NHTSA holds 9,934 complaints about the Kia Sorento across the 2003 to 2026 model years, and 7,168 of them fall on the 2011 to 2017 models. The 2011 has the most, 1,517, followed by the 2016 with 1,250 and the 2014 with 986. Engine is the top complaint category in every year from 2011 to 2020, and 411 complaints report a fire. Four recalls carry a park-outside warning, three of them for the anti-lock brake control unit on 2011 to 2015 models, and NHTSA's audit query AQ23002 into Hyundai and Kia ABS module fires is still open for those years.
Kia Sorento Common Problems and Years to Avoid (NHTSA Data)
By the founder of CarWorthItPublished
Short answer
Kia Sorento years to avoid, going by NHTSA owner complaints: 2011 (1,517 complaints), 2016 (1,250) and 2014 (986), each at least twice the median model year (307). The components owners report most are engine (3,772), electrical system (1,346) and power train (1,050). NHTSA lists 40 recall campaigns and 17 defect investigations for the 2003 to 2026 model years.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls and defect investigations for the 2003 to 2026 Kia Sorento, 9,934 complaints in all, pulled September 28, 2026.
Kia Sorento complaints and recalls by model year
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation and distinct recall campaigns, for every model year with records, counted on September 28, 2026. The median model year up to 2021 drew 307 complaints; a year is marked to avoid when it is one of the three highest and drew at least twice that. Years after 2021 have had less time to collect complaints, so they are judged only if they already pass the same line.
| Model year | Verdict | Complaints | Recalls | Crash / fire / injury reports | Most-reported components |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Too new to judge | 5 | 0 | 2 / 0 / 1 | Service brakes (2), Engine (1), Engine and engine cooling (1) |
| 2025 | Too new to judge | 74 | 3 | 6 / 0 / 4 | Electrical system (21), Engine (19), Power train (19) |
| 2024 | Too new to judge | 41 | 2 | 4 / 1 / 4 | Electrical system (11), Structure (7), Service brakes (6) |
| 2023 | Too new to judge | 119 | 3 | 3 / 2 / 3 | Electrical system (37), Engine (30), Power train (20) |
| 2022 | Too new to judge | 189 | 6 | 4 / 1 / 4 | Power train (64), Engine (52), Electrical system (30) |
| 2021 | Few records | 17 | 4 | 0 / 0 / 0 | Power train (14), Engine (6), Fuel/propulsion system (3) |
| 2020 | Fewest complaints | 135 | 1 | 10 / 11 / 11 | Engine (64), Electrical system (19), Power train (18) |
| 2019 | Above median | 426 | 2 | 10 / 19 / 10 | Engine (155), Electrical system (68), Structure (54) |
| 2018 | Typical | 254 | 3 | 12 / 11 / 10 | Engine (106), Exterior lighting (41), Electrical system (30) |
| 2017 | High | 804 | 4 | 13 / 32 / 13 | Engine (386), Exterior lighting (125), Steering (97) |
| 2016 | Year to avoid | 1,250 | 8 | 29 / 49 / 17 | Engine (694), Power train (125), Structure (110) |
| 2015 | High | 750 | 3 | 20 / 14 / 13 | Engine (360), Structure (100), Exterior lighting (91) |
| 2014 | Year to avoid | 986 | 6 | 23 / 46 / 16 | Engine (387), Structure (160), Electrical system (153) |
| 2013 | High | 981 | 5 | 23 / 44 / 22 | Engine (496), Electrical system (116), Structure (91) |
| 2012 | High | 880 | 5 | 21 / 77 / 22 | Engine (461), Electrical system (127), Service brakes (103) |
| 2011 | Year to avoid | 1,517 | 8 | 42 / 61 / 35 | Engine (284), Structure (268), Power train (265) |
| 2010 | Few records | 3 | 2 | 2 / 0 / 1 | Suspension (1), Engine (1), Air bags (1) |
| 2009 | Fewest complaints | 55 | 3 | 2 / 1 / 3 | Air bags (21), Electrical system (14), Power train (9) |
| 2008 | Typical | 217 | 3 | 15 / 9 / 14 | Air bags (66), Electronic stability control (esc) (44), Engine (35) |
| 2007 | Typical | 154 | 4 | 10 / 5 / 8 | Air bags (58), Service brakes (24), Electrical system (21) |
| 2006 | Typical | 242 | 1 | 12 / 8 / 7 | Engine (67), Exterior lighting (56), Electrical system (53) |
| 2005 | Typical | 307 | 0 | 17 / 5 / 11 | Engine (63), Exterior lighting (53), Electrical system (49) |
| 2004 | Typical | 220 | 0 | 11 / 12 / 9 | Engine (46), Engine and engine cooling (46), Power train (40) |
| 2003 | Typical | 308 | 1 | 10 / 3 / 8 | Engine and engine cooling (82), Engine (43), Fuel system (43) |
Counts are raw totals and are not adjusted for how many of each year were sold, so a big-selling year draws more complaints than a slow one. Crash, fire and injury columns count complaints that report one, as filed by the owner.
Check the value and recall status of a specific Kia Sorento
Model-year counts cannot tell you about the car in front of you. Enter its 17-character VIN for the free report: the exact year, trim and engine it was built with, the safety recalls NHTSA lists for its year, make and model, its crash-test ratings and running costs. No account. Then, from $2.99, see what that Kia Sorento is worth at its mileage near your ZIP code, with the listings behind the number, and whether the asking price is fair. The $6.99 Full Report also checks that VIN for recalls still outstanding.
2011: the most complaints, spread across the car
The 2011 Sorento has 1,517 complaints, against a median of 307 per model year. These counts are raw totals, not adjusted for how many of each year were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints. No single system dominates: engine (284), structure (268) and power train (265) sit close together. It leads the model for complaints mentioning brakes (194), air bags (186) and transmission problems (135). Its eight recalls include 11V258000, for an intermediate shaft misalignment that can eventually damage the automatic transmission, and 23V877000, the recall that followed NHTSA's engine fires analysis EA21003.
2012 to 2017: engine complaints and bearing recalls
Engine complaints peak at 694 for the 2016, which also leads the model for complaints describing engine failure, seizure or knocking (296), a check-engine light (181) and stalling or loss of power while driving (154). The 2016 and 2017 lead for complaints mentioning oil consumption or oil leaks, with 141 and 130. Recall 17V224000 covers the 2012 to 2014 for machining errors that may cause premature bearing wear within the engine, and 17V586000 covers the 2017 because the engine crankshaft may have been improperly heat treated and may fail. NHTSA's preliminary evaluation PE23019 into loss of motive power on the 2016 and 2017 closed in July 2024 without a recall.
Fire risk and park-outside recalls
Fire, smoke or a burning smell comes up in 889 complaints, most often for the 2012 (126), 2016 (123) and 2011 (116), and the 2012 has the most fire reports of any year, 77. Three park-outside recalls concern the anti-lock brake control unit: 23V652000 for the 2011 to 2014, and 20V519000 and 21V331000 for the 2014 and 2015, where brake fluid may leak inside the unit and cause an electrical short. The fourth, 22V703000, covers 2016 to 2022 models with a factory or Kia dealer tow hitch harness. Separately, 20V750000 covers the 2012 and 2013 because an engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
Headlights and panoramic sunroofs
Headlights come up in 800 complaints, led by the 2017 (117), 2011 (98) and 2015 (90). NHTSA's preliminary evaluation PE20008 into headlight failure on the 2011 to 2013 closed in January 2022 without a recall. NHTSA examined panoramic sunroof breakage on the 2011 to 2013 twice, under PE13035 and then engineering analysis EA14002, which closed in January 2021; neither lists a recall.
