Kia Sorento Reliability Problems

Sorento owners have made 815 complaints over 18 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it dead last in overall reliability, with significant engine and electrical concerns.

2 Common Kia Sorento Problems

A list of some of the most common issues Sorento owners have to deal with.

  2. Rodents Chew Kia's Soy Wiring

    Rodents just can't resist the soy-derived wire coatings used in Kia vehicles. The chewed up wires are costing owners hundreds, and sometimes thousands of dollars in repairs. However, this isn't a Kia-only problem.

    Continue reading article "Rodents Chew Kia's Soy Wiring"

What Sorento Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

Full Lists on CarComplaints.com

Sorento Generations

The Sorento has 3 generations, each with their own issues. Using the same PainRank™ system we've determined that you're better off avoiding the 2nd generation (2011–2014).

Sorento Key Numbers

  1. 815 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  2. 562 service bulletins

    Documenting the process of troubleshooting common problems.

  3. 21 recall campaigns

    Time-sensitive, free repairs for widespread safety problems.

Sorento Class-Action Lawsuits

The Sorento has been named as a class vehicle in the following lawsuits.

  • Thornhill, et al., v. Hyundai Motor Company, et al.

    1. Case Filed

      A Hyundai and Kia engine lawsuit alleges several models are equipped with defective gasoline direct injection (GDI) and multipoint fuel injection (MPI) engines which may catch fire.

    Class Vehicles
    • 2012-2015 Forte
    • 2012-2015 Forte Koup
    • 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid
    • 2012-2013 Sorento
    • 2014-2015 Soul
    • 2012 Sportage
    Location
    California

  • Greg Wallis and Jodie Peltier v. Kia Motors America, Inc.

    1. Case Filed

      A Kia Theta engine lawsuit has been filed concerning alleged engine problems in the 2011-2014 Kia Optima, 2011-2014 Kia Sportage and the 2012-2014 Kia Sorento. However, the plaintiffs claim more Kia models could be added later to the Theta engine class-action lawsuit.

    Class Vehicles
    • 2011-2014 Optima
    • 2012-2014 Sorento
    • 2011-2014 Sportage
    Location
    California

Recent Sorento News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  1. Another owner has sued Hyundai and Kia for knowingly equipping vehicles with defective Theta II engines.

    Proving once again that when it comes to engines that catch on fire, people generally aren't fans. The automakers have settled similar lawsuits and issued recalls for these clunkers, but the plaintiff suggests not all affected vehicles were included.…

    keep reading article "Lawsuit Says Not Enough Vehicles Were Covered in the Theta II Recalls"

  2. More than 1,800 Kia vehicles have burst into flames, now the government wants to know why.

    It’s about time. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) was petitioned to look into these non-collision fires last June. They are responsible for 77 injuries and 1 death. The investigation will focus on the Theta II engine, but the NHTSA plans on looking into tail lights and other potential combustion sources as well .…

    keep reading article "NHTSA Opens Investigation into Non-Collision Kia Fires"

  3. Kia is recalling nearly 68,000 engines with fuel tubes that were misaligned, improperly tightened, or otherwise damaged during installation.

    This lets gas can spray out onto hot surfaces and is the perfect recipe for engine fires. To make matters worse, these engines were the replacements for recalled engines that suffered from knocking and seizing due to widespread oil flow problems. Yeesh.…

    keep reading article "Even Kia’s Replacement Engines Are Catching on Fire"

  5. What are the odds that your car will set itself on fire without ever being involved in a collision?

    Much higher than you’d think, especially if you’re one of these 3 million Hyundai and Kia owners. The Center for Auto Safety (CAS) has put together a list of vehicles that they say should be taken off the road until a pending government investigation ends with a comprehensive recall.…

    keep reading article "Are 3 Million Hyundai and Kia Cars Too Dangerous to Drive?"

  6. A small, but important recall has been issued for just under a hundred 2018 Sorentos.

    The cowl crossbars that connect to the motor-driven power steering column may not have been welded properly. If the welds are too weak the power steering columns could separate. That seems less than ideal if you’re a fan of being able to control your SUV.

    Want to know if your vehicle is involved? Grab your VIN, give Kia a call at 800-333-4542, and ask about recall number SC167.

    keep reading article "Steering Column Separation in the 2018 Sorento"

  7. The 2018 Sorento has been recalled before we even had a chance to flip our calendars to the new year.

    The inflator in the side curtain airbag module is equipped with a "top hat diffuser" that may not have been formed properly during manufacturing. If the side curtain airbag deploys in a crash, the airbag may not deploy correctly to protect an occupant in a crash.

    My favorite antidote, however, is this little nugget—The diffuser can also detach and hit occupants when the airbags deploy.

    Talk about insult to injury.

    keep reading article "2018 Sorento Recalled for Side Curtain Airbag Issues"

  8. A small number (62) of 2017 Sorento SUVs have defective crankshafts, forcing a recall that starts next month.

    Kia also says it's possible failed crankshafts could cause fires, so dealers will need to inspect the crankshafts and if needed, replace the engine sub assemblies.

    If your crankshaft breaks it’s going to be a bad day. A fire would just be the cherry on top.

    keep reading article "Failing Crankshafts May Catch on Fire in the 2017 Sorento"

See All Sorento News

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