Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | −48% | 2 | Collision Avoidance | Good |
| 2025 | 76 | 1.8× | 3 | Electrical | Caution |
| 2024 | 43 | −31% | 2 | Electrical | Average |
| 2023 | 124 | 1.3× | 3 | Electrical | Average |
| 2022 | 193 | 1.5× | 6 | Transmission | Caution |
| 2021 | 254 | 1.9× | 4 | Transmission | Caution |
| 2020 | 138 | −46% | 1 | Engine | Good |
| 2019 | 431 | 2.0× | 2 | Engine | Avoid |
| 2018 | 255 | −31% | 3 | Engine | Average |
| 2017 | 807 | 4.0× | 4 | Engine | Avoid |
| 2016 | 1,256 | 5.7× | 8 | Engine | Avoid |
| 2015 | 754 | 3.3× | 3 | Engine | Avoid |
| 2014 | 988 | 3.8× | 6 | Engine | Avoid |
| 2013 | 982 | 3.8× | 5 | Engine | Avoid |
| 2012 | 880 | 3.1× | 5 | Engine | Avoid |
| 2011 | 1,520 | 5.8× | 7 | Engine | Avoid |
| 2009 | 55 | −93% | 2 | Airbag | Good |
| 2008 | 217 | −75% | 3 | Airbag | Good |
| 2007 | 154 | −82% | 4 | Airbag | Good |
| 2006 | 242 | −72% | 1 | Engine | Good |
| 2005 | 307 | −69% | — | Engine | Good |
| 2004 | 220 | −80% | — | Engine | Good |
| 2003 | 305 | −68% | 1 | Engine | Good |
* Complaints compared with the median Sorento year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Kia Sorento problems
Latest Kia Sorento recalls
Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 Kia K4, 2025-2026 Sorento, Sorento Hybrid, Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV), 2026 Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, Sportage PHEV, K5, EV9, Carnival, and Carnival Hybrid vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail.
Remedy: The instrument panel display software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 26, 2026.
Tires › Temporary/emergency spare tire
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 Telluride and 2026 Sorento vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with an incorrect spare tire which, when installed, can impair the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and the traction control system (TCS).
Remedy: Dealers will replace the spare wheel and tire assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 3, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542.
Visibility › Defroster/defogger/HVAC system › Fan/motor
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Sorento vehicles. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) blower motor wiring harness may be inadequate, which can result in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the wiring harness and blower motor resistor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2026. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542.
Engine and engine cooling › Critical fasteners
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 K4 and Sorento vehicles. The connecting rod bolts in the engine may have been improperly tightened, which can cause a loss of drive power.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the sub engine assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 12, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542.
Electrical system › Body control module › Software
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Sorento, 2025 Sorento Hybrid, and 2025 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. A software error in the Body Domain Control Unit (BDC) may cause a loss of low beam headlights and taillights.
Remedy: Dealers will update the BDC software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 21, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC331.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Kia Sorento should you avoid?
2011, 2016, 2017, 2013, 2014 and 2015 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Sorento years at the same age, led by engine & cooling problems in the 2011.
What is the best year for the Kia Sorento?
2020 has the fewest complaints compared with other Sorento years at the same age, followed by 2018 and 2024. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Kia Sorento problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the engine & cooling (4,198), electrical system (1,397) and transmission & drivetrain (1,187). Engine complaints peak in the 2016 model year.
How many recalls has the Kia Sorento had?
40 recalls across 2003–2026. The model year with the most is 2016. See all Kia Sorento recalls by year.
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.