VehicleVerdict

2018 Kia Sorento problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2018 Kia Sorento sits mid-pack among Sorento years: 332 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 339, with 3 recalls and one closed investigation. Reports tied to this model year include 3 deaths and 16 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 108 reports (33% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

332

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

19

Crash-involved

18

Fires reported

16

Injuries

3

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2018 compare to other Sorento years?

Sorento NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted2,073 complaints2003: 421 complaints2004: 341 complaints2005: 457 complaints2006: 382 complaints2007: 224 complaints2008: 317 complaints2009: 79 complaints2010: 3 complaints2011: 2,073 complaints2012: 1,205 complaints2013: 1,293 complaints2014: 1,364 complaints2015: 955 complaints2016: 1,610 complaints2017: 1,021 complaints2018: 332 complaints2019: 616 complaints2020: 183 complaints2021: 335 complaints2022: 278 complaints2023: 179 complaints2024: 53 complaints2025: 112 complaints2026: 7 complaints
Sorento NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sorento years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Kia Sorento problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine10833%
Lighting4112%
Other3811%
Electrical System299%
Steering268%
Driver Assistance144%
Fuel System124%
Airbags103%
Transmission93%
Body & Structure93%
Speed Control82%
Visibility & Wipers72%
Trailer Hitch72%
Brakes62%
Seat Belts31%
Tires & Wheels31%
Latches & Locks10%
Seats10%

Does the 2018 Kia Sorento have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

22V703000Trailer HitchSeptember 19, 2022 · 70,887 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

18V656000SteeringSeptember 21, 2018 · 97 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

17V784000AirbagsDecember 8, 2017 · 2,014 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I WAS TRAVELING TO FLORIDA AND SAW SPARKS IN THE MIRRORS IN THE BACK. I QUICKLY PULLED OVER AND WENT TO THE BACK AND SAW FIRE, THE CAR WAS ON FIRE EVERYBODY GOT OUT, WE TRIED TO PUT IT OUT BUT IT SEEMED LIKE THERE WAS AN ACCELERRENT OR SOMETHING CAUSE IT WAS ENGULFED WITH FIRE VERY FAST ONCE WE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 21, 2020 · fire

“7/23/20 20:30, WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT DOWN A CITY STREET, JUST BEGAN DRIVING FROM STOPPING AT A LIGHT, AND THE HEADLIGHTS TURNED OFF BY THEMSELVES. AFTER A FEW SECONDS, MY WIFE ROTATED THE LIGHTS SWITCH TO OFF THEN BACK TO AUTO AND THEY CAME BACK ON. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THIS HAS OCCURRED SINCE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · July 23, 2020

“I was driving my daughter to school and heard 2 popping noises under the car. The car started smoking as I was driving. I pulled into the parking lot and the car wouldn’t stop. I pressed the break multiple times before it eventually stopped. The car was completely smoking from the hood and then…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · March 6, 2025 · fire

“I WAS TRAVELING TO FLORIDA AND SAW SPARKS IN THE MIRRORS IN THE BACK. I QUICKLY PULLED OVER AND WENT TO THE BACK AND SAW FIRE, THE CAR WAS ON FIRE EVERYBODY GOT OUT, WE TRIED TO PUT IT OUT BUT IT SEEMED LIKE THERE WAS AN ACCELERRENT OR SOMETHING CAUSE IT WAS ENGULFED WITH FIRE VERY FAST ONCE WE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 21, 2020 · fire

“In January 2024 I started getting power steering issues and multiple warning lights related to the electrical systems. I took my vehicle to Car Pros Kia for inspection and repair on 2/1/2024. They took it for a test drive at which time it caught fire. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · February 1, 2024 · fire

2018 Kia Sorento — common questions

Is the 2018 Kia Sorento reliable?

It is close to typical for the Sorento: 332 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2018 Sorento problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (108 complaints), lighting (41 complaints), other (38 complaints).

Does the 2018 Kia Sorento have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 Kia Sorento. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2018 Kia Sorento under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Kia Sorento years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sorento years to avoid are 2011, 2016, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2017, 2015, 2019. The cleanest record among Sorento years belongs to 2010.

How safe is the 2018 Kia Sorento?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2018 Kia Sorento earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.