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2018 Kia Sorento

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2018 Kia Sorento do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 242.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

69 reports with mileage · 184 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 105 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Exterior Lighting. Review the 41 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 30 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

12 crash reports11 fire reports10 injury reports

Unknown Or Other complaints

37 reports
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Mileage unknown · Oct 4, 2023
Unknown Or Other

I recently found out via social media that my 2018 Kia Sorento is under recall. I have received zero communication from Kia corporate in regards to next steps to fix my current recall. To make matters worse, my husband just blew at right at 100,000 and Kia refused to offer us any financial assistance since it was “no longer unde…

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I recently found out via social media that my 2018 Kia Sorento is under recall. I have received zero communication from Kia corporate in regards to next steps to fix my current recall. To make matters worse, my husband just blew at right at 100,000 and Kia refused to offer us any financial assistance since it was “no longer under warranty.” My husband and I spent $5347 out of pocket and an additional $500 on rental cars while our car was being serviced. Again, Kia received to take any blame and refused us any financial assistance. In May of 2022, my husband’s 2013 Kia Optima’s engine blew and we were out of a vehicle for 12 weeks. Kia refused to supply us a rental so we had to borrow family member’s cars while our car was being serviced. Kia did financially assist us with the 2013 Kia Optima’s engine because it was under warranty. Kia has no clue how to create a dependable, working engine and doesn’t have any decency to take initiative of their faulty engines. My husband and I are now in extreme car debt with my 2018 Kia Sorento, owing $8400 and we just spent an additional $5347 on a brand new engine. As of yesterday, 10.3.2023, my car battery was fried and needed to be replaced. This costs my husband and I an additional $200. I’m reaching out because I firmly believe Kia owes us financial assistance and I demand for Kia to be held accountable of their corrupt customer service.

NHTSA ODI #11548128

Mileage unknown · Jan 16, 2023
Forward Collision AvoidanceUnknown Or Other

The cruise control has been fixed once. It was not fixed. Same problem still happening. Sometimes it works, more than not it does not. Sometimes you can’t shut it off. They also have not come up with a fix for the new hitch recall problem that results in fires.

NHTSA ODI #11502042

Mileage unknown · Dec 23, 2022
Unknown Or Other

My 2018 Snow White Pearl Kia Sorento is experiencing paint failure on the hood and rear hatch. The manufacturer notified me that they identified this as a problem with 2011-2014 models and, at this time, are not offering a remedy for a 2018 model.

NHTSA ODI #11498708

Mileage unknown · May 24, 2022
Unknown Or Other

The car makes a loud noise like I hurt a bump, the engine light comes on. I brought the car to the Kia dealer and They told me everything was OK . I took the car home and continued to experience the same problem but this time the car decelerate even if I am driving in the freeway . At that time I cannot accelerate. I brought aga…

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The car makes a loud noise like I hurt a bump, the engine light comes on. I brought the car to the Kia dealer and They told me everything was OK . I took the car home and continued to experience the same problem but this time the car decelerate even if I am driving in the freeway . At that time I cannot accelerate. I brought again the car to the same Kia dealer .They told me they drove the car 19 miles and did not have any problem ! I went and took the car and believe what I was told but this time the wheel blocked and I could not turn ,the engine turn itself off . The oil engine and battery lights come on in red and the engine light in yellow. It is very scary and unsafe I had to tow this car to the dealers without my concerns being addressed.

NHTSA ODI #11465906

Mileage unknown · Mar 24, 2022
Unknown Or OtherInjury

This is with regards to a major safety incident that could have been fatal for my wife and others on 2/2/2022. My wife parked her 2018 Kia Sorento on our driveway picked up her belongings and closed the door of the car. As she was about to enter the house it felt to her that the car was still running. So, she went to the car a…

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This is with regards to a major safety incident that could have been fatal for my wife and others on 2/2/2022. My wife parked her 2018 Kia Sorento on our driveway picked up her belongings and closed the door of the car. As she was about to enter the house it felt to her that the car was still running. So, she went to the car again opened the drivers side of the door and reached out and pressed the "Start/Stop" button thinking if the car's engine is still "ON" it will turn it "OFF". As soon as she hit the button the car started rolling backwards and my wife got entangled in the door. She got knocked down to the ground sustaining a concussion on her head and deep bruises on her legs and shoulder. The car went to neighbor's front yard across the street and was stopped by the curb and the snow bank on neighbor's yard. After I tended to my wife I went to fetch the car I double checked and saw that the gear shifter was in "Parking" position. The mystery is how the car moved backwards while the car was in "Parking". It's not a steep hill and the way car rolled it felt to my wife as the car was in "Neutral". There is no warning lights or any other failure indications. We took the car to local Kia dealer for thorough inspection but they couldn't find anything. We are quite scared to drive the car. I am hoping a very through investigation of the car and get to the bottom of the issue. We complained to Kia, they reached out once after almost a month and now radio silence on the issue.

