This page covers 4 recalls, 245 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2018 Kia Sorento.
19–24 mpg combined
9.8–12.4 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 6 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Engine complaints dominate the 2018 Kia Sorento's complaint profile, with exterior lighting and steering rounding out the most-reported systems. On the engine side, owners consistently describe excessive oil consumption, often burning through a liter or more per 1,000 miles between oil changes, along with misfires, head gasket failures, and piston issues. A recurring frustration in these reports is that the oil warning light either doesn't illuminate at all or only briefly flickers before going dark, even when oil level is critically low. The check engine light is frequently the only indicator owners notice before more serious mechanical trouble develops. Exterior lighting complaints are the second most-reported category, though the engine issues are far more concentrated. Steering complaints round out the top three named systems, appearing at a lower volume.
245
Total Complaints
11
Crash-Related
10
Fire-Related
9
With Injuries
By System
The 2018 Kia Sorento has 4 recalls, the most serious involving the steering column and side curtain airbags — both of which can fail in ways that put occupants at direct risk of injury.
The steering column concern appears across two related recalls: a bracket or crossbar connecting to the electric power steering column may not be properly welded and can separate from its mounting point. When this happens, the driver may feel the steering wheel go loose or hear a loud clunking noise while turning, and in the worst case, steering control can be lost entirely. On the airbag side, the side curtain airbags carry a component that can break free during deployment and become a projectile inside the cabin, raising the risk of injury to anyone seated nearby. A separate but related filing covers a diffuser inside the curtain airbag module that may also detach during deployment in a crash, with a similar result.
At a glance
What can fail
The bracket holding your steering column may have been poorly welded and could separate. This causes a loose steering feel and clunking noise, risking loss of steering control.
What the fix does
Your dealer will replace the cross cowl bar assembly to properly secure your steering column.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The cowl crossbar connecting to the steering column may have an improper weld, which could allow the steering column to separate.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the cowl crossbar at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The inflator diffuser in certain side curtain airbags may be defectively manufactured. During a crash, the diffuser could detach and become a projectile, or cause the airbag to tear and not fully inflate.
What the fix does
Both right and left side curtain airbags will be replaced.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The side curtain air bags may have a component that detaches when the air bag deploys.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace both driver and passenger side curtain air bags at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
