My vehicle experienced damage to the front grille caused by road debris. I subsequently experienced an inverter coolant leak involving the front inverter cooling system. I was informed that the repair would not be covered under warranty. I am concerned that the front grille design may allow road debris to pass through and damage critical hybrid cooling components located directly behind it. I believe this issue deserves further investigation, especially given the similar complaints.
The worst 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Electrical4
- Acceleration2
- Engine2
- Transmission2
- Airbags1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical4
- Acceleration2
- Engine2
- Transmission2
- Airbags1
- Brakes1
- Fuel system1
- Seat belts1
- Visibility1
- Wheels1
Recalls 4
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera
- What is wrong
- Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Sorento, Sorento Hybrid, and Sorento Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) vehicles. The mounting clips for the rearview camera may break, which can cause the rearview camera image not to appear properly on the display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Risk
- A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera housing, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1‑800‑333‑4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC280.
Recall number 23V610000 · Recall details
Trailer hitches
- What is wrong
- Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
- Risk
- A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect the vehicle, and, as necessary, replace the fuse and/or tow hitch harness module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1‑800‑333‑4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC249.
Recall number 22V703000 · Recall details
Seat belts: pretensioner
- What is wrong
- Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid and 2022 Sorento Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. In the event of a crash, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioner(s) may explode upon deployment.
- Risk
- An exploding seat belt pretensioner can project metal fragments into the vehicle, striking vehicle occupants and resulting in injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will secure the seat belt pretensioners with a cap, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 17, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1‑800‑333‑4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC241. This recall expands and replaces the federal safety agency recall number 22V‑127. Vehicles already repaired under the previous recall will need to have the new remedy completed.
Recall number 22V447000 · Recall details
Seat belts: front
- What is wrong
- Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2022 Sorento Hybrid and Sorento Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. In the event of a crash, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioner(s) may explode upon deployment.
- Risk
- An exploding seat belt pretensioner can project metal fragments into the vehicle, striking vehicle occupants and resulting in injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the seatbelt pretensioner(s), free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 3, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1‑800‑333‑4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC231. This recall is replaced by the federal safety agency recall number 22V‑447. Vehicles already repaired under this recall will need to have the new remedy completed.
Recall number 22V127000 · Recall details
See all 4 recalls for the 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid
Defect investigations
Pedestrian alert sounds
the federal safety agency 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. The petition can be reviewed at under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, the federal safety agency opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified the federal safety agency he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by the federal safety agency regarding the subject matter of the petition.
DP22005
Seat Belt Pretensioners May Rupture
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. and its territories).Between October 2021 and March 2023, Hyundai and Kia have filed the following 11 safety recalls for pretensioner rupture: the federal safety agency Recall No. 21V‑796, 22V‑069, 22V‑123, 22V‑127, 22V‑218, 22V‑354, 22V‑447, 22V‑458, 22V‑816, 23V‑094, and 23V‑210.Hyundai/Kia have stated that the abnormal deployment of the pretensioners is due to over-pressurization of the pretensioner pipe that can cause metal fragments to enter the vehicle occupant compartment, which can result in injury to vehicle occupants.The various makes/models covered by the above recalls include approximately 405,900 certain 2020-2022 Hyundai Accent, 2021-2022 Hyundai Elantra and Elantra HEV, 2021-2022 Hyundai Santa Fe HEV, 2022-2023 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV, 2020-2022 Hyundai Venue, 2021-2023 Genesis G80, 2023 Genesis G80 EV, 2023 Genesis G90, 2023 Genesis GV60 EV, 2022-2023 Genesis GV70, 2021-2023 Genesis GV80, 2021-2022 Kia Sorento HEV, and 2022 Kia Sorento PHEV.In response to ODI's investigation, in December 2022, Hyundai notified ODI that they would be conducting testing to validate subject vehicle seat belt pretensioners. This evaluation included sled testing and software testing which was performed by Hyundai and its suppliers. The tests were intended to evaluate pretensioner deployment characteristics based on the unique deployment signature of the subject and peer vehicles. ODI met with representatives from Hyundai on several occasions during the investigation to discuss testing progress and data. As a result of the testing, Hyundai was able to simulate the pretensioner failures. It was determined by Hyundai during testing, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioners may explode upon deployment in the event of a crash which can cause metal fragments to enter the vehicle occupant compartment.Hyundai thus notified ODI of their decision to proceed with a safety recall, to expand the scope of the previous safety actions.In view of the recall actions taken by Hyundai and Kia, ODI concerns have been addressed. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances.
RQ22003
Technical service bulletins for the 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid 49
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Owner notification (WTY042)
- Dealer principal memo (WTY042)
- Dealer parts & service manager memo (WTY042)
- Question and answer (WTY042)
- Reimbursement form (WTY042)
- Partial repair – electrical a/c compressor
- Infotainment system software update using update.kia.com
- Infotainment software update procedure
- AVN5.0W DTC P17A000 daignostic procedure
- Technical service bulletin: horn assembly inspection and replacement (WTY042)
What 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
My vehicle has a breaking issue. When breaking the breaks either hard break or get sticky and grab, release, and grab. This is scary. Sometimes you are slowing down on a 55MPH road and suddenly you hard break even though you weren’t slamming down on the breaks! I have almost been rear ended multiple times. The problem has been reproduced by myself, a few friends, and family members. However, the dealership says it is normal. I know it’s not! I’ve had this vehicle for 42000 miles! This has not been checked by the police. This started after the dealership replaced my tires.
