Kia Sorento 2018 recalls, problems, complaints and safety
NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls issued for the Kia Sorento 2018 and 255 complaints filed by owners. One of them carries a do-not-drive or park-outside warning until repaired. It has 23% fewer complaints than the average Kia Sorento from 2016–2025 (333 per year).
These are recalls issued for this model and year, not for your specific car. A car may already be repaired or may not be included. Confirm with your VIN on NHTSA.
Own or buying a Kia Sorento 2018? Enter its VIN to see its exact trim and engine, and confirm on NHTSA whether its recalls were repaired.
Recalls issued for the Kia Sorento 2018
Trailer hitch
NHTSA campaign 22V703000 · 2022-09-19 !
Owners are advised to park it outside and away from structures until repaired (fire risk).
What happens
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.
Consequence
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Steering
NHTSA campaign 18V656000 · 2018-09-21
What happens
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.
Consequence
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Air bags
NHTSA campaign 17V784000 · 2017-12-08
What happens
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.
Consequence
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Complaints from other owners
255 complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of this model.
12 with a crash · 11 with a fire · 11 injuries · 1 deaths
Most reported problems on the Kia Sorento 2018
- Engine: 107 (42% of complaints)
- Exterior lighting: 41 (16% of complaints)
- Electrical system: 30 (12% of complaints)
- Steering: 26 (10% of complaints)
- Fuel and propulsion: 13 (5% of complaints)
Complaints are written by owners and NHTSA doesn't verify each one. They're useful to spot trends.
What to check before buying a Kia Sorento 2018
- Confirm by VIN on NHTSA that the recalls on this list were repaired.
- Start it cold, listen for noises, look for oil or coolant leaks and exhaust smoke.
- Test headlights, brake lights, turn signals and hazards.
- Test lights, windows, locks, the screen and dashboard warning lights; have trouble codes scanned.
- Get an inspection from an independent mechanic before paying.
Safety rating (NCAP)
| Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Kia Sorento SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| 2018 Kia Sorento SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Kia Sorento recalls by year
- 2016 : 8 recalls · 1,254 complaints
- 2017 : 4 recalls · 805 complaints
- 2018 : 3 recalls · 255 complaints
- 2019 : 2 recalls · 428 complaints
- 2020 : 1 recalls · 137 complaints
- 2021 : 4 recalls · 23 complaints
- 2022 : 6 recalls · 191 complaints
- 2023 : 3 recalls · 122 complaints
- 2024 : 2 recalls · 42 complaints
- 2025 : 3 recalls · 76 complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the Kia Sorento 2018 have?
NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls issued for the Kia Sorento 2018. That doesn't mean every car has them open: confirm with the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The repair is free at the dealer.
What is the most common problem with the Kia Sorento 2018?
In complaints filed with NHTSA, the most mentioned component is: engine (107 of 255 complaints). Complaints aren't verified one by one, but they show trends.
Model-level information from official NHTSA sources. Confirm by VIN on NHTSA. Not a substitute for a mechanical inspection.
Last updated: October 12, 2026. Sources: NHTSA vPIC (decoding), NHTSA Recalls, NHTSA Complaints and NHTSA NCAP (5-Star Safety Ratings).