Most common 2023 Kia Sorento Phev problems
Share of the 8 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Kia Sorento Phev complaints by model year
Best Sorento Phev years: 2025. Compare all years →
2023 Kia Sorento Phev recalls (2)
Back over prevention › Sensing system › Camera
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Sorento, Sorento Hybrid, and Sorento Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) vehicles. The mounting clips for the rearview camera may break, which can cause the rearview camera image not to appear properly on the display.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera housing, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542.
Trailer hitches
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.
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.
What 2023 Kia Sorento Phev owners say
Engine & cooling
We were driving on the highway at about 65 MPH. Without warning, the vehicle suddenly started to struggle and slowed to about 40 MPH. We were able to safely pull over, but we were in an acceleration lane merging onto another highway and didn't feel safe due to the sudden deceleration. This is a plug-in hybrid. We have driven at 65+ MPH on long rides before, and this was the first time that we noticed that the battery had completely drained. We expect that when the battery is drained that the car would function like a normal hybrid and continue to function in a safe manner. The car's cluster displayed a message along the lines of "Maintaining hybrid mode," although it isn't clear if the speed-limiting behavior was an expected consequence of that. After being pulled over for a bit, the battery level recuperated enough that we attempted to resume driving on side roads. …
When trying to accelerate from a standing stop, there is a one or two second delay, once the accelerator pedal is depressed, before the car moves. Extremely dangerous when pulling out into traffic. I had it back to the dealership to address this problem but they found nothing wrong. I guarantee you , the problem continues to exist.
Electrical system
We were driving on the highway at about 65 MPH. Without warning, the vehicle suddenly started to struggle and slowed to about 40 MPH. We were able to safely pull over, but we were in an acceleration lane merging onto another highway and didn't feel safe due to the sudden deceleration. This is a plug-in hybrid. We have driven at 65+ MPH on long rides before, and this was the first time that we noticed that the battery had completely drained. We expect that when the battery is drained that the car would function like a normal hybrid and continue to function in a safe manner. The car's cluster displayed a message along the lines of "Maintaining hybrid mode," although it isn't clear if the speed-limiting behavior was an expected consequence of that. After being pulled over for a bit, the battery level recuperated enough that we attempted to resume driving on side roads. …
While driving my 2023 Sorento plug-in hybrid a msg appeared that Charging Stopped Check Cable. When you stop the car and try to drive it will not go into any gear, msg says Shifting Conditions Not Met and Unplug Vehicle to Start and the wheels are locked up (E-brake) and needs a tow truck with dollies in order to load. This happened in the middle of the Highway and it's happened FOUR times. By the time the dealer looks at it, the problem has cleared and does not show any codes. It's not easy to reproduce since it just happens sometimes with the warning and sometimes no warning. The dealer tells me nothing is wrong with the car yet someone could get killed by being rear ended. I've tried for 4 months to get a Kia Field Tech out to diagnose but just keep getting lip service from Kia Customer "I don't " Care. …
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2023 Kia Sorento Phev a good car?
That is a low number of complaints for a car on sale this long. So far owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA.
What is the most common problem with the 2023 Kia Sorento Phev?
The engine & cooling — 3 complaints, 38% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the electrical system (3) and speed control & acceleration (1).
How many recalls does the 2023 Kia Sorento Phev have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2023 Kia Sorento Phev, the most recent from August 31, 2023 (camera). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Kia Sorento Phev?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2025. See the full Kia Sorento Phev years comparison.
At what mileage do 2023 Kia Sorento Phev problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 50,000 miles; 0% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.