Intermittently, the car’s transmission slips out of gear completely, around 30-40 MPH. It gets back into gear after a few seconds. At times, it has presented a safety risk especially when attempting to merge on a highway in a short merge lane. When the slipping occurs in this situation, the car no longer accelerates and merging into traffic becomes very problematic and increases the risk of a r…
2018 Kia Sportage powertrain problems
moderate 14 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500
Complaints
14
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Avg fix
$2,500
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
I BOUGHT THIS CAR IN MAY OF 2020 WITH 44K ON THE ODOMETER. THREE DAYS LATER I WAS ON A 3400 MILE ROAD TRIP ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN I STARTED HEARING KNOCKING FROM THE ENGINE BAY. I TOOK IT IN AND HAD THEM LISTEN. THEY TOLD ME IT WAS COMPLETELY NORMAL. THE KNOCK WENT AWAY FOR ABOUT 400 MILES THEN CAME BACK. I TOOK IT IN TO 4 DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS. I GOT TOLD THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL ON THE MOTOR BUT THA…
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2018 Kia Sportage?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 14 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. 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.