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
- 126
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 2023
None on file
30% of complaints
Complaints per year
2023: 126 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 305 |
| 2004 | 220 |
| 2005 | 307 |
| 2006 | 242 |
| 2007 | 154 |
| 2008 | 217 |
| 2009 | 55 |
| 2010 | 3 |
| 2011 | 1,519 |
| 2012 | 878 |
| 2013 | 983 |
| 2014 | 986 |
| 2015 | 753 |
| 2016 | 1,259 |
| 2017 | 805 |
| 2018 | 254 |
| 2019 | 433 |
| 2020 | 137 |
| 2021 | 252 |
| 2022 | 190 |
| 2023 | 126 |
| 2024 | 43 |
| 2025 | 76 |
| 2026 | 7 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Electrical system
30% · 38 reportsShow 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, 2024-08-14
Also filed under Engine
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, 2023-08-26
Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system and vehicle speed control
Vehicle Component Affected: Electrical System / HVAC / Blower Motor Resistor Incident Description: While operating my 2023 Kia Sorento, the HVAC system suddenly suffered a complete failure, causing all airflow to cease instantly.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-13
Engine
25% · 32 reportsShow complaint excerpts
I have a 2023 Kia Sorento with approx 60k, purchased new from New Pot Richey Kia. Approx 7 days ago, while driving home from dropping my son at school, my transmission system error warning came on as well as my check engine light.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-21
Also filed under Power train
Power train
17% · 22 reportsForward collision avoidance
13% · 17 reportsMost commonly citing warnings and adaptive cruise control.
Service brakes
10% · 12 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
The brakes failed; they felt spongy, as if my foot were pressing directly against the road. The car accelerated and I headed toward a wall; the sensors didn't stop the vehicle. It came to a halt against the wall after the impact.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-19
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2023-10-10Equipment23V579000 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.
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2023-10-27Back over prevention23V610000 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.
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2026-01-23Electrical system, visibility25V649000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2023 Kia Sorento — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 38 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 32 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 22 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 23V579000 · Equipment
- Recall 23V610000 · Back over prevention
- Recall 25V649000 · Electrical system, visibility
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 30% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2023 Kia Sorento have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.