Buick Enclave vs Kia Sorento: reliability compared
From 2008 to 2026, owners filed an average of 132 complaints per model year about the Buick Enclave and 475 about the Kia Sorento.
Side by side
| Buick Enclave | Kia Sorento | |
|---|---|---|
| Model years compared | 2008-2026 | 2008-2026 |
| Owner complaints | 2,515 | 9,016 |
| Complaints per model year | 132 | 475 |
| Recalls | 29 | 38 |
| Years to avoid | 20082014 | 201120122013201420162017 |
| Best years | 201820192020 | 20202022 |
| Most common problem | Airbags | Engine |
| Crash rating | 5 2026 | No data |
| Fuel economy | 21-22 mpg combined (2026) | 23-37 mpg combined (2026) |
A car that sells more collects more complaints, so the fairest test is the number of years to avoid, which compares each year with a typical year of the same car.
Complaints per model year
Problems compared
| Enclave | Sorento | |
|---|---|---|
| Airbags | 770 | 555 |
| Steering | 444 | 414 |
| Engine | 384 | 3,792 |
| Transmission | 363 | 1,036 |
| Electrical | 282 | 1,223 |
| Body | 175 | 867 |
| Lights | 42 | 698 |
| Brakes | 130 | 600 |
Questions about the Buick Enclave vs Kia Sorento
Which is more reliable, the Buick Enclave or the Kia Sorento?
Between 2008 and 2026, the Buick Enclave has 2 years to avoid and the Kia Sorento 6. The Buick Enclave has been more consistent from year to year. By raw volume, the Buick Enclave drew fewer complaints per model year (132 vs 475), though sales volume affects that number.
Which has more recalls, the Buick Enclave or the Kia Sorento?
From 2008 to 2026, the Buick Enclave was covered by 29 recalls and the Kia Sorento by 38.
What years of the Buick Enclave and Kia Sorento should you avoid?
Buick Enclave: 2008 and 2014. Kia Sorento: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2017.
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