KiaSorento2018Overview/kia/sorento/2018/base/

2018 Kia Sorento

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2018 Sorento.

Body SUV

The 2018 Kia Sorento is a midsize SUV built on Kia’s contemporary platform and equipped with a powertrain that uses 5.1 qt of oil, accepting 5W‑30, 5W‑40 or 10W‑30 viscosities. Across its model span from 2003 to 2026, the Sorento’s complaint record peaks dramatically in 2011 with 1,516 reports, while the low point sits at just three complaints in 2010, framing the 2018 iteration within a relatively moderate reliability window marked by 248 owner complaints and three recalls, with the engine identified as the primary area of concern. This positioning suggests that the 2018 model benefits from the lessons of earlier peaks and troughs, offering a steadier, though not flawless, reliability profile for researchers examining its generation.

Model year202620252024202320222021202020192018

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity5.1 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-30 / 5W-40 / 10W-30OEM · verified
Lug nut torque65-79 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 124R · 700 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 124R · 700 CCAOEM · verified
Tail / brake / turnHEADOEM · verified
Tire sizeP235/60R18OEM · verified
Wheel / rim7.5 inOEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length187.8 in
Overall width74.4 in
Overall height67.3 in
Wheelbase109.4 in
Curb weight4004 lb
Track (front / rear)64.2 / 64.6 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)56/44

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Sorento of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

7.1–9.1 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 7.10 sec — 2016 SX V6
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2019SXL V6 3.3L V67.20 sec15.50 sec290 hpAWD
2019SXL V6 3.3L V67.60 sec15.80 sec290 hpAWD
2016SX V6 3.3L V67.10 sec15.70 sec290 hpAWD
2016EX V6 3.3L V67.20 sec15.70 sec290 hpAWD
2016SX V6 3.3L V67.20 sec15.70 sec290 hpAWD
2016SXL Turbo 2.0L Turbo I-48.00 sec16.20 sec240 hpAWD
2016SXL Turbo 2.0L Turbo I-49.00 sec16.80 sec240 hpAWD
2016LX 2.4L I-49.10 sec16.90 sec185 hpFWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 5.1 qt of 5W-30 / 5W-40 / 10W-30 engine oil, 75W-90 · GL-5 in the differential, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 65-79 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-2-3-4-5-6. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity7.5-8.2
Brake FluidDOT 3
Differential Gear Oil75W-90 · GL-5
Differential Gear Oil Capacity1.3 qt
Engine CoolantEthylene Glycol
Engine Coolant Capacity7.7
Engine CoolantEthylene Glycol

Engine torques

Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.2-8.7 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.2-8.7 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.2-8.7 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.2-8.7 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)5.1-7.2 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)5.1-7.2 ft-lbs
Camshaft Sprocket and/or Gear Bolt(s)47.0-54.2 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts210.0-224.0 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts65-79 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Cylinder Firing Order1-2-3-4-5-6
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)640 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)100 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (Secondary Under Load)660 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (Secondary Under Load)100 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)640 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)100 rpm

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Standard BCI Group Number124R
Standard BCI Cranking Performance700 cca
Standard BCI Group Number94R
Standard BCI Cranking Performance800 cca

Service checks

Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum70.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum75.0 psi
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)70.0-75.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum70.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum75.0 psi
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)70.0-75.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum70.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum75.0 psi

Brakes

Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier Torque16-23
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt TorqueFront: 58-; Rear: 47-
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for ReplacementFront: 1.020; Rear: .370
Variation from Parallelism Thickness Variation.0002
Maximum Rotor RunoutFront: .001; Rear: .0012

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 2 stages
148.0 inch lbs.48 in
284.0-108.0 inch lbs.84–108 in
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 2 stages

Prep M6 Bolts

152.0 inch lbs.52 in
296.0-112.0 inch lbs.; M8 Bolts96–112 in
123.0-26.0 ft. lbs.23–26 ft. lbs
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages

Prep M6 Bolts

196.0-112.0 inch lbs.; M8 Bolts96–112 in
120.0-23.0 ft. lbs.20–23 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 2 stages
120.0-23.0 ft. lbs.20–23 ft. lbs
270.0
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 2 stages
113.0-16.0 ft. lbs.13–16 ft. lbs
285.0
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
134.0-38.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 78-8234–38 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
134.0-38.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 78-8234–38 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Do not lubricate cylinder head bolts with engine oil. Apply Loctite 5900H or equivalent on the front edge of the cylinder head gasket on both sides. Cylinder head must be assembled within 5 minutes of applying sealant.

