2018 KIA SORENTO Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2018 Kia Sorento. This model year has 244 NHTSA complaints β top issue: Engine Problems.
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car β accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2018 Kia Sorento Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Engine Problems
Headlight/Taillight Failures
Uncategorized Issues
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car β accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2018 Kia Sorento. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 106 | β | 7 | β | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 41 | β | β | β | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 37 | 3 | 4 | β | |
| Electrical Faults | 28 | β | 3 | β | |
| Steering Defects | 26 | β | 1 | β | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 12 | β | β | β | |
| Structural Problems | 9 | 1 | 2 | β | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 9 | 7 | β | β | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 9 | 1 | β | β | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 8 | 1 | β | β | |
| Trailer Hitches | 7 | β | β | β | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 6 | 1 | β | β | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 5 | β | β | β | |
| Lane Departure | 4 | 1 | β | β | |
| Brake System | 4 | 1 | β | β | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 3 | β | β | β | |
| Visibility | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Firerelated | 1 | β | 1 | β | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | β | β | β |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2018 Kia Sorento. Type a keyword (e.g. βtransmissionβ, βstallingβ, βbrakesβ) to filter.
Showing 244 most recent complaints
My 2018 Kia Sorento has developed excessive oil consumption consistent with the known engine defects affecting Kiaβs Theta II engines. The vehicle began consuming oil rapidly without warning, despite regular maintenance. This issue did not appear until after 100,000 miles, which β¦
I've never had a problem staying awake driving. I don't have this problem in my vehicles or other vehicles. Every time I drove the car. I could not stay awake. I ve driven the car about 5xs. I would fall asleep and not even realize it. Now fell asleep driving the car two nightsβ¦
Sunroof was working properly, no issues. I parked car with sunroof open and when i restarted car it started closing extremely slow. Technicians have tried resetting but no luck. This is a safety issue that has been repeatitive on KIA Suvs since 2012 or 2014. Techs cannot resetβ¦
My car for the last 2 years has had multiple malfunctions with misfiring and replacement of head gaskets, pistons and more. Not to mention consistence oil concerns. On two occasions my family and I had to have the vehicle towed home over 200 miles because the car was not driving β¦
Paint is peeling on the roof of my Kia by the windshield. No incident has happened this is a manufacturer defect.. My car has never been involved in a car accident. No incidents.
The vehicleβs ignition system began malfunctioning immediately after a recall-related service (Campaign CS2312 β ignition cylinder protector installation) performed on January 9, 2026. Prior to this service, the vehicle had no ignition or electrical issues. After the repair, the β¦
In April, 2025, my vehicle's engine power was significantly reduced while on the highway. I could not keep pace with traffic. My mechanic said there were recalls for the turbo engine but my car was not included. I paid forbthe part and repair. Less than a year later and the car bβ¦
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started shaking and making a rough sound. The vehicle hesitated while accelerating and lost motive power. A piston failed, causing oil to spray out with enough force toβ¦
I have less than 100,000 miles on my 2018 Kia sorento. When I reached probably 50,000 miles this car went DOWN HILL. I feel like Iβve replaced everything on this car. Now every oil change was saying no oil on the dip stick, so I take it to the Kia dealership. They tell me that I β¦
While on the road driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle started to "bog" and losing power and/or acceleration. Had to immediately drive off the road as there were several vehicles behind. As soon as driving off the road, the vehicle died down and would not start again. The check engineβ¦
On January 30, 2026, I was driving with my daughter from Kansas City to Platte City when the vehicle experienced a sudden and catastrophic mechanical failure. As we approached our exit, the engine unexpectedly revved and the vehicle rapidly decelerated to approximately 30 mph. Whβ¦
The contact owned a 2018 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, another vehicle had abruptly attempted to merge into the opposite traveling lane and caused the front end bumper to crash into the Front Driver-side door of the other vehicle. No warβ¦
My speedometer was jumping from 0 to 20 mph while in park. A couple weeks later it did it while I was driving, I was going 25 mph and it jumped to 55 mph. I took it to the shop that day and all 4 of my wheel speed sensors were out, which wasnβt accurately measuring my speed. The β¦
2018 Kia Sorento 2.4 GDI. In late 2024 a Kia dealer performed an oil-consumption test and confirmed the engine was burning excessive oil. In Feb 2025 the engine long block was replaced. Within about 4,000 miles the vehicle began setting P1326 warnings, misfiring, losing power, anβ¦
My car had an issue that was covered under a class action lawsuit. I even had an extended Warranty which was still valid at the time. I was intimidated by the warranty company when they said well if there is carbon build up in the engine the cost of the repair is on you. So I diβ¦
I was driving and when I lost all power steering the lights on the dash came on for power steering and traction I could not steer at all it was so hard to drive . I reported it right away and had my car check out there is a recall on the power steering but they are saying my car β¦
Noticed excessive oil consumption that turned into burning oil when the exhaust turned back of car black. Engine started knocking due to gummed up spark plugs. Replaced the spark plugs but within weeks the new plugs where gummed up as well. Took to Kia for diagnosis and potentialβ¦
1. at night when i toggle hi beams the light black out and i have to jiggle the toggle 2. My HECU assembly is out, I have about 7 lights on my dash.
Excessive oil consumption
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was heavy white smoke coming from the exhaust pipes. There was no warning light illuminated. Upon taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic for an oil change, the contact was informeβ¦
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2018 Kia Sorento.
Recalls for 2018 Kia Sorento
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2018 Kia Sorento. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2018 Kia Sorento β FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2018 Kia Sorento reliable?βΎ
Severe Issues. The 2018 Kia Sorento has 244 NHTSA owner complaints, 11 crash-related, and 3 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Engine Problems (106 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Kia Sorento?βΎ
#1: Engine Problems (106 complaints). #2: Headlight/Taillight Failures (41 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (37 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2018 Kia Sorento?βΎ
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2018 Kia Sorento?βΎ
The 2018 Kia Sorento has 11 crash-related complaints and 10 fire reports out of 244 total NHTSA complaints. 9 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2018 Kia Sorento have any recalls?βΎ
Yes β 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2018 Kia Sorento. The largest issue: STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2018 Kia Sorento?βΎ
The 2018 Kia Sorento has severe issues β review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Engine Problems issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Kia Sorento reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Check Your Specific 2018 Kia Sorento
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car β accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.