Body complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 17% | — |
| 2025 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2024 | 7 | 16% | — |
| 2023 | 2 | 2% | — |
| 2022 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2021 | 5 | 2% | — |
| 2019 | 55 | 13% | 65,000 miles |
| 2018 | 9 | 4% | 60,000 miles |
| 2017 | 17 | 2% | 44,000 miles |
| 2016 | 111 | 9% | 46,000 miles |
| 2015 | 100 | 13% | 60,000 miles |
| 2014 | 160 | 16% | 72,000 miles |
| 2013 | 91 | 9% | 61,000 miles |
| 2012 | 35 | 4% | 71,000 miles |
| 2011 | 268 | 18% | 89,000 miles |
| 2009 | 1 | 2% | 1,000 miles |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% | 64,000 miles |
| 2007 | 9 | 6% | 99,000 miles |
| 2006 | 7 | 3% | 119,000 miles |
| 2005 | 14 | 5% | 124,000 miles |
| 2004 | 28 | 13% | 125,000 miles |
| 2003 | 12 | 4% | 45,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
On March 19 I completed my 8,000 mile oil change and then drove to Florida. I had a warning light to change my oil since the company did not reset it. Unsure of the other warning lights. As I was driving in Florida on the interstate the car started having issues. It was making a noise, then started smoking and by the time I got off the exit and got out the front right of the car was in flames. I was transported to the ER with smoke inhalation. The car in still in Clermont, FL with no resolution. The car has been inspected by the insurance and a third party inspector. The last I was told the inspection report is with the Kia engineers. I am unaware at this point what the failure was that led to the fire. No response from Kia for over a month.
Reason is unknown, was driving down road and car yanked to the right cause family to wreck in to a guard rail, no lights appeared before wreck, it was not raining and was not speeding. Clear sunny day. Police report has been made and has made several attempts to contact KIA, car has been in body shop since July. Wreck has happened in July. Car is still at body shop KIA told body shop there was no time line on getting any parts to repair, they do not know if it will be this year.
My Kia Sorento has the Nightfall trim package on it and currently has 13K miles. The paint on the trim around the windows has started to come off, sort of looking like acid rain effect. The dealership said this is not covered as it is an environmental and wash problem. We live in Hawaii. However, this is a widespread issue with Nightfall trim packages on Kia vehicles all around. I believe it is a manufacturing defect. Even if it is a wash or environmental problem, there was no warning when buying it could happen
The panoramic sun roof opens but will not close. it takes 6-12 attempts to get it to close, it will move to where its an inch away from closing then reopen. Kia has recalls for this make and year but says my car is not affected. attempting to get it to close is very distracting and frustrating taking focus away from driving.
My Vehicle was stolen from my residential home. My window was buss out and they stole my vehicle. After over two weeks my vehicle was finally retrieved by the police and city of Milwaukee tow lot. I was told by financing company as well as police department to go get pictures of vehicle as reported from tow company that my vehicle was completely totaled out. I went and retrieved pictures seeing that my car was totaled. With this being said i don't have a vehicle for me or my children to be able to get to work and or school and daycare. I don't know what I'm going to do with trying to not jeopardize my job with getting to work. So I'm writing this so that KIA company can be held accountable for not recalling these vehicles and putting me and my children during this pandemic at risk of losing everything home, job and more.
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle began shaking and a burning odor emanated from the 12V accessory outlet. The contact stated that the instrument and meter did not illuminate. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the radio needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 65,000.
While driving, heard a LOUD noise like a large rock hit the top of my 2018 kia sorento SXL, which I just purchased four days ago with 44,441 miles on it~ when I stopped to inspect the panorama sunroof, front panel was shattered could see no impact point of a rock or anything hitting it- researching online seems this happens a lot to Kia vehicles with a panorama sunroof. Also Hyundai and BMW ~seems there is a defect in the material with this occurring for no apparent reason in different weather conditions -garage kept or whatever ~ also read where a repair man stated to a customer plan on it happening again in a year~ lot of sorento issues with this problem- I could have wrecked my car- when exploded it was loud and frightening- just occurred yesterday, so have not reported it to manufacturer -insurance company- anyone With all the complaints from 2011-present it should have already been …
2018 Kia Sorento. Snow White Pearl paint started delaminating at about 45,000 miles. Now it has 51,000 miles and I have multiple spots where it is delaminating on the hood, front bumper, and fender. Also, where the paint is delaminating I am also starting to see small chips on the paint below since the clear coat is gone. I cant believe my car paint is having issues and it only has 51,000 miles on it. It has been stored in a garage for the life of the car.
Frequently asked questions
Which Kia Sorento years have body problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2011 (268), 2014 (160), 2016 (111), 2015 (100) and 2013 (91) model years. Body complaints make up 18% of all complaints for the 2011.
Is there a recall for Kia Sorento body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for any Kia Sorento model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Kia Sorento body problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles; 20% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the body (846 mentions), followed by the body › door (42).
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.