Complaint volume
245 consumer-submitted complaints are matched to this model year. Treat the count as a research signal, then read the actual summaries for repeated symptoms.
Complaint records
2018 Kia Sorento Complaints
245 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2018 Kia Sorento, grouped by component category.
245 Total complaints
11 Crash reports
10 Fire reports
9 Injury reports
Complaint data reflects consumer-submitted reports. A complaint is not proof
of a defect, recall, or manufacturer fault. Enriched severity fields come
from official bulk records when the complaint can be matched by ODI number.
Buyer interpretation
How to use these complaints before buying
Complaint records are most useful when they turn into inspection points, seller questions, and comparison checks against nearby model years.
Pattern to inspect
The most common categories are engine, exterior lighting, steering. Use those categories as a test-drive checklist instead of judging the vehicle from the total count alone.
Severity flags
Enriched records include 11 crash reports, 10 fire reports, 9 injury reports, and 0 fatality reports. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.
Mileage clue
Mileage is available on 58 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 50,150 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have you had any problems related to engine, exterior lighting, steering?
- Can I see recent maintenance and repair records?
- Has the vehicle ever been towed, involved in a crash, or repaired for the same issue twice?
- Can we also check the recall record for this 2018 Kia Sorento?
Used-car checklist
Use these complaints before the test drive.
Build a buyer checklist to turn these issues into questions and inspection points.
2018 Kia Sorento
Build buyer checklist Compare with other years Sends year, make, and model to pre-fill your checklist.
How severe are the 2018 Kia Sorento complaints?
11 Crash
10 Fire
9 Injury
0 Fatality
15 Towed
5 Medical attention
What are the most common 2018 Kia Sorento complaint categories?
ENGINE 70
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 24
STEERING 22
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 20
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING 10
AIR BAGS 8
TRAILER HITCHES 7
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE 5
STRUCTURE 5
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 4
245 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2026 | ENGINE | 2018 Kia Sorento, under 88,000 miles, with Theta II engine defect. KSDS update installed. Oil consumption issues requiring adding at least one liter of oil every 1,000 miles in between regular oil changes/ maintenance. Oil warning lamp does not illuminate at all or only blinks on for a second then stays off, even when oil is less than 1 liter. Noticed slight jerking/hesitation at acceleration for a few days, then experienced shaking and heard vibrations when breaking and idling. Within a few minutes, MIL appeared with audible warning, "Take this vehicle to a Kia dealership." Immediately parked car. Towed to Kia dealership. No record of DTC P1326 found, which would have qualified vehicle for new engine under PI1802 Y/Z Theta II Extended Warranty. Diagnostic found misfiring cylinder and fouled spark plug. Technician in the video stated "oil consumption." Due to absence of P1326 code, service manager suggests we replace fouled plug and return with the vehicle when the same issue happens again. This does not follow Kia's own guidelines in PI1802 Y/Z campaign for a couple of reasons. First, activation of the MIL in conjunction with the audio warning indicates the Knock Sensor P1326 code should have been generated and stored, but the warning system must have malfunctioned. Service dept. did not to inspect the knock sensor harness for damage or oil saturation which could have kept the code from registering. Second, Service dept. did not consider shaking and vibration as "engine noise," which would have required them to perform a BCT or test for connecting rod bearing noise, providing a pathway to request Techline PWA approve replacing the engine under warranty. Kia's Product Improvement Campaign for Theta II engines ought to prevent injury or death resulting from catastrophic engine failure. My vehicle presents clear evidence of engine failure progression at different stages. Rather than navigate the warranty via a Techline, Kia has advised me to continue driving. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2026 | ENGINE | My 2018 Kia Sorento has developed excessive oil consumption consistent with the known engine defects affecting Kia’s Theta II engines. The vehicle began consuming oil rapidly without warning, despite regular maintenance. This issue did not appear until after 100,000 miles, which is common for this defect. The sudden loss of oil creates a serious safety hazard, including engine stalling or failure while driving. Kia dealerships have acknowledged the symptoms but stated that because my vehicle is outside the warranty, I must pay for the oil consumption test and would be responsible for the full cost of an engine replacement. Kia has issued multiple Technical Service Bulletins related to excessive oil consumption in these engines, and many owners have experienced the same problem. This is a manufacturer‑related defect that develops over time and poses a safety risk to drivers and passengers. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2026 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | I've never had a problem staying awake driving. I don't have this problem in my vehicles or other vehicles. Every time I drove the car. I could not stay awake. I ve driven the car about 5xs. I would fall asleep and not even realize it. Now fell asleep driving the car two nights ago. No warnings went off and I drove over one lane and off into the center medium. No lane change warnings went off. But I truly believe there's something more going on with the car that's making people fall asleep. My neighbor rode with me to the store in it (14 miles ) she was falling asleep. She wasn't one bit tired when we left my house. Once we got out of the car and we're changing the oil on it, we walked over to the store a couple blocks away. We were fine. Got back in the car. Started driving it home and both of us were falling asleep. There was something wrong with this car | Crash: Yes Fire: No Towed | Unknown |
| Mar 2026 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Sunroof was working properly, no issues. I parked car with sunroof open and when i restarted car it started closing extremely slow. Technicians have tried resetting but no luck. This is a safety issue that has been repeatitive on KIA Suvs since 2012 or 2014. Techs cannot reset sunroof and last KIA I owned was 2014 had same issue plus drainage hole issues. A panoramic sunroof malfunction can be a safety issue for a few reasons: 1. Emergency situations: In the event of an accident or emergency, it may be necessary to quickly evacuate the vehicle. A stuck panoramic sunroof could prevent passengers from being able to exit through the opening, potentially putting their safety at risk. 2. Ventilation and air circulation: On hot days, being unable to open the sunroof can lead to uncomfortable and potentially dangerous conditions inside the vehicle due to poor ventilation. This can increase the risk of heat exhaustion or dehydration for passengers. 3. Excessive heat build-up: A closed sunroof can also lead to excessive heat build-up inside the vehicle, which can be particularly dangerous for children, elderly individuals, or pets who may be more sensitive to high temperatures. 4. Visibility issues: A sunroof that is stuck closed can also affect visibility for the driver, especially when driving in bright sunlight or in adverse weather conditions such as heavy rain or fog. Overall, a malfunctioning panoramic sunroof can impact the overall safety and comfort of passengers and drivers, highlighting the importance of ensuring that all vehicle components are in proper working condition. KIA refuses to address the issue and needs to take accountability for this ongoing issue that each model has continued to have. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2026 | ENGINE | My car for the last 2 years has had multiple malfunctions with misfiring and replacement of head gaskets, pistons and more. Not to mention consistence oil concerns. On two occasions my family and I had to have the vehicle towed home over 200 miles because the car was not driving well. I have a [XXX] ghter who was with us at the time. The only warning lamp that ever triggered was the check engine. In October is when I was informed about a recall that was on my vehicle from KIA the corporation and I was told to have it towed to Kia in [XX [XXX] ey would replace my engine if the rod barring failed; and it did. Kia refused to pay for the engine and reported that I was misinformed. In December of 2025 I went through the Attorney General for mitigation to try and fix the engine- However, Kia reported because the engine manufacturer recall was not updated prior to October 30th or 2020 it was considered failure on the consumers part for not updating their address. However, I have documentation that the vehicle was sign for by myself on December 2nd of 2020. I have the car fax reporting that the car was surrendered by the previous owner on October 28th, 2020. Therefore, I was not the own when this manufacturer warrantee recall was in place or when it expired. So, I do not feel since i did not own the car when this was to be completed, that I should be responsible. Not to mention I am paying on the loan that financed this vehicle for the last 7 months while it has sat at KIA in [XXX] [XXX] ION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2026 | STRUCTURE | Paint is peeling on the roof of my Kia by the windshield. No incident has happened this is a manufacturer defect.. My car has never been involved in a car accident. No incidents. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2026 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY/WIPER | The vehicle’s ignition system began malfunctioning immediately after a recall-related service (Campaign CS2312 – ignition cylinder protector installation) performed on January 9, 2026. Prior to this service, the vehicle had no ignition or electrical issues. After the repair, the ignition key became difficult to turn, and the vehicle intermittently failed to start. Additionally, multiple electrical components began to fail intermittently, including the infotainment screen shutting off, the air conditioning system stopping, and windshield wipers not operating at times. These failures create a safety concern, as they may affect visibility, driver awareness, and vehicle operability while driving. The issue was reported to the dealership, and their own inspection confirmed that the ignition key cylinder is sticking. The vehicle remains available for inspection, and the condition persists. