Home / Vehicle Problems / 2018 Kia Sorento

2018 Kia Sorento — Problems, Recalls & Complaints

Aggregated from NHTSA safety recalls and owner complaints. Data updated daily from federal databases.

3
Open Recalls
247
Owner Complaints
11
Reported Injuries
1
Reported Deaths
59
Fair
Reliability Score (0–100)
Stable +7%
Complaint Trend
90 last 24mo vs 84 prior

Own a 2018 Kia Sorento? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.

2018 Kia Sorento Safety Recalls (3)

18V65600021/09/2018
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.

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.

17V78400008/12/2017
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

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. Kia's number for this recall is SC159.

22V70300019/09/2022
TRAILER HITCHES

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.

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.

Most Common Problems Reported for 2018 Kia Sorento

ENGINE
70
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
24
STEERING
22
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
20
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
10
AIR BAGS
8
TRAILER HITCHES
7
STRUCTURE
5

Based on 247 owner complaints filed with NHTSA

Safety Incident Summary

12
Crash-Involved Complaints
11
Reported Injuries
1
Reported Deaths

Check a Specific 2018 Kia Sorento VIN

Model-level data shows what can go wrong. A VIN-specific report shows what has gone wrong with a particular vehicle — including auction history, odometer records, legal actions, and 30+ intelligence signals.

Run a Free VIN Report →