What to check on a used Sorento
- Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup, which lists any recall not yet repaired on that car (see what else a free VIN check shows) and confirm 23V652000 on a 2011 to 2014, or 20V519000 and 21V331000 on a 2014 or 2015, show as completed. Until they do, park it outside.
- On a 2012 to 2014, confirm the engine bearing recall 17V224000, and if the engine was replaced, the fuel pipe recall 18V907000.
- On a 2016 or 2017, check the oil level, listen for knocking and watch for a check-engine light or stalling on the test drive.
- On a 2011, listen for a whirring or whining noise from the drivetrain and confirm 11V258000 was completed.
- Test every headlight on a 2011, 2015 or 2017, and inspect the panoramic sunroof glass on a 2011 to 2013.
- If a 2016 to 2022 has a tow hitch harness, confirm 22V703000 was done.
- Before you settle on a price, check the seller's asking price against the Sorentos for sale near you with the used car price check.
Then check what a specific Sorento is worth by VIN: the valuation, from $2.99, prices that VIN at its mileage near your ZIP code against cars for sale.
What Kia Sorento owners report most
NHTSA files each complaint under one or more component categories. Across all 9,934 Kia Sorento complaints, these are the most common:
| NHTSA component | Complaints | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3,772 | 38.0% |
| Electrical system | 1,346 | 13.5% |
| Power train | 1,050 | 10.6% |
| Structure | 928 | 9.3% |
| Exterior lighting | 843 | 8.5% |
| Air bags | 712 | 7.2% |
| Service brakes | 691 | 7.0% |
| Steering | 537 | 5.4% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 388 | 3.9% |
| Vehicle speed control | 385 | 3.9% |
The categories are broad, so the owners' own descriptions were also searched for specific symptoms. These are counts of complaints whose text mentions each one, not diagnoses, and one complaint can mention several.
| What the complaint describes | Complaints | Share | Model years with the most |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine failure, seizure or knocking | 1,501 | 15.1% | 2016 (296), 2015 (201), 2013 (198) |
| Stalling or loss of power while driving | 1,162 | 11.7% | 2016 (154), 2013 (150), 2012 (147) |
| Brakes | 1,150 | 11.6% | 2011 (194), 2012 (157), 2013 (119) |
| Check-engine light | 1,134 | 11.4% | 2016 (181), 2013 (114), 2014 (113) |
| Fire, smoke or a burning smell | 889 | 8.9% | 2012 (126), 2016 (123), 2011 (116) |
| Steering | 836 | 8.4% | 2017 (111), 2016 (91), 2011 (86) |
| Headlights | 800 | 8.1% | 2017 (117), 2011 (98), 2015 (90) |
| Air bags | 750 | 7.5% | 2011 (186), 2012 (80), 2008 (71) |
| Oil consumption or oil leaks | 562 | 5.7% | 2016 (141), 2017 (130), 2019 (61) |
| Transmission problems | 427 | 4.3% | 2011 (135), 2022 (40), 2016 (34) |
Kia Sorento recalls (40 campaigns)
Every recall campaign NHTSA lists for the Kia Sorento, newest first, with the model years it covers and NHTSA's own description of the defect, shortened. A recall on the model is not proof a given car was affected or left unrepaired: check a specific car by entering its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or in the free CarWorthIt VIN report.
| Campaign | Reported | Model years | Component | The defect, in NHTSA's words |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26V046000 | January 27, 2026 | 2025 | Electrical system | Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 101, "Controls and Displays" and 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring System." |
| 25V649000 | September 25, 2025 | 2021 to 2023 | Electrical system | The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) blower motor wiring harness may be inadequate, which can result in a fire. A fire increases the risk of injury. |
| 25V548000 | August 25, 2025 | 2025 | Engine and engine cooling | The connecting rod bolts in the engine may have been improperly tightened, which can cause a loss of drive power. A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. |
| 25V006000 | January 13, 2025 | 2024 to 2025 | Electrical system | A software error in the Body Domain Control Unit (BDC) may cause a loss of low beam headlights and taillights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment." |
| 24V287000 | April 23, 2024 | 2024 | Electrical system | The motor driven power steering (MDPS) wiring harness may be incorrectly assembled, which can result in a loss of power steering assist. A loss of power steering assist increases the risk of a crash. |
| 23V877000 | December 21, 2023 | 2011 | Engine | An engine compartment fire can occur while driving. A fire increases the risk of injury. |
| 23V652000 | September 25, 2023 | 2011 to 2014 | Service brakes, hydraulic | NHTSA park-outside warning. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving. An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury. |
| 23V639000 | September 15, 2023 | 2019 | Back over prevention | Due to a manufacturing error, water may leak into the rearview camera, which can cause the rearview camera image not to appear on the display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility." |
| 23V610000 | August 31, 2023 | 2022 to 2023 | Back over prevention | The mounting clips for the rearview camera may break, which can cause the rearview camera image not to appear properly on the display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility." |
| 23V579000 | August 15, 2023 | 2023 | Equipment | The air bag warning labels on the driver and front passenger sun visors may detach. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection." |
| 22V760000 | October 11, 2022 | 2021 to 2022 | Power train | The vehicle's "fail-safe" limited-mobility drive mode may be impaired, when prompted by a transmission oil pump malfunction, which can result in a complete loss of drive power. |
| 22V703000 | September 19, 2022 | 2016 to 2022 | Trailer hitches | NHTSA park-outside warning. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire. A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury. |
| 22V612000 | August 10, 2022 | 2016 | Power train | The vehicles may have been manufactured with faulty automatic transmission shift lever assembly components, preventing the shift lever from locking, which can allow the vehicle to rollaway. |
| 22V509000 | July 19, 2022 | 2022 | Tires | The vehicles may be equipped with an incorrect spare tire which, when installed, can impair the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and the traction control system (TCS). As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims." |
| 22V202000 | March 29, 2022 | 2022 | Engine and engine cooling | The oil supply pipe to the turbocharger may crack, which could result in an oil leak in the engine compartment. An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire. |
Show the other 25 Kia Sorento recalls
| Campaign | Reported | Model years | Component | The defect, in NHTSA's words |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21V519000 | July 8, 2021 | 2021 | Fuel system, gasoline | Fuel may leak at the pipe connection between the high-pressure fuel pump and fuel rail. A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire. |
| 21V331000 | May 10, 2021 | 2014 to 2015 | Service brakes, hydraulic | NHTSA park-outside warning. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short. An electrical short in the HECU increases the risk of a fire while parked or driving. |
| 20V750000 | December 2, 2020 | 2012 to 2013 | Engine | An engine compartment fire can occur while driving. An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury. |
| 20V519000 | August 27, 2020 | 2014 to 2015 | Service brakes, hydraulic | NHTSA park-outside warning. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short. If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire. |
| 20V088000 | February 14, 2020 | 2007 to 2009 | Electrical system | Moisture may enter the Anti-lock Brake (ABS) Module and result in an electrical short. 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. |
| 18V907000 | December 19, 2018 | 2012 to 2017 | Fuel system, gasoline | The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak. |
| 18V656000 | September 21, 2018 | 2018 | Steering | The cowl crossbar that connects to the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) steering column may be improperly welded, allowing the steering column to separate. If the steering column separates, it can cause a loss of steering ability, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 17V784000 | December 8, 2017 | 2018 | Air bags | The side curtain air bags on these vehicles have a component that may detach during deployment of the inflatable curtain air bag. 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. |
| 17V586000 | September 21, 2017 | 2017 | Engine and engine cooling | The engine crankshaft may have been improperly heat treated and may fail. If the crankshaft fails, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 17V224000 | March 31, 2017 | 2012 to 2014 | Engine and engine cooling | Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine. Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 16V862000 | November 30, 2016 | 2016 to 2017 | Trailer hitches | The affected vehicles are equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness that, due to a malfunction of the tow hitch module, may result in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment." |
| 16V770000 | October 24, 2016 | 2016 | Seats | The driver's seatback frame may have been produced with inadequate weld joints and, as a result, the seatback may not function as designed in the event of a rear-end collision. |
| 16V480000 | June 29, 2016 | 2016 | Suspension | A component of the rear suspension may not be properly welded. The improper weld may break, affecting the rear suspension alignment, thereby increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 15V626000 | October 6, 2015 | 2011 to 2013 | Power train | In the affected vehicles, if excessive force is applied to the gear shift lever, the brake-shift interlock mechanism may chip or crack allowing the transmission being able to be shifted out of "Park" without the brakes being depressed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection." |
| 15V446000 | July 14, 2015 | 2016 | Seat belts | The affected vehicles have a front passenger seat belt whose buckle latch assembly may prevent the front passenger from fastening the seat belt. If the front passenger seat belt cannot be latched, an occupant sitting in the front passenger seat has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash. |
| 15V089000 | February 13, 2015 | 2016 | Vehicle speed control | Due to an improperly soldered component in the accelerator pedal assembly, the driver may not be able to accelerate the vehicle. If the vehicle is unable to be accelerated, there is an increased risk of a crash. |
| 13V356000 | August 13, 2013 | 2014 | Power train | Due to a manufacturing issue, the right front axle shaft may fracture. A fractured front axle may result in a loss of power to the wheels. |
| 13V114000 | April 1, 2013 | 2007 to 2011 | Exterior lighting | In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. |
| 11E041000 | October 6, 2011 | 2009 to 2011 | Equipment | The units are not water-tight and moisture can seep into the converter module and defeat the module's internal circuit protection. Without the circuit protection, the module can overheat possibly resulting in a fire. |
| 11V473000 | September 7, 2011 | 2007 to 2008 | Air bags | The front passenger air bag may be turned off when an adult is in the passenger seat. The front passenger air bag is designed to be turned off in limited circumstances including when children and small adults are seated in the front passenger seat, there is a child restraint in that seat or the seat is not occupied. |
| 11V258000 | April 25, 2011 | 2011 | Power train | The intermediate shaft may suffer from noise and excessive wear due to a misalignment of the intermediate shaft with the right side output gear. Continuing to drive the vehicle in this condition leads to the development of a whirring/whining noise and can eventually cause damage to the automatic transmission. |
| 10V599000 | November 24, 2010 | 2011 | Service brakes, hydraulic | Some of the rear brake calipers may not have been properly machined. As a result, brake fluid will leak, followed by illumination of the malfunction indicator light indicating the brake fluid level is low and should be checked, then a soft or spongy brake pedal feel, and if not serviced, reduced braking power which could increase the risk of a crash. |
| 10V388000 | August 31, 2010 | 2011 | Electrical system | A limited number of wiring harnesses supplied by jci and used for the lighting in the Kia soul vehicle's advanced lighting speakers, located in the front door trim panels, and the Kia Sorento vehicle's interior accent illumination, located in the front and rear door trim panels, may have been improperly soldered. |
| 09V130000 | April 17, 2009 | 2006 to 2007 | Exterior lighting | The stop lamp switch in the affected vehicles may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause the brake lights to remain illuminated when the brake pedal is released. |
| 05V353000 | August 4, 2005 | 2003 | Fuel system, gasoline | Certain sport utility vehicles may experience a fuel leak from fuel tubes near the fuel tank due to an interference fit with the vehicle floor panel. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire. |
NHTSA defect investigations
Investigations are opened when NHTSA sees a possible safety defect, often from complaints like the ones above. PE is a preliminary evaluation, EA an engineering analysis, RQ a recall query into whether an earlier recall went far enough, DP a defect petition and AQ an audit query.
| Number | Opened | Status | Kia Sorento years | Subject | Recall campaign linked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AQ23002 | November 17, 2023 | Open | 2011 to 2015 | Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires | No |
| PE23019 | November 13, 2023 | Closed July 23, 2024 | 2016 to 2017 | Loss of Motive Power | No |
| DP22003 | September 12, 2022 | Closed December 12, 2023 | 2011 to 2021 | Loss of Motive Power | No |
| EA21003 | December 22, 2021 | Closed February 5, 2024 | 2011 to 2014 | Engine Fires | 23V877 |
| DP21002 | November 12, 2021 | Closed June 26, 2023 | 2015 to 2017 | Engine Oil Pressure Switch Leak | No |
| DP21003 | November 12, 2021 | Closed June 20, 2023 | 2006 to 2015 | Throttle control system vulnerabilities | No |
| PE20008 | June 1, 2020 | Closed January 25, 2022 | 2011 to 2013 | Headlight Failure | No |
| PE19004 | March 29, 2019 | Closed December 22, 2021 | 2011 to 2014 | Non-crash Vehicle Fires | 20V088000 |
| DP18003 | August 21, 2018 | Closed May 10, 2019 | 2011 to 2014 | Non-crash Vehicle Fires | 18V907000 |
| RQ17003 | May 18, 2017 | Closed December 22, 2021 | 2012 to 2014 | Scope and Timeliness | 17V224000 |
| EA14002 | May 12, 2014 | Closed January 15, 2021 | 2011 to 2013 | Panoramic Glass Sunroof Breakage | No |
| PE13035 | October 21, 2013 | Closed May 21, 2014 | 2011 to 2013 | Panoramic Sunroof Breakage | No |
| PE13025 | July 5, 2013 | Closed September 20, 2013 | 2014 | Front Axle Shaft Failure | 13V355000 |
| PE11010 | April 7, 2011 | Closed May 10, 2011 | 2011 | Transmission Intermediate Driveshaft | 11V258000 |
| PE10023 | July 12, 2010 | Closed December 21, 2011 | 2003 | Fuel Spill During Refueling | No |
| EA09017 | November 19, 2009 | Closed September 26, 2011 | 2007 to 2008 | Air Bag Occupant Classification System | 11V473000 |
| PE09034 | July 17, 2009 | Closed November 30, 2009 | 2007 to 2008 | AIR BAG OCS | No |
How these numbers were counted
Complaints: NHTSA's complaints API for NHTSA model names SORENTO, SORENTO ICE, each complaint counted once per model year; hybrid and plug-in versions, which NHTSA files separately, are not included. Recalls: distinct campaign numbers from NHTSA's recalls databasefor the same names and years. Investigations: NHTSA's defect investigation file. All pulled September 28, 2026. These are counts of reports, not failure rates, and they say nothing about any individual car. For that, check the VIN.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the Kia Sorento?
Engine is the most cited NHTSA component category, on 3,772 of 9,934 complaints, followed by electrical system (1,346), power train (1,050) and structure (928). In the complaint narratives, 1,501 describe engine failure, seizure or knocking, 1,162 describe stalling or loss of power while driving and 1,150 mention brakes.
What Kia Sorento years should I avoid?
The years to avoid are the 2011 (1,517 complaints), 2016 (1,250) and 2014 (986). The 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2017 are also more than twice the median of 307 per model year, while the 2009 (55) and 2020 (135) have the fewest complaints among years with enough records to judge.
How many recalls does the Kia Sorento have?
NHTSA lists 40 recall campaigns for the Sorento. Four carry a park-outside warning: 23V652000 (2011 to 2014), 20V519000 and 21V331000 (2014 and 2015) for the anti-lock brake control unit, and 22V703000 (2016 to 2022) for the tow hitch harness.
Is NHTSA still investigating the Kia Sorento?
Yes. Audit query AQ23002 into Hyundai and Kia ABS module fires, opened in November 2023, covers the 2011 to 2015 Sorento and is still open. The other 16 NHTSA investigations on record for the Sorento are closed.