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2018 Kia Sorento maintenance schedule

The 2018 Sorento is part of the UM generation (2016-2020), sold as an SUV. Below: its service intervals with the source behind each one, the fluids it takes, and the NHTSA recalls issued for it.

Service schedule

What the 2018 Sorento needs, and when

All 12 of these items come from Kia's own published schedule. Manufacturer rows link to Kia's own schedule, Independent rows to a service shop or parts retailer's published guide.

ServiceIntervalSource
Engine oil and filter

5,000 miles for turbo/severe

7,500 mi / 1 yearManufacturer
Engine air filter

Inspect at 15,000

30,000 mi / 2 yearsManufacturer
Cabin air filter

More frequent in dust

15,000 mi / 1 yearManufacturer
Tire rotation

Crucial for AWD

7,500 mi / 6 monthsManufacturer
Brake fluid

Inspect every 8,000 miles

48,000 mi / 4 yearsManufacturer
Engine coolant

Then every 24,000 miles / 24 mo

120,000 mi / 10 yearsManufacturer
Transmission fluid

Inspect at 60,000; replace severe

Inspect, replace as neededManufacturer
Spark plugs

45,000 miles for 2.0T

105,000 miManufacturer
Serpentine belt

Inspect; replace if worn

60,000 mi / 4 yearsManufacturer
Differential and transfer case fluid (AWD)

AWD Severe

72,000 miManufacturer
PCV valve

Inspect at 15,000

Inspect, replace as neededManufacturer
12V batteryInspect, replace as neededManufacturer

Intervals are for normal driving; towing, short trips, extreme heat or dust shorten them.

Fluids and engines

What goes in it

Engine oil
5W-30
Coolant
Ethylene Glycol
Transmission fluid
SP-IV / SP-IV-RR

Powertrains in this generation

  • 2.4L 4-cyl (Theta II GDI), 185 hp, 6AT, FWD / AWD
  • 2.0L 4-cyl (Theta II T-GDI), 240 hp, 6AT, FWD / AWD
  • 3.3L 6-cyl (Lambda II GDI), 290 hp, 6AT / 8AT, FWD / AWD

Confirm the exact spec against the owner's manual or the label under the hood; capacities vary by engine and drivetrain.

Safety recalls

3 NHTSA recalls for the 2018 Kia Sorento

From NHTSA's recall database, matched by model and year. Recall repairs are free at Kia dealers, and a given car may already be fixed or fall outside a campaign, so check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before you buy.

Trailer hitches

NHTSA 22V703000

September 2022

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.

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.

Steering

NHTSA 18V656000

September 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 to separate.

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.

Air bags

NHTSA 17V784000

December 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 customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC159.

Running costs

What maintenance typically costs

A typical year of maintenance
$520
Five years of maintenance
$2,600
The major service near 100,000 mi
$800

Typical US independent-shop estimates for this generation; they vary by region and condition.

Other Sorento model years

MQ4 (2021-2026)

202120222023202420252026

UM (2016-2020)

20162017201820192020

XM (2014-2015)

20142015

Shopping new? The Kia Sorento guide covers the current model, with what it costs to keep for 1 to 15 years.

Sources

Researched 2026-09-16. Modeling, not mechanic advice - always confirm against your car's owner's manual and service records.

Running a Sorento for income?

Carlyle scores the exact listing on cost per remaining mile and projected Turo income, so you know what a 2018 Sorento earns before you buy it.

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