2018 Kia Sorento
Common Problems
Ranked from 109 federal NHTSA complaints and 1 recalls. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
17 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Headlights randomly turn off while driving
29complaintsSafety riskElectricalHeadlights intermittently turn off while driving, requiring manual intervention to restore functionality.
$100–$900est. lighting assembly repair · 0.5–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 2
Engine Misfire and Power Loss
18complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine misfires and experiences significant power loss, often leading to the vehicle stalling or failing to accelerate properly.
$200–$900est. ignition service (coils/plugs) · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 3
Steering feels notchy or sticky at highway speeds
16complaintsSafety riskSteeringSteering becomes notchy or sticky at highway speeds, making it difficult to control the vehicle.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 18V656000
- 4
Excessive Oil Consumption
12complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine consumes oil at an abnormal rate, leading to frequent oil changes and potential engine failure.
$400–$4,500est. oil-consumption repair (rings/pcv) · 3–14 hrs laborGet local quotes - 6
Engine stalling or failing to start
8complaintsHigh severityEngineEngine unexpectedly stalls or fails to start, posing a safety risk during driving.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 7
Steering wheel sticking or jerking
8complaintsMedium severitySteeringSteering wheel sticks or jerks uncontrollably, requiring constant correction to maintain control of the vehicle.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 18V656000
- 8
Brake System Failure
7complaintsSafety riskBrakesThe brake system fails, causing loud grinding sounds and loss of braking ability, posing a safety risk.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 9
Engine Burning and Consuming Excessive Oil
7complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine burns and consumes large amounts of oil, leading to low oil levels despite regular oil changes.
- 10
Engine making unusual noises and failing
6complaintsHigh severityEngineEngine produces unusual noises and fails unexpectedly, potentially leading to loss of vehicle control.
- 11
Engine Failure
4complaintsSafety riskEngineThe engine suddenly stops working without any warning lights, leading to potential loss of control and accidents.
$4,000–$8,000est. engine replacement · 12–20 hrs laborGet local quotes - 12
Exterior Lighting Issues
4complaintsLow severityOtherHeadlights and taillights turn on and off unexpectedly, sometimes without the car being turned on, causing inconvenience.
$100–$900est. lighting assembly repair · 0.5–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 13
Headlight Malfunction
4complaintsLow severityOtherHeadlights randomly turn off while driving, creating dangerous conditions, particularly at night.
$100–$900est. lighting assembly repair · 0.5–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 14
Airbags not deploying during collisions
3complaintsSafety riskOtherFront airbags fail to deploy during collisions, increasing the risk of injury.
- 15
Forward Collision Avoidance System Failure
3complaintsMedium severityOtherThe forward collision avoidance system intermittently fails, reducing the vehicle's ability to prevent accidents.
- 16
Sunroof exploding without impact
3complaintsHigh severityOtherPanoramic sunroof explodes without any impact, causing potential injury and property damage.
- 17
Steering wheel making popping noise
2complaintsLow severitySteeringSteering wheel produces a popping noise without clear mechanical cause.
Related recall: 18V656000
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.