2018 Kia Sorento: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2018 Kia Sorento? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 244 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2018 Kia Sorento Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 7 2018 Kia Sorento trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 7 trims analysed.
2018 Kia Sorento Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2018 Kia Sorento SUV AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
15% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
15% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2018 Kia Sorento has 244 owner complaints, 11 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Kia
- Model
- Sorento
- Model year
- 2018
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 244
- Crash-related complaints
- 11
- Safety recall campaigns
- 3
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 22
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 21 / 25
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2018 Kia Sorento Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Headlight/Taillight Failures
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Headlight/Taillight Failures, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2018 Kia Sorento?
The 2018 Kia Sorento shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2018 Kia Sorento
Inspection Focus
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine for any reported issues before purchase.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for headlight/taillight and electrical system repairs.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection focusing on steering and electrical components.
Before You Close the Deal
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine for any reported issues before purchase.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for headlight/taillight and electrical system repairs.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection focusing on steering and electrical components.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2018 Kia Sorento, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2018 Kia Sorento are concentrated in engine problems, headlight/taillight failures, and electrical faults. The data suggests these areas may be recurring issues, though the low confidence level means findings should be interpreted cautiously.
- Engine problems account for the largest share of complaints (106 out of 244).
- Headlight/taillight failures are the second most reported component (41 complaints).
- There are 3 recalls associated with this model year.
- Engine Problems
- Headlight/Taillight Failures
- Electrical Faults
All 2018 Kia Sorento Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Kia Sorento. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 106 | — | 7 | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 41 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 37 | 3 | 4 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 28 | — | 3 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 26 | — | 1 | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 12 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 9 | 1 | 2 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 9 | 7 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 8 | 1 | — | — | |
| Trailer Hitches | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Firerelated | 1 | — | 1 | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2018 Kia Sorento. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
My 2018 Kia Sorento has developed excessive oil consumption consistent with the known engine defects affecting Kia’s 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 …
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 nights…
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 reset…
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 …
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 vehicle’s ignition system began malfunctioning immediately after a recall-related service (Campaign CS2312 – 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 …
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 b…
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 to…
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 I’ve 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 …
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 engine…
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. Wh…
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 war…
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 wasn’t accurately measuring my speed. The …
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, an…
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 di…
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 …
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 potential…
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 informe…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2018 Kia Sorento.
2018 Kia Sorento Recalls
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2018 Kia Sorento. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2018 Kia Sorento Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2018 Kia Sorento reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 244 owner complaints, 11 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2018 Kia Sorento shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Kia Sorento?▾
#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?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2018 Kia Sorento?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2018 Kia Sorento, NHTSA complaints include 11 crash-related reports and 10 fire reports out of 244 total complaints. 9 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2018 Kia Sorento have any recalls?▾
Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2018 Kia Sorento. A major recall area is STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2018 Kia Sorento?▾
The 2018 Kia Sorento shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
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.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2018 Kia Sorento based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.