VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (SC340 FLIGHT 105) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign to improve the emissions software logic in the Electronic Control Module (ECM) for certain 2017-2022 MY Sportage vehicles equipped with 2.4L Gas Direct Injection (GDI) engines to ensure compliance with emissions regulations.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2018 Kia Sportage electrical problems
severe Owners of the 2018 Kia Sportage have filed 22 NHTSA complaints about the electrical at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Complaints
22
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 Sportage | 8 |
| 2015 Sportage | 15 |
| 2016 Sportage | 16 |
| 2017 Sportage | 53 |
| 2018 Sportage (this page) | 22 |
| 2019 Sportage | 9 |
| 2020 Sportage | 19 |
| 2021 Sportage | 4 |
| 2022 Sportage | 6 |
1crash
2fires
What stands out
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 6 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: THETA II 2.4L GDI EMISSION SECM LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SC340 REV 4) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information to upgrade the Electronic Control Module ‘ECM’ system software for certain 2016-2022MY vehicles equipped with 2.4L Theta II engines listed in the table below. Kia has become aware that certain 2016-2022MY vehicles equipped with 2.4L Theta II engines may have engine calibrations that were not optimized for emissions standards under certain specific conditions. These calibrations
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO (SC340) - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign to improve the emissions software logic in the Electronic Control Module (ECM) to ensure compliance with emissions regulations in certain 2017-2022 MY Sportage vehicles manufactured from December 10, 2015, through December 7, 2021, certain 2016-2020 MY Optima vehicles manufactured from August 28, 2015, through June 23, 2020, and certain 2016-2020 MY Sorento vehicles manufactured from October 27, 2014, through November 4, 2020, equipped with 2.4L Theta GDI engines.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO (SC340) - This document is the announcement to the dealer Parts and Service managers advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign to improve the emissions software logic in the Electronic Control Module (ECM) to ensure compliance with emissions regulations in certain 2017-2022 MY Sportage vehicles manufactured from December 10, 2015, through December 7, 2021, certain 2016-2020 MY Optima vehicles manufactured from August 28, 2015, through June 23, 2020, and certain 2016-2020 MY Sorento vehicles manufactured from October 27, 2014, through November 4, 2020, equipped with 2.4L Theta GDI engines.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SC340_POC: PROOF OF CORRECTION CARD
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe a pattern of electrical system failures across 21 complaints. Wiring harness damage and overheating appear most severe—melted connectors, discolored wiring, and smoke smell without warning lights. One owner documented $3,830 in parts and labor for cooling fan and wiring harness replacement due to overheating-induced damage. HECU (Hybrid Electric Control Unit) electrical circuits pose fire risk per Kia's own website posting, though dealers lacked parts months after recall announcement.
Starting problems plague multiple vehicles: battery tests good, yet owners need jump-starts six times per week at 26,000–34,000 miles. One brand-new car (5,925 miles) lost all power on the highway; diagnosis took five weeks and required wiring harness replacement.
Two separate engine fire incidents appear in narratives—one after highway shutdown with black smoke and loud pop, another while parked at home with total vehicle loss. An owner with excessive oil consumption was told to wait for engine failure before warranty help.
Engine won't shut off after push-button command in one case; only solution is pulling the fuel pump fuse. Anti-theft recall NHTSA ID 10233650 completed but vehicles still stolen, one using a USB charging cable. Headlights—both low beams—failed despite bulb, switch, assembly, relay, and fuse replacements. A power window regulator failed past warranty at 101,500 miles. Dash lights dim and vehicles lose power during acceleration in at least one case.
Same Kia Sportage electrical reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016 · 2017 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Wiring harness damage and overheating
Multiple owners report wiring harness damage, melting, and discoloration from overheating. One owner documented damaged engine cooling fan plugs and melted wiring from overheating, with smoke smell reported. Another owner's wiring harness to battery and alternator had melted plastic and damaged battery and alternator. HECU (Hybrid Electric Control Unit) electrical circuit overheating reported as posing fire risk.
