2018 Kia Sportage

Vehicle Specs & Maintenance Data

Engine Size
Engine
2.4L I4
Oil Type & Capacity
5W-20 Full Synthetic (5.1 qts)
Transmission
Automatic (S6)
Wheel Torque
79-94
ft-lbs

The 2018 Kia Sportage maintenance specs on this page cover the key fluids, torque values, and wear items you need for routine service. Use these numbers as a quick reference when performing oil changes, tire rotations, brake jobs, and other scheduled maintenance on your Kia Sportage.

For oil changes, the 2018 Kia Sportage takes 5W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil with a capacity of 5.1 quarts. Brake fluid type is DOT 3, the recommended coolant is Phosphate-based Green/Blue, and transmission fluid is SP-IV-M (ATF). Always use the manufacturer-recommended fluids to maintain warranty coverage and engine longevity.

When mounting wheels on the Kia Sportage, torque the lug nuts to 79-94 ft-lbs using a calibrated torque wrench. Over- or under-torquing can lead to warped brake rotors or loose wheels. Re-torque after 50 to 100 miles on newly installed wheels.

There are 3 NHTSA safety recalls on file for the 2018 Kia Sportage. Check the Recalls tab below for full details.

Specifications on this page are compiled from multiple publicly available sources including manufacturer documentation, NHTSA data, and automotive databases. Always cross-reference with your owner's manual or official factory documentation before purchasing parts or performing any service.

The 2018 Kia Sportage uses 5W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil (5.1 qt capacity), requires lug nuts torqued to 79-94 ft-lbs, takes DOT 3 brake fluid.

2018 Kia Sportage Specifications
Motor Oil5W-20 Full Synthetic
Oil Capacity5.1 qt
Lug Nut Torque79-94 ft-lbs
Brake FluidDOT 3
CoolantPhosphate-based Green/Blue
Transmission FluidSP-IV-M (ATF)
Transmission Fluid
Fluid Type
SP-IV-M (ATF)
Shop
Coolant
Fluid Type
Phosphate-based Green/Blue
Shop
Brake Fluid
Fluid Type
DOT 3
Shop
Washer Fluid
Windshield
Shop
DTC Code Lookup

Enter a diagnostic trouble code to see causes, symptoms, and fixes for the 2018 Kia Sportage.

No known problems reported for this vehicle yet.

3 NHTSA safety recalls for the 2018 Kia Sportage. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov

1

TRAILER HITCHES

Park Outside
Campaign: 22V703000 Date: 19/09/2022

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.

Consequence

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.

2

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Park Outside
Campaign: 21V137000 Date: 04/03/2021

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.

Consequence

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.

3

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Campaign: 18V907000 Date: 19/12/2018

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.

Consequence

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.

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Sportage — Other Model Years
2026202520242023202220212020201920172016
See Also
2018 Kia Sportage Lug Nut TorqueBest Oil for 2018 Kia SportageAll Vehicles Using 5W-20 Full Synthetic OilAll Vehicles Using DOT 3Oil Change Guide: 2018 Kia SportageWiper Replacement: 2018 Kia Sportage