2018 Kia Sorento: common problems and reliability

The 2018 Kia Sorento has 248 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and exterior lighting. Owners most often flag engine failures: reports of engines (including non-recalled engines) failing and requiring replacement, sometimes under 100,000 miles, with repair costs around $6,000. frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2018 model year

248
Owner complaints
3
Recalls
12
Crash reports
11
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2018 Kia Sorento vehicles (US, public record).

Is 2018 a good year for the Sorento?

Across the 8 Sorento model years we track, complaint volume runs from 21 (2021) to 976 (2014). With 248 complaints, the 2018 Sorento sits about the same asthe model's median of 242.

These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.

Where owners report problems

engine
102
exterior lighting
41
electrical system
29
steering
26
fuel/propulsion system
12

Recalls affecting the 2018 Sorento

steering:electric power assist system

Campaign 18V656000

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

air bags:side/window

Campaign 17V784000

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.

trailer hitches

Campaign 22V703000

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 orig

What owners say across generations

Sentiment is sharply divided and heavily dependent on model year, powertrain, and owner expectations. For newer models (2023-2026), feedback is often positive regarding value, interior comfort, ride quality, feature content, and hybrid…

  • Transmission failures: Multiple reports of complete transmission replacements, with one owner citing three new transmissions in a 2024 model within 14 months. Clunky shifting and concerns over Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) reliability are mentioned. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Engine failures: Reports of engines (including non-recalled engines) failing and requiring replacement, sometimes under 100,000 miles, with repair costs around $6,000. Frequency: very frequent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Sorento. See the full Sorento owner picture and every model year.

Typical used price

Used Sorento listings typically run $29,848–$34,610 across 2014 to 2026 model years.

Other Sorento model years

Compare every Sorento year side by side to see how 2018 ranks against the rest.

Compare the Sorento against its rivals