2015 Kia Sorento
This year had more than double the complaints of 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
- 750
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 4
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2015
Opened by NHTSA
48% of complaints
Complaints per year
2015: 750 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 305 |
| 2004 | 220 |
| 2005 | 307 |
| 2006 | 242 |
| 2007 | 154 |
| 2008 | 217 |
| 2009 | 55 |
| 2010 | 3 |
| 2011 | 1,518 |
| 2012 | 878 |
| 2013 | 981 |
| 2014 | 986 |
| 2015 | 750 |
| 2016 | 1,254 |
| 2017 | 802 |
| 2018 | 254 |
| 2019 | 426 |
| 2020 | 134 |
| 2021 | 251 |
| 2022 | 186 |
| 2023 | 122 |
| 2024 | 41 |
| 2025 | 75 |
| 2026 | 7 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
48% · 361 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento the contact stated while driving 65 MPH the vehicle stalled on multiply occasions. The check engine light was illuminated.
NHTSA ODI report, 2020-05-22
1) The engine control system / KSDS knock sensor system triggered safety recall code P1326, accompanied by a flashing check engine light.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-05
Structure
13% · 100 reportsMost commonly citing body and tailgate.
Show complaint excerpts
Paint De lamination on Snow White Pearl due to manufacturing defect Date listed was the date it started to peel. Started peeling around the window first. Then it continued on the front hood.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-07
Exterior lighting
12% · 92 reportsMost commonly citing headlights and bulbs.
Show complaint excerpts
The headlights are so dim that I could not see at night. I am forced to drive with the fog lights on for any amount of visibility.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-03
Also filed under Visibility/wiper
Electrical system
8% · 58 reportsMost commonly citing speedometer/odometer.
Show complaint excerpts
I was on the highway with my family, when we started to smell smoke,and the car began to slow down I proceeded to get off the highway to pull over to the side the of the road oil light came on and some more signal came on .so my son told me to open...
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-03-05
I parked my car and it was sitting for about an hour I came back to the car and heard a humming noise found that weird but I had to drive home about 10 mins later I parked car, sound was still going even while car was off.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-11
Also filed under Service brakes and vehicle speed control
Power train
6% · 42 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Was driving down interstate at 65 and felt like hit a wall me and my 2 children's head flew forward car went down to 15 MPH and rpms skyrocketed would not go over 15 pulled over to side of road shut off car and let sit restarted car would not go...
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-06-15
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2015Complaint volume 750 complaints filed for this model year.
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2019-01-17Engine, fuel system, gasoline18V907000 Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS)...
Remedy: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
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2020-10-20Service brakes, hydraulic20V519000 Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the HECU for leaking brake fluid and replace the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed.
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2021-07-02Service brakes, hydraulic21V331000 Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles previously recalled under recall 20V-519.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. Dealers will install a new multi-fuse, and inspect the HECU for leaks, replacing the HECU if necessary, free of charge.
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2021-11-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-06-26 Engine Oil Pressure Switch Leak
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2021-11-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-06-20 Throttle control system vulnerabilities
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2022-09-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-12-12 Loss of Motive Power
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2023-11-17Audit queryOpen Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
Buy-smart checklist
2015 Kia Sorento — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 361 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 100 reports on file for this year.
- Exterior lighting: 92 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 18V907000 · Engine, fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 20V519000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 21V331000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2015 Kia Sorento reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2015 Kia Sorento is rated "significantly worse".
- What are the most common problems with the 2015 Kia Sorento?
- The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 48% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2015 Kia Sorento have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.