NHTSA ODI #11458130

Mileage unknown · Dec 28, 2021
Unknown Or Other

2 Recent incidents: SUV was parked on a driveway with slight incline overnight in park and ended up at the bottom end of driveway in the morning. With car running on a friends driveway with an incline, I had car in the park mode and was going to depart car to quickly knock on door and car very slowly proceed backwards while in p…

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2 Recent incidents: SUV was parked on a driveway with slight incline overnight in park and ended up at the bottom end of driveway in the morning. With car running on a friends driveway with an incline, I had car in the park mode and was going to depart car to quickly knock on door and car very slowly proceed backwards while in park mode. I called KIA dealership on 12/22/2021 where I purchased car they stated they never heard of this & could be icy driveways..I stated they were not iced over at the time and I’m very concerned for everyone’s safety with this situation. They dealership service department stated it will be a diagnostic charge due not any service or engine lights “on” at this time.

NHTSA ODI #11445224

Mileage unknown · Sep 11, 2021
Unknown Or OtherInjury

My 2018 Kia Sorento keeps going into limp mode. It can’t be duplicated by any shop so I keep paying for diagnostic and not having anything repaired besides things that could “possibly be the problem” but aren’t covered by the warranty like a positive battery cable or a software update. Now I’m $1000 out of pocket and had the mos…

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My 2018 Kia Sorento keeps going into limp mode. It can’t be duplicated by any shop so I keep paying for diagnostic and not having anything repaired besides things that could “possibly be the problem” but aren’t covered by the warranty like a positive battery cable or a software update. Now I’m $1000 out of pocket and had the most terrifying experience of my life and the car is still not repaired. Driving 75mph down the freeway, the car violently tried to stop and shut off and turned back on all on its own. It went into limp mode. Felt like a grenade went off. Still nothing can be found as to what the problem is! It is not safe and I refuse to put my children back in this car.

NHTSA ODI #11432621

Mileage unknown · Sep 11, 2021
Unknown Or Other

I Was driving down the road, my car suddenly began slowing down even as I pressed the accelerator Down more, as I started to pull over I heard a tapping noise and a sound almost like a chains rattling the vehicle shutoff immediately after. I tried restarting the vehicle, vehicle did not restart. As I got out the vehicle I smelt…

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I Was driving down the road, my car suddenly began slowing down even as I pressed the accelerator Down more, as I started to pull over I heard a tapping noise and a sound almost like a chains rattling the vehicle shutoff immediately after. I tried restarting the vehicle, vehicle did not restart. As I got out the vehicle I smelt a burning smell but saw no fire. I had the vehicle towed to my house.

NHTSA ODI #11432551

68,702 miles · Feb 23, 2021
Air BagsStructureUnknown Or OtherCrash

MY SON WAS TRAVELING DOWN A HIGHWAY BETWEEN 45-55 MPH WHEN HE OVERCORRECTED AND MADE FULL IMPACT OF THE FRONT OF THE CAR WITH A SOLID SNOW BANK IN THE MIDDLE MEDIAN. THE RADIATOR WAS SLAMMED BACKWARDS, THE FRONT END WAS DEMOLISHED WITH AROUND $12,000 IN DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. THERE IS NO REASON WE CAN FIND THAT THE AIR BAGS DI…

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MY SON WAS TRAVELING DOWN A HIGHWAY BETWEEN 45-55 MPH WHEN HE OVERCORRECTED AND MADE FULL IMPACT OF THE FRONT OF THE CAR WITH A SOLID SNOW BANK IN THE MIDDLE MEDIAN. THE RADIATOR WAS SLAMMED BACKWARDS, THE FRONT END WAS DEMOLISHED WITH AROUND $12,000 IN DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. THERE IS NO REASON WE CAN FIND THAT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. WE BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE OF THE SAFETY RATING BUT NOW I AM CONCERNED THAT WE HAVE ISSUES WITH OUR AIR BAGS. WILL THEY PROTECT US IF THIS SHOULD EVER HAPPEN AGAIN?

NHTSA ODI #11397573

51,000 miles · Oct 20, 2020
Unknown Or Other

SUNROOF SPONTANEOUSLY SHATTERED WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 63 MPH. THERE WAS NO ROAD DEBRIS THAT CAUSED THIS - IN LOOKING AT THE REMAINING ATTACHED GLASS, IT APPEARS TO HAVE BROKEN UPWARDS, NOT AS IF SOMETHING BROKE IT FROM THE OUTSIDE, BUT FROM THE INSIDE, LIKE IT BUBBLED UPWARDS. IT IS THE FRONT PANEL OF A PANORAMIC SUNRO…

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SUNROOF SPONTANEOUSLY SHATTERED WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 63 MPH. THERE WAS NO ROAD DEBRIS THAT CAUSED THIS - IN LOOKING AT THE REMAINING ATTACHED GLASS, IT APPEARS TO HAVE BROKEN UPWARDS, NOT AS IF SOMETHING BROKE IT FROM THE OUTSIDE, BUT FROM THE INSIDE, LIKE IT BUBBLED UPWARDS. IT IS THE FRONT PANEL OF A PANORAMIC SUNROOF, AND THE FABRIC WAS OPEN AND THE SUNROOF WAS VENTED OPEN AT THE TIME.

NHTSA ODI #11365478

Official recalls

3

22V703000 · Trailer Hitches

Sep 19, 2022

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 & remedy

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.

18V656000 · Steering:column; Steering:electric Power Assist System

Sep 21, 2018

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 & remedy

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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

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.

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.

Steering:column

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.

17V784000 · Air Bags:side/window

Dec 8, 2017

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 & remedy

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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

DP22003 · Loss Of Motive Power

Opened Sep 12, 2022 · Closed Dec 12, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing.  There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

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