2023 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
31% of complaints: electrical system — 32 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
The vehicle was purchased new. From day one, there were issues. When it was delivered from the factory, it was discovered to be partly unpainted. This raised quality concerns.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240814
I was driving down the highway on cruise control going 67 on a 65. The car started revving up and then proceeded to go faster. I turned off the cruise control but its continued to speed up. I stomped on the brake 4 or 5 times with no effect.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230826
25% of complaints: engine — 26 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
The vehicle was purchased new. From day one, there were issues. When it was delivered from the factory, it was discovered to be partly unpainted. This raised quality concerns.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240814
16% of complaints: power train — 17 distinct reports on file.
CRASH11% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 11 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I was driving down the highway on cruise control going 67 on a 65. The car started revving up and then proceeded to go faster. I turned off the cruise control but its continued to speed up. I stomped on the brake 4 or 5 times with no effect.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230826
10% of complaints: service brakes — 10 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Sorento vehicles. The air bag warning labels on the driver and front passenger sun visors may detach.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the driver and front passenger sun visors, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 10, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542.
Campaign 23V579000 — check if this car was fixed
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Sorento, Sorento Hybrid, and Sorento Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera housing, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC280.
Campaign 23V610000 — check if this car was fixed
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Sorento vehicles. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) blower motor wiring harness may be inadequate, which can result in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the wiring harness and blower motor resistor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2026. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC351.
Campaign 25V649000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2023 Kia Sorento — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (32 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (26 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (17 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 23V579000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V610000 (back over prevention) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V649000 (electrical system, visibility) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2023 Kia Sorento reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2023 Kia Sorento is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Kia Sorento?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2023 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.