NHTSA DATA SNAPSHOT · SEP 21 2026MODEL MATCH ≠ VIN MATCHCHECK A VIN AT NHTSA ↗
RECALLROADTHE CAMPAIGN RECORD

MODEL-YEAR RECALL REPORT

2018 Kia Sportage recalls

NHTSA's September 21, 2026 snapshot lists 3 safety recall campaigns for the 2018 Kia Sportage, spanning 4 component groups. A model match does not confirm that a specific VIN is included.

Official source: NHTSA recall campaign file · Snapshot September 21, 2026

URGENT CAMPAIGN FLAG

NHTSA records include a Park Outside advisory for at least one campaign associated with 2018 Kia Sportage. Open the campaign and verify the VIN before operating or parking the vehicle.

Distinct campaigns3not VIN-specific
Component groups4distinct top-level categories
Latest recordSeptember 19, 2022report received
VIN resultNot checkeduse official lookup

01 / OFFICIAL CAMPAIGNS

2018 Kia Sportage recall campaigns

The 2018 Kia Sportage report contains 3 distinct NHTSA campaigns; the most recently received record is campaign 22V703000 dated September 19, 2022.
PARK OUTSIDE
Component
TRAILER HITCHES
Report received
September 19, 2022
Potential units
70,887campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: 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.

Why it matters: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

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.

Owner notification: July 27, 2023 · Filing manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.

PARK OUTSIDE
Component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Report received
March 4, 2021
Potential units
379,931campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: 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.

Why it matters: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

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.

Owner notification: April 30, 2021 · Filing manufacturer: Kia Motors America

Component
ENGINE, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Report received
December 19, 2018
Potential units
71,653campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: 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.

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

Remedy

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 notification: January 17, 2019 · Filing manufacturer: Kia Motors America

02 / COMPONENT BREADTH

What defects are listed for the 2018 Kia Sportage?

The most frequent component groups in 2018 Kia Sportage campaign records are Engine (1), Fuel System, Gasoline (1), Service Brakes, Hydraulic (1), Trailer Hitches (1); these counts describe filed campaigns rather than observed failure rates.
Engine1
Fuel System, Gasoline1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic1
Trailer Hitches1