The 2018 Kia Sorento is associated with 252 official NHTSA owner defect complaints and 3 safety recall campaigns in the federal safety database. The most frequently reported component area is Engine, accounting for 72 reports (29% of total complaints). EPA testing covers 7 certified vehicle configurations spanning 3.3l 6-cyl, 2.4l 4-cyl, and 2l 4-cyl configurations. Gasoline and hybrid variants deliver 19 to 24 MPG combined.
Key Data Findings
- • NHTSA Owner Complaints: 252 reports
- • Safety Recall Campaigns: 3 campaigns
- • Top Reported Defect Area: Engine (72 / 29%)
- • Safety Incident Signals: 12 crash / 11 fire / 10 injury reports
- • NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 5 / 5 Stars
- • EPA Efficiency: 19–24 MPG (7 variants)
Data Note: Compiled directly from official NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, and EPA FuelEconomy.gov databases.
| Variant | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Highway | Combined | EV Range | Est. Annual Fuel Cost |
| Sorento FE AWD | 3.3L 6-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 18 MPG | 25 MPG | 21 MPG | — | $2,950 / yr |
| Sorento FWD | 2.4L 4-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 21 MPG | 28 MPG | 24 MPG | — | $2,550 / yr |
| Sorento FWD | 2L 4-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 20 MPG | 27 MPG | 23 MPG | — | $2,650 / yr |
| Sorento AWD | 2.4L 4-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 21 MPG | 25 MPG | 22 MPG | — | $2,800 / yr |
| Sorento AWD | 2L 4-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 19 MPG | 25 MPG | 22 MPG | — | $2,800 / yr |
| Sorento FWD | 3.3L 6-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 18 MPG | 25 MPG | 20 MPG | — | $3,100 / yr |
| Sorento AWD | 3.3L 6-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 17 MPG | 23 MPG | 19 MPG | — | $3,250 / yr |
Data Boundary Note: EPA specifications are shown by certified vehicle configuration. NHTSA complaints and recall totals are recorded at the model-year level across all configurations.
| Tested Drivetrain / Cab Variant | Overall Rating | Frontal Crash | Side Crash | Rollover Rating | Rollover Risk |
| SUV FWD | | | | | 15.8% |
| SUV AWD | | | | | 15% |
Active Driver Assistance Systems (NHTSA Recorded): Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is documented as Optional and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is documented as Optional in official NHTSA records for tested 2018 Kia Sorento models.
View complete 2018 Kia Sorento crash test & safety breakdown →
Top Reported Problem Categories
Ranked by total consumer complaint submissions recorded by NHTSA
Data Attribution & Context: Complaints are self-reported by vehicle owners to NHTSA and represent unverified consumer submissions. Complaint volume does not equal a statistically controlled failure rate and is not adjusted for total vehicles sold or cumulative mileage driven.
View all 2018 Kia Sorento problems & component breakdown (59 categories) →
Affected Component: TRAILER HITCHES
Defect 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.
Free Manufacturer 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.
Affected Component: STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Defect 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.
Free Manufacturer 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.
Affected Component: AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
Defect 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.
Free Manufacturer 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.
View all 2018 Kia Sorento recalls & campaign history (3 campaigns) →