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Kia Sorento

EPA MPG: 21 mpg

RECALL ALERT:
There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability

Overall Reliability

The 2018 Sorento has about average reliability compared to other cars from the same model year.

The 2018 Kia Sorento has been recalled 3 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2018 Kia Sorento owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

What Owners Say

Other/unsure

"Automatic trunk didnt open and the electric sunroof wouldnt close"

Anonymous, VA (2018 Kia Sorento SX 3.3-L V6)

"ABS and shift light sensor keep on and with that other on and off not all the time TPMH and warming light even when the tires was all replace it new"

Anonymous, FL (2018 Kia Sorento LX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"The skid plate came loose from the front of the vehicle and numerous attempt to reattach it have been unsuccessful"

Anonymous, IN (2018 Kia Sorento Unsure 3.3-L V6)

""The Lambada engine in the Kia Sorento V6 we own, the same engine that is now in the Telluride. Is a GDI engine that needs its intake valves walnut blasted every 75,000 miles. I did that service myself recently. The car never had a problem from it I just know enough about cars that I preemptively cleaned the valves myself.""

Anonymous, WA (2018 Kia Sorento Unsure 3.3-L V6)

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

What Owners Say

Pulsation or vibration

"Rotors were out of round and had to be replaced"

Anonymous, MD (2018 Kia Sorento SX 3.3-L V6)
Rotors

"New rotors still were noisy"

Anonymous, VA (2018 Kia Sorento SX 3.3-L V6)
Squeaking

"With pads and rotorsbrakes are still noisy"

Anonymous, VA (2018 Kia Sorento SX 3.3-L V6)

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

What Owners Say

Other body problem

"Rubber washer in front windshield comes loose"

Anonymous, OK (2018 Kia Sorento SX 3.3-L V6)
Seat controls - power

"Passenger back adjustment switch does not work sometimes. You have to click it several times and it might work. Also the the switch tha adjusts the going front and back sticks sometimes and keeps going in either direction."

Anonymous A., TX (2018 Kia Sorento SX 3.3-L V6)

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

What Owners Say

Apple CarPlay

"Started immediately, has never been addressed even though we asked them to fix it ever timed it was serviced Always said they could not figure it out or it didnt happen for them. They pretend to be unaware of the problem even though on line customer reviews repeatedly mention it"

Anonymous, IL (2018 Kia Sorento LX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

"Difficulty making cell phone calls"

Anonymous A., CA (2018 Kia Sorento EX 3.3-L V6)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

What Owners Say

Driveshaft or axle

"leaking boot that they fixed by replacing the axle for free under the 10yr/100000 mile powertrain warranty"

Anonymous, WI (2018 Kia Sorento SX Unsure)

Engine Electrical

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

What Owners Say

Starter

""wouldn't start when cold, had to replace starter""

Anonymous, PA (2018 Kia Sorento SXL 3.3-L V6)

Suspension/Steering

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Shocks or struts

"Notice noise when exiting the driveway and hitting bumps and potholes"

Anonymous, DE (2018 Kia Sorento EX 3.3-L V6)

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

What Owners Say

Engine rebuild or replacement

"This model and year now comes with a lifetime 1 million mile warranty on the engine as it is expected to have a catastrophic failure."

Anonymous, GA (2018 Kia Sorento LX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

What Owners Say

USB port

"The USB port in front that connect the phone for Apple and Android car play will intermittently cause the display to flash really fast."

Anonymous A., TX (2018 Kia Sorento SX 3.3-L V6)

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

What Owners Say

Refrigerant leaks

"Refrigerant leaked out; dealer "fixed" it; wouldn't cool again; dealer said unit "fixed"; dealer finally agreed to fix broken seal and re-load refrigerant at no cost (still under warranty from first "fix". We are skeptical"

Anonymous, WI (2018 Kia Sorento L 3.3-L V6)

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

Noises/Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

2018 SUVs Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Kia vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

Reliability History
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Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System/Emissions
Exhaust
Suspension/Steering
Brakes
Climate System
Build Quality
Electrical Accessories
Body Hardware
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
In-car Electronics
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
TRAILER HITCHES
Sep 19, 2022
A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 22V703000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 70887
STEERING
Sep 21, 2018
If the steering column separates, it can cause a loss of steering ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18V656000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 97
AIR BAGS
Dec 08, 2017
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.
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 17V784000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 2014
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