Kia Sorento reliability and problems by year
Owners have filed 8,691 complaints about the Kia Sorento with NHTSA since 2010, most often about engine and other or unspecified. Kia has filed 26 warranty extensions and 61 service campaigns for it, and there are 36 safety recalls on file.
From NHTSA's public data files, downloaded 2026-10-10.
How reliable is the Kia Sorento? What NHTSA's records show
We don't give the Sorento a reliability score. NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. Here is what's on file for model years 2010 on.
- Owner complaints
- 8,691
- Filed with NHTSA, all model years
- Warranty extensions
- 26
- Filed by Kia
- Service campaigns
- 61
- Filed by Kia
- Safety recalls
- 36
- Each covers part of the model
Every model year compared
Complaints rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so a newer or rarer year will show fewer. Compare years of the Sorento with each other.
| Year | Complaints | Most named | Recalls | Warranty / campaigns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | Other or unspecified (33%) | 2 | 1 |
| 2025 | 76 | Electrical system (29%) | 3 | 3 |
| 2024 | 42 | Electrical system (26%) | 2 | 4 |
| 2023 | 122 | Electrical system (30%) | 3 | 2 |
| 2022 | 191 | Transmission and drivetrain (35%) | 6 | 2 |
| 2021 | 253 | Transmission and drivetrain (56%) | 4 | 2 |
| 2020 | 137 | Engine (48%) | 1 | 2 |
| 2019 | 428 | Engine (36%) | 2 | 6 |
| 2018 | 255 | Engine (42%) | 3 | 14 |
| 2017 | 805 | Engine (48%) | 4 | 14 |
| 2016 | 1,254 | Engine (55%) | 8 | 19 |
| 2015 | 751 | Engine (48%) | 3 | 18 |
| 2014 | 988 | Engine (39%) | 6 | 33 |
| 2013 | 981 | Engine (51%) | 5 | 38 |
| 2012 | 880 | Engine (52%) | 5 | 40 |
| 2011 | 1,519 | Engine (19%) | 7 | 39 |
| 2010 | 3 | Airbags (33%) | 1 | 0 |
Look up one model year, or a VIN
See the complaints, recalls and warranty extensions for a single Sorento model year, with the typical mileage when owners reported each problem.
Acknowledged by Kia
Warranty extensions and service campaigns Kia filed with NHTSA for the Sorento, in its own words. A warranty extension means Kia pays for the repair beyond the normal warranty.
- Warranty extensionMar 2026· Electrical system· model years 2021–2025
OWNER NOTIFICATION (WTY042) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage, to all owners, for repairs related to the horn assembly in certain 2021-2025 MY Sorento, 2021-2025 MY Sorento Hybrid (HEV), and…
- Warranty extensionDec 2024· Airbags· model years 2011–2015
AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ON (WTY003) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.
- Warranty extensionNov 2024· Exterior lights· model years 2016–2018
OWNER RENOTIFICATION (WTY031) - This document is the owner renotification advising that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage, to all owners, for the multi-function switch assembly on 2018 MY Sorento vehicles from 5 years / 60,000 miles to 15 years / 150,000…
- Warranty extensionJun 2024· Engine· model years 2016–2017
ENGINE SUB ASSEMBLY INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT (WTY035) - This bulletin provides information associated with the ‘Warranty Extension Program’ (WTY035) to diagnose a coolant leak from the cylinder head gasket area and, if necessary, replace the engine sub-assembly on 2016-2017MY…
- Warranty extensionJun 2024· Engine· model years 2014–2015
OWNER NOTIFICATION (WTY039) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage, to all owners, for certain repairs related to the vehicle’s engine in 2014-2015 MY Sorento vehicles equipped with 3.3L V6 Engines from…
- Warranty extensionMay 2024· Fuel and propulsion· model years 2019–2020
OWNER NOTIFICATION (WTY034) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage, to all owners, for the high-pressure fuel pump in 2019-2021 MY Sedona vehicles from 5 years / 60,000 miles to 15 years / 180,000 miles,…
- Warranty extensionJul 2023· Fuel system· model years 2018–2019
FUEL PUMP INSPECTION AND UPPER FUEL PUMP MODULE REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information associated with the 'Fuel Pump Warranty Extension Program' (WTY033) to inspect the low-pressure fuel pump on 2018-2019MY Sorento (UMa) vehicles produced from March 31, 2017…
- Warranty extensionJun 2023· Fuel system· model years 2018–2019
WARRANTY EXTENSION: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the announcement to the vehicle owners that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage, to all owners, for the low-pressure fuel pump on 2018-2019 MY Sorento vehicles from 5 years / 60,000 miles to 15…
- Warranty extensionApr 2022· Engine and cooling· model years 2014–2018
WARRANTY EXTENSION: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage for repairs that may be necessary to address an Oil Pressure Switch leak in 2015-2018 MY Sedona vehicles equipped with 3.3L GDI Engine…
- Warranty extensionMar 2022· Steering· model years 2016–2017
MDPS WARNING LAMP DIAGNOSTIC INSPECTION & SINGLE PARTS REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information regarding the diagnosis of Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS), also known as Electronic Power Steering (EPS), and parts replacement associated with the âÂÂWarranty…
- Warranty extensionSep 2020· Seats· model years 2011–2015
WARRANTY EXTENSION PROGRAM - This document is the notice to the vehicle owners, advising them of the Warranty Extension on the Occupant Detection System Sensor Pad to fifteen (15) years with unlimited mileage, starting from the date the vehicle was first put into service.
