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Kia Sorento years to avoid, worst and best years

Owners have filed 10,242 complaints about the Kia Sorento since 2003, and 40 recalls have been issued. The 2011 model year has 1,520 complaints, more than any other year, led by engine and body problems.

6 years to avoidWorst: 2011
Owner complaints
10,242
Recalls
40
Worst year
2011
Best year
2020
Warranty extensions
20
Model years
2003-2026

Kia Sorento years to avoid

20111,520 complaints20161,263 complaints2014989 complaints2013985 complaints2012880 complaints2017810 complaints

More than twice the Sorento's typical complaint count for a model year.

Best Kia Sorento years

2020140 complaints2007154 complaints2022194 complaints

Fewest owner complaints among the last 20 model years, counting only those with at least four years on the road.

Kia Sorento complaints by model year

Owner complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so expect them to grow.

200320052010201520202026

How we calculate this

Year to avoidFewest complaintsOther years

Most common Kia Sorento problems

All model years combined.

  • Engine
    4,213
  • Electrical
    1,402
  • Transmission
    1,192
  • Body
    937
  • Lights
    853
  • Airbags
    719
  • Brakes
    700
  • Steering
    544
  • Fuel system
    509
  • Acceleration
    400
  • Driver assistance
    312
  • Visibility
    257

Most reported problems on the Kia Sorento

Engine failure 1,316Check engine light 1,220Stalling 880Headlights 801Loss of power 600Airbag light 420Overheating 222Sunroof shattered 186Power steering loss 181

Kia Sorento problems year by year

Tap a year to see its problems, recalls and what owners say.

YearScoreComplaintsTop problemTypical mileageRecallsCrashes
2026-6Driver assistance22
2025-78Electrical4,00037
2024-44Electrical24
2023-128Electrical21,70033
202276194Transmission28,66064Fewest complaints
202173256Transmission43,00045
202075140Engine20,000111Fewest complaints
201956436Engine22,000210
201872255Engine49,000312
201731810Engine47,000413Avoid
2016111,263Engine67,000829Avoid
201535755Engine75,000321Avoid
201422989Engine80,000623Avoid
201323985Engine83,000523Avoid
201225880Engine90,000521Avoid
201161,520Engine80,000742Avoid
2010953Airbags12
20099255Airbags44,45022
200872217Airbags57,200315
200779154Airbags56,000410Fewest complaints
200675242Engine82,000112
200567307Engine85,000017
200474220Engine87,000011
200369305Engine74,000110

Recalls 40

See all 40 recalls for the Kia Sorento

Kia Sorento warranty extensions

Repairs the manufacturer covers beyond the normal warranty. Check whether your car and mileage qualify before paying for one of these.

Compare the Sorento

Sorento vs Ford ExplorerSorento vs Dodge DurangoSorento vs Honda PilotSorento vs Nissan PathfinderSorento vs Toyota HighlanderSorento vs GMC AcadiaSorento vs Chevrolet TraverseSorento vs Buick EnclaveSorento vs Hyundai PalisadeSorento vs Kia TellurideSorento vs Volkswagen AtlasSorento vs Mazda CX-9Sorento vs Subaru Ascent

Questions about the Kia Sorento

What years of the Kia Sorento should you avoid?

2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2017. Each has more than twice the Kia Sorento's typical number of owner complaints for a model year; 2011 alone has 1,520, mostly about engine and body.

What is the best year for a used Kia Sorento?

2020, 2007 and 2022 have the fewest owner complaints among model years that have been on the road for at least four years (140, 154 and 194).

What is the most common problem with the Kia Sorento?

Engine, with 4,213 complaints across all years, followed by electrical (1,402) and transmission (1,192).

How many recalls does the Kia Sorento have?

40 recalls between 2003 and 2026. The 2016 model year has the most, with 8.

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