When: Varies; one case at 34,000 miles with ongoing issues since 26,000 miles; another case around 101,500 miles (past warranty); timing unclear on others.
Symptoms owners cite: Visible melted or discolored wiring; Smoke smell from under hood; Damaged plugs and connectors; No warning lamps or blown fuses despite damage; Potential for short circuit and engine fire
Repairs/costs cited: One owner cited parts and labor estimate: cooling fan assembly and wiring harness replacement $2,430.19 plus tax; labor 8 hrs @ $175/hr = $1,400; total $3,830.19 plus tax. Another case required wiring harness replacement. Dealer identified HECU part needed but parts unavailable as of April 2021.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: HECU recall posted on Kia website regarding excessive current risk in electrical circuit; dealer had no parts in stock as of 4/12/21, Kia stated parts shipping end of April. No rental car assistance offered despite safety risk.
No-crank or weak crank starting failure
Multiple owners report battery appears fine after testing, yet vehicle requires repeated jump-starts or will not crank. One owner at 26,000–34,000 miles needed six jump-starts per week despite battery testing as perfect. Another owner at 5,925 miles (11 months old) had sudden deceleration diagnosed as wiring harness problem after five weeks out of service.
When: 26,000–34,000 miles (one case); 5,925 miles (11 months old, another case); intermittent on newer cars.
Symptoms owners cite: Click-click-click or completely dead starter; Check engine light comes on and goes off; Battery tests good but vehicle requires repeated jumps; Sudden loss of power while driving; No warning codes or diagnostics available
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple attempts to diagnose; battery replacement tested but failed to resolve. One case required wiring harness replacement. Owners report carrying portable jump-box or planning rescue jumps.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No warranty assistance documented. Kia roadside assistance declined to help in one case citing they are 'not mechanics.' No recall or TSB mentioned for this specific failure mode.
Engine will not shut off despite push-button off command
Owner reports engine continues running after pressing power button to shut off vehicle. Computer system shuts down but engine keeps running. Fuel pump fuse must be manually pulled from engine compartment to stop engine. Issue persists even after computer update recall. No codes register after the supposed fix.
When: No specific mileage given.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine continues running after power button press; Computer system fully off but engine still running; No difference in engine sound between on and off states; Shifter locked out until engine manually stopped; Doors will not lock in this condition; No warning codes after recall update
Repairs/costs cited: Only remedy: pull fuel pump fuse from engine compartment. Computer update supposedly applied but issue persists without code generation.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Computer update recall applied but did not resolve the issue. Kia roadside assistance declined to assist, stating 'they aren't mechanics.'
Engine fire from electrical failure
Two separate owners report vehicle fire. One owner smelled black smoke under hood after shutdown on highway, heard loud pop, engine area engulfed in flames fed by gasoline. Another owner's entire car caught fire while parked at home with all electrical wires igniting. Both cases suggest electrical short or wiring failure as ignition source.
When: One case after approximately 2 hours highway driving; specific mileage not stated. Another case while parked at residence.
Symptoms owners cite: Black smoke under hood after engine shutdown; Loud pop sound followed by flames; Complete vehicle fire engulfing engine compartment; Fire spread rapidly, fueled by gasoline; All electrical wires catching fire
Repairs/costs cited: First case vehicle burned completely; fire department unable to extinguish due to gasoline feed. Owner paid high insurance deductible and lost personal belongings. Second case total loss.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented. First owner found no active lawsuits for compensation.
Excessive oil consumption and engine failure
One owner reports vehicle had ongoing high oil consumption requiring frequent top-ups beyond normal intervals, well before catastrophic engine failure. Owner also reported another case of complete engine failure due to low compression/internal combustion chamber failure at 5,925 miles (11 months old); prior oil retention test in August 2024 failed but Kia declined to replace engine.
When: One case leading to engine fire incident; another case with failed oil test August 2024, engine failure September 2025.
