Denso
New Starter

Denso 281-6018 Starter

Brand Denso 281-6018
Voltage 12.0
Family Valeo oe
Power Rating 1.2
Starter Rotation Clockwise
Product line New Starter
Fits Kia · 17 vehicles

OE-style replacement. Bench-tested for factory-original performance.

Remanufactured starter. A value-focused choice that recycles usable materials.

12-volt design. Built for reliable starting performance.

Cross-references ACDelco 336-1177, BBB Industries 17132 and BBB Industries N17132 for the same application. See all 22.

$146.37Free shipping
In stock · usually ships same day before 1pm CST
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Step 2 — Quantity
Order total $146.37
Free shipping to the continental U.S.
Free returns within 60 days if it doesn't fit when fitment is verified.

Denso New Starter for Kia Applications

The Denso New Starter 281-6018 is a 12-volt, clockwise-rotation starter built for select Kia vehicles, including the Spectra, Sportage, and Sephia. With a 1.2 kW power rating, it is specified for dependable cranking performance in everyday driving and cold-start conditions.

Key Features

  • 12.0V starter with clockwise rotation
  • 1.2 kW power rating for strong cranking output
  • New starter design for select Kia Spectra, Sportage, and Sephia applications
  • High-voltage tested armature and field coils
  • Premium copper terminals for consistent electrical current flow
  • All-new bearings, brushes, and seals

Product Details

Denso 281-6018 is part of the New Starter line, a product family focused on OE-style starting performance and precise fitment. Denso’s starter engineering draws on long-term OE supply experience, and this unit is built with tested internal components, refinished commutators, and replaced copper terminals and fasteners to support reliable operation. It is a direct-fit starter for 2002-2004 Kia Spectra, 1996-2002 Kia Sportage, 1998-2001 Kia Sephia, and 1995-1997 Kia Sephia with PMGR starter configuration. This part cross-references Bosch SR4193X for the same application.

Common Starting Problems It Can Address

  • Slow or weak engine cranking
  • No-start condition caused by starter failure
  • Intermittent starter engagement
  • Electrical wear in the starter motor assembly
  • Cold-weather starting difficulty

Installation Notes and Fitment

  • Fits 2002-2004 Kia Spectra, N/A, 1.2 kW; New Starter
  • Fits 1996-2002 Kia Sportage, N/A, 1.2 kW; New Starter
  • Fits 1998-2001 Kia Sephia, N/A, 1.2 kW; New Starter
  • Fits 1995-1997 Kia Sephia, N/A, w/ PMGR Starter; New Starter

Verify voltage, rotation, and starter configuration before installation. Confirm the vehicle’s original starter style matches the listed Kia Spectra, Kia Sportage, or Kia Sephia application, including the PMGR note where specified.

Quality Assurance

Each starter is bench-tested to confirm factory-original performance expectations. Denso remanufacturing and testing practices are focused on reducing premature returns through component replacement, electrical validation, and final performance checks.

This part fits 17 vehicles
Always verify fitment with your vehicle's VIN if unsure. Submodel & trim restrictions may apply.
YearMakeModelSubmodelTransmissionNotes
2004KiaSpectraBaseAutomatic1.2 kW; New Starter
2003KiaSpectraBaseAutomatic1.2 kW; New Starter
2002KiaSpectraBaseAutomatic1.2 kW; New Starter
2002KiaSportageAutomatic1.2 kW; New Starter
2001KiaSephiaAutomatic1.2 kW; New Starter
2001KiaSportageBaseAutomatic1.2 kW; New Starter
2000KiaSephiaAutomatic1.2 kW; New Starter
2000KiaSportageAutomatic1.2 kW; New Starter
1999KiaSephiaAutomatic1.2 kW; New Starter
1999KiaSportageAutomatic1.2 kW; New Starter
1998KiaSephiaAutomatic1.2 kW; New Starter
1998KiaSportageBaseAutomatic1.2 kW; New Starter
1997KiaSephia1.2 kW; w/ PMGR Starter; New Starter
1997KiaSportageBaseAutomatic1.2 kW; New Starter
1996KiaSephia1.2 kW; w/ PMGR Starter; New Starter
1996KiaSportageBaseAutomatic1.2 kW; New Starter
1995KiaSephiaAutomatic1.2 kW; w/ PMGR Starter; New Starter
Directly replaces or cross-references 22 part numbers
Cross-reference numbers are provided for identification purposes only. Always confirm fitment before ordering.
ACDelco — 336-1177BBB Industries — 17132BBB Industries — N17132Beck/Arnley — 187-0375Bosch — SR4193XKia — 0K956-18-400BKia — OK956-18-400BKia — RK956-18-400ULester — 17132MPA — 12084NAPA Mileage Plus — 44-6246NAPA Mileage Plus — 44-6731NAPA Mileage Plus — 244-6246Rayloc — 44-6246Rayloc — 44-6731Remy — 16890Remy — 99405USA Industries — S1631Valeo — 438116Valeo — TM000A03801Visteon — 17132Wilson — 91-27-3060