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RECALLROADTHE CAMPAIGN RECORD

MODEL-YEAR RECALL REPORT

2018 Kia Sorento recalls

NHTSA's September 21, 2026 snapshot lists 3 safety recall campaigns for the 2018 Kia Sorento, spanning 3 component groups. A model match does not confirm that a specific VIN is included.

Official source: NHTSA recall campaign file · Snapshot September 21, 2026

URGENT CAMPAIGN FLAG

NHTSA records include a Park Outside advisory for at least one campaign associated with 2018 Kia Sorento. Open the campaign and verify the VIN before operating or parking the vehicle.

Distinct campaigns3not VIN-specific
Component groups3distinct top-level categories
Latest recordSeptember 19, 2022report received
VIN resultNot checkeduse official lookup

01 / OFFICIAL CAMPAIGNS

2018 Kia Sorento recall campaigns

The 2018 Kia Sorento report contains 3 distinct NHTSA campaigns; the most recently received record is campaign 22V703000 dated September 19, 2022.
PARK OUTSIDE
Component
TRAILER HITCHES
Report received
September 19, 2022
Potential units
70,887campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: 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.

Why it matters: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

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.

Owner notification: July 27, 2023 · Filing manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.

CAMPAIGN

NHTSA 18V656000

Component
STEERING
Report received
September 21, 2018
Potential units
97campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: 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.

Why it matters: If the steering column separates, it can cause a loss of steering ability, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

Owner notification: October 26, 2018 · Filing manufacturer: Kia Motors America

CAMPAIGN

NHTSA 17V784000

Component
AIR BAGS
Report received
December 8, 2017
Potential units
2,014campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: 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.

Why it matters: 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.

Remedy

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.

Owner notification: December 18, 2017 · Filing manufacturer: Kia Motors America

02 / COMPONENT BREADTH

What defects are listed for the 2018 Kia Sorento?

The most frequent component groups in 2018 Kia Sorento campaign records are Air Bags (1), Steering (1), Trailer Hitches (1); these counts describe filed campaigns rather than observed failure rates.
Air Bags1
Steering1
Trailer Hitches1