The Lemon Index2018 Kia Sorento.
The 2018 Kia Sorento is better than average by owner complaints: 61 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 56, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 3 recalls, and it gets 19 to 24 mpg combined. It's the best Kia Sorento year we track.
Better than average. 1.8× fewer complaints than average.
Worst year 2021
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
Fixes owners look up most.
From 100 YouTube videos about the 2016–2020 Kia Sorento, 17.3M views. The 2018 is the same generation.
- Brakes & ABS410K views
ABS & TRACTION LIGHTS DIAGNOSED AND FIXED FAST & EASY DIY 2011-2017 KIA SORENTO HYUNDAI SANTA FEHidalgo Motors Co TV · 134K views · 5 videos - Infotainment, battery & electrical255K views
How to Start A 2014 - 2020 Kia Sorento With Dead Remote Key Fob Battery "Key Not Detected"PYR Automotive · 182K views · 2 videos - Oil changes & service208K views
2016 Kia Sorento - Service Reset ProcedureAutomotive Service Reset Procedures · 175K views · 2 videos - Gauges, lights & wiring181K views
2016 Kia Sorento Headlight Bulb ReplacementBallin' the Jack · 89K views · 3 videos
Show 4 more
- Transmission & shifter130K views
How to change transmission fluid on a 2016 kia sorentoJunkyard Junkie · 130K views - Windows, doors & mirrors80K views
2016 Kia Sorento Door HandleMarc Van Doren · 48K views · 2 videos - Spark plugs & ignition coils40K views
2016 - 2020 Kia Sorento 3.3 V6 Spark Plugs / Coils ReplacementBrian Balatbat · 40K views - Heat, A/C & blend door38K views
Kia Sorento Cabin Air Filter Replacement ( 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 )Undercar Experts · 38K views
Before you buy, watch
Top 5 Problems Kia Sorento SUV 3rd Generation 2015-201A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics Know · 466K views
2018 Kia Sorento 7-seat SUV buyer's guide | Auto Expert John CadoganAuto Expert John Cadogan · 86K views
Kia Sorento 3rd Gen 2016 to 2020 common problems, issues, recalls, defects and complaintsHOWSTUFFINMYCARWORKS · 61K viewsViews show how many people looked up each fix, not how often it breaks. Videos belong to their creators; we link to them.
How serious. Out of 255 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Kia Sorento year. 2018 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 15K to 77K miles on the car (69 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- engine complaints mostly came at 18K–92K miles
Recalls 3
- trailer hitches 2022
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.
- steering 2018
The cowl crossbar that connects to the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) steering column may be improperly welded, allowing the steering column to separate.
- airbags 2017
The side curtain air bags on these vehicles have a component that may detach during deployment of the inflatable curtain air bag.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Kia told dealers about
Kia sent dealers 196 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- SORENTO (UMa) 3.3L - PRE-DELIVERY INSPECTION (SA345) -= This bulletin provides
- Tsb - ecu upgrade ?
- Vehicle product improvement: engine replacement instructions for dtc p1326 (pi1802w/x)- this…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedLoss of motive power2022–2023
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Sorento SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Kia Sorento SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2700–3400 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl, 3.3L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
Engine started smoking and cut off. Vehicle was taken to Kia dealership but representatives do not want to honor engine replacement recall.
2018 Kia Sorento owner · NHTSA complaint 11422421
More owner reports
Steering has a "notchy" or "sticky" feel at highway speeds especially when steering from right to left.
NHTSA complaint 11318207
Steering is sticking both right and left, can feel it when driving low speed and higher speed on any road city or highway, took to dealer they did a 4 wheel alignment, still doing the same thing
NHTSA complaint 11162897
Quick answers
Is the 2018 Kia Sorento reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.8× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 56; 100 is average, lower is better).
What are the most common 2018 Kia Sorento problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (23%), steering (18%) and lights (16%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2018 Kia Sorento have?
3 safety recalls (latest: trailer hitches). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Kia Sorento get?
19 to 24 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2018 Kia Sorento safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2018 Kia Sorento problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 15,600 and 77,200 miles. The middle report was at 49,000 miles, from 69 complaints.
Does the 2018 Kia Sorento have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2018 Kia Sorento cost in fuel a year?
About $2700 to $3400 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2018 Kia Sorento have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl, 3.3L 6-cyl.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works