2018 Kia Sorento Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 107about this part
- Share
- 42%of 255 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 72,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 107 complaints about the engine of the 2018 Kia Sorento, 42% of the 255 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 72,000 miles. 7 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving on numerous occasions the car has to be forced to go. It's always hesitating to go and I'm forced to press hard on the gas. In october 2020, the engine light came on and the car went into limp mode. I'm very scared while driving with my kids. The dealers have no fix-I will be taking it in for a third time within a year.”
NHTSA complaint #11376422, filed 2020-11, 26,000 miles“After the software update, my Kia had issues with the knock sensor. So, will this vehicle has issues for the rest of the engines life? I am hoping to drive this car for more than 100,000 miles. Is this just a coincidence that the sensor was bad right after the update? The car went into limp mode after a loud clunk. Glad I was close to home!”
NHTSA complaint #11241946, filed 2019-08, 19,000 miles“I was traveling to florida and saw sparks in the mirrors in the back. I quickly pulled over and went to the back and saw fire, the car was on fire everybody got out, we tried to put it out but it seemed like there was an accelerrent or something cause it was engulfed with fire very fast once we stopped the whole car was burning.+we were on 65 south in kentucky just driving ,no rain roads were dry.”
NHTSA complaint #11378575, filed 2020-12, 36,000 miles“Engine completely lost power and shut down on the highway and when restatred, went into limp mode. Now engine needs replaced and no engines are available. My car has a mobility device installed to accomodate my missing right leg and any rental vehicle is difficuly to use since I have to remove my prosthetic leg to drive it. I need a vehicle fitted to accomodate my disability and dont know when or if I'll be getting mine back.”
NHTSA complaint #11191983, filed 2019-03, 10,950 miles“Since 2/2020 I have been back and forth to the dealership multiple times for my check engine light. The dealership has replaced multiple different parts but the light continues to come back on. The dealership has been in contact with Kia corporate mechanics and they do not seem to know what the problem is as well. I am very frustrated because I have also reached out to Kia corporate office and they have been of no assistance. I do not feel safe driving this vehicle and has voiced this concern multiple times.”
NHTSA complaint #11338997, filed 2020-07, 37,948 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11031854Apr 4, 2026VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: THETA II 2.4L GDI EMISSIONS: ECM LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SC340 REVISION 5) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information…
- 11030382Mar 18, 2026TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: OIL PRESSURE SWITCH (OPS) REPLACEMENT (WTY026 REVISION 2) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional…
- 11029979Mar 6, 2026TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: THETA II 2.4L GDI EMISSION SECM LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SC340 REV 4) - This bulletin has been revised to include…
- 11026900Dec 19, 2025VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (SC340 FLIGHT 103 / UM) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions…
- 11026533Dec 10, 2025TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: THETA II 2.4L GDI EMISSIONS ECM LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SC340) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional…
- 11025894Nov 27, 2025VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (SC340 FLIGHT 101 / UM) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions…
- 11025892Nov 21, 2025TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: THETA II 2.4L GDI EMISSIONS ECM LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SC340) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional…
- 11025859Nov 7, 2025TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: THETA II 2.4L GDI EMISSIONS ECM LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SC340) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional…
- 11025889Nov 5, 2025TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: THETA II 2.4L GDI EMISSIONS ECM LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SC340) - This bulletin provides information to upgrade the…
- 11024469Oct 23, 2025Sc340_stkr: voluntary emissions service campaign completion label/sticker
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 17% |
| 2025 | 19 | 25% |
| 2024 | 5 | 12% |
| 2023 | 32 | 26% |
| 2022 | 52 | 27% |
| 2021 | 68 | 27% |
| 2020 | 67 | 48% |
| 2019 | 159 | 37% |
| 2018 | 107 | 42% |
| 2017 | 387 | 48% |
| 2016 | 696 | 55% |
| 2015 | 363 | 48% |
| 2014 | 388 | 39% |
| 2013 | 498 | 51% |
| 2012 | 461 | 52% |
| 2011 | 284 | 19% |
| 2009 | 4 | 7% |
| 2008 | 35 | 16% |
| 2007 | 7 | 5% |
| 2006 | 67 | 28% |
| 2005 | 63 | 21% |
| 2004 | 46 | 21% |
| 2003 | 43 | 14% |
Other parts of the 2018 Kia Sorento
45 complaintsExterior lighting
41 complaintsElectrical system
30 complaintsSteering
26 complaintsFuel system
13 complaintsAir bags
10 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
9 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsForward collision avoidance
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaintsEngine cooling
7 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