2018 Kia Sorento Recalls

NHTSA lists 3 open recalls for the 2018 Kia Sorento. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer, however old the vehicle is.

Recall data as of Oct 17, 2026 — NHTSA. For a live answer, run the check yourself, or see the latest recalls.

Trailer Hitches

PARK OUTSIDE
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.
What to do:
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 campaign 22V703000 — quote this at the dealer.Reported Sep 19, 2022.

Electric Power Assist System

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

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.
What to do:
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.

NHTSA campaign 18V656000 — quote this at the dealer.Reported Sep 21, 2018.

Air Bags Side/Window

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.
What to do:
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.

NHTSA campaign 17V784000 — quote this at the dealer.Reported Dec 8, 2017.

Owner complaints

255filed with NHTSA · 38 in the last 12 months
Filed by yearpeak 2024
151617181920212223242526
Engine
107
Exterior Lighting
41
Electrical System
30
Steering
26

12 involved a crash · 11 a fire · 11 injuries · 1 death

Reported by owners to NHTSA and not verified. Complaints often surface a problem months before a recall.

See the complaints at NHTSA

Other Kia Sorento years

Every year links to that vehicle's full recall page.

20262025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010

Kia Sorento, every year

How recall repairs work

  • Repairs are free at any franchised Kia dealer — regardless of the vehicle's age or whether you bought it new.
  • Bring the NHTSA campaign number; it's printed on each recall above and on the sheet you can print here.
  • Call ahead: some recalls are announced before parts are available, and the dealer can tell you when yours are in.
  • Your VIN tells the dealer whether your exact vehicle is affected — the free check accepts one and never stores it.

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