Is the 2009 Kia Sorento reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2009 Kia Sorento is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2009 Kia Sorento?

The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2009 Kia Sorento have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

2009 Kia Sorento

▲ Better than typical

2009 Kia Sorento
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:43:02.224Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 55
Recalls: 3
Investigations: 1
Top problem: Air bags

Complaints per year

2009: 55 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2003	305
2004	220
2005	307
2006	242
2007	154
2008	217
2009	55
2010	3
2011	1,519
2012	878
2013	983
2014	986
2015	753
2016	1,259
2017	805
2018	254
2019	433
2020	137
2021	252
2022	190
2023	126
2024	43
2025	76
2026	7

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Air bags

38% · 21 reports

Most commonly citing frontal and sensor/control module.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

My son was traveling on a main road in town when the car hydroplaned at about 30 MPH and he lost control. It sent him slamming into a culvert, then it bounced out of the culvert and ran up on a residential porch and hit a tree.

NHTSA ODI report, 2015-11-16

The drivers side airbag deployed while backing up in a parking lot. I traveled approximately 6-10 feet turning left in reverse at maybe 1-2 MPH if that much.

NHTSA ODI report, 2015-10-28

I was driving on black top rd. It had been sleeting the Kia I was driving veered off the opposite side of rd.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-02-10

Electrical system

25% · 14 reports

Most commonly citing solenoid and instrument cluster/panel.

Power train

16% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

Electronic stability control (esc)

15% · 8 reports

Service brakes

15% · 8 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2011-10-17Equipment11E041000 Curt manufacturing is recalling certain tow package wiring harnesses, part number 56024, that connect tow vehicle lighting circuits to trailer lighting circuits sold for use on certain model year…

Remedy: Curt manufacturing will notify owners and replace the tow package wiring harness. The remedy will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on October 17, 2011. Owners may contact curt…

Check if this car was fixed →
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2013-04-19Exterior lighting13V114000 Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul, model year 2008-2011 Optima, model year…

Remedy: Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge.…

Check if this car was fixed →
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2020-06-05Electrical system, service brakes, hydraulic20V088000 Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2006-2010 Sedona and 2007-2009 Sorento vehicles. Moisture may enter the Anti-lock Brake (ABS) Module and result in an electrical short.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will install a relay in the main junction box to prevent power from being directed to the HECU when the vehicle's ignition switch is turned off, free of charge. The recall began June 5, 2020.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2021-11-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-06-20 Throttle control system vulnerabilities

Buy-smart checklist

2009 Kia Sorento — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Air bags: 21 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 14 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 9 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 11E041000 · Equipment
Recall 13V114000 · Exterior lighting
Recall 20V088000 · Electrical system, service brakes, hydraulic

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2009 Kia Sorento reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2009 Kia Sorento is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Kia Sorento?: The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2009 Kia Sorento have?: 3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.