2018 Kia Sorento
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 254
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2018
Opened by NHTSA
42% of complaints
Complaints per year
2018: 254 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 305 |
| 2004 | 220 |
| 2005 | 307 |
| 2006 | 242 |
| 2007 | 154 |
| 2008 | 217 |
| 2009 | 55 |
| 2010 | 3 |
| 2011 | 1,518 |
| 2012 | 878 |
| 2013 | 981 |
| 2014 | 986 |
| 2015 | 750 |
| 2016 | 1,254 |
| 2017 | 802 |
| 2018 | 254 |
| 2019 | 426 |
| 2020 | 134 |
| 2021 | 251 |
| 2022 | 186 |
| 2023 | 122 |
| 2024 | 41 |
| 2025 | 75 |
| 2026 | 7 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
42% · 106 reportsShow complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the vehicle lost all power while depressing the accelerator pedal without warning.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-04-23
Also filed under Engine and engine cooling
I am a working parent filing a formal complaint against Kia America and Classic kia of Carrollton for non-compliance with the Theta II Class Action Settlement mandates.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-20
Exterior lighting
16% · 41 reportsMost commonly citing switch and bulbs.
Electrical system
12% · 30 reportsMost commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery.
Steering
10% · 26 reportsFuel/propulsion system
5% · 13 reportsSafety timeline
3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2017-12-18Air bags17V784000 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.
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.
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R
2018-10-26Steering18V656000 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.
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.
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I
2022-09-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-12-12 Loss of Motive Power
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R
2023-07-27Trailer hitches22V703000 Kia America, Inc.
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.
Buy-smart checklist
2018 Kia Sorento — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 106 reports on file for this year.
- Exterior lighting: 41 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 30 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 17V784000 · Air bags
- Recall 18V656000 · Steering
- Recall 22V703000 · Trailer hitches
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2018 Kia Sorento reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2018 Kia Sorento is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2018 Kia Sorento?
- The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 42% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2018 Kia Sorento have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.