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
The worst 2018 Kia Sorento problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine112
- Lights41
- Electrical30
- Steering26
- Fuel system13
- Airbags10
- Body9
- Transmission9
- Acceleration8
- Brakes8
- Driver assistance8
- Visibility7
- Seat belts3
- Wheels2
- Locks1
- Seats1
- Tires1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2018 Kia Sorento
Engine failure 44Check engine light 37Headlights 34Knocking 26Oil consumption 24Stalling 22Loss of power 20Fire or smoke 17Won't shift 8Misfire 7Jerking 6No deployment 5Overheating 5Sunroof shattered 5
Trouble codes owners of the 2018 Kia Sorento mention
P1326 5
Recalls 3
Trailer hitches
- What is 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, 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.
Recall number 22V703000 · Recall details
Steering: electric power assist system
- What is wrong
- 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.
Recall number 18V656000 · Recall details
Air bags: side/window
- What is wrong
- 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.
Recall number 17V784000 · Recall details
See all 3 recalls for the 2018 Kia Sorento
Defect investigations
Loss of Motive Power
the federal safety agency 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 indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitionersâ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODIâs evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to the federal safety agency which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing. Â There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in the federal safety agency's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, the federal safety agency does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing the federal safety agencyâs reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to the federal safety agency cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to
DP22003
Technical service bulletins for the 2018 Kia Sorento 196
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Multifunction switch repair (WTY031)
- Owner renotification (WTY031)
- Voluntary service campaign: owner renotification (SC330
- Customer satisfaction: theft deterrent ignition cylinder protector and decal installation (CS2312)
- Voluntary emissions service campaign: theta II 2.4L GDI emissions: ECM logic improvement (SC340 revision 5)
- Oil pressure switch (OPS) replacement (WTY026 revision 2)
- Voluntary emissions service campaign: theta II 2.4L GDI emission secm logic improvement (SC340 rev 4)
- Voluntary emissions service campaign: owner notification (SC340 flight 103 / um)
- Customer satisfaction: theft deterrent ignition cylinder protector and decal installation (CS2312)
- Owner notification (CS2312)
2018 Kia Sorento fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4‑cyl | FWD | 21 | 28 | 24 |
| 2.0L 4‑cyl | FWD | 20 | 27 | 23 |
| 2.4L 4‑cyl | AWD | 21 | 25 | 22 |
| 2.0L 4‑cyl | AWD | 19 | 25 | 22 |
| 3.3L 6‑cyl | AWD | 17-18 | 23-25 | 19-21 |
| 3.3L 6‑cyl | FWD | 18 | 25 | 20 |
What 2018 Kia Sorento owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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 declined to assist. Warning sign / flashing check engine light.
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 the federal safety agency’s investigation into Kia’s handling of engine failures, recall compliance, and the dealership’s attempt to sell a vehicle that is part of an active defect case. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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. This component should not have failed at 63k miles and Kia should extend their warranty to previous models with the same High Pressure Fuel Pump problems under The High-Pressure Fuel Pump Warranty Extension (WTY034).
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
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. There was smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact exited the freeway and waited for AAA to tow the vehicle to the residence. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that the oil pan switch needed to be replaced. The oil pan switch was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and asked the contact if the vehicle had regular oil changes. The contact was then informed that there was an oil leak underneath the vehicle. The approximate failure mileage was 118,000.
I am a working parent filing a formal complaint against Kia America and Classic kia of Carrollton for non-compliance with the Theta II Class Action Settlement mandates. My vehicle experienced a qualifying engine failure and is currently held at the dealership. The dealership is actively refusing to provide a mandatory free loaner vehicle and is delaying the 5-minute diagnostic scan. Kia Corporate is refusing to authorize an alternative direct-bill rental line without the scan. This corporate bottleneck has left a working parent and a school-aged child completely stranded, threatening my employment. The manufacturer is violating a court-ordered settlement. I am in need of a vehicle and its unacceptable to expect me to pay out of pocket which I cannot afford, for a defect caused by the manufacture, not the customer.
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. When my wife tried to escape out the passenger side the flames came into the cabin towards her. I then opened my door and then had to help my wife escape out the driver's side door. Within minutes the car was engulfed in flames. The fire department arrived and it took a while to extinguish. The vehicle is totaled.
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. My emergency brake system did not work my rotors and my brakes, have been scrubbing ever since I got the car. And I don’t know how to fix the situation. The brakes are still going out and sound very horrible. I can’t keep replacing them because I don’t think they need to be replaced. Is something wrong with the car. My Insurance adjuster name is Brandon Brooks [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I had the car for just 2 years and it's giving me a lot of problems the car smells like gas it has a gas leak the breaks don't work and the electrical system don't work properly
Compare the 2018 Kia Sorento
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Other model years
200320042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026
Questions about the 2018 Kia Sorento
Is the 2018 Kia Sorento reliable?
Owners have filed 255 complaints about the 2018 Kia Sorento, close to a typical Sorento model year.
What is the 2018 Kia Sorento year score?
The 2018 Kia Sorento scores 72 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Kia Sorento: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2018 Kia Sorento?
Engine and cooling, with 112 complaints, typically around 78,500 miles. Next is lights (41).
How many recalls does the 2018 Kia Sorento have?
3 recalls, covering trailer hitches, steering and air bags.
What year does the Kia Sorento have bad engine?
The Kia Sorento model years with the most engine complaints are 2016 (722 complaints), 2013 (516 complaints) and 2012 (475 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2018 Kia Sorento get?
Official estimates for the 2018 Kia Sorento range from 19 to 24 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.4L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 21 city and 28 highway.
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