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 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
48% of complaints: engine — 359 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow 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, 20200522
13% of complaints: structure — 94 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURY11% of complaints: exterior lighting — 85 distinct reports on file.
CRASH7% of complaints: electrical system — 55 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow 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, 20240305
6% of complaints: power train — 42 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20190615
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 18V907000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 20V519000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 21V331000 — check if this car was fixed
Engine Oil Pressure Switch Leak
Throttle control system vulnerabilities
Loss of Motive Power
Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2015 Kia Sorento — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (359 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (94 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (85 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 18V907000 (engine, fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V519000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V331000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.