Model year guide

2018 Kia Sorento

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2018 Kia Sorento is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 33 on record.

2018 Kia Sorento — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2018 Kia Sorento at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints247
Combined22 mpg
Typical price$22,231

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2018 Kia Sorento recalls 3

Steering:electric Power Assist System NHTSA Campaign #18V656000 · 21/09/2018

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.

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.

Air Bags:side/window NHTSA Campaign #17V784000 · 08/12/2017

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2018 Kia Sorento vehicles. The side curtain air bags on these vehicles have a component that may detach during deployment of the inflatable curtain air bag.

Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver and passenger side curtain air bags, free of charge. The recall began on December 18, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC159.

Trailer Hitches NHTSA Campaign #22V703000 · 19/09/2022

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, whi…

Fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect the vehicle, and, as necessary, replace the fuse and/or tow hitch harness module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2023. Owners may contact Kia c…

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2018 Kia Sorento common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 247 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Forward Collision Avoidance
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.

2018 Kia Sorento MPG & running costs

Combined22 mpg
City19 mpg
Highway25 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,871

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2018 Kia Sorento worth?

Low
$17,995
Typical price
$22,231
High
$28,900

From 21 comparable 2018 Kia Sorento listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2018 Kia Sorento costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$14,355
Depreciation (5 yrs)$6,750
Total$21,105
Per mile$0.28

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($22,231) with the same model 5 model-years older ($15,457), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2018 Kia Sorento trims & engines on record

Trims
L, LX · EX · SX, SXL
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl 185 hp · 3.3L 6-cyl 290 hp · 2.0L 4-cyl 240 hp

2018 Kia Sorento vehicles on record

2018 Kia Sorento 2018 Kia Sorento L, LX5XYPG4A35JG412372 2018 Kia Sorento 2018 Kia Sorento EX5XYPH4A5XJG364589 2018 Kia Sorento 2018 Kia Sorento L, LX5XYPGDA54JG417743 2018 Kia Sorento 2018 Kia Sorento L, LX5XYPG4A30JG406611 2018 Kia Sorento 2018 Kia Sorento L, LX5XYPG4A35JG392902 2018 Kia Sorento EX5XYPH4A53JG362599 2018 Kia Sorento 2018 Kia Sorento L, LX5XYPG4A31JG346712 2018 Kia Sorento 2018 Kia Sorento SX, SXL5XYPKDA56JG384517 2018 Kia Sorento 2018 Kia Sorento L, LX5XYPG4A58JG404526 2018 Kia Sorento 2018 Kia Sorento SX, SXL5XYPKDA5XJG387355 2018 Kia Sorento 2018 Kia Sorento L, LX5XYPGDA37JG407822 2018 Kia Sorento L, LX5XYPGDA34JG426750 2018 Kia Sorento 2018 Kia Sorento L, LX5XYPGDA57JG416991 2018 Kia Sorento L, LX5XYPG4A33JG371675 2018 Kia Sorento L, LX5XYPG4A34JG418227 2018 Kia Sorento 2018 Kia Sorento L, LX5XYPG4A5XJG351926 2018 Kia Sorento L, LX5XYPG4A39JG339653 2018 Kia Sorento EX5XYPH4A56JG395614 2018 Kia Sorento L, LX5XYPGDA56JG394630 2018 Kia Sorento L, LX5XYPGDA38JG378279 2018 Kia Sorento EX5XYPHDA13JG385619 2018 Kia Sorento 2018 Kia Sorento L, LX5XYPG4A34JG430751 2018 Kia Sorento 2018 Kia Sorento L, LX5XYPGDA39JG349888 2018 Kia Sorento L, LX5XYPG4A34JG424061

Other Kia Sorento model years

2021 2020 2019 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2000

2018 Kia Sorento — frequently asked questions

Does the 2018 Kia Sorento have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2018 Kia Sorento. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

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

Based on 247 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, electrical system, air bags.

What gas mileage does the 2018 Kia Sorento get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2018 Kia Sorento at about 22 mpg combined (19 city / 25 highway).

How much is a 2018 Kia Sorento worth?

Comparable 2018 Kia Sorento listings run roughly $17,995–$28,900, typically around $22,231 (from 21 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.