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Official NHTSA Record

2018 Kia Sorento — Recalls & Safety

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this vehicle and 255 owner complaints. Recall repairs are free by US law at any authorized dealer.

3 Campaigns

Every Recall on File

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM 18V656000 21/09/2018

What's wrong: 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.

Free 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 17V784000 08/12/2017

What's wrong: 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.

Risk: 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.

Free 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 22V703000 19/09/2022

What's wrong: 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, which can result in a fire.

Risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Free 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 customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC249.

NHTSA Crash Tests

Official Safety Ratings

2018 Kia Sorento SUV AWD

★★★★★
Overall
5/5 stars
★★★★★
Frontal Crash
NHTSA test
★★★★★
Side Crash
NHTSA test
★★★★☆
Rollover
NHTSA test
Other Years

Same Model, Different Year

2015 2016 2017 2019 2020 2021

Check Another Car

Recall Checker

Any year, make and model: open the Car Recall Checker. Also see owner-reported problems & years to avoid for the 2018 Kia Sorento. Data: NHTSA (US DOT, public domain), cached up to 7 days.

Questions

FAQ

Does the 2018 Kia Sorento have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2018 Kia Sorento. Every listed defect must be repaired free of charge by any authorized Kia dealer, regardless of vehicle age or ownership history.
Is the recall repair really free?
Yes. US federal law requires manufacturers to fix safety recalls free at any authorized dealer — parts and labour. You do not need to be the original owner.
How do I check my exact vehicle?
This page covers the 2018 Kia Sorento generally. For your specific car, use the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls — it tells you whether YOUR vehicle's recalls were already repaired.