Kia Sorento common problems
Owners of 2015–2025 Kia Sorento vehicles have filed 3,963 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported system is engine & cooling (83% of categorised reports). Below is every reported problem area, ranked by real complaint volume, with recall and crash context — useful if you're researching this model before buying used.
- 3,963
- Owner complaints
- 39
- Recall campaigns
- 107
- Crash-related reports
- 120
- Injury reports
Most reported problem areas
By share of categorised NHTSA complaints across all 11 model years. Each links to what that system covers and its recall history.
- Engine & cooling2,064
- Body & structure222
- Steering183
- Visibility30
How to read this before buying
Complaint volume is not the same as failure rate. A model that sold in large numbers, or one that has been on sale for many years, accumulates more complaints without necessarily being less reliable. Use these figures to learn which systems to inspect, not to rank one model against another.
The single most useful next step is to check the specific vehicle's recalls by VIN — a recall repair is free at any franchised dealer, but only if it has actually been done.
Recent safety events
Full timeline- Recall2025 sorento
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.
- Recall2021 sorento
A fire increases the risk of injury.
- Recall2022 sorento
A fire increases the risk of injury.
- Recall2023 sorento
A fire increases the risk of injury.
- Recall2025 sorento
A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
- Recall2024 sorento
A loss of headlights and taillights can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Frequently asked
- What are the most common Kia Sorento problems?
- Across 3,963 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for 2015–2025 Kia Sorento vehicles, the most reported systems are engine & cooling (83%), body & structure (9%), steering (7%).
- Which Kia Sorento model year has the most complaints?
- In our index, the 2016 Kia Sorento has the most owner complaints, with 1,239 filed.
- Are Kia Sorento problems dangerous?
- Of the 3,963 complaints on record, 107 mention a crash, 139 mention a fire and 120 mention an injury, and 2 involve a death. Complaint counts are not a failure rate — check the specific vehicle's open recalls by VIN.
Problems by model year
The 2016 accounts for the most complaints (1,239). Open any year for its full complaint and recall report.
Where this comes from
Every figure is aggregated from consumer complaints filed directly with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — not forums, reviews or estimates. Component grouping uses our published taxonomy.