2018 Kia Sorento Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2018 Kia Sorento has 254 NHTSA complaints, a complaint index of 40, and 3 recalls, ranking 13th worst out of 21 model years. It carries a Caution verdict, capped despite its moderate complaint index because one recall requires owners to park outside away from structures.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 40/100
- #13 of 21 Sorento years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 254
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- 1 Park Outside
- Crashes
- 12
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 11
- Injuries
- 11
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 22
- 19 city / 25 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 11 / 1
Top 2018 Kia Sorento problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA 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%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report airbags failing to deploy during collisions, including deer strikes and guardrail impacts.
- Some drivers describe sudden fires starting under the hood or from the rear while driving on highways.
- Reports describe the vehicle stalling and losing power suddenly at highway speed, followed by smoke or flames.
- One owner described the transmission behaving erratically in reverse, causing a crash into a mailbox.
- A driver reported sudden unintended acceleration when shifting from neutral to drive, with brakes failing to stop the car.
- One report describes brakes not responding, 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 254 complaints and a complaint index of 40 for the 2018 Sorento, ranking 13th worst among 21 model years. It carries a Caution verdict due to a recall requiring owners to park outside away from structures.
- What are the most common problems with the 2018 Kia Sorento?
- The top problem area is the engine, accounting for 115 complaints (45% of the total), with a median failure mileage of 75,250 miles. Electrical system issues follow with 57 complaints and a median failure mileage of 33,000 miles.
- Does the 2018 Kia Sorento have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2018 Sorento, covering steering column welding, side curtain airbag detachment, and a tow hitch harness issue that requires parking outside away from structures.
- How does the 2018 Sorento compare to other model years?
- The 2018 Sorento's complaint index of 40 is lower than years like 2011 through 2017, which reached indexes of 70 to 100 and earned Avoid verdicts. Only the 2024 model year earns a Best verdict with an index of 15.
- Why is the 2018 Kia Sorento rated Caution instead of Good?
- Its complaint index of 40 alone would suggest a better rating, but the verdict is capped to Caution because of a recall involving a Do Not Drive or Park Outside condition.