Ford Explorer vs Kia Sorento: reliability compared
From 2006 to 2026, owners filed an average of 781 complaints per model year about the Ford Explorer and 448 about the Kia Sorento.
Side by side
| Ford Explorer | Kia Sorento | |
|---|---|---|
| Model years compared | 2006-2026 | 2006-2026 |
| Owner complaints | 16,393 | 9,412 |
| Complaints per model year | 781 | 448 |
| Recalls | 104 | 39 |
| Years to avoid | 20132014201520162017 | 201120122013201420162017 |
| Best years | 200720192022 | 200720202022 |
| Most common problem | Steering | Engine |
| Crash rating | No data | No data |
| Fuel economy | 19-24 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
| Explorer | Sorento | |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 3,532 | 450 |
| Body | 3,203 | 883 |
| Engine | 2,532 | 3,890 |
| Transmission | 1,979 | 1,091 |
| Electrical | 1,263 | 1,297 |
| Driver assistance | 845 | 307 |
| Lights | 203 | 767 |
| Brakes | 438 | 650 |
Questions about the Ford Explorer vs Kia Sorento
Which is more reliable, the Ford Explorer or the Kia Sorento?
Between 2006 and 2026, the Ford Explorer has 5 years to avoid and the Kia Sorento 6. The Ford Explorer has been more consistent from year to year. By raw volume, the Kia Sorento drew fewer complaints per model year (448 vs 781), though sales volume affects that number.
Which has more recalls, the Ford Explorer or the Kia Sorento?
From 2006 to 2026, the Ford Explorer was covered by 104 recalls and the Kia Sorento by 39.
What years of the Ford Explorer and Kia Sorento should you avoid?
Ford Explorer: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017. Kia Sorento: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2017.
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