Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD

2018 Kia SorentoRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 255 owner complaints for the 2018 Kia Sorento. Most complaints involve engine (107) and exterior lighting (41). The EPA rates it 19–24 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
19–24mpg
EPA · 7 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
3campaigns
Latest Sep 2022
Owner complaints
255
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$2,700est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

3 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Trailer hitches

Park outsideFree remedy

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.

Trailer hitchesReported Sep 19, 2022NHTSA 22V703000

Steering: electric power assist system

Free remedy

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.

SteeringReported Sep 21, 2018NHTSA 18V656000

Air bags: side

Free remedy

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.

Air bagsReported Dec 8, 2017NHTSA 17V784000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 3, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

255 complaints filed with NHTSA · Dec 2017 – Oct 2026
  1. Engine107
  2. Exterior lighting41
  3. Electrical system30
  4. Steering26
  5. Fuel/propulsion system13
  6. Air bags10
  7. Structure9
  8. Power train9
  9. Service brakes8

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Sorento model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2003308
2004220
2005307
2006242
2007154
2008217
200955
20111,520
2012880
2013983
2014988
2015755
20161,262
2017808
2018255
2019435
2020140
202125
2022194
2023126
202444
202577
20266
Crashes reported
12
Fires reported
11
Injuries reported
11
Deaths reported
1
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Engine

107 reports7 fires
“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 campaigns, warranty extensions, KSDS coverage, and open recalls”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 6, 2026EngineODI 11769459

Exterior lighting

41 reports
“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 ignition key became difficult to turn, and the vehicle intermittently failed to start. Additionally, multiple electrical components began to fail intermittently, including the infotainment screen shutting off, the air conditioning system stopping, and windshield wipers not operating at times. These failures create a safety concern, as they may affect visibility, driver awareness, and vehicle operability while driving. The issue was reported to the dealership, and their own inspection confirmed that the ignition key cylinder is sticking. The vehicle remains available for inspection, and the condition persists.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 20, 2026Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Visibility/wiperODI 11725924

Electrical system

30 reports3 fires
“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 the required written denial for my warranty claim. This vehicle has also suffered five break-ins, and Kia has two active recalls for my year and model that were never performed, including a theft‑prevention recall. My vehicle is part of a nationwide class‑action lawsuit involving engine defects and theft vulnerabilities. Because Kia America delayed resolving my warranty case, the vehicle has been sitting at Kia Vacaville accumulating predatory storage fees. The dealership is now threatening a mechanic’s/storage lien sale, which would destroy the vehicle and eliminate evidence of the manufacturer defect. I cannot afford any repair costs, storage fees, or loan payments for a vehicle that failed due to manufacturer defects. I am requesting NHTSA’s investigation into Kia’s handling of engine failures, recall compliance, and the dealership’s attempt to…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 15, 2026Electrical system, EngineODI 11764549
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

7 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl · 2.0L 4-cyl turbo · 3.3L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (S6)
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive · All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 3, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Sorento FWD
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive
212824$2,700377
Sorento FWD
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
202723$2,800397
Sorento AWD
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L · All-Wheel Drive
212522$2,900397
Sorento AWD
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
192522$2,900414
Sorento FE AWD
Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.3 L · All-Wheel Drive
182521$3,050434
Sorento FWD
Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.3 L · Front-Wheel Drive
182520$3,200436
Sorento AWD
Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.3 L · All-Wheel Drive
172319$3,400465
  • Sorento FWD
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L
    21 city · 28 hwy · $2,700/yr
    24
    mpg comb.
  • Sorento FWD
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo
    20 city · 27 hwy · $2,800/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
  • Sorento AWD
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L
    21 city · 25 hwy · $2,900/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
  • Sorento AWD
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo
    19 city · 25 hwy · $2,900/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
  • Sorento FE AWD
    Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.3 L
    18 city · 25 hwy · $3,050/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
  • Sorento FWD
    Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.3 L
    18 city · 25 hwy · $3,200/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
  • Sorento AWD
    Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.3 L
    17 city · 23 hwy · $3,400/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 3, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Kia Sorento SUV AWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
15.0%
Overall
5 / 5
Kia Sorento SUV FWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
15.8%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 3, 2026Vehicle 12037Vehicle 12036
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2018 Sorento questions

How many recalls does the 2018 Kia Sorento have?

3 safety recalls as of Nov 3, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2018 Kia Sorento problems?

Owners filed 255 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (107), exterior lighting (41), electrical system (30). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2018 Kia Sorento get?

The EPA rates the 2018 Kia Sorento at 19–24 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (7 versions rated).

How safe is the 2018 Kia Sorento?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2018 Kia Sorento 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 3, 2026