Kia Sorento problems by model year
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
NHTSA has 5,722 owner complaints and 38 recalls on file for the Kia Sorento (2005–2026). The 2016 Sorento has the most serious complaints, most often about engine.
- Complaints
- 5,722
- Recalls
- 38
- Model years
- 22
- Worst year
- 2016
Complaints by model year
Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.
Worst Kia Sorento years to buy
Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).
- 2016 Kia Sorento — 1,055 complaints, 16 crashes, 34 fires; top problem: Engine
- 2017 Kia Sorento — 685 complaints, 9 crashes, 27 fires; top problem: Engine
- 2014 Kia Sorento — 679 complaints, 7 crashes, 27 fires; top problem: Engine
- 2015 Kia Sorento — 552 complaints, 11 crashes, 13 fires; top problem: Engine
- 2013 Kia Sorento — 461 complaints, 5 crashes, 21 fires; top problem: Engine
Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2010 (0 complaints).
Every Kia Sorento model year
| Year | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Recalls | Top problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Sorento | 6 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 2 | Driver Assistance & Safety Tech |
| 2025 Sorento | 76 | 6 | 0 | 5 | 3 | Electrical System |
| 2024 Sorento | 42 | 4 | 1 | 4 | 2 | Electrical System |
| 2023 Sorento | 122 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 3 | Electrical System |
| 2022 Sorento | 191 | 4 | 1 | 4 | 6 | Transmission & Drivetrain |
| 2021 Sorento | 253 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 4 | Transmission & Drivetrain |
| 2020 Sorento | 137 | 10 | 12 | 21 | 1 | Engine |
| 2019 Sorento | 387 | 8 | 19 | 14 | 2 | Engine |
| 2018 Sorento | 227 | 10 | 8 | 10 | 3 | Engine |
| 2017 Sorento | 685 | 9 | 27 | 11 | 4 | Engine |
| 2016 Sorento | 1,055 | 16 | 34 | 12 | 8 | Engine |
| 2015 Sorento | 552 | 11 | 13 | 10 | 3 | Engine |
| 2014 Sorento | 679 | 7 | 27 | 12 | 6 | Engine |
| 2013 Sorento | 461 | 5 | 21 | 9 | 5 | Engine |
| 2012 Sorento | 355 | 6 | 39 | 10 | 5 | Engine |
| 2011 Sorento | 402 | 5 | 36 | 7 | 7 | Engine |
| 2010 Sorento | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | — |
| 2009 Sorento | 10 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | Electrical System |
| 2008 Sorento | 39 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | Electrical System |
| 2007 Sorento | 18 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | Brakes |
| 2006 Sorento | 13 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 0 | Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion |
| 2005 Sorento | 12 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | Body & Structure |
Most common Kia Sorento problem areas (all years)
- Engine2,649 complaints
- Electrical System761 complaints
- Body & Structure617 complaints
- Transmission & Drivetrain599 complaints
- Lighting450 complaints
- Brakes438 complaints
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion295 complaints
- Steering246 complaints
- Airbags193 complaints
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech169 complaints
Complaint trend
Kia Sorento recalls
Risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer, tire pressure, or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
Risk: Anti-lock braking or traction control systems that do not function properly can increase the risk of a crash.
Risk: A fire increases the risk of injury.
Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Risk: A loss of headlights and taillights can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: A loss of power steering assist increases the risk of a crash.
Risk: A fire increases the risk of injury.
Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: A detached air bag warning label will not warn occupants about the risks of air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Risk: Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Risk: A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash and injury.
Risk: Impaired anti-lock braking or traction control systems can increase the risk of a crash.
Risk: An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Risk: A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
Risk: An electrical short in the HECU increases the risk of a fire while parked or driving.
Risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Risk: If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
Risk: An electrical short within the ABS Module may cause an engine compartment fire, even when the vehicle is turned off, increasing the risk of an injury.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Risk: If the steering column separates, it can cause a loss of steering ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: If the component detaches during deployment, it may enter the passenger compartment and be a projectile within the vehicle cabin, increasing the risk of injury.
Risk: If the crankshaft fails, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash. A failed crankshaft also increases the risk of a fire.
Other Kia models
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology