Kia Sorento Years to Avoid
We analyzed 6851 owner complaints and 50 safety recalls registered with the NHTSA to determine which Kia Sorento model years are lemons and which are safe to purchase.
Years to Avoid
Model year 2016 had the highest spike in defects, particularly in engine & cooling.
Best Years to Buy
Significantly lower defect frequency, few recalls, and refined mechanicals.
Engine & Cooling
The #1 source of driver complaints on this vehicle. Inspect this subsystem thoroughly during pre-purchase inspection.
Kia Sorento Complaints & Defects by Model Year
Official consumer safety reports filed with the NHTSA. Click any year for the complete breakdown.
Kia Sorento Model Year Comparison Table
Detailed breakdown by model year showing complaint totals, safety recalls, and reliability verdicts.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Defect Score | Verdict | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Kia Sorento | 880 | 5 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2013 Kia Sorento | 983 | 5 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2014 Kia Sorento | 988 | 6 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2015 Kia Sorento | 755 | 3 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2016 Kia Sorento | 1262 | 8 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2017 Kia Sorento | 808 | 4 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2018 Kia Sorento | 255 | 3 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2019 Kia Sorento | 435 | 2 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2020 Kia Sorento | 140 | 1 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2021 Kia Sorento | 25 | 4 | 29/100 | Exercise Caution | Report → |
| 2022 Kia Sorento | 194 | 6 | 72/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2023 Kia Sorento | 126 | 3 | 49/100 | Exercise Caution | Report → |
Buying a Used Kia Sorento: Key Reliability Insights
What are the Kia Sorento years to avoid?
Based on official NHTSA safety defect data, the Kia Sorento model years to avoid are 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022. These years exhibit significantly higher rates of owner complaints, recurring engine & cooling issues, and federal safety recalls.
What is the best year to buy for a used Kia Sorento?
The most reliable used model year for the Kia Sorento is 2021 (as well as 2021), which recorded the lowest defect score and minimal safety recalls on record.
What are the most common problems with the Kia Sorento?
The most frequently reported component issues for the Kia Sorento are Engine & Cooling, Electrical System, Unknown Or Other. Owners reported premature component wear and software calibration glitches to federal investigators.
How many total recalls have been issued for the Kia Sorento?
Between 2012 and 2023, the NHTSA has published 50 safety recall campaigns and recorded 6851 official owner complaints for the Kia Sorento.