2009 Kia Sorento
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 305 |
| 2004 | 220 |
| 2005 | 307 |
| 2006 | 242 |
| 2007 | 154 |
| 2008 | 215 |
| 2009 | 55 |
| 2010 | 3 |
| 2011 | 1516 |
| 2012 | 875 |
| 2013 | 977 |
| 2014 | 976 |
| 2015 | 745 |
| 2016 | 1236 |
| 2017 | 788 |
| 2018 | 248 |
| 2019 | 414 |
| 2020 | 128 |
| 2021 | 225 |
| 2022 | 181 |
| 2023 | 104 |
| 2024 | 36 |
| 2025 | 67 |
| 2026 | 4 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
25% of complaints: air bags — 14 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20151116
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, 20151028
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, 20140210
22% of complaints: electrical system — 12 distinct reports on file.
15% of complaints: electronic stability control (esc) — 8 distinct reports on file.
11% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 6 distinct reports on file.
11% of complaints: power train — 6 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 2009
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 M
Campaign 11E041000 — check if this car was fixed
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 2010
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. Owners
Campaign 13V114000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 20V088000 — check if this car was fixed
Throttle control system vulnerabilities
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2009 Kia Sorento — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electronic stability control (esc) issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 11E041000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 13V114000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V088000 (electrical system, service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2009 Kia Sorento have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.