Kia Recalls 2018 Sorento Vehicles for Steering Column Weld Defect
Kia is recalling 2018 Sorento vehicles because an improperly welded cowl crossbar may allow the steering column to separate, increasing crash risk.
What this means for you
Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.
Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect (steering column separation) that can lead to loss of steering ability and increased crash risk, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating.
Plain-English summary
Kia Motors America is recalling certain 2018 Kia Sorento vehicles due to a defect in the steering system. The cowl crossbar that connects to the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) steering column may be improperly welded. This defect allows the steering column to separate from the vehicle structure.
If the steering column separates, it can cause a loss of steering ability, which increases the risk of a crash. The recall affects 2018 model year Kia Sorento vehicles.
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the cowl crossbar free of charge. The recall began on October 26, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236. Kia's number for this recall is SC167.
The recalled product
- Product
- KIA SORENTO
- Brand
- KIA
- Manufacturer
- Kia Motors America
- Category
- Vehicle — Steering System
- Affected units
- 97
Is your product affected?
Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.
Model numbers (1)
- SORENTO
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
Related recalls
Same brand · KIA
- HighKia Recalls 2025-2026 EV9 Vehicles for Front Passenger Air Bag Defect
NHTSA · 2026-08-21
- SevereKia Recalls 2020-2024 Telluride Vehicles Due to Front Seat Fire Risk
NHTSA · 2026-07-02
- SevereKia Recalls EV6 and EV9 Models Due to Battery Fire Risk
NHTSA · 2026-07-02
- HighKia Recalls 2027 Telluride Models for Seat Belt Retraction Defect
NHTSA · 2026-06-02
- High2022–2026 Kia Carnival vehicles recalled for fuel system leak risk
NHTSA · 2026-04-10
Same manufacturer · Kia Motors America
See all →- HighKia Recalls 2012-2013 Optima for Headliner Plate Detachment Risk
NHTSA · 2022-08-01
- Severe2022 Kia Sorento and Telluride recalled for spare tire brake defect
NHTSA · 2022-07-19
- High2021-2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid front seat belt pretensioner failure
NHTSA · 2022-06-23
- High2022 Kia Telluride recall: instrument cluster display may go blank
NHTSA · 2022-05-17
- High2022 KIA EV6 Parking Brake Software Defect May Cause Vehicle Rollaway
NHTSA · 2022-05-11
Same hazard · loss of steering
See all →- SevereMack Recalls 2025 TerraPro Trucks Due to Steering Gearbox Fastener Issue
NHTSA · 2026-08-06
- SevereTenneco Recalls NAPA Steering Inner Tie Rod Ends for Ford Vehicles
NHTSA · 2026-07-10
- SevereBlue Arc BA4L-800 Recalled for Steering Gearbox Mounting Defect
NHTSA · 2026-02-17
- Severe
- SevereFord Bronco lower control arms may detach; owners told not to drive
NHTSA · 2025-05-09