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2026 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | In April, 2025, my vehicle's engine power was significantly reduced while on the highway. I could not keep pace with traffic. My mechanic said there were recalls for the turbo engine but my car was not included. I paid forbthe part and repair. Less than a year later and the car began burning a lot of oil very fast. I add oil weekly. The car has again been losing power and there is still no recall for my car's engine. There is burning and smoke coming from the engine because of an engine oil leak Jiffy Lube detected yesterday, Mar h 11, 2026. The problem began at around 65k miles and now has 88k miles. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2026 | ENGINE | The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started shaking and making a rough sound. The vehicle hesitated while accelerating and lost motive power. A piston failed, causing oil to spray out with enough force to damage the catalytic converter. The vehicle was driven to the dealer for an unknown recall repair, but found to have issues with the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 127,000 |
| Feb 2026 | ENGINE,VISIBILITY/WIPER | I have less than 100,000 miles on my 2018 Kia sorento. When I reached probably 50,000 miles this car went DOWN HILL. I feel like I’ve replaced everything on this car. Now every oil change was saying no oil on the dip stick, so I take it to the Kia dealership. They tell me that I need an ENTIRE engine. My car is less than 100,000 miles. I saw something that said if it was under that threshold, it could be covered but they said they couldn’t find anything. This car has been failing me. I still owe HALF of the car, what it’s not even worth on carfax anymore. AND the engine cost is exactly 50% of what I owe on this car. I don’t know what to do, but never buy a Kia again. This is a hazard for everyone around me the gas it is putting into the air. I don’t know what else to do. I even paid them to do an oil change and the oil light lit up as SOON as I left the parking lot. There are no leaks whatsoever. I even had someone from the Kia engine settlement verify my VIN # and told me that it was eligible and she told me that everything would be taken care of at the dealership without charge. She then told me to wait for the dealership to call and let me know because I was on hold while they were talking. But right after I received a call asking how I was going to pay for it because they could not find anyway to cover it. I don’t know how to ask for a second opinion. Kia is never available to speak with or try to resolve the issue. This has just been a nightmare. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | While on the road driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle started to "bog" and losing power and/or acceleration. Had to immediately drive off the road as there were several vehicles behind. As soon as driving off the road, the vehicle died down and would not start again. The check engine light came on. After several minutes the vehicle started again and drove to a secure area to call the tow truck. If the vehicle died down while in traffic, it would have caused an accident involving several vehicles. If it happened on the freeway, it would have caused a "major accident". The vehicle was towed to the vehicle dealership. It was determined by the vehicle dealership that the "high pressure fuel pump" was faulty and had to be replaced. It took four (4) months for the replacement part to arrive. Another similar dealer said that there were "55 other vehicle owners" waiting on the same part nationwide. It must be an "inherent problem" with the high pressure fuel pump. After replacing the high pressure fuel pump, the vehicle was operating normally. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | ENGINE | On January 30, 2026, I was driving with my daughter from Kansas City to Platte City when the vehicle experienced a sudden and catastrophic mechanical failure. As we approached our exit, the engine unexpectedly revved and the vehicle rapidly decelerated to approximately 30 mph. When I attempted to accelerate, the vehicle was unable to properly gain speed. Upon reaching the top of a hill at an intersection, the engine completely shut off and the vehicle became disabled in the roadway. The vehicle was towed and inspected by two independent repair facilities. Both repair facilities confirmed catastrophic internal engine failure. A bore scope inspection identified a broken valve in cylinder 4, along with severe internal engine damage. The first repair facility estimated the cost of engine replacement at $9,600. The second repair facility confirmed the same diagnosis and recommended full replacement of the long block assembly. Copies of the inspection