124.0-27.0 ft. lbs.24–27 ft. lbs
290 degrees-95 degrees90 degrees
390 degrees-95 degrees90 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Do not lubricate cylinder head bolts with engine oil. Apply Loctite 5900H or equivalent on the front edge of the cylinder head gasket on both sides. Cylinder head must be assembled within 5 minutes of applying sealant.

124.0-27.0 ft. lbs.24–27 ft. lbs
290 degrees-95 degrees90 degrees
390 degrees-95 degrees90 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Do not lubricate cylinder head bolts with engine oil. apply liquid gasket threebond 1217H or equivalent on the edge of the cylinder block and head gasket. Cylinder head must be assembled within 5 minutes of applying sealant.

128.0-30.0 ft. lbs.28–30 ft. lbs
2118 degrees-122 degrees118 degrees
388 degrees-92 degrees; External head bolts: 13.7-17.5 ft. lbs.88 degrees
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts — tightening sequence 3 stages
12.9-4.3 ft. lbs.2.9–4.3 ft. lbs
219.5-23.1 ft. lbs.19.5–23.1 ft. lbs
3Repeat Step 2 twice.
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 2 stages

Prep Inside bolts

136.0 ft. lbs.36 ft. lbs
290.0 degrees; Outside bolts90 degrees
115.0 ft. lbs.15 ft. lbs
2120.0 degrees; Side bolts120 degrees
121.0-23.0
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 3 stages
111.0. ft. lbs.
220.0-23.0 ft. lbs.20–23 ft. lbs
3120.0-125.0
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 3 stages
111.0 ft. lbs.11 ft. lbs
220.0-23.0 ft. lbs.20–23 ft. lbs
3120.0-125.0
Engine Valve Cover Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
12.9-4.3 ft. lbs., Step 2: 5.8-7.22.9–4.3 ft. lbs
Engine Valve Cover Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
12.9-4.3 ft. lbs., Step 2: 5.8-7.22.9–4.3 ft. lbs
Engine Valve Cover Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
13.6-4.3 ft. lbs., Step 2: 7.2-8.73.6–4.3 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 6,500 mi; spark plugs every 97,500 mi; coolant every 30,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 30,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 6,500 miEngine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 7,500 miBattery (inspect) · Engine Air Filter Element (inspect) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate) · Vacuum Line (inspect)
Every 15,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Air Conditioning System (inspect) · Brake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect)
Every 30,000 miBrake Hydraulic System (inspect fluid level) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Fuel Evaporative Canister Filter (inspect) · Fuel Evaporative Emission Control System Lines (inspect) · Fuel Line (inspect) · Fuel Tank (inspect)
Every 37,500 miDifferential (inspect fluid level) · Transfer Case Assembly (inspect fluid level)
At 60,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
Every 60,000 miEngine Valves (inspect valve lash)
Every 97,500 miSpark Plugs (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2018 Kia Sorento sits in a clear downward trend of complaints and recalls within its generation, which began with the redesigned 2016 model. That launch year recorded a peak of 1,237 complaints and 8 recalls, followed by a sharp decline to 788 complaints and 4 recalls in 2017, and then a further drop to just 248 complaints and 3 recalls for the 2018 model. This places the 2018 year well past the initial quality turbulence, with complaint volume less than a third of the 2016 high and the lowest investigation count (1) of the generation so far. While engine issues still lead the 2018 complaint categories at 70 reports, the data does not specify a root cause, and the overall numbers are modest relative to the generation’s earlier years. The 2018 Sorento represents a mature, relatively trouble-free point in the generation’s arc, making it a good year to buy compared to the problematic 2016 and 2017 models.

3
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
195
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
1
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
248
Owner complaints
12 involved a crash · 11 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★★
Frontal★★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 248 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Engine70
Exterior Lighting24
Steering22
Unknown Or Other20
Electrical System,Exterior Lighting10
Air Bags8
Trailer Hitches7
Structure5

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 3 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

18V656000Steering:Electric Power Assist SystemReported 21/09/2018

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… 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…

17V784000Air Bags:Side/WindowReported 08/12/2017

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. 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…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 195 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
WTY031_TSB_R22026-06-16Electrical SystemTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH REPAIR…
CS2312_TSB_R22026-06-08StructureTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER…
SC340_TSB_R52026-04-03EngineVOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: THETA II 2.4L GDI EMISSIONS: ECM LOGIC IMPROVEMENT…
WTY026_TSB_R22026-03-18EngineTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: OIL PRESSURE SWITCH (OPS)…
SC340_TSB_R42026-03-05Electrical SystemTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: THETA II 2.4L GDI…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Sorento. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2018 Sorento take?

5.1 qt of All temperatures: 5W-30, 5W-40 Above 0 degreesF 10W-30, Above 10 degreesF 15W-40, per the factory manual.

Does the 2018 Sorento have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.