2025 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
27% of complaints: power train — 18 distinct reports on file.
27% of complaints: electrical system — 18 distinct reports on file.
25% of complaints: engine — 17 distinct reports on file.
CRASH9% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 6 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
The contact leased a 2025 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle failed to increase over 20 MPH. The 20 MPH limited message was displayed. The brake pedal was hard to depress.
NHTSA ODI report, 20241122
7% of complaints: service brakes — 5 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
The contact leased a 2025 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle failed to increase over 20 MPH. The 20 MPH limited message was displayed. The brake pedal was hard to depress.
NHTSA ODI report, 20241122
SAFETY TIMELINE
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Sorento, 2025 Sorento Hybrid, and 2025 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. A software error in the Body Domain Control Unit (BDC) may cause a loss of low beam headlights and taillights.
Remedy: Dealers will update the BDC software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 21, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC331.
Campaign 25V006000 — check if this car was fixed
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 K4 and Sorento vehicles. The connecting rod bolts in the engine may have been improperly tightened, which can cause a loss of drive power.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the sub engine assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 12, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC349.
Campaign 25V548000 — check if this car was fixed
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 Kia K4, 2025-2026 Sorento, Sorento Hybrid, Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV), 2026 Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, Sportage PHEV, K5, EV9, Carnival, and Carnival Hybrid vehicles.
Remedy: The instrument panel display software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 26, 2026. Owners may contact Kia Customer Service at 1-800-333-4542.
Campaign 26V046000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2025 Kia Sorento — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (17 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 25V006000 (electrical system, exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V548000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 26V046000 (electrical system) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2025 Kia Sorento reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2025 Kia Sorento is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2025 Kia Sorento?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2025 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.