Recall 18V656 affects 97 2018 Kia Sorento vehicles for an improperly welded steering-column cowl crossbar. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
Kia is recalling 97 2018 Sorento SUVs because an improper weld at the cowl crossbar can let the Motor Driven Power Steering column separate. If that happens, the driver can lose steering ability and crash risk increases, and Kia dealers will inspect and repair the steering column free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The 2018 Kia Sorento uses a Motor Driven Power Steering steering column to transfer the driver's steering input from the steering wheel into the steering system. A cowl crossbar supports that column and helps hold it in the correct position under the dashboard. The bracket on that crossbar has to be welded in the right place so the column stays secure while the wheel is turned.
On these Sorentos, the bracket on the cowl crossbar was misaligned during production. That misalignment led to an improper weld. If the weld does not hold, the steering column can separate from its support, which leaves the steering wheel loose instead of firmly connected to the mounted column assembly.
Owners can notice this before failure. The warning signs are a loud clunking noise from the steering column while turning the wheel, or increased free play and looseness in the steering wheel.
Who's affected?
This recall lists two steering components on the same 2018 Sorento: the power steering system and the steering column.
| 2018 Kia Sorento | power steering system |
|---|---|
| 2018 Kia Sorento | steering column |
| Units affected | 97 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 97 field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific SUV.
What's the safety risk?
A separating steering column can cause loss of steering ability and increase the risk of a crash. Loud clunking while turning or extra looseness in the steering wheel is a warning sign; if you notice either, stop using the vehicle and call a Kia dealer for guidance. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018 Kia Sorento is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the free cowl crossbar replacement that secures the MDPS steering column.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, and reference recall number 18V656 when you call.
- Limit driving until the repair is complete because steering-column separation can cause loss of steering ability.
- Call Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 with questions about recall number 18V656.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kia technician replaces the cowl crossbar connected to the Motor Driven Power Steering steering column. Parts and labor are free under the recall. If you've already paid for a related cowl crossbar or steering column repair, Kia's General Reimbursement Plan covers eligible repair expenses already incurred. Bring repair invoices, payment records, and any dealer paperwork to the service desk, or contact Kia customer service to start the reimbursement claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| September 21, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 19, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| October 19, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 26, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| October 26, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V656?
Recall 18V656 covers 97 2018 Kia Sorento vehicles with a cowl crossbar weld issue near the Motor Driven Power Steering column. If the steering column separates, the driver can lose steering ability, increasing crash risk. Kia dealers replace the cowl crossbar for free.
What should I do if my 2018 Kia Sorento is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Sorento is included in recall 18V656. If it is, contact a franchised Kia dealer and schedule the cowl crossbar replacement. Reference recall number 18V656 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost to owners. For recall 18V656, Kia dealers replace the cowl crossbar free of charge at any franchised Kia dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of steering ability. The recalled Sorento has a cowl crossbar that connects to the Motor Driven Power Steering column and was improperly welded. If the steering column separates, steering control is lost and crash risk increases.
What if I bought my Kia Sorento used?
The free repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2018 Kia Sorento is included, then contact a franchised Kia dealer and reference recall number 18V656.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V656000 |
|---|---|
| Kia customer service | 1-800-333-4542 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V656 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V656000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →