2018 Kia Sorento
Common problems & what to know before you buy
Before you message the seller, know the documented failure patterns, repair cost exposure, and risk level for the 2018 Kia Sorento.
What to watch for on the 2018 Kia Sorento
Connecting Rod Bearing Failure (Recall)
Known for connecting rod bearing failure caused by machining debris, which can seize the engine or start a fire.
Excessive Oil Consumption
These engines often burn oil, and running low on oil speeds up bearing failure.
Which of these apply to your 2018 Sorento?
Your guide shows which apply to the exact car, and what to ask the seller.
Recalls on the 2018 Kia Sorento
Steering: electric power assist system
The cowl crossbar that connects to the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) steering column may be improperly welded, allowing the steering…
Air bags: side/window
The side curtain air bags on these vehicles have a component that may detach during deployment of the inflatable curtain air bag.
Trailer hitches
Kia America, Inc.
Source: NHTSA
What 255 owners reported
Source: NHTSA
2018 Kia Sorento at a glance
- Trims
- EXEX V6LLXLX V6SXSX Limited
- Engine
- 2.0L 4-Cylinder Turbo, 3.3L 6-Cylinder, 2.4L 4-Cylinder
- Transmission
- Automatic 6-spd
- Drivetrain
- AWD, FWD
- Fuel
- Gasoline
- Body style
- SUV
About the UM
The 2016-2020 Kia Sorento is the UM generation and grew substantially over its predecessor, with a longer wheelbase that made the third row genuinely usable rather than occasional. Engines were a 2.4-liter four-cylinder, a 2.0-liter turbocharged unit, and a 3.3-liter V6, paired with a six-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive was standard with all-wheel drive optional. A facelift for 2019 revised the styling and adopted an eight-speed automatic on V6 models.
This generation was widely praised for interior quality and ride comfort that punched above its price, and the 3.3-liter V6 gave it effortless performance for a family vehicle. Standard equipment and warranty coverage remained strong selling points. The MQ4 generation that followed in 2021 introduced hybrid options and a much more angular design.
As a used buy, the UM Sorento is one of the better value three-row crossovers of its period. The 2.4-liter and 2.0-liter turbocharged Theta II engines carry the bearing wear service campaign history, and recall verification is worthwhile on those cars. The 3.3-liter V6 is a Lambda engine and is not part of that campaign, which makes it the lower-risk choice as well as the better performer. Later cars with the eight-speed automatic are the most desirable configuration.
Other Kia Sorento years
Free Car Finder
Still deciding on the 2018 Kia Sorento?
Answer a few quick questions and see your top 3 used cars, with the years to shop.
Frequently asked questions
What are the common problems with the 2018 Kia Sorento?
Owners have filed 255 complaints about the 2018 Kia Sorento with NHTSA, most often about the engine. There are 3 recall campaigns covering this model year. Known problems on its engines include connecting rod bearing failure and excessive oil consumption. Squeezed's free research-backed buyer guide cross-references these against documented failure patterns and mileage-stage risks, sorted by severity, in about a minute.
Is the 2018 Kia Sorento reliable?
Reliability depends heavily on the specific configuration and how the car was maintained. Start with the 3 open recall campaigns on this model year and confirm the work was completed. Generate a Squeezed buyer guide for this exact vehicle to see a reliability snapshot, repair-cost exposure, and the questions to ask the seller before you buy.
Should I still get a pre-purchase inspection on a 2018 Kia Sorento?
Always. A Squeezed buyer guide is the triage step before the inspection: it shows you the documented failure patterns and what to check so you can decide which 2018 Kia Sorento listings are even worth a mechanic's time, then walk into the PPI knowing exactly what to look for.
Squeezed is a buyer guide based on public data and industry patterns, not a mechanical inspection. Always get a professional pre-purchase inspection before you buy.