2015 Kia Sorento

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2015 Kia Sorento
BUILT 2026-09-02

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

2015: 747 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2003	305
2004	220
2005	307
2006	242
2007	154
2008	217
2009	55
2010	3
2011	1517
2012	876
2013	980
2014	983
2015	747
2016	1245
2017	799
2018	251
2019	421
2020	132
2021	241
2022	185
2023	117
2024	37
2025	72
2026	4

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

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

ENGINE 48%

48% of complaints: engine — 359 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

Show 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

STRUCTURE 13%

13% of complaints: structure — 100 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and tailgate.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

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, 20260807

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 12%

12% of complaints: exterior lighting — 91 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing headlights and bulbs.

CRASH

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 8%

8% of complaints: electrical system — 57 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing speedometer/odometer.

FIRE

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, 20240305

Also filed under UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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, 20260711

Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES and VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

POWER TRAIN 6%

6% of complaints: power train — 42 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

Show 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

▮ 2015 — complaint volume: 747

R 20190117 — engine, fuel system, gasoline

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

R 20201020 — service brakes, hydraulic

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

R 20210702 — service brakes, hydraulic

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

I 20211112 — DP (closed 20230626)

Engine Oil Pressure Switch Leak

I 20211112 — DP (closed 20230620)

Throttle control system vulnerabilities

I 20220912 — DP (closed 20231212)

Loss of Motive Power

I 20231117 — AQ (open)

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 (100 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (91 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

▲ 2024 ▲ 2009 ▲ 2025

WORST YEARS

■ 2011 ■ 2016 ■ 2014

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 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.