2018 Kia Sorento Problems
What owners have reported about the 2018 Kia Sorento, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2018 Kia Sorento a good year?
It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 255 complaints with NHTSA, the 9th most of 17 Sorento model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, lights and electrical system.
255 complaints 3 recalls, 1 park outside 9th worst of 17 Sorento years
Top 2018 Kia Sorento problems
Engine problems
112 complaints (44%) name the engine, most often the oil / lubrication and hoses / plumbing.
Lighting problems
41 complaints (16%) name the lights, most often the headlights and switch.
Electrical problems
30 complaints (12%) name the electrical system, most often the 12v / 24v / 48v battery.
Steering problems
26 complaints (10%) name the steering.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (69 of 255). The amber line is the middle value, about 49,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2018 Kia Sorento recalls
Towing
Park outsideDebris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire. A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Recall 22V703000 · Sep 2022Column, Electric power assist system
The cowl crossbar that connects to the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) steering column may be improperly welded, allowing the steering column to separate. If the steering column separates, it can cause a loss of steering ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the cowl crossbar, free of charge.
Recall 18V656000 · Sep 2018Side curtain airbag part may detach and injure
Injury riskThe side curtain airbags may have a component that can break loose when the airbag inflates. The loose part could fly around the cabin and increase the risk of injury to occupants.
Fix: Dealers will replace the driver and passenger side curtain airbags free of charge.
Recall 17V784000 · Dec 2017Get an email when your 2018 Kia Sorento gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2018 Kia Sorento, you'll hear about it the same week.
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Sorento years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
2018 Kia Sorento problems by system
Common questions
Is the 2018 Kia Sorento a reliable year?
It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 255 complaints with NHTSA, the 9th most of 17 Sorento model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, lights and electrical system.
What are the most common 2018 Kia Sorento problems?
Owners most often report problems with the engine, lights, electrical system and steering. 112 complaints (44%) name the engine, most often the oil / lubrication and hoses / plumbing.
At what mileage do 2018 Kia Sorento engine problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 26,000–100,000 miles, with a middle value near 79,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2018 Kia Sorento have?
3. Towing (22V703000); Column, Electric power assist system (18V656000); Side curtain airbag part may detach and injure (17V784000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2018 Kia Sorento?
Ask for service records covering the engine, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2024, 2009 and 2025 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.