- Warranty extensionApr 2019· Electrical system· model years 2011–2013
Request for reimbursement form - WTY012 ã¢ââ 2011-2013 MY Sorento headlamp low beam connector wiring harness new vehicle limited warranty extension
- Warranty extensionAug 2016· Engine· model years 2012–2014
Dealer parts and service manager memo: WTY008 - 2012-2014 MY Sorento 2.4L gdi engine - effective immediately, kia motors america, inc.
- Warranty extensionAug 2016· Equipment and accessories· model years 2012–2014
Request for reimbursement form: WTY008 - 2012-2014 MY Sorento 2.4L gdi engine warranty extension program - if you have paid to have your engine repaired/replaced due to connecting rod failure, you may be eligible for reimbursement for some or all of that expense.
- Warranty extensionAug 2016· Engine· model years 2012–2014
4L gdi engine warranty extension - dear kia sorento vehicle owner: Kia motors america takes pride in providing you with high quality and dependable vehicles.
- Warranty extensionAug 2016· Doors, latches and locks· model years 2011
Tsb: Front door latch customer satisfaction program (CS1603) - this bulletin provides information regarding the inspection, upgrade and/or replacement of door latches on 2011MY Sorento (xma) vehicles.
- Warranty extensionAug 2016· Doors, latches and locks· model years 2011
Dealer principal memo: CS1603 - kia motors america, inc. Is conducting a customer satisfaction / warranty extension program regarding the door latches in 2011 MY Sorento vehicles.
- Warranty extensionAug 2016· Doors, latches and locks· model years 2011
Dealer parts and service manager memo: CS1603 - kia motors america, inc.
- Warranty extensionAug 2016· Doors, latches and locks· model years 2011
Request for reimbursement form: CS1603 - 2011MY Kia sorento door latches customer satisfaction / warranty extension program - if you have paid to have the front and/or rear door latches repaired or replaced, you may be eligible for reimbursement for some or all of that expense.
- Warranty extensionAug 2016· Doors, latches and locks· model years 2011
Would like to thank you for purchasing a kia sorento. Because kia values you as our customer, we are conducting a customer satisfaction program regarding door latches in 2011 MY Sorento vehicles.
- Warranty extensionAug 2016· Doors, latches and locks· model years 2011
Q and a: CS1603 2011 MY Kia sorento door latches customer satisfaction / warranty extension program q & a
- Warranty extensionJun 2016· Airbags· model years 2011–2015
Warranty bulletin: WTY003 - 2011-2015 MY Sorento driver's front airbag clock spring assembly warranty extension (WTY003) - this bulletin provides information related to the replacement of the drivers front airbag clock spring assembly on the 2011-2015 MY Sorento vehicles,…
- Warranty extensionJun 2016· Airbags· model years 2011–2015
The clockspring is an electrical connection which rotates with the steering wheel to maintain proper functioning of the airbag unit.
- Warranty extensionJun 2016· Airbags· model years 2011–2015
Dealer principal memo: WTY003 - kia motors america, inc. Is extending the warranty coverage for the drivers front airbag clock spring assembly on 2011-2015 MY Sorento vehicles, manufactured from 10/24/2009 Through 12/17/2014, to fifteen (15) years with unlimited mileage,…
- Warranty extensionJun 2016· Airbags· model years 2011–2015
Dealer parts and service manager memo: WTY003 - kia motors america, inc.
- Warranty extensionJun 2016· Airbags· model years 2011–2015
Q and a: WTY003 - 2011-2015 MY Sorento drivers front airbag clock spring assembly kia new vehicle limited warranty extension q & a
- Service campaignFeb 2026· Engine· model years 2026
DATA COLLECTION: EXTRACT CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS DATA FROM ECU (DC26) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.
- Service campaignNov 2025· Engine· model years 2025
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (SC353) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign on certain 2025 MY Sorento vehicles, manufactured from December 18, 2024 through February 24, 2025, to replace the engine…
- Service campaignNov 2025· Engine· model years 2016–2020
VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: THETA II 2.4L GDI EMISSIONS ECM LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SC340) - This bulletin provides information to upgrade the Electronic Control Module ‘ECM’ system software for certain 2016-2022MY vehicles equipped with 2.4L Theta II engines listed in the…
- Service campaignMay 2025· Electrical system· model years 2023–2024
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER RENOTIFICATION (SC298) - This document is the owner renotification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to apply additional body seam sealer to prevent potential water intrusion into the blower motor in certain 2023-2024…
What owners report most
The parts of the car owners named in their complaints, across every Sorento model year. Unverified, and not a failure rate.
