Is the 2018 Kia Sorento reliable?

Based on NHTSA data, CarScorer rates the 2018 Kia Sorento 4.0/10 — Higher risk. It has 3 NHTSA recalls on record and about 248 owner complaints. Always confirm the condition and history of the specific vehicle you're considering.

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Kia Sorento?

The most frequently reported area is Engine & Cooling. See the known issues listed above for model-specific details, and have a mechanic check those items before buying.

How many recalls does the 2018 Kia Sorento have?

The 2018 Kia Sorento has 3 NHTSA safety recalls on record, including at least one safety-critical recall — verify it was completed at nhtsa.gov before purchasing.

What is a fair price for a used 2018 Kia Sorento?

A used 2018 Kia Sorento typically sells for $13,000–$18,000, depending on mileage, trim, and condition. Compare the asking price against that range before making an offer.

Is the 2018 Kia Sorento expensive to maintain?

Kia is known for lower-than-average maintenance and parts costs, with repairs that are generally DIY- and independent-shop-friendly.

How many miles is too many for a 2018 Kia Sorento?

A well-kept Kia Sorento can comfortably reach ~180,000–200,000 miles. Above ~130k, lean harder on service records and a pre-purchase inspection.

Known issues

High recall count or documented complaint patterns. Inspect carefully.

2018 Kia Sorento

Standard Android Auto/Apple CarPlay — modern tech without recent reliability unknowns.

Typical price: $13,000–$18,000
Recalls: 3
Owner complaints: 248

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NHTSA Recalls

3 recalls

Safety-critical recall on record. Verify recall completion at nhtsa.gov before purchasing.

Steering:Electric Power Assist System#18V656000
If the steering column separates, it can cause a loss of steering ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Air Bags:Side/Window#17V784000
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.
Trailer Hitches#22V703000
A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Owner Complaints

(248 total)

Engine70
Exterior Lighting24
Steering22
Unknown Or Other20
Electrical System,Exterior Lighting10
Airbag System8
Trailer Hitches7
Structure5

Known Issues

Known issues contribute -1.50 pts to the score (capped at −3.0 total).

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGCritical
-1.50 pts
Theta II 2.4L GDI engine defect — metal debris causing rod bearing failure. Over 1,400 NHTSA complaints. Extended 15yr/150k warranty program. Verify by VIN.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2018 Kia Sorento reliable?: Based on NHTSA data, CarScorer rates the 2018 Kia Sorento 4.0/10 — Higher risk. It has 3 NHTSA recalls on record and about 248 owner complaints. Always confirm the condition and history of the specific vehicle you're considering.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Kia Sorento?: The most frequently reported area is Engine & Cooling. See the known issues listed above for model-specific details, and have a mechanic check those items before buying.
How many recalls does the 2018 Kia Sorento have?: The 2018 Kia Sorento has 3 NHTSA safety recalls on record, including at least one safety-critical recall — verify it was completed at nhtsa.gov before purchasing.
What is a fair price for a used 2018 Kia Sorento?: A used 2018 Kia Sorento typically sells for $13,000–$18,000, depending on mileage, trim, and condition. Compare the asking price against that range before making an offer.
Is the 2018 Kia Sorento expensive to maintain?: Kia is known for lower-than-average maintenance and parts costs, with repairs that are generally DIY- and independent-shop-friendly.
How many miles is too many for a 2018 Kia Sorento?: A well-kept Kia Sorento can comfortably reach ~180,000–200,000 miles. Above ~130k, lean harder on service records and a pre-purchase inspection.

Find a 2018 Kia Sorento for sale

Use your CarScorer analysis to negotiate with confidence. Open each listing site in a new tab to compare active inventory.

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2016 Hyundai Tucson

$9,000–$13,000

2017 Hyundai Tucson

$10,000–$14,000

2018 Hyundai Tucson

$11,000–$16,000

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Known issues

High recall count or documented complaint patterns. Inspect carefully.

2018 Kia Sorento

Standard Android Auto/Apple CarPlay — modern tech without recent reliability unknowns.

Typical price: $13,000–$18,000
Recalls: 3
Owner complaints: 248

ShareX f

Have a specific 2018 Kia Sorento to check?

Get a free instant score for this model — recalls, known issues, and a fair-price estimate — then add your VIN, mileage, and price for a listing-specific result. No account needed.

Score this vehicle free

NHTSA Recalls

3 recalls

Safety-critical recall on record. Verify recall completion at nhtsa.gov before purchasing.

Steering:Electric Power Assist System#18V656000
If the steering column separates, it can cause a loss of steering ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Air Bags:Side/Window#17V784000
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.
Trailer Hitches#22V703000
A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Owner Complaints

(248 total)

Engine70
Exterior Lighting24
Steering22
Unknown Or Other20
Electrical System,Exterior Lighting10
Airbag System8
Trailer Hitches7
Structure5

Known Issues

Known issues contribute -1.50 pts to the score (capped at −3.0 total).

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGCritical
-1.50 pts
Theta II 2.4L GDI engine defect — metal debris causing rod bearing failure. Over 1,400 NHTSA complaints. Extended 15yr/150k warranty program. Verify by VIN.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2018 Kia Sorento reliable?: Based on NHTSA data, CarScorer rates the 2018 Kia Sorento 4.0/10 — Higher risk. It has 3 NHTSA recalls on record and about 248 owner complaints. Always confirm the condition and history of the specific vehicle you're considering.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Kia Sorento?: The most frequently reported area is Engine & Cooling. See the known issues listed above for model-specific details, and have a mechanic check those items before buying.
How many recalls does the 2018 Kia Sorento have?: The 2018 Kia Sorento has 3 NHTSA safety recalls on record, including at least one safety-critical recall — verify it was completed at nhtsa.gov before purchasing.
What is a fair price for a used 2018 Kia Sorento?: A used 2018 Kia Sorento typically sells for $13,000–$18,000, depending on mileage, trim, and condition. Compare the asking price against that range before making an offer.
Is the 2018 Kia Sorento expensive to maintain?: Kia is known for lower-than-average maintenance and parts costs, with repairs that are generally DIY- and independent-shop-friendly.
How many miles is too many for a 2018 Kia Sorento?: A well-kept Kia Sorento can comfortably reach ~180,000–200,000 miles. Above ~130k, lean harder on service records and a pre-purchase inspection.

Find a 2018 Kia Sorento for sale

Use your CarScorer analysis to negotiate with confidence. Open each listing site in a new tab to compare active inventory.

CarGurus AutoTrader Cars.com Edmunds

Financing

Compare auto loan offers before you buy

One application, up to 4 loan offers in minutes

Accessories & exterior protection

Shop accessories & exterior protection

Floor mats, running boards, fender flares, tonneau covers & more

Suspension & performance

Wheel spacers, leveling & lift kits, suspension

KSP Performance — 5% off site-wide with code KSPAF

Need a rental while you shop?

Browse rental cars from $9/day

CarScorer may earn a commission from these links, at no cost to you.

Compare the 2018 Kia Sorento

Featured in

Also consider

2016 Hyundai Tucson

$9,000–$13,000

2017 Hyundai Tucson

$10,000–$14,000

2018 Hyundai Tucson

$11,000–$16,000

Score any used car listing in 2 minutes

CarScorer pulls NHTSA data, checks known issues, and compares the asking price against market value — all in one score. Free, no account required for a basic check.

Try CarScorer free