and investigations
No recall on the engine covers the 2018 model year as of Oct 2, 2026.
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Sportage
Loss of motive power. Closed dec 12, 2023.
Engine fires. Closed feb 5, 2024, led to recall 23V-877.
Scope and timeliness. Closed dec 22, 2021, led to recall 17V-224.
Fan blade cracking/separation. Closed apr 16, 2007, led to recall 07V-161.
Fan blade cracking/separation. Closed jan 22, 2007.
None of these investigations covers the 2018 model year.
What owners paid
5 of the 43 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $4,800 to $11,000.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 5,925 and 111,595 miles, from the 19 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 18 service bulletins or notices for the 2018 Kia Sportage that deal with this problem. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1802Y/Z) This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published PI1802 titled "Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement"; equipped w/THETA II engine.
PITSTOP: INJECTOR HARNESS ROUTING FOR PI1802Y/Z AND PI1803Y/Z ENGINE REPLACEMENTS This bulletin provides information to address a no-start or hard start with poor running condition after engine replacement under PI1802Y/Z or PI1803Y/Z. Some replacement long blocks may come with pre-installed fuel rail, injectors, and injector wiring ...
ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1802Y/Z) This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published PI1802 titled "Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement" equipped w/THETA II engine.
PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT TSB_PI1802_R2 - Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement - This bulletin provides information related to a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to install the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) in order to protect the engine from ...
14 more on the 2018 Kia Sportage page.
What owners wrote
“My vehicle broke down on my family 2 hours away. The suv started engine failure with the engine light coming on then the rpmâs 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.”
Filed Feb 26, 2026 · 130,000 miles
“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.”
Filed Aug 2, 2024 · 68,000 miles
“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?”
Filed May 23, 2024 · 120,000 miles
“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.”
Filed Aug 20, 2023
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 43 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Taking it to a shop? How to describe this problem so it gets found
Other problems on this car
- Check engine light or misfire 32 reports