The best Sorento years to buy are 2018 and 2020. Avoid 2012 through 2016: those years drew four to five times the complaints of a typical SUV, mostly engine failures and fires linked to the 2.4L and 2.0L turbo engines.
Best years: 20182020 Years to avoid: 20122013201420152016
Every Sorento year compared
2012736Watch out2013930Watch out2014990Watch out2015649Watch out20161100Watch out2017813Watch out2018236Good year2019454Average2020187Good year202157Good year2022264Average2023-Too new to judge2024-Too new to judge
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Known Sorento problems
Year by year
| Year | Complaints | Per 100k sold | Recalls | Top issue | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 52 | - | 2 | Electrical | Too new to judge |
| 2023 | 168 | - | 4 | Electrical | Too new to judge |
| 2022 | 228 | 264 | 8 | Transmission and drivetrain | Average |
| 2021 | 47 | 57 | 5 | Transmission and drivetrain | Good year |
| 2020 | 140 | 187 | 1 | Engine | Good buy |
| 2019 | 436 | 454 | 2 | Engine | Average |
| 2018 | 255 | 236 | 3 | Engine | Good year |
| 2017 | 810 | 813 | 4 | Engine | Watch out |
| 2016 | 1,262 | 1,100 | 8 | Engine | Skip this year |
| 2015 | 755 | 649 | 3 | Engine | Watch out |
| 2014 | 988 | 990 | 6 | Engine | Skip this year |
| 2013 | 983 | 930 | 5 | Engine | Watch out |
| 2012 | 880 | 736 | 5 | Engine | Watch out |
About the Sorento
The Sorento's record splits sharply by year. Many 2011-2016 Sorentos have engines that can fail from bearing damage, sometimes with fires, which led to recalls, a knock sensor software update and extended engine warranties. From 2018 on, complaints drop to near or below average.
- 2012-2015: Second generation. Engine failures and fires; check engine recalls and warranty.
- 2016-2020: Third generation. 2016-2017 still had engine trouble; 2018-2020 are much better.
- 2021 on: Fourth generation. Transmission oil pump recall on some 2021-2022 models.
Sorento warranty extensions and special coverage
Carmakers sometimes extend the warranty on a part that fails too often, or pay for a fix outside a recall. These notices come from the dealer bulletins Kia files with NHTSA. 874 Sorento bulletins are on file in total.
2021–2024 · bulletin 11030383
WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO (WTY042) - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals advising that Kia is is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage, to all owners, for repairs re...
WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO (WTY042) - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals advising that Kia is is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage, to all owners, for repairs re...
2021–2024 · bulletin 11030385
WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: DEALER PARTS & SERVICE MANAGER MEMO (WTY042) - This document is the announcement to the dealer Parts and Service managers advising that Kia is is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage,...
WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: DEALER PARTS & SERVICE MANAGER MEMO (WTY042) - This document is the announcement to the dealer Parts and Service managers advising that Kia is is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage,...
2021–2024 · bulletin 11030386
WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: 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 assembl...
WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: 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 assembl...
2021–2024 · bulletin 11030387
WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: QUESTION AND ANSWER (WTY042) - This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding the Warranty Extension Campaign WTY042.
WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: QUESTION AND ANSWER (WTY042) - This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding the Warranty Extension Campaign WTY042.
2021–2024 · bulletin 11030388
WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: REIMBURSEMENT FORM (WTY042) - This document is a Reimbursement Request form that was mailed with the customer letter advising them to submit the form if they had paid for repairs for this same matte...
WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: REIMBURSEMENT FORM (WTY042) - This document is a Reimbursement Request form that was mailed with the customer letter advising them to submit the form if they had paid for repairs for this same matte...
2021–2024 · bulletin 11030389
WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: HORN ASSEMBLY INSPECTION AND REPLACEMENT (WTY042) - This bulletin provides information associated with the Warranty Extension Program (WTY042) to inspect and, if necessar...
WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: HORN ASSEMBLY INSPECTION AND REPLACEMENT (WTY042) - This bulletin provides information associated with the Warranty Extension Program (WTY042) to inspect and, if necessar...
2023, 2024 · bulletin 11032902
WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO (WTY043) - This document is the announcement to the dealer Parts and Service managers advising that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage, ...
WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO (WTY043) - This document is the announcement to the dealer Parts and Service managers advising that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage, ...
