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NHTSA vehicle safety data

2018 Kia Sorento Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2018 Kia Sorento has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns and 255 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Kia dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2018 Kia Sorento, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2018 Kia Sorento owner complaints

Owners have filed 255 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Kia Sorento, describing incidents dated November 13, 2017 to September 3, 2026.

Most-cited components

  • Engine 112 complaints
  • Exterior Lighting 41 complaints
  • Unknown or Other 37 complaints
  • Electrical System 30 complaints
  • Steering 26 complaints
  • Fuel/Propulsion System 13 complaints

Of the 255 complaints on file, 12 report a crash and 11 a fire; across all 255 complaints, owners report 11 injuries and 1 death (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

  • ODI #11769459 · Filed

    My 2018 Sorento is consuming oil excessively. I’m having to add oil between changes, and I’m now experiencing reduced acceleration under load. I have been told by a few different parties that this has become a common problem with Kia’s. I want an oil-consumption test performed and I want the VIN…

  • ODI #11765284 · Filed

    Complete engine failure inspected by Westgate Kia Service Dept, Wake Forest, NC Service manager confirmed that known issue and recall in effect for 2018 Kia Sorrento same issue but because manufactures parts are only covered when made in certain locations. mine not covered. He did agree it was exact…

  • ODI #11764549 · Filed

    Vehicle: 2018 Kia Sorento VIN: [XXX] Kia Corporate Case #: XXX My 2018 Kia Sorento experienced a catastrophic engine failure (“holes in the block”) while under warranty. The vehicle lost power, emitted heavy smoke, and became completely inoperable. Kia America has refused to repair the engine and…

Read all 255 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2018 Kia Sorento in 1 investigation. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Tow Hitch Harness Fire While Parked or Driving

NHTSA #22V703000 · Trailer Hitches · NHTSA notice

Reported September 19, 2022 · Kia America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 70,887 vehicles

Repair completion: 29.55% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Kia campaign SC249 · Owners notified July 27, 2023

Park outside only — fire risk while parked indoors or near structures.

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Steering Column may Separate

NHTSA #18V656000 · Steering — Electric Power Assist System · NHTSA notice

Reported September 21, 2018 · Kia Motors America

Potentially affected: 97 vehicles

Repair completion: 89.69% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Kia campaign SC167 · Owners notified October 26, 2018 · Vehicles built June 28, 2017 – July 20, 2017 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

If the steering column separates, it can cause a loss of steering ability, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Inflator Component may Detach During Deployment

NHTSA #17V784000 · Air Bags — Side/Window · NHTSA notice

Reported December 8, 2017 · Kia Motors America

Potentially affected: 2,014 vehicles

Repair completion: 95.03% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Kia campaign SC159 · Owners notified December 18, 2017 · Vehicles built September 5, 2017 – November 29, 2017 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Other Kia Sorento model years

Check your 2018 Kia Sorento VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Kia Sorento at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

Check a Kia VIN