- Engine3,577 (41%)
- Other or unspecified1,226 (14%)
- Electrical system1,168 (13%)
- Transmission and drivetrain997 (11%)
- Body and structure828 (10%)
- Exterior lights669 (8%)
- Airbags416 (5%)
- Steering246 (3%)
Safety recalls
36 recalls cover at least one Sorento model year. Each covers a range of VINs, not every car. Check one car at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail.
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).
The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) blower motor wiring harness may be inadequate, which can result in a fire.
The connecting rod bolts in the engine may have been improperly tightened, which can cause a loss of drive power.
A software error in the Body Domain Control Unit (BDC) may cause a loss of low beam headlights and taillights.
The motor driven power steering (MDPS) wiring harness may be incorrectly assembled, which can result in a loss of power steering assist.
An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
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.
The mounting clips for the rearview camera may break, which can cause the rearview camera image not to appear properly on the display.
The air bag warning labels on the driver and front passenger sun visors may detach.
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.
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.
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.
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).
And 21 more recalls on NHTSA.
NHTSA investigations
Defect investigations NHTSA opened. Many close without a recall.
- AQ23002Audit query· opened Nov 2023, still open· Brakes· model years 2011–2015
Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
- PE23019Preliminary evaluation· opened Nov 2023, closed Jul 2024· Engine and cooling· model years 2016–2017
Loss of Motive Power
- DP22003Defect petition· opened Sep 2022, closed Dec 2023· Engine· model years 2011–2021
Loss of Motive Power
- EA21003Engineering analysis· opened Dec 2021, closed Feb 2024· Engine· model years 2011–2014
Engine Fires
Led to recall 23V877.
- DP21003Defect petition· opened Nov 2021, closed Jun 2023· Cruise control and speed control· model years 2010–2015
Throttle control system vulnerabilities
- DP21002Defect petition· opened Nov 2021, closed Jun 2023· Engine and cooling· model years 2015–2017
Engine Oil Pressure Switch Leak
- PE20008Preliminary evaluation· opened Jun 2020, closed Jan 2022· Exterior lights· model years 2011–2013
Headlight Failure
- PE19004Preliminary evaluation· opened Mar 2019, closed Dec 2021· Electrical system· model years 2011–2014
Non-crash Vehicle Fires
Led to recall 20V088000.
- DP18003Defect petition· opened Aug 2018, closed May 2019· Electrical system· model years 2011–2014
Non-crash Vehicle Fires
Led to recall 18V907000.
- RQ17003Recall query· opened May 2017, closed Dec 2021· Engine· model years 2012–2014
Scope and Timeliness
Led to recall 17V224000.
- EA14002Engineering analysis· opened May 2014, closed Jan 2021· Visibility· model years 2011–2013
Panoramic Glass Sunroof Breakage
- PE13035Preliminary evaluation· opened Oct 2013, closed May 2014· Visibility· model years 2011–2013
Panoramic Sunroof Breakage
- PE13025Preliminary evaluation· opened Jul 2013, closed Sep 2013· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2014
Front Axle Shaft Failure
Led to recall 13V355000.
- PE11010Preliminary evaluation· opened Apr 2011, closed May 2011· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2011
Transmission Intermediate Driveshaft
Led to recall 11V258000.
NHTSA's own page for the 2026 Kia Sorento has the complaint text and every document.
Was the work actually done on the car you're looking at?
Model-year records can't tell you about one car. A Kia service history check returns that vehicle's own dealer records by VIN.
Check a Kia's service historyCommon questions
Is the Kia Sorento reliable?
We don't score reliability: NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. What's on file for model years 2010 on: 8,691 owner complaints, 26 warranty extensions and 61 service campaigns Kia filed, and 36 safety recalls. The model years with the most complaints are 2011 (1,519), 2016 (1,254), 2014 (988). Whether a known problem was fixed on one car is what its service records show.
What are the most common problems with the Kia Sorento?
Across every model year since 2010, owners' complaints to NHTSA most often name engine (41%), other or unspecified (14%), electrical system (13%). Kia has filed 26 warranty extensions covering the Sorento, listed on this page.
Which Sorento model years have the most complaints?
2011 (1,519), 2016 (1,254), 2014 (988). Complaint counts rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so compare years of the Sorento with each other rather than with other models.
Has Kia extended the warranty on the Sorento?
Yes: electrical system (model years 2021–2025); airbags (model years 2011–2015); exterior lights (model years 2016–2018), and 23 more. A dealer does a covered repair for free within the extended time or mileage.
How do I check recalls on a Sorento?
Enter the car's 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. That answers for one vehicle; the 36 recalls listed here are for the model, and each covers only part of it.