2023, 2024 · bulletin 11034002
WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: REAR RH DOOR CURTAIN INSPECTION / REPLACEMENT (WTY043) - This bulletin provides information associated with the Warranty Extension Program (WTY043) inspect and, if necessary replace the rear RH door...
WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: REAR RH DOOR CURTAIN INSPECTION / REPLACEMENT (WTY043) - This bulletin provides information associated with the Warranty Extension Program (WTY043) inspect and, if necessary replace the rear RH door...
2019, 2020 · bulletin 11000356
WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL PUMP REPLACEMENT (WTY034) - his bulletin provides information associated with the Warranty Extension Program (WTY034) to diagnose the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) accompanied ...
WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL PUMP REPLACEMENT (WTY034) - his bulletin provides information associated with the Warranty Extension Program (WTY034) to diagnose the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) accompanied ...
2018, 2019 · bulletin 10238489
WARRANTY EXTENSION: REIMBURSEMENT FORM - This document is a Reimbursement Request form that was mailed with the customer letter advising them to submit the form if they had paid for repairs for this same matter prior to the war...
WARRANTY EXTENSION: REIMBURSEMENT FORM - This document is a Reimbursement Request form that was mailed with the customer letter advising them to submit the form if they had paid for repairs for this same matter prior to the war...
Ask a dealer to check a specific car by VIN. Extensions usually have a time or mileage limit.
Government investigations into the Sorento
NHTSA opens an investigation when complaints point to a possible safety defect. Some end in a recall and some close without one.
Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires Open
Audit query AQ23002 · 2012–2015 · opened Nov 2023
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc.
Audit query AQ23002 · 2012–2015 · opened Nov 2023
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc.
Loss of Motive Power Closed
Preliminary evaluation PE23019 · 2016, 2017 · opened Nov 2023, closed Jul 2024
On November 13, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE23-019) to investigate allegations of loss of motive power relating to head gasket and/or head bolt failure in Model Year (MY) 2016-2017 Kia Sorento vehicles equipped with the 3.3 L Lambda II engine.
Preliminary evaluation PE23019 · 2016, 2017 · opened Nov 2023, closed Jul 2024
On November 13, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE23-019) to investigate allegations of loss of motive power relating to head gasket and/or head bolt failure in Model Year (MY) 2016-2017 Kia Sorento vehicles equipped with the 3.3 L Lambda II engine.
Pedestrian alert sounds Closed
Defect petition DP22005 · 2021, 2022 · opened Jan 2023, closed Aug 2023 · led to recall 22V063000
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States.
Defect petition DP22005 · 2021, 2022 · opened Jan 2023, closed Aug 2023 · led to recall 22V063000
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States.
Loss of Motive Power Closed
Defect petition DP22003 · 2012–2021 · opened Sep 2022, closed Dec 2023
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc.
Defect petition DP22003 · 2012–2021 · opened Sep 2022, closed Dec 2023
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc.
Seat Belt Pretensioners May Rupture Closed
Recall query RQ22003 · 2022 · opened Aug 2022, closed May 2023 · led to recall 23V094000
On August 8, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Recall Query (RQ) based on 3 incidents alleging front seat belt pretensioners that may rupture during deployment, on model year (MY) 2020-2022 of various Hyundai and Kia Models, resulting in 3 injuries (note: one incident occurred outside the U.S.
Recall query RQ22003 · 2022 · opened Aug 2022, closed May 2023 · led to recall 23V094000
On August 8, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Recall Query (RQ) based on 3 incidents alleging front seat belt pretensioners that may rupture during deployment, on model year (MY) 2020-2022 of various Hyundai and Kia Models, resulting in 3 injuries (note: one incident occurred outside the U.S.
Engine Fires Closed
Engineering analysis EA21003 · 2012–2014 · opened Dec 2021, closed Feb 2024 · led to recall 23V877
On March 29, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened two Preliminary Evaluations (PE19-003 on Hyundai and PE19-004 on Kia) to broadly investigate incidents of non-crash fires (regardless of origin or operational status of the vehicle) on various model year Hyundai and Kia vehicles.
Engineering analysis EA21003 · 2012–2014 · opened Dec 2021, closed Feb 2024 · led to recall 23V877
On March 29, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened two Preliminary Evaluations (PE19-003 on Hyundai and PE19-004 on Kia) to broadly investigate incidents of non-crash fires (regardless of origin or operational status of the vehicle) on various model year Hyundai and Kia vehicles.
