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.
2018 Kia Sorento lights problems
41 complaints (16% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 43,450.
- owner complaints
- 41
- of this car's complaints
- 16%
- typical mileage
- 43,450
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Headlights: switch1
- Headlights: bulbs1
- Headlights1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Kia Sorento lights problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2018 Kia Sorento lights
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
What 2018 Kia Sorento owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
In April, 2025, my vehicle's engine power was significantly reduced while on the highway. I could not keep pace with traffic. My mechanic said there were recalls for the turbo engine but my car was not included. I paid forbthe part and repair. Less than a year later and the car began burning a lot of oil very fast. I add oil weekly. The car has again been losing power and there is still no recall for my car's engine. There is burning and smoke coming from the engine because of an engine oil leak Jiffy Lube detected yesterday, Mar h 11, 2026. The problem began at around 65k miles and now has 88k miles.
My speedometer was jumping from 0 to 20 mph while in park. A couple weeks later it did it while I was driving, I was going 25 mph and it jumped to 55 mph. I took it to the shop that day and all 4 of my wheel speed sensors were out, which wasn’t accurately measuring my speed. The shop said it was common with this model and year. Also, my headlights do not work in auto mode. I will have shut my car off, made sure the lights were off, and hours later I have a text from my neighbors that my lights are on.
Lighting and/ or electrical. When using the auto headlight switch, all lights will come on randomly and periodically and stay on until you notice them or they ware down your battery. This is something that could be checked out by dealer and I will ask about it. So, for now, I do not use the auto headlight switch. My other problem is a glass issue. For no apparent reason, when I shut my driver side door a few weeks ago. My entire rear window shattered into pieces. There were no signs of damage to the rear window. Happened in my drive way. But, it could have happened anywhere. Filed a insurance claim and had the rear window replaced.
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlights failed to function as intended. The contact, who was a retired certified mechanic, inspected the headlights and determined that the passenger's side headlight bulbs were blown. The contact then noticed a burning odor in the circuit board inside the headlight. The contact stated that the front passenger's side headlight bulbs were replaced twice within three months due to failure. In addition, the contact stated that an unknown manufacturer's recall was performed approximately two years prior, and the multi-function switch knob was replaced. The contact stated that the headlights were not replaced at the time. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
My lights are set to auto but when driving they randomly switch off. The dash shows the switch from auto to off but the control is still set to auto. I have to manually switch the control off and then back on for the lights to come back on. I’ve also noticed a few times in the morning my lights are on. My switch is set to auto and my car is completely off but the lights are on. This is very unsafe as it happens at night and I can’t see the road.
The headlights will randomly turn off while driving, mostly when turning on the right blinker. This has been happening a few times a month since I got the vehicle in 2017. More recently, the bottom brake lights and running lights have been shorting out.
file:///var/mobile/Library/SMS/Attachments/00/00/8030235A-F1B0-40D7-BDF6-CAB347299F91/MC-10235412-0001.pdf Recall on lights should be added. Mine did this. Had it fixed
All exterior lights and interior lights are turned off while driving. Exterior “running” lights turn on by themself.
Oil leak was diagnosed as bad oil pressure switch that is under extended warranty for certain Kia Sorento models with GDI system, but not my car.
Questions about the 2018 Kia Sorento lights
Does the 2018 Kia Sorento have lights problems?
Owners have filed 41 complaints about the lights of the 2018 Kia Sorento, 16% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2018 Kia Sorento lights problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 43,450 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2018 Kia Sorento lights?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Kia Sorento have the most lights problems?
The Kia Sorento model years with the most lights complaints are 2017 (126 complaints), 2011 (105 complaints) and 2015 (91 complaints).
Other 2018 Kia Sorento problems
Engine 112Electrical 30Steering 26Fuel system 13Airbags 10Body 9Transmission 9Acceleration 8Brakes 8Driver assistance 8Visibility 7Seat belts 3Wheels 2Locks 1Seats 1Tires 1
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2018 Kia Sorento?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history