2018 Kia Sorento: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2018 Kia Sorento: 3 recalls, 255 owner complaints and up to 24 mpg combined.
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Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags Vehicle recall #17V784000 · 2017 · 2,014 vehicles
What's wrong: The side curtain air bags on these vehicles have a component that May detach during deployment of the inflatable curtain air bag.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
Steering, Steering Vehicle recall #18V656000 · 2018 · 97 vehicles
What's wrong: The cowl crossbar that connects to the motor driven power steering (mdps) steering column May be improperly welded, allowing the steering column to separate.
Why it matters: If the steering column separates, it can cause a loss of steering ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the cowl crossbar, free of charge. The recall began October 26, 2018.
Trailer hitch Vehicle recall #22V703000 · 2022 · 70,887 vehicles
What's wrong: 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,…
Why it matters: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 11 mention a fire, 11 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (107): the most common themes are warning light on (32), stalls / loses power (29), noise or vibration (24).
- Exterior lights (41): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (7), electrical failure (5).
- Other / unknown (37): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (7), fire / smoke (7), electrical failure (5).
- Electrical (30): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (9), electrical failure (8), warning light on (5).
The 2018 Kia Sorento has 255 owner complaints, ranking #11 of 24 Sorento model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 425). Complaints peaked in 2024 (49 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 49,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2017 (805 complaints, 4 recalls), 2019 (428 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 28 | 24 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 | 25 | 22 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 25 | 22 | Regular |
| 3.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 20 | Regular |
| 3.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 23 | 19 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2018 Kia Sorento.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 2018 Kia Sorento have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2018 Kia Sorento. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2018 Kia Sorento problems?
Owners have filed 255 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (107), exterior lights (41), other / unknown (37).
What gas mileage does the 2018 Kia Sorento get?
EPA ratings run up to 24 mpg combined (2.4 L, Automatic (S6)), across 6 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2018 Kia Sorento repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.