Engine Oil Pressure Switch Leak Closed
Defect petition DP21002 · 2015–2017 · opened Nov 2021, closed Jun 2023
In a letter dated September 30, 2021, Mr.
Defect petition DP21002 · 2015–2017 · opened Nov 2021, closed Jun 2023
In a letter dated September 30, 2021, Mr.
Throttle control system vulnerabilities Closed
Defect petition DP21003 · 2012–2015 · opened Nov 2021, closed Jun 2023
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a petition letter dated October 10, 2021, requesting an investigation of possible defects in the electronic throttle control (ETC) system on certain Kia vehicles resulting in the opening of DP21-003.
Defect petition DP21003 · 2012–2015 · opened Nov 2021, closed Jun 2023
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a petition letter dated October 10, 2021, requesting an investigation of possible defects in the electronic throttle control (ETC) system on certain Kia vehicles resulting in the opening of DP21-003.
Headlight Failure Closed
Preliminary evaluation PE20008 · 2012, 2013 · opened Jun 2020, closed Jan 2022
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) based on seventy-four Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) reporting headlight failures on model year (MY) 2011-2013 Kia Sorento vehicles.In its response to ODI's June 25, 2020, information request letter (portions of which were submitt...
Preliminary evaluation PE20008 · 2012, 2013 · opened Jun 2020, closed Jan 2022
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) based on seventy-four Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) reporting headlight failures on model year (MY) 2011-2013 Kia Sorento vehicles.In its response to ODI's June 25, 2020, information request letter (portions of which were submitt...
Non-crash Vehicle Fires Closed
Preliminary evaluation PE19004 · 2012–2014 · opened Mar 2019, closed Dec 2021 · led to recall 20V088000
During this Preliminary Evaluation (PE), the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) assessed the scope, frequency and potential safety-related consequences of non-crash vehicle fires caused by both engine failures and failures of other vehicle systems/components in model year (MY) 2011-2014 Kia Optima, MY 2011-2014 K...
Preliminary evaluation PE19004 · 2012–2014 · opened Mar 2019, closed Dec 2021 · led to recall 20V088000
During this Preliminary Evaluation (PE), the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) assessed the scope, frequency and potential safety-related consequences of non-crash vehicle fires caused by both engine failures and failures of other vehicle systems/components in model year (MY) 2011-2014 Kia Optima, MY 2011-2014 K...
Non-crash Vehicle Fires Closed
Defect petition DP18003 · 2012–2014 · opened Aug 2018, closed May 2019 · led to recall 18V907000
In a letter dated June 11, 2018, the Center for Auto Safety (CAS) petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a safety defect investigation into non-collision related fires on model year (MY) 2011-2014 Kia Optima and Sorento, and Hyundai Sonata and Santa Fe vehicles.
Defect petition DP18003 · 2012–2014 · opened Aug 2018, closed May 2019 · led to recall 18V907000
In a letter dated June 11, 2018, the Center for Auto Safety (CAS) petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a safety defect investigation into non-collision related fires on model year (MY) 2011-2014 Kia Optima and Sorento, and Hyundai Sonata and Santa Fe vehicles.
Scope and Timeliness Closed
Recall query RQ17003 · 2012–2014 · opened May 2017, closed Dec 2021 · led to recall 17V224000
NHTSA opened Recall Query (RQ) 17-003 to investigate the timeliness and scope of Kia's Theta II GDI engine recall (Recall No.
Recall query RQ17003 · 2012–2014 · opened May 2017, closed Dec 2021 · led to recall 17V224000
NHTSA opened Recall Query (RQ) 17-003 to investigate the timeliness and scope of Kia's Theta II GDI engine recall (Recall No.
Sorento vs rivals
Questions
What is the best year for the Kia Sorento?
2018 and 2020. The best Sorento years to buy are 2018 and 2020. Avoid 2012 through 2016: those years drew four to five times the complaints of a typical SUV, mostly engine failures and fires linked to the 2.4L and 2.0L turbo engines.
Which Kia Sorento years should I avoid?
2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016. These drew far more owner complaints per car sold than the Kia Sorento average.
Based on 7,004 complaints filed by owners with U.S. safety regulators for model years 2012 to 2024, and U.S. sales by calendar year. How we score.