How many engine complaints does the 2018 Kia Sorento have?

NHTSA lists 115 engine-related complaints for the 2018 Sorento, which is 45% of the 254 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2018 Kia Sorento engine?

This data shows no related recalls listed for the 2018 Sorento engine complaints.

At what mileage do 2018 Sorento engine problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure for engine-related complaints on the 2018 Sorento is 75,250 miles.

What kind of engine problems do 2018 Sorento owners report?

Owners describe sudden loss of power, stalling at various speeds, limp mode after a clunk, and in some cases smoke or flames from under the hood.

How does the 2018 Sorento compare to other years for engine complaints?

The 45% share of engine complaints in 2018 is lower than years like 2016 (60%) and 2012 (56%), but higher than 2021 (30%) and 2024 (15%).

2018 Kia Sorento Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 115 engine-related complaints for the 2018 Kia Sorento, 45% of all 254 complaints filed for the year. Owners report sudden power loss, stalling, and engine fires, with a median failure mileage of 75,250. No related recalls are listed in this data.

Engine complaints: 115; 45% of 254
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 7
Injuries reported: 2
Median mileage: 75,250 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Engine suddenly loses power or shuts down while driving at highway speed, sometimes going into limp mode afterward.
Vehicle stalls or feels like it is about to die at various speeds, including while idling, without the check engine light coming on.
Some owners report a knock sensor issue appearing after a software update, followed by a loud clunk and limp mode.
Sudden loss of power while accelerating has been followed by white smoke and flames from under the hood, with oil leaking.
One complaint describes sudden unintended acceleration when shifting from neutral to drive, with the accelerator pedal sticking and brakes not engaging.

When 2018 Kia Sorento engine complaints were filed

First complaint Feb 14, 2018, latest Sep 18, 2026.

115 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2018 Q1 to 2026 Q3; peak 2024 Q2 (9).

Engine recalls for the 2018 Kia Sorento

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by Sorento model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20101 (33%)
2011359 (24%)
2012490 (56%)
2013521 (53%)
2014422 (43%)
2015377 (50%)
2016748 (60%)
2017414 (51%)
2018115 (45%)
2019176 (41%)
202069 (51%)
202174 (30%)
202263 (33%)
202341 (34%)
20246 (15%)
202524 (32%)

Frequently asked questions

How many engine complaints does the 2018 Kia Sorento have?: NHTSA lists 115 engine-related complaints for the 2018 Sorento, which is 45% of the 254 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2018 Kia Sorento engine?: This data shows no related recalls listed for the 2018 Sorento engine complaints.
At what mileage do 2018 Sorento engine problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure for engine-related complaints on the 2018 Sorento is 75,250 miles.
What kind of engine problems do 2018 Sorento owners report?: Owners describe sudden loss of power, stalling at various speeds, limp mode after a clunk, and in some cases smoke or flames from under the hood.
How does the 2018 Sorento compare to other years for engine complaints?: The 45% share of engine complaints in 2018 is lower than years like 2016 (60%) and 2012 (56%), but higher than 2021 (30%) and 2024 (15%).