Legally reviewed by: Jessica Anvar Stotz, JD, MBA
Common problems with the 2018 Kia Sorento include engine problems, exterior lighting issues, and steering problems.
Three recalls have been issued for this vehicle, one for an airbag problem, one for a steering column separating, and one for a fire risk in the tow hitch harness due to exposed circuitry.
As modern manufacturing has improved, vehicles are produced with more and more advanced processes.
While these processes may increase efficiency or safety, they can’t guarantee that vehicles are manufactured without any defects.
When consumers purchase these defective vehicles, they often report their problems to platforms like the Kelley Blue Book or the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration.
In addition to summarizing those reports, this article will also discuss the lemon law and the methods by which it can be employed to obtain compensation for the purchase of a defective vehicle.
Common 2018 Kia Sorento Problems
- Engine Problems: Seizing, stalling, loss of motive power, overconsumption of oil, engine knocking
- Exterior Lighting Issues: Faulty headlights, headlights randomly turn on, headlights randomly turn off and stay off, headlights turn off when blinkers engage
- Steering Problems: Steering wheel sticks, bad steering column
2018 Kia Sorento Exterior Lighting Issues
Exterior lighting on a vehicle concerns things like taillights, headlights, and turn signals, all of which make use of lights to illuminate the road or signal things to other drivers.
They are therefore an important component to be working properly, as without working lighting, the driver may not be able to see well or signal to other drivers when the vehicle is braking or turning.
Consumers specifically mentioned their headlights randomly turning on (such as in the middle of the night when the car is parked), randomly turning off, or turning off when the turn signal engages.
These problems are likely mechanical in nature and should prompt a trip to the mechanic if discovered.
2018 Kia Sorento Steering Problems
A vehicle’s steering system is crucial for safely operating a vehicle because without it, the driver cannot control where their vehicle goes.
Consumers who own the 2018 Kia Sorento describe the steering wheel sticking, resulting in the driver needing to jerk it back to correct the issue.
This type of correction could be dangerous to make while driving, which is when the problem occurs. Consumers also complained about the poorly-made steering column.
Kia issued a recall for that steering column in September 2018 because the column ran the risk of separating.
Only a small number (97) of vehicles were impacted, and the remedy was inspection and replacement if necessary. The NHTSA Recall ID is 18V656.
2018 Kia Sorento Owner Experiences
“When using my blinkers my headlights go out while the lights are in Auto mode. This is very dangerous as my headlights have gone out several times while driving in the dark.”
“My 2018 Sorento AWD is the worse car I’ve ever owned. Constant episodes of car not starting – lights are on inside and out, battery fully charged – but car will not start when key inserted in ignition and car has to be towed to dealership and they could not find any problems. LEMON!!!”
“When driving and turning the steering wheel in to a curve the steering wheel sticks and I have to jerk the wheel back this has occurred on separate occasions the latest today”
Ensuring a Fair Outcome for Your Sorento Issues
The best way for a consumer to be compensated for purchasing or leasing a defective vehicle is to go through the lemon law process in their state.
Lemon laws are present in most states and serve to protect consumers who purchase or lease warrantied vehicles that end up having defects.
As soon as a consumer discovers a defect and takes their vehicle in to be inspected and repaired repeatedly by an authorized manufacture dealership, the lemon law process has already begun.
Every repair attempt should be carefully documented by the consumer who plans on bringing a lemon law claim: this documentation will serve as evidence that the vehicle is in fact a lemon.
Communications with the manufacturer are also important to preserve for evidence purposes. A vehicle which undergoes repairs for the same issue two to four times without that issue being solved will very likely be considered a lemon.
If the vehicle is out of use for 30 days or more because of repairs, the lemon standard is typically also met.
After it is determined that the vehicle is likely to be a lemon, the consumer should consider starting a lemon law claim.
Hiring a lemon law lawyer to assist them in bringing their claim is advisable. Lemon law claims are legal claims at the end of the day, and bringing one without the expertise of a professional could result in the claim being jeopardized.
After the consumer succeeds in negotiations or in court, they will be awarded a refund on the payments made towards the vehicle or a replacement vehicle.
The manufacturer will also take a usage fee in both cases that represents the time the vehicle was driven without any issues.
Learn About Your Options with the Lemon Law Experts!
In the majority of states, consumers who effectively file a lemon lawsuit have their reasonable attorney’s fees and costs paid for by the defendant.
This implies that they incur no personal expenses as a result of the legal representation.
However, they must win their case for this to happen. The best way for them to do so is to hire a skilled lemon law attorney to represent them and their interests!
The Lemon Law Experts are a team of skilled lemon law attorneys who have worked with consumers since 2009 to ensure their rights are not violated by manufacturers.
Ensure that you are represented and protected to the degree you deserve: call us now at (877) 885-5366 or fill out a form on our website for a free case evaluation!
