What is a Carchieve vehicle history report?

A Carchieve report is a complete safety and records check on any U.S. vehicle. Enter the 17-character VIN and you get the decoded vehicle identity and full specifications, every open safety recall, owner-reported complaints by system, official NHTSA crash-test ratings, and a buyer action plan, in one clean report and a downloadable PDF.

How is Carchieve different from a typical VIN lookup?

Carchieve doesn't just dump raw data. It authenticates the VIN, organizes every federal safety record into a buyer-ready dossier, scores the vehicle, and tells you exactly what to inspect, ask and verify before you pay, the way a careful mechanic would read the car.

How fast will I get my report?

Reports are generated in under a minute. As soon as your VIN is checked against the recall, complaint, ratings and identity databases, your report and PDF are ready to view and download.

Can I buy more than one report?

Yes. A single report is $24.99. If you're comparing several cars, the 3- and 5-report bundles save you money per report and the extra credits stay in your account until you use them.

What information do I need to run a report?

Only the 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The VIN is on the lower-left corner of the windshield, the driver-side door jamb, and the vehicle title or registration.

Where does the data come from?

Every report is built from authoritative U.S. vehicle databases, including the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall, complaint and 5-Star safety-rating programs and the federal VIN product information catalog. Carchieve authenticates the VIN check digit so you know the identity is genuine.

Can I share the report with a seller or mechanic?

Yes. Every report includes a professionally formatted PDF you can download, print, or forward to a private seller, dealer, or mechanic to support your buying decision.

2018 Kia Sorento Recalls, Complaints & Safety Ratings

The 2018 Kia Sorento has 3 open safety recalls and 247 owner complaints on file with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and it earned an overall 5-star NHTSA crash-test rating. Below is the public safety record. To see whether a specific Sorento had its recalls repaired and how its mileage and title check out, run that car's VIN.

Safety recalls

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

Campaign 18V656000 · 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 to separate.

RiskIf the steering column separates, it can cause a loss of steering ability, increasing the risk of a crash.

RemedyKia 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:SIDE/WINDOW

Campaign 17V784000 · 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.

RiskIf the component detaches during deployment, it may enter the passenger compartment and be a projectile within the vehicle cabin, increasing the risk of injury.

RemedyKia 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.

TRAILER HITCHES

Campaign 22V703000 · 19/09/2022

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.

RiskA fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

RemedyOwners 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.

What owners complain about

The systems 2018 Kia Sorento owners report most often to federal regulators:

Engine101

Exterior Lighting41

Unknown Or Other37

Electrical System29

Steering26

Fuel12

NHTSA crash-test ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★

Side crash★★★★★

Rollover★★★★★

Overall★★★★★

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2018 Kia Sorento have any recalls?

Yes. The 2018 Kia Sorento has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Check your specific VIN to see whether the work was completed.

What problems do 2018 Kia Sorento owners report?

Owners have filed 247 complaints with the NHTSA for the 2018 Kia Sorento, most often about the engine, exterior lighting, unknown or other.

How do I check a specific Sorento's history?

Enter the 17-character VIN into Carchieve. You get the recalls, owner complaints and crash ratings shown here for that exact vehicle, plus full decoded specifications and a guided title and odometer check.

2018 Kia Sorento: Recalls, Complaints & Safety Ratings

Safety recalls

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

TRAILER HITCHES

What owners complain about

NHTSA crash-test ratings

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2018 Kia Sorento have any recalls?

What problems do 2018 Kia Sorento owners report?

How do I check a specific Sorento's history?

Check a specific 2018 Kia Sorento

2018 Kia Sorento: Recalls, Complaints & Safety Ratings

Safety recalls

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

TRAILER HITCHES

What owners complain about

NHTSA crash-test ratings

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2018 Kia Sorento have any recalls?

What problems do 2018 Kia Sorento owners report?

How do I check a specific Sorento's history?

Check a specific 2018 Kia Sorento

Other model years