2018 Kia Sportage: Engine complaints
Owner-reported issue (NHTSA complaints, not a recall)
Symptoms
NHTSA has 96 owner complaints for the 2018 Kia Sportage that list the engine component. Complaints are individual owner reports, not verified defects.
Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11765480 (filed 09/19/2026): “The vehicle suffered a primary connecting rod bearing failure covered under the theta ii class action warranty campaign. a brand-new warranty engine long-block was installed by an authorized dealership. immediately upon vehicle pickup, the brand-new engine began exhibiting an un-metered acceleration…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11763274 (filed 09/10/2026): “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 extinguis…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11757330 (filed 08/16/2026): “Purchased my kia on the xxx then on the xxx, my engine light came on and my car went into safety mode . i at once took it to auto zone and their test came back with p1326 knock signal range / performance. i then looked it up and found that a recall was put out quite a while back called an [xxx] #…”
Likely causes
These complaints do not establish a single root cause; read the examples above and get a diagnosis.
Fix, in plain English
No single fix is established by these reports. Check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, ask a dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs) or extended warranty coverage, then have the system diagnosed.
DIY difficulty: Pro
Internal engine work (lifters, oil consumption, fuel dilution diagnosis) requires engine teardown or dealer software/tests. (Our assessment.)
Cost
No sourced cost range for this issue. Get a written quote after diagnosis.
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
AutoZone · O'Reilly · Advance · RockAuto
Sources
Page last updated .