NHTSA Data Explorer

Kia Sorento

Data refreshed August 27, 2026

Select a model year to filter results to that year of the Kia Sorento.

Complaints

10,252

Active records

Recalls

45

Active records

TSBs

935

Active records

Filing history

Monthly totals over the last 20 years. Click a legend item to show or hide that series.

Reported severity

Based on consumer complaints filed since 2000. Recalls and TSBs do not include severity data.

Deaths

9

Injuries

365

Crashes

307

Fires

411

Top reported issues — Kia Sorento

Click a category to expand its values.

Condition issue

3,390

Operating state

3,212

Reporting mechanism

2,207

Engine behavior

1,867

Performance issue

1,565

Fluid issue

1,427

Noise

1,425

Lighting behavior

996

Thermal issue

987

Safety restraint issue

860

Transmission/drivetrain behavior

742

Driver assistance issue

639

Access/entry issue

628

Steering behavior

607

Vibration/harshness

535

Electrical issue

519

Braking behavior

369

Starting behavior

307

Smell

247

Powering on/off behavior

224

Safety restraint behavior

169

Infotainment behavior

133

Recent change

115

Ride/handling behavior

113

HVAC behavior

84

Electrified system issue

56

Wiper/washer behavior

29

Communication/network issue

9

Charging behavior

1

Recent filings

The 10 most recent filings for each type.

2021 KIA SORENTO

Filed Aug 25, 2026


Vehicle: 2021 Kia SorentoCurrent Mileage: Over 100,000 miles (Original Owner) Description of Safety Defect & Failed Recall Remedy: Background: This vehicle is equipped with the 8-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) and has suffered from severe slipping, jerking, and hesitation since delivery (at 5 miles). In 2023, the vehicle received the software update remedy under Kia Safety Recall SC250 (NHTSA Campaign 22V760) for the defective electric oil pump circuit board. The Failure: The 2023…

2023 KIA SORENTO

Filed Aug 25, 2026


The transmission failed for the fourth time. The transmission (Power Train) is the component that failed and is available for inspection at the dealership. The vehicle became unsafe and unreliable to drive due to the repeated transmission failures, creating a risk of sudden loss of power or control. The problem has been confirmed by the dealer on multiple occasions, most recently on August 24, 2026. The vehicle has also been inspected by Kia America as part of an open case (Case #25964896). …

2023 KIA SORENTO

Filed Aug 24, 2026


On multiple occasions, my 2023 Kia Sorento has experienced an intermittent failure where numerous dashboard warning lights and alerts illuminate and the engine will not start. During the failure, the brake pedal becomes very stiff and the vehicle cannot be shifted out of Park. The problem is unpredictable and has left the vehicle disabled. The vehicle was taken to a Kia dealership for diagnosis. The dealer initially stated that the battery was not properly secured and was moving around,…

2016 KIA SORENTO

Filed Aug 24, 2026


I went in a few months ago for a routine oil change. My car has had zero operating issues since I had the engine replaced around 5 years ago. They told me that I need to have a voluntary emissions update performed, so I gave consent. (The letter I received a few days later referred to it as Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign.)On the way home, it seemed to drive rougher. I figured it was relearning some of the basic operating values. The following morning, it idled rough and then when I began…

2017 KIA SORENTO

Filed Aug 24, 2026


I am writing to file a formal complaint against Kia America, Inc. regarding the mishandling of a warranty repair dispute for my 2017 Kia Sorento (VIN [XXX]). This complaint documents a pattern of misinformation, unreturned communications, and unprofessional conduct by Kia representatives that has left my vehicle sitting at the dealership for over two weeks without resolution or accommodation. My vehicle was brought to Kia of Nutley for a confirmed MDPS (power steering) motor failure. The…

2024 KIA SORENTO

Filed Aug 24, 2026


The front bumper grill to this Sorento model, among others, has a major design flaw that causes the radiator to be highly vulnerable to debris. A rock struck and punctured my radiator causing it to aggressively spray engine coolant, eventually leading to my engine overheating. I found this incident to be an extremely odd and rare situation considering I was only driving on paved suburban roads. After some further investigation online, it appears there are several other customers across the…

2017 KIA SORENTO

Filed Aug 22, 2026


My kids and I were driving when my engine started making a loud noise. I pulled over and turned it off for a few minutes then I turned it back on. It worked for another mile or so then started making the noise again and died while I was driving at about 55-60 miles an hr. I was able to pull over, put it in park and turned the key off....it wouldn't turn back on and the check engine light came on. When I had someone check it out for me it was about 4 quarts low on oil (it never gave me a warning…

2019 KIA SORENTO

Filed Aug 21, 2026


Engine burning oil Failed oil consumption test done by dealership - had to get engine replaced Still noticing stuttering and fluctuating power at times. Failure of Snow White Pearl paint delamination issue causing the top-coat to lift off of underlying primer. Rust has started in some of the spots

2019 KIA SORENTO

Filed Aug 21, 2026


Engine, a Lambda 3.3 v6 started knocking periodically and consuming oil at about a half a quart a week. It is a know problem with this motor and well documented in its existence in all Hyundai and Kia vehicles using this engine. We now have been told that the head bolts are partially stripped. Another known problem and we are consuming coolant. This can is not trustworthy and could fail at any time. We are still paying off the loan if it matters.

2025 KIA SORENTO

Filed Aug 21, 2026


The contact owns a 2025 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving approximately 75 MPH, the rear windshield wiper was moving with the switch turned off. The contact turned the rear windshield wiper to high, then low, and the wiper finally turned off. The contact continued driving and the vehicle suddenly stalled, and the message Press Button to Start Engine message was displayed. The vehicle continued to coast in neutral, and then decelerated to approximately 65 MPH. The contact…

Data sourced from NHTSA's public datasets. Issue classifications are generated by Repair Surge. About this data.

Updated August 27, 2026. Refreshed nightly.