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Engine coolingPart report

2018 Kia Sorento Engine cooling Problems

Complaints
7about this part
Share
3%of 255 total for the year
Median mileage
100,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2018 Kia Sorento, 3% of the 255 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 100,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“After inspection, the service agent, Jeff, came and informed me there was “good news and not so good news”. Good news - He said there was a 999,999-mile warranty on the engine for the oil pressure stick problem. The not so good news is that Kia will not replace the engine until it locks. I was shocked to say the least. I asked him, how in the hell is that safe? Why isn’t the fact that the car started shutting down on me (power steering) enough of an indication that it needs to be replaced? That along with the amounts of oil I’ve had to replace. …”

NHTSA complaint #11546873, filed 2023-09

“The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the engine was making an abnormal knocking sound. The contact stated that while slowing for a traffic sign or stop lights, the vehicle was shaking and vibrating abnormally. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle started making the knocking sound again. The check engine warning light illuminated and was now constantly illuminated. …”

NHTSA complaint #11697964, filed 2025-11, 178,000 miles

“The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 79 MPH, the oil warning light illuminated, and he observed a burning oil odor emanating from the engine compartment. The vehicle was pulled to the side of the road and inspected. The contact observed condensation under the front of the vehicle and no oil on the dipstick. Additionally, another vehicle pulled to the side of the road and reported that condensation from the vehicle sprayed onto the windshield and hood of their vehicle. …”

NHTSA complaint #11594996, filed 2024-06, 100,000 miles

“The contact's daughter owns a 2018 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal ticking noise detected. The vehicle lost motive power and stalled with the check engine warning light flashing. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the knock sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. …”

NHTSA complaint #11477551, filed 2022-08, 57,000 miles

“The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the vehicle lost all power while depressing the accelerator pedal without warning. The contact also stated that white smoke began to emit from underneath the hood of the vehicle. Upon inspection of the vehicle, the contact saw flames coming from underneath the vehicle as oil began to leak from the vehicle. The flames eventually dissipated and authorities were not called to the scene. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed initially to the contact's home and later to the dealer. …”

NHTSA complaint #11584707, filed 2024-04, 81,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Engine cooling: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2026117%
202412%
202311%
202211%
202110%
202032%
2019143%
201873%
2017273%
2016312%
201551%
2014222%
2013192%
2012152%
2011372%
200884%
200764%
2006198%
20054414%
20044621%
20038127%

Other parts of the 2018 Kia Sorento

Engine
107 complaints
Other or unknown
45 complaints
Exterior lighting
41 complaints
Electrical system
30 complaints
Steering
26 complaints
Fuel system
13 complaints
Air bags
10 complaints
Body and structure
9 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
9 complaints
Brakes
8 complaints
Forward collision avoidance
8 complaints
Vehicle speed control
8 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2018 Kia Sorento

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology