repaired · 2026 Q1
Trailer hitches
Park outsideRisk. A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
2018 Kia SorentoProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 255 owner complaints about the 2018 Kia Sorento, most often about the engine. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 22V-703 the manufacturer reports only 29% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 6, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Bull-Doser, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2018 Kia Sorento has problems
255 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
107Engine7 crash/fire/injury
41Exterior lighting
30Electrical system3 crash/fire/injury
26Steering1 crash/fire/injury
13Fuel/propulsion system
10Air bags
9Power train
9Structure
8Vehicle speed control
5114 other systems8 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 107 | 7 |
| Exterior lighting | 41 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 30 | 3 |
| Steering | 26 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 13 | 0 |
| Air bags | 10 | 8 |
| Power train | 9 | 1 |
| Structure | 9 | 3 |
| Vehicle speed control | 8 | 1 |
| 14 other systems | 51 | 8 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2018 Kia Sorento recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2020 Q1
Steering: column
Risk. If the steering column separates, it can cause a loss of steering ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2019 Q1
Air bags: side/window
Risk. If the component detaches during deployment, it may enter the passenger compartment and be a projectile within the vehicle cabin, increasing the risk of injury.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Kia.
Mileage at failure
When do engine problems start?
72kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 25 engine complaints. 80% were reported before 100,000 miles.
Only 27% of complaints for this model year include a mileage.
8under 30k miles20under 100k miles5100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2018 vs. every other Sorento year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Sorento median. How we score
'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2018 Kia Sorento safety ratings
2018 Kia Sorento SUV AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (15.0% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: Optional
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2018 Kia Sorento, and the recalls they led to.
- Loss of Motive PowerNo recall
In owners' words
What Sorento owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
My 2018 Sorento is consuming oil excessively. I’m having to add oil between changes, and I’m now experiencing reduced acceleration under load. I have been told by a few different parties that this has become a common problem with Kia’s. I want an oil-consumption test performed and I want the VIN…
Complete engine failure inspected by Westgate Kia Service Dept, Wake Forest, NC Service manager confirmed that known issue and recall in effect for 2018 Kia Sorrento same issue but because manufactures parts are only covered when made in certain locations. mine not covered. He did agree it was…
Vehicle: 2018 Kia Sorento VIN: [XXX] Kia Corporate Case #: XXX My 2018 Kia Sorento experienced a catastrophic engine failure (“holes in the block”) while under warranty. The vehicle lost power, emitted heavy smoke, and became completely inoperable. Kia America has refused to repair the engine and…
Own a 2018 Sorento?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.