2018 Kia Sorento problems and complaints
Owners have filed 255 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Kia Sorento. The most-reported areas: Engine (107), Exterior Lighting (41), Unknown Or Other (37).
Key takeaways
- 255 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
- 12 involve a crash, 11 a fire, 11 reported injuries.
- Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 107 | 42% |
| Exterior Lighting | 41 | 16% |
| Unknown Or Other | 37 | 15% |
| Electrical System | 30 | 12% |
| Steering | 26 | 10% |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 13 | 5% |
| Air Bags | 10 | 4% |
| Structure | 9 | 4% |
| Power Train | 9 | 4% |
| Service Brakes | 8 | 3% |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 8 | 3% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 8 | 3% |
One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Kia Sorento SUV AWD | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| 2018 Kia Sorento SUV FWD | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Latest complaints, as filed
Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.
Engine - filed 2026-10-06
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 checked for all engine ...
Engine - filed 2026-09-18
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 same issue but dec...
Electrical System,engine - filed 2026-09-15
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 has delayed providing...
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More for the 2018 Kia Sorento
Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.