2018 Kia Sorento · symptom sheet
Engine stalls or loses power while driving
- 41owner reports
- 72,000median miles
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Sep 15, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
141 of the 254 complaints on this car are about the engine. 41 of those describe stalling. Only engine failure is reported more often on this car.
Tick what matches of 41 reports
Stalling on other Sorento years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2020, 2023, 2024, 2025.
What this problem usually is
Stalling reports are some of the most alarming on the site. The engine quits while the car is moving, sometimes on a highway and sometimes at a stop. Many owners say it restarted right away and the dealer found no stored code, which is part of why these complaints pile up before anything gets fixed.
What got replaced
Few of these reports name the part that was replaced.
Recalls and investigations
No recall on the engine covers the 2018 model year as of Oct 2, 2026.
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Sorento
Loss of motive power. Closed jul 23, 2024.
Loss of motive power. Closed dec 12, 2023.
Engine fires. Closed feb 5, 2024, led to recall 23V-877.
Engine oil pressure switch leak. Closed jun 26, 2023.
Non-crash vehicle fires. Closed dec 22, 2021, led to recall 20V-088.
Non-crash vehicle fires. Closed may 10, 2019, led to recall 18V-907.
Scope and timeliness. Closed dec 22, 2021, led to recall 17V-224.
Front axle shaft failure. Closed sep 20, 2013, led to recall 13V-355.
Transmission intermediate driveshaft. Closed may 10, 2011, led to recall 11V-258.
Fuel spill during refueling. Closed dec 21, 2011.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 18,000 and 95,000 miles, from the 20 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“The engine suddenly failed while I was driving on the highway. The vehicle lost power without warning, which created a dangerous situation. I had to pull over and have the vehicle towed.”
Filed Dec 18, 2025
“Was driving car it lost power, pulled over and had tow truck bring car to dealership. Dealership states a new engine is needed due to a malfunction in the engine block, however warranty is out on car just by 9,000 miles and car is still financed! Maintenance has been kept up on car. Kia wants $10,000 to replace engine.”
Filed Feb 16, 2025 · 9,000 miles
“My 2018 Kia Sorento sticks and when pushing the gas and the RPM jumps up. The car also stalls out and then turns right back on. It shakes and makes a funny noise as well.”
Filed Aug 29, 2024
“Vehicle seems to be stalling when you stop and then try to pull out. It takes minutes to accelerate after stopping.”
Filed Apr 9, 2024
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 41 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Taking it to a shop? How to describe this problem so it gets found
Other problems on this car
- Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 48 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 31 reports
- Headlights too dim or fail 30 reports
- Burns oil or oil level rises 26 reports