Symptoms owners cite: Oil level drops faster than normal; Requires oil top-up more frequently than specified; Sudden complete power loss while driving; Low compression/internal combustion chamber failure
Repairs/costs cited: Owner told to wait for engine failure before resolution. One case required complete engine replacement after failed oil retention test.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia declined goodwill assistance and engine replacement despite prior failed oil retention test and documented defect.
Driver power window regulator failure
Driver side power window regulator stopped working, leaving window open and unable to close. Problem started intermittently then progressed to total failure. Owner reports this is fairly common on this model per dealer service department. Safety concern: inability to exit in emergency and exposure to weather and theft.
When: Full failure at 101,500 miles (past 100,000 mile warranty expiration).
Symptoms owners cite: Intermittent window operation initially; Complete failure to raise or lower window; Window stuck in open position; Interior exposed to weather and potential theft
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer could not reproduce intermittent failure during initial service visit. Component available for inspection but repairs attempted were unsuccessful.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented. Failure occurred past warranty period. Service department noted this is a fairly common problem on this model.
Headlight low-beam complete failure
Both driver and passenger low-beam headlights not functioning. Multiple diagnostics and replacements performed: new bulbs, new OEM turn signal switch, replacement of entire headlight assemblies for both sides, relay and fuse checks—issue persists. Only high beams and turn signals work. Vehicle undrivable in darkness.
When: No specific mileage or timing stated.
Symptoms owners cite: Both low beams non-functional; High beams functional; Turn signals functional; Vehicle cannot be driven in low-light conditions
Repairs/costs cited: Replaced light bulbs (multiple times), OEM turn signal switch, entire headlight assemblies (both driver and passenger), relay, and fuses. Issue unresolved.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented. Multiple auto service centers advised owner to file safety report with NHTSA, suggesting they've exhausted standard troubleshooting.
Anti-theft system vulnerability
Vehicle was stolen despite anti-theft logic and sticker upgrade recall (NHTSA ID 10233650) being performed. Another owner's vehicle was stolen using a USB charging cable after theft recall was supposed to have been fixed. Third owner reports anti-theft security software update not received from manufacturer.
When: Post-recall in both documented cases.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stolen despite anti-theft recall completion; Vehicle stolen using USB charging cable circumventing security; Owner did not receive anti-theft recall notification or update
Repairs/costs cited: Anti-Theft Logic and Sticker Upgrade (NHTSA ID 10233650) performed but did not prevent theft. Subsequent theft using USB cable suggests method circumvents the recall fix.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Anti-theft logic recall NHTSA ID 10233650 applied but ineffective. Owner never received notification of anti-theft security software update needed.
Tow hitch fire risk
Owner reports tow hitch poses fire hazard. Recall has been open since September (10 months per complaint) with no resolution. This is the third recall for this vehicle; one has ongoing lawsuit.
When: Recall open 10 months at time of complaint.
Symptoms owners cite: Tow hitch poses potential fire ignition hazard
Repairs/costs cited: Not specified; recall parts or service not yet obtained.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall issued but unresolved after 10 months; parts or repair service apparently unavailable.
Dash lighting and power delivery issues
Owner reports dash lights dimming while driving and experiencing loss of power/pulling sensation during acceleration. Suggests electrical system not delivering adequate voltage.
When: No specific mileage stated.
Symptoms owners cite: Dashboard lights dim while driving; Feeling of insufficient power during acceleration; Vehicle pulling or hesitation during driving
Intermittent high-pitched starter noise at rest
Owner reports high-pitched whirring sound lasting 10–15 seconds when car parked for a day or more after driving. Sounds like starter motor running. Vehicle has only 1,200 miles and occurs intermittently.
When: Very early in vehicle life, 1,200 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: High-pitched whirring sound; Lasts 10–15 seconds; Occurs when car at rest after sitting one or more days; Sounds like starter motor engaging
Synthesized from 22 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
The entire car caught fire. All electric wires caught fire and the car it was park in my house .
Had electrical trouble with your 2018 Kia Sportage?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2018 Kia Sportage?
It's a meaningful issue. 22 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Based on the 22 complaints filed, electrical issues most often appear around 5,442 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/Kia/Sportage.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.