Is the 2018 Kia SORENTO reliable?

The 2018 Kia SORENTO has 332 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.5x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: average. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2018 Kia SORENTO?

Top problems: ENGINE (108 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (45 complaints, avg repair $500); LIGHTING (41 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2018 Kia SORENTO?

Yes, there are 3 recall(s): STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM, AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW, TRAILER HITCHES. Contact any Kia dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2018 Kia SORENTO?

The 2018 Kia SORENTO gets 21 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2286. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

Is the 2018 Kia SORENTO often stolen?

Theft risk tier for the Kia SORENTO: high. HLDI insurance loss data suggests higher-than-average theft claims for this model.

How much does it cost to insure a 2018 Kia SORENTO?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2018 Kia SORENTO is approximately $1,900/year (suv-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2018 Kia SORENTO

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2018 Kia SORENTO has 332 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.5x the segment average of 613. The most common issue is engine problems (33% of all complaints), specifically: i was driving on a state hwy about three miles from home going 50 mph. i was the sole occupant in the vehicle when i began to smell smoke. i was able to pull off the hwy. and turn the vehicle off. i opened my door and opened the hood from the inside. when i did, flames and smoke began to shoot ou. There are 3 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 16 fire reports filed.

16 fire reports 14 crash reports 13 injuries

332

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

0.5x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

108 complaints

33%

• I WAS DRIVING ON A STATE HWY ABOUT THREE MILES FROM HOME GOING 50 MPH. I WAS THE SOLE OCCUPANT IN THE VEHICLE WHEN I BEGAN TO SMELL SMOKE. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE HWY. AND TURN THE VEHICLE OFF. I OPENED MY DOOR AND OPENED THE HOOD FROM THE INSIDE. WHEN I DID, FLAMES AND SMOKE BEGAN TO SHOOT OU
• OVER THE LAST 6 MONTHS MY KIA HAS STARTED TO ACT LIKE IT IS GOING TO DIE OR STALL WHILE DRIVING AND/OR IDLING. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT VARIOUS DIFFERENT SPEEDS. I TOOK MY KIA INTO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND EXPLAINED WHAT WAS HAPPENING. THEY RAN SOME DIAGNOSTIC TESTS AND STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT REPL
• ENGINE COMPLETELY LOST POWER AND SHUT DOWN ON THE HIGHWAY AND WHEN RESTATRED, WENT INTO LIMP MODE. NOW ENGINE NEEDS REPLACED AND NO ENGINES ARE AVAILABLE. MY CAR HAS A MOBILITY DEVICE INSTALLED TO ACCOMODATE MY MISSING RIGHT LEG AND ANY RENTAL VEHICLE IS DIFFICULY TO USE SINCE I HAVE TO REMOVE MY

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 7 fire reports

“I WAS DRIVING ON A STATE HWY ABOUT THREE MILES FROM HOME GOING 50 MPH. I WAS THE SOLE OCCUPANT IN THE VEHICLE WHEN I BEGAN TO SMELL SMOKE. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE HWY. AND TURN THE VEHICLE OFF. I OPENED MY DOOR AND OPENED THE HOOD FROM THE INSIDE. WHEN I DID, FLAMES AND SMOKE BEGAN TO SHOOT OU”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2018 Kia SORENTO

Based on 90 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 46K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

STEERING

In line with typicalmedian 22K mi · 11 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

OTHER

In line with typicalmedian 13K mi · 9 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 33K mi · 8 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

AIR BAGS

In line with typicalmedian 52K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

LIGHTING

Later than typicalmedian 43K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

High-mileage issuemedian 79K mi · 29 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (3)

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM21/09/2018

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.

Risk: If the steering column separates, it can cause a loss of steering ability, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

High theft risk

Kia Boys / TikTok theft vulnerabilityModel years 2010-2021 Hyundai and Kia vehicles without engine immobilizers were widely targeted starting in 2022 after a viral TikTok exploit. If you own this vehicle, verify it has an ignition immobilizer or install a security upgrade. Hyundai and Kia both offered free software updates and steering-wheel-lock programs for affected models.

Recommended protection: engine immobilizer verification, steering wheel lock, GPS tracker, and comprehensive insurance coverage. Higher theft risk usually translates to higher comprehensive-coverage insurance premiums.

Source: NICB Hot Wheels 2025 report + HLDI theft loss studies. Model-year ranking; not all years of this model have identical risk.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2018 Kia SORENTO

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,286

Per month

$191

Per mile

19.1¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,824/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,920/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2018 Kia SORENTO

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,900

Full coverage / month

$158

Liability only / year

$600

vs US avg

+14%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-midsize)1.05x

× theft risk1.15x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$1900

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Kia SORENTO Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

60K mi

Spark plugs

90K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

60K mi

Turbo engines (Optima 2.0T, Sorento 2.5T) may benefit from more frequent oil changes.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Kia New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

5 yr / 60K mi

Powertrain

10 yr / 100K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

10 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / 100K mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

10 year powertrain not transferable to subsequent owners

These are the terms for a new Kia. If you're buying a used 2018 SORENTO, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Kia dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

LIGHTING(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 332 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: I WAS DRIVING ON A STATE HWY ABOUT THREE MILES FROM HOME GOING 50 MPH. I WAS THE SOLE OCCUPANT IN THE VEHICLE WHEN I BEGAN TO SMELL SMOKE. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE HWY. AND TURN THE VEHICLE OFF. I OPENED MY DOOR AND OPENED THE HOOD FROM THE INSIDE. WHEN I DID, FLAMES AND SMOKE BEGAN TO SHOOT OU
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: 2018 KIA SORENTO SXL THE AEB ( AUTONOMOUS EMERGENCY BRAKING ) DOES NOT WORK AS ADVERTISED OR EXPECTED..THIS FEATURE IS ADVERTISED AS AEB AND ALSO ON THE ELECTRONIC DASH AS AEB BUT ACCORDING TO THE VERY DEFINITION OF AUTONOMOUS MEANING WITHOUT HUMAN INTERVENTION TO STOP THE VEHICLE TO AVOID A CRASH
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
LIGHTING: TL* THE CONTACT RENTED A 2018 KIA SORENTO. UPON ACTIVATING THE HEADLIGHTS, THEY FAILED TO PROPERLY ILLUMINATE AND CAUSED A LACK OF VISIBILITY. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VENT CONTROL FUNCTIONS FAILED TO WORK PROPERLY WHEN NEEDING TO USE THE HEATER. IN ADDITION, THE HEADLAMPS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE AS THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY A PASSERBY ON THE ROADWAY. THE DEALER (BEV SMITH KIA, 5655 US-1, FORT PIE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 3 recalls have been completed — free at any Kia dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)