Kia Sorento Common Problems

The most common Kia Sorento problems, based on 2018 NHTSA owner complaints (2017–2025), are engine, unknown or other, electrical system, power train. The 2017 model year has the most complaints (798). Complaints are owner-reported and differ from official recalls — check a specific VIN's recalls and history at vincheck.it.com.

Most-reported Kia Sorento problem areas
ENGINE807 reports
UNKNOWN OR OTHER372 reports
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM306 reports
POWER TRAIN214 reports
EXTERIOR LIGHTING193 reports
STEERING132 reports
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM97 reports
STRUCTURE70 reports
SERVICE BRAKES44 reports
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE43 reports

Kia Sorento best & worst years (by complaint volume)

Ranked by NHTSA owner-complaint count per model year — a leading reliability signal. The highest-complaint years are worth extra scrutiny; the lowest are the safer bets. Always confirm with a specific VIN's history.

Model yearComplaints
2017 Kia Sorento798
2019 Kia Sorento422
2018 Kia Sorento250
2022 Kia Sorento185
2020 Kia Sorento132
2023 Kia Sorento117
2025 Kia Sorento71
2024 Kia Sorento37
2021 Kia Sorento6

Worst year: 2017 (798 complaints). Best year: 2021 (6).

Complaints by year: 2017 · 2018 · 2019 · 2020 · 2021 · 2022 · 2023 · 2024 · 2025

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common Kia Sorento problems?

Across 2018 NHTSA owner complaints (2017–2025), the most-reported Kia Sorento problem areas are engine, unknown or other, electrical system, power train.

Is the Kia Sorento reliable?

NHTSA owner complaints are one reliability signal. The Kia Sorento has 2018 on record, most concentrated in the 2017 model year (798). Cross-check recalls and a specific VIN's history before buying.

Which Kia Sorento years should you avoid?

By NHTSA complaint volume, the 2017 Kia Sorento draws the most owner complaints (798), while the 2021 has the fewest (6). Complaint counts are one signal — always check a specific VIN's history too.

Which is the most reliable Kia Sorento year?

Among the years we track, the 2021 Kia Sorento has the fewest NHTSA complaints (6), a positive reliability signal. Confirm with recalls and the specific vehicle's history before buying.

Do complaints mean the Kia Sorento was recalled?

Not necessarily. Complaints are individual owner reports; recalls are official safety actions. Check open recalls for a specific Kia Sorento VIN with our free recall lookup.

Kia Sorento recalls · Kia Sorento overview · Full Kia Sorento VIN history — from $5.12/report

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