MotorDeets

Kia Sorento problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every Sorento from 2003 to 2026: 10,191 owner complaints and 76 recalls across 24 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2011 (1519), 2016 (1254), 2014 (988). Best fuel economy: 26 mpg combined (2026).

Kia Sorento
Photo: Benespit · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Engine3842
Electrical1395
Other / unknown1290
Transmission & drivetrain1184
Body & structure936
Exterior lights845
Airbags717
Steering542

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
2003130515
2004022016
2005030716
2006124216
2007415418
2008321718
200925518
201013–
20117151924
2012588024
2013598124
2014698822
2015375123
20168125424
2017480524
2018325524
2019242825
2020113725
2021425326
2022619126
2023312226
202424226
202537626
20262626

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Kia Sorento.

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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

What is the worst year for the Kia Sorento?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2011 (1519), 2016 (1254), 2014 (988).

How many recalls has the Kia Sorento had?

Across 2003–2026, NHTSA lists 76 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).