I took my car into Winn Kia dealership in Fremont, Ca to have my recall completed which entailed seat belts and airbags. They claimed to have completed the recall and gave me my car back a few days later. A month or so later, they called and ask me to bring my car in so they could complete. After back and forth, they couldn’t confirm if the recalls were done and advised I take it to another sister dealership which I did. I took it to Dublin Kia and they confirmed via email that Wynn Kia in fremont, Ca did not connect my seatbelts and air bags properly - they stated they missed that step when completing the recalls. I drove my car around with my 2 year old daughter niece and nephew in the car for over a month without seatbelts and airbags connected without knowing.
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V703000 (Trailer Hitches); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact called another local dealer, First Team Kia (4834A Bridge Rd, Suffolk, VA 23435, (757)260-3590). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message "Battery Not Fully Charged" was displayed. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine wiring harness was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 12,000.
The vehicle's oil was changed at Transitowne Kia of West Seneca, NY on 10/19/24 with 19,576 on the odometer. During the oil change, a Kia multi-point inspection was performed. No leaks or other concerns were found. On [XXX] with around 19,596 on the odometer while driving on [XXX] the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of power accompanied by grinding noises coming from the engine. This was followed by the check engine light flashing and the low oil indicator illuminating. I pulled over and found that a massive amount of oil was rapidly pouring out from beneath the vehicle. Vehicle was towed back to Transitowne Kia who on 10/21/24 diagnosed the issue as a failure to the oil pressure setting unit. Transitowne Kia replaced an oil plug and alleges the issue is unrelated to the oil change. They further allege the vehicle's engine is functioning fine following their complete engine diagnostic testing and the vehicle is ready to be picked up. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid. The contact stated that after purchasing the vehicle brand new, the contact became aware that the maximum battery charge was 60-70 percent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was test-driven, and the battery was charged. The dealer confirmed the failure and reported the failure to the manufacturer. The manufacturer advised the dealer to test-drive and to charge another vehicle with the same year make and model to verify whether the failure would reoccur. The dealer followed the instructions and advised the manufacturer that the failure reoccurred. The contact followed up with the manufacturer and was advised that he would be contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 200.
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid. The contact stated that after closing the front driver's side door, the rear windshield inadvertently shattered. The glass shards from the rear windshield fell inside the vehicle, but the contact was not injured. The contact stated that there was no impact to the vehicle to cause the rear windshield to shatter. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000.
The contact owned a 2022 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked overnight and the following morning it was driven a short distance to pick up their children, upon arrival the vehicle was parked in the garage and all the occupants exited, it caught on fire. No injuries were sustained. There was no property damage to the residence. No warning light had previously been illuminated. The contact stated a few weeks prior that the vehicle had new parts installed for routine maintenance. The local fire department arrived at the scene and extinguished the fire. The contact was advised by the fire department and insurance provider that the fire origin was related to the wiring behind the odometer. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was later taken to the insurance provider. The failure was being investigated by the manufacturer and insurance provider. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 42,000.
While attempting to merge into 70mph traffic on the interstate, the vehicle suddenly lost all acceleration capabilities. I could have been in an accident due to the sudden loss of acceleration and eventual power to the engine. When I pressed on the gas pedal, there was no resistance and the pedal went all the way to the floor. The vehicle slowly accelerated on it's own from 20MPH to 55MPH without my pressing the accelerator. There were no warnings on the dash at this time. Once it reached 55MPH, it slowly began to decrease it's speed without my pressing the brake or accelerator. As it started decreasing in speed, a warning popped up "Check Hybrid system, Stop safely". At this time, the battery level showed 0 bars though it showed half full (8 bars before this happened). I got over to the side of the highway and continued coasting until the vehicle slowed itself to a complete stop at which point the car put itself in Park and engaged the Emergency Brake and the dash displayed "Parking brake automatically engaged" and the Engine Oil Pressure Warning light came on. I attempted to put the car back in Drive and the dash displayed "Shifting conditions not met". I turned the car off, let it sit a few minutes and restarted it. When I restarted it, the battery showed 0 bars and the display said "Park with engine On to charge battery". I put it in Drive and I was able to drive without any issues. The battery level went back up 6 bars in less than a minute and I drove it to the dealership. This was the 2nd time this happened. The same exact thing happened the first time and when I took it to the dealership they couldn't replicate the issue and there were no codes recorded. First incident was on 1/12/24. I immediately pulled over, put it in park and turned the vehicle off. It worked fine after restarting it. Second incident was on 1/25/24. There were no codes recorded this time either but I do have pictures of the dash displays. They are "live" photos.
Compare the 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid
Other model years
Questions about the 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid
Is the 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid reliable?
Owners have filed 13 complaints about the 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid, fewer than a typical Sorento Hybrid model year.
What is the 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid year score?
The 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid scores 73 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Kia Sorento Hybrid: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid?
Electrical system, with 4 complaints. Next is acceleration (2).
How many recalls does the 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid have?
4 recalls, covering back over prevention, trailer hitches and seat belts.
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