2018 KIA Sorento problems
Owners have filed 334 complaints about the 2018 KIA Sorento with NHTSA. Engine accounts for 30.5% of them — the clear leader, ahead of exterior lighting at 12.3%.
Complaints334
Crashes19
Fires20
Injuries16
Deaths3
What owners report breaking
Engine 30.5% · 102
Exterior lighting 12.3% · 41
Unknown or other 11.1% · 37
Electrical system 8.7% · 29
Steering 7.8% · 26
Fuel/propulsion system 3.6% · 12
Air bags 3.0% · 10
Power train 2.7% · 9
Severity
Of those complaints, 19 describe a crash, 20 describe a fire, 16 report an injury and 3 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 20 model years of the KIA Sorento in this data, 2018 sits 14th by complaint volume. 2011 draws the most.
Filings are rising — 164 in the last three years against 105 in the three before. For a vehicle this age that usually points to a wear-related failure owners are hitting now.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 46,225 miles.
In owners' own words
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to an unknown dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000. Engine · reported at 89,000 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle remained at the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. Engine
Noticed excessive oil consumption that turned into burning oil when the exhaust turned back of car black. Engine started knocking due to gummed up spark plugs. Replaced the spark plugs but within weeks the new plugs where gummed up as well. Took to Kia for diagnosis and potential repair for theta 2 class action. Mechanic confirmed damaged spark plugs, piston issues and needs for new engine. Engine
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…