NHTSA has received 255 owner complaints about the 2018 Kia Sorento, or 29.0 per year on the road — fewer complaints than typical (complaint index 0.72, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 76 model-year 2018 vehicles we track, it ranks #43 of 76 by complaints per year (#1 = fewest). Against other Kia models its rate is 17% lower; against other Midsize SUVs it is 45% lower.
Counts are normalized by time on the road, not by sales volume: a popular model generates more reports than a rare one, and complaints are not verified individually. How we count
Complaints filed between 2017-12-18 and 2026-10-06. Median delay from incident to filing: 15 days.
255Complaints
29.0Complaints per year on the road
0.72Complaint index vs. all tracked vehicles
3Recalls · ⚠ 1
9.0%Share involving a crash or fire
38Last 12 months
Analysis
The following model year (2019) drew 55.2 per year, more than this one. In its first two years on the road the 2018 model collected 28 complaints, 67% lower than the average vehicle of the same model year.
The most common problem area is Engine (43.9% of complaints), followed by Lighting (9.8%) and Steering (9.0%). Engine complaints are 2.0 times as common here as across all tracked vehicles. 23 reports (9.0%) describe a crash or fire; owners mention 11 injuries and 1 death.
Half of the reported incidents happened within 68 months of the model year's start; the busiest period was after five years (58% of incidents). In the last 12 months 38 new complaints were filed, versus 42 in the 12 months before — down 10%.
NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for this model year, 1 with a do-not-drive or park-outside warning. 1 NHTSA investigation covers this model year; the most recent is “Loss of Motive Power” (defect petition, opened 2022-09-12, closed 2023-12-12).
Complaint index
vs. all tracked vehicles0.72
vs. other Kia models0.83
vs. other 2018 models0.61
vs. other Midsize SUVs0.55
Complaints in first 2 years on the road · vs. same-year average (28)0.33
My wife and I were Driving when I tried to stop and the brakes failed. Within seconds the vehicle caught fire in the engine compartment. I had to slam the transmission into park cause the doors would not open.
Engine · 2026-07-05 · ODI 11748348 · Fire
I have replaced my rotors and my brakes soon as I got the car I’ve had the car for a month now I was in a major accident. Someone walked in front of my car.
Brakes · 2026-06-11 · ODI 11743523 · Crash
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.
Engine · 2026-10-06 · ODI 11769459
The High Pressure Fuel Pump failed while driving on highway. I took it to the Kia dealership and they told me of the issue. There were no prior warnings of issues Kia recalled all 2019-2020 kia sorentos with this same issue.
Fuel system · 2026-08-27 · ODI 11760017
The abs module has failed. Yes vehicle is available for inspections if wanted and would be appreciated. Had it scanned by dealership and it’s too expensive to fix. Lights on are abs. Traction control. Auto hold. Autonomous braking. Thank you
Brakes · 2026-08-26 · ODI 11759839
Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, trimmed for length. The ODI number is NHTSA's record identifier.
Summary: 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.
Risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect the vehicle, and, as necessary, replace the fuse and/or tow hitch harness module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC249.
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM Campaign 18V656000 · 2018-09-21
Summary: 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.
Risk: If the steering column separates, it can cause a loss of steering ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the cowl crossbar, free of charge. The recall began October 26, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC167.
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW Campaign 17V784000 · 2017-12-08
Summary: 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.
Risk: If the component detaches during deployment, it may enter the passenger compartment and be a projectile within the vehicle cabin, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver and passenger side curtain air bags, free of charge. The recall began on December 18, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC159.
DP22003 · defect petition · ENGINE · Opened 2022-09-12 · Closed 2023-12-12 · Model years: 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints i…
