2018 Kia Sorento Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
BestComplaint Index
20/100
#13 most-complained of 16 Sorento years
The 2018 Kia Sorento has 254 NHTSA complaints and a complaint index of 20, ranking 13th worst out of 16 model years, with a "Best" verdict relative to other Sorento years. Engine problems (45% of complaints) and 3 recalls are the main concerns.
- Complaints
- 254
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes / fires
- 12 / 11
- Injuries / deaths
- 11 / 1
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 22
- 19 city / 25 hwy
Top 2018 Kia Sorento problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine115 (45%)
- Electrical System57 (22%)
- Other38 (15%)
- Steering26 (10%)
- Structure & Body18 (7%)
- Fuel System13 (5%)
- Airbags10 (4%)
- Transmission & Powertrain9 (4%)
- Brakes8 (3%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras8 (3%)
What owners report
- Airbags failed to deploy in several crash situations, including deer strikes and side impacts, leaving occupants without protection.
- Owners describe under-hood fires starting with visible sparks or smoke, sometimes escalating quickly while driving on highways.
- A vehicle reportedly lurched and behaved erratically while backing up, resulting in a collision.
- One owner reported sudden loss of power and stalling at highway speed followed by smoke and flames.
- A driver described sudden unintended acceleration when shifting from neutral to drive, with the gas pedal sticking and brakes failing to engage.
- One owner reported brakes not responding when needed to stop, resulting in a collision.
2018 Kia Sorento recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 22V703000Sep 19, 2022Structure & Body70,887 vehiclesPark Outside
Trailer hitches
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 18V656000Sep 21, 2018Steering97 vehicles
Steering:electric power assist system
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2018 Kia Sorento vehicles. The cowl crossbar that connects to the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) steering column may be improperly welded, allowing the steering column to separate.
Risk: If the steering column separates, it can cause a loss of steering ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the cowl crossbar, free of charge. The recall began October 26, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC167.
- NHTSA 17V784000Dec 8, 2017Airbags2,014 vehicles
Air bags:side/window
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2018 Kia Sorento vehicles. The side curtain air bags on these vehicles have a component that may detach during deployment of the inflatable curtain air bag.
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.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver and passenger side curtain air bags, free of charge. The recall began on December 18, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC159.
2018 Kia Sorento fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 19 MPG
- Highway
- 25 MPG
- Combined
- 22 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,950
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2018 compared with other Sorento years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2018 Kia Sorento reliable?
- NHTSA data shows the 2018 Sorento has a complaint index of 20 and ranks 13th worst out of 16 model years, earning a "Best" verdict relative to other Sorento years. Engine issues account for 45% of its 254 complaints.
- What year Kia Sorento should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2011, 2012, and 2016 Sorento model years are rated "Avoid," with complaint indexes of 100, 87, and 93 respectively, far higher than the 2018 model's index of 20.
- Does the 2018 Kia Sorento have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2018 Sorento covering the airbags (side curtain detachment), steering (improperly welded cowl crossbar), and structure/body (tow hitch harness fire risk affecting multiple model years).
- What is the biggest problem area for the 2018 Kia Sorento?
- Engine complaints make up 45% of all reported issues for the 2018 Sorento, with a median failure mileage of 75,250 miles, followed by electrical system complaints at 22%.
- How does the 2018 Sorento compare to the 2019 and 2020 models?
- The 2018 Sorento's complaint index of 20 is lower than the 2019 model's 53 but higher than the 2020 model's 33, placing 2018 among the better-rated Sorento years for reported problems.