reports and repair estimates are attached. Due to the extent of the internal damage and the high cost of repair, the vehicle is considered mechanically inoperable and beyond reasonable repair. The cost of repair is substantial and exceeds our ability to proceed with repairs. At the time of the mechanical failure, approximately two years remained on the finance agreement, with an outstanding loan balance of approximately $12,000. As a result of this catastrophic mechanical failure, the vehicle is unusable, and a financial deficiency remains on the loan. Although the engine carried a warranty, we were informed that the specific failure was caused by internal component failure and material shedding, which is not covered under the warranty terms. Supporting documentation, including diagnostic findings, repair estimates, and photographs of the failed engine components, are attached. Due to the sudden and catastrophic mechanical failure, the vehicle has sustained a total mechanical loss and is no longer operable. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | AIR BAGS | The contact owned a 2018 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, another vehicle had abruptly attempted to merge into the opposite traveling lane and caused the front end bumper to crash into the Front Driver-side door of the other vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was towed away to a local tow yard. A Traffic Accident Information form was filed by the local police department. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the opposite insurance provider, and the contact was not deemed at fault. In addition, the contact was taken out of the vehicle safely by paramedics and was taken to a nearby UgentCare where he sought medical attention for neck and hand pains and severe mental distress. The local dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000. | Crash: Yes Fire: No Injuries: 1 | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | My speedometer was jumping from 0 to 20 mph while in park. A couple weeks later it did it while I was driving, I was going 25 mph and it jumped to 55 mph. I took it to the shop that day and all 4 of my wheel speed sensors were out, which wasn’t accurately measuring my speed. The shop said it was common with this model and year. Also, my headlights do not work in auto mode. I will have shut my car off, made sure the lights were off, and hours later I have a text from my neighbors that my lights are on. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 2018 Kia Sorento 2.4 GDI. In late 2024 a Kia dealer performed an oil-consumption test and confirmed the engine was burning excessive oil. In Feb 2025 the engine long block was replaced. Within about 4,000 miles the vehicle began setting P1326 warnings, misfiring, losing power, and struggling to climb hills. On a highway trip from South Carolina back to Indiana, the vehicle could barely maintain 30–40 mph on grades with the accelerator floored while traffic was moving much faster. The check-engine light returned repeatedly. The vehicle eventually died on an exit ramp and had to be pushed out of traffic and towed. I felt it was unsafe to drive but was repeatedly told by dealers that it was “OK to drive” or that the issue was “bad gas.” After visits to multiple dealers, the current Kia service center finally diagnosed a severely clogged exhaust. They report the manifold catalytic converter and underbody converter have broken down internally and are heavily coated in carbon/oil deposits, and state this likely came from the engine burning oil before and around the time of the rebuild. Exhaust temperatures have been recorded at very high levels, and the engine will only run briefly with an O2 sensor removed to vent exhaust; with the exhaust sealed it will not stay running. The dealer has warned there may now be internal engine damage from prolonged backpressure. The vehicle has been undriveable for many months and the failed converters are being retained and are available for inspection. My concern is that excessive oil consumption on these GDI engines is causing secondary catalytic-converter failure, extreme power loss, stalling risk, and possible fire risk from overheated exhaust components, even after engine replacement. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | ENGINE | My car had an issue that was covered under a class action lawsuit. I even had an extended Warranty which was still valid at the time. I was intimidated by the warranty company when they said well if there is carbon build up in the engine the cost of the repair is on you. So I didn't have it fixed and the engine blew up and is now inoperable in my driveway. So bottom line I couldn't get KIA to help me or the extended warranty company when clearly it was KIA's responsibility to fix there defect in the engine. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | STEERING | I was driving and when I lost all power steering the lights on the dash came on for power steering and traction I could not steer at all it was so hard to drive . I reported it right away and had my car check out there is a recall on the power steering but they are saying my car was made in April and the recall starts for cars made in June . Well now they are saying I need a new steering column when u turn the wheel u hear a load clunk noise my dash light go on and off when you turn the wheel and you lose power to the vehicle I also burn threw light bulbs monthly I think it’s also a electrical issue within this vehicle I have already had to get a new engine this vehicle in junk and has costed me a fortune and the keep denying to cover there at fault for any of it and it’s there fault it’s not just my car they are all like this. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | ENGINE | Noticed excessive oil consumption that turned into burning oil when the exhaust turned back of car black. Engine started knocking due to gummed up spark plugs. Replaced the spark plugs but within weeks the new plugs where gummed up as well. Took to Kia for diagnosis and potential repair for theta 2 class action. Mechanic confirmed damaged spark plugs, piston issues and needs for new engine. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2025 | BACK OVER PREVENTION,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 1. at night when i toggle hi beams the light black out and i have to jiggle the toggle 2. My HECU assembly is out, I have about 7 lights on my dash. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2025 | ENGINE | Excessive oil consumption | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2025 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was heavy white smoke coming from the exhaust pipes. There was no warning light illuminated. Upon taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic for an oil change, the contact was informed that there was an oil leak coming from the engine. The contact had her son inspect the vehicle, and he discovered that oil was leaking onto the spark plugs in cylinder #1. The contact’s son diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure and recommended that the engine be replaced. The contact then stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle started shaking with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and waited for approximately an hour before being able to restart the vehicle and drive to the destination. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer, where a diagnostic test was performed, and the dealer discovered several oil leaks in various cylinders. The vehicle remained with the dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2025 | ENGINE | The engine suddenly failed while I was driving on the highway. The vehicle lost power without warning, which created a dangerous situation. I had to pull over and have the vehicle towed. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2025 | ENGINE | Engine is burning oil at a rate of almost one quart per week. The engine can be felt shaking when driving. The engine light came on and states there is a P0303 Cylinder 3 misfired detected. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | ENGINE | Started the car and heard a knocking sound. No check engine or low oil light on the dash. Dealership said the bearing clearance test was too great, causing the connecting rod to knock inside the engine. Dealership said I need an engine replacement. Engine is 3.3L Lambda II engine which has been reported to have this issue. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE | I was driving from richlands coming home and my vechial kept trying to die on me like i didnt have any gas and then i had to suddenly pull off the side of the road without any power and i sat their and even try to restart the vechial and it wouldn't start back then a woman come out of nowhere in an ambulance and i was trying to tell her that it was alright and she was trying to tell me that the vechial was on fire underneath the vechial and i didnt see that it was a fire at all i though i was overheating so i was sitting in the vechial waiting on it to cool down thank god i was not hurt really bad if this would have happened somewere else i know i would be dead i already have smoke in my lungs from breathing in all that smoke i though was just steam but i still dont know what in my engine caught on fire but i do know it started from either in the engine or under it somewhere then everything caught fire and it was all melted the whole thing is completely gone even the tag melted i have never seen that kind of fire before ever and i have own alot of vechicle and they usally break down but this was the first time one caught on fire and thus happens to kia alot even the day this happened the fire dept told me they just put another kia out just the week before how is it that kia are keeping these vechicle on the road it is awful and im trying to do something about it but noone will help me and i dont know what i need yo do to make kia pay for this i only had this vechial almost 6 months and it didnt have alot of miles on it 100000 thats not alot but the kia everything i have read have flew apart after the warranty has expired so its great for them i say they are happy and they have had a few recalls on this vechial and know about the fire but have something stupid like a tow hitch its saying my vechial has that recall but i didnt see a tow hitch anywere but it still caught fire so i would love for someone to take these vechial off the road they are not safe not what kia | Crash: No Fire: Yes Injuries: 1 | Unknown |