2018 Kia Sportage Recalls
TL;DR
3 recalls on the 2018 Kia Sportage. Recall repairs are always free. Enter your VIN at NHTSA or your dealer to confirm which apply.
Recalls for the 2018 Kia Sportage
TRAILER HITCHES
NHTSA campaign 22V703000 · 2022-19-09
Issue: 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.
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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
NHTSA campaign 21V137000 · 2021-04-03
Issue: 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.
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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
NHTSA campaign 18V907000 · 2018-19-12
Issue: 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.
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.
What to do about a recall
- Recall repairs are free — the manufacturer pays, regardless of car age.
- Confirm which recalls apply to your exact car by entering your 17-digit VIN.
- Contact any franchised dealer for that brand to schedule the free repair.
Check engine light on your 2018 Kia Sportage?
A recall is a known defect the manufacturer fixes for free. A check-engine light is different — it's a stored trouble code you can read yourself. Start here:
Frequently asked questions
Are Kia Sportage recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers, no matter how old the vehicle is.
How do I check recalls for my exact Sportage?
Enter your 17-character VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup or any Kia dealer. The VIN tells you precisely which campaigns affect your car.
Is it safe to drive a Sportage with an open recall?
It depends on the defect. Read the "Risk" line for each recall above — some are minor, others advise reduced use until repaired. When in doubt, contact a dealer.