2018 Kia Sorento engine problems
106 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2018 Kia Sorento — 42% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Complete engine failure inspected by Westgate Kia Service Dept, Wake Forest, NC Service manager confirmed that known issue and recall in effect for 2018 Kia Sorrento same issue but because manufactures parts are only covered when made in certain locations. mine not covered. He did agree it was…”
filed Sep 18, 2026
“Vehicle: 2018 Kia Sorento VIN: [XXX] Kia Corporate Case #: XXX My 2018 Kia Sorento experienced a catastrophic engine failure (“holes in the block”) while under warranty. The vehicle lost power, emitted heavy smoke, and became completely inoperable. Kia America has refused to repair the engine and…”
filed Sep 15, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: THETA II 2.4L GDI EMISSIONS: ECM LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SC340 REVISION 5) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are…
SC340_TSB_R5 · Emissions · issued Apr 4, 2026TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: OIL PRESSURE SWITCH (OPS) REPLACEMENT (WTY026 REVISION 2) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this…
WTY026_TSB_R2 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 18, 2026VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (SC340 FLIGHT 103 / UM) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign to improve the emissions…
SC340_OWNR_UM103 · Emissions · issued Dec 19, 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 information. New/revised sections of…
SC340_TSB_R3 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 10, 2025
Engine problems in other Sorento years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Sorento | 19 | 26% |
| 2024 Sorento | 5 | 12% |
| 2023 Sorento | 30 | 25% |
| 2022 Sorento | 52 | 28% |
| 2021 Sorento | 66 | 27% |
| 2020 Sorento | 64 | 48% |
| 2019 Sorento | 155 | 36% |
| 2017 Sorento | 385 | 48% |
| 2016 Sorento | 694 | 56% |
| 2015 Sorento | 360 | 48% |
| 2014 Sorento | 387 | 39% |
| 2013 Sorento | 496 | 51% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2018 Kia Sorento
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.