Worst 2018 Kia Sorento Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Engine Problems
Headlight/Taillight Failures
Electrical Faults
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2018 Kia Sorento.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 99 | — | 6 | 58,741 mi | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 38 | — | — | 45,702 mi | |
| Electrical Faults | 27 | — | 3 | 40,794 mi | |
| Steering Defects | 26 | — | 1 | 25,659 mi | |
| Fuel System | 12 | — | — | 170,000 mi | |
| Airbags | 9 | 7 | — | 51,617 mi | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 9 | 1 | — | 32,716 mi | |
| Body Structure | 9 | 1 | 2 | 43,676 mi | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 8 | 1 | — | 32,621 mi | |
| Trailer Hitches | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Engine & Cooling | 5 | — | 1 | 113,625 mi | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | 5 | 1 | — | 72,000 mi | |
| Wipers & Visibility | 5 | — | — | 19,500 mi | |
| Brakes | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure: Assist | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Sunroof/Moonroof | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention: Warnings | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Oil/Lubrication | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Other Fuel Types:Turbo/Supercharger:Hoses/Plumbing | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Exterior Lighting:Headlights | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Exterior Lighting:Headlights:Bulbs | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Exterior Lighting:Headlights:Switch | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Firerelated | 1 | — | 1 | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure: Sensing System: Sonar/Ultrasonic | 1 | — | — | — |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2018 Kia Sorento. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2018 Kia Sorento
3 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~72,998 vehicles.
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.
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.
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.
Other Kia Sorento Years
2018 Kia Sorento — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2018 Kia Sorento reliable?
What are common problems with the 2018 Kia Sorento?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2018 Kia Sorento?
How safe is the 2018 Kia Sorento?
Does the 2018 Kia Sorento have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2018 Kia Sorento?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Kia Sorento reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2018 Kia Sorento
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
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