Sorento (MQ4)
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Engine Reliability Ratings
T-GDI Gamma-II
1.6L 4-cyl Turbo / 177 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
T-GDI Theta-III
2.5L 4-cyl Turbo / 281 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
GDI Theta-III
2.5L 4-cyl / 191 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Battery & Propulsion Reliability
Hybrid (HEV)
Battery & propulsion complaint analysis for the 2021-2025 Kia Sorento
That's near the typical rate for hybrids in this dataset (median 7.5 per year). Within the normal range for the category.
What kind of battery complaint?
Among the 71 battery-related complaints, here's the type mix. These percentages describe what the complaints are about — not how reliable the vehicle is overall.
Loss of power, drive unit, inverter, traction motor, DC-DC converter.
Hybrid system warnings, eCVT, motor-generator, hybrid transaxle.
Low-voltage battery deaths, common on EVs and hybrids that use a 12V for accessories.
Propulsion battery defects, capacity loss, BMS faults, replacement claims.
Battery fires, smoke, thermal runaway. Includes any complaint with fire reported.
Sample complaint excerpts
Electric Propulsion
- [2022] I am reporting a serious safety defect regarding my 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid (Mileage: 91,661). The vehicle was diagnosed with an internal short in the EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) Control Unit (Error codes P0404, P049D). Upon inspection, significant engine oil intrusion was found inside the EGR unit. The EGR system is designed to handle exhaust gases only; the presence of liquid engine oil ind
- [2022] I have had this happen 4 times now with my Sorento hybrid where the gas engine does engage with the drivetrain, leaving only the electric motor providing power. All incidents have occurred where I was sitting idle with the vehicle on. All incidents occurred when I had the vehicle in ECO mode. 2 of the 4 incidents have warnings about pulling over immediately because the hybrid battery was nearly de
- [2022] My inverter radiator was punctured by road debris while driving down a highway and caused the coolant to leak out of the radiator. I received a "Refill inverter coolant" service warning then "Service Hybrid System Immediately Stop Safely" service warning and had to pull the car onto the shoulder. I called KIA roadside assistance to have my car towed to the KIA dealership and was informed the follo
Hybrid Drivetrain
- [2022] I am reporting a serious safety defect regarding my 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid (Mileage: 91,661). The vehicle was diagnosed with an internal short in the EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) Control Unit (Error codes P0404, P049D). Upon inspection, significant engine oil intrusion was found inside the EGR unit. The EGR system is designed to handle exhaust gases only; the presence of liquid engine oil ind
- [2022] I have had this happen 4 times now with my Sorento hybrid where the gas engine does engage with the drivetrain, leaving only the electric motor providing power. All incidents have occurred where I was sitting idle with the vehicle on. All incidents occurred when I had the vehicle in ECO mode. 2 of the 4 incidents have warnings about pulling over immediately because the hybrid battery was nearly de
- [2022] Vehicle lost power on the highway without warning. I would hit the gas but nothing would happen. Turned the car off and on a few times and after a few minutes it worked but every light on the dashboard came on. Took it to dealership who said the transmission lost contact with power steering and hybrid system. They reset the code but then 4 days after I got it back, every light on the dash lit up a
12V Auxiliary Battery
- [2025] This is the 4th time car is unable to start after being parked for one day and it had to be jump starting. At first I thought it was some accessory, specifically a dashcam and aftermarket ambient lights, so I disconnected both and I even turned off the wireless charging pad and disable the function to turn the lights on when doors open and it didn't help, dead car again after 1 day parked. Car was
- [2025] Battery does not stay charged. I purchased the vehicle on 24AUG24. On 08FEB25, I began having trouble with the 12V battery. The battery died and Kia Roadside was called to jumpstart. The local Kia dealership replaced the 12V and tested the system. Everything checked out ok. I picked up the car on 10FEB25. On 03MAR25, I called Kia Roadside to jumpstart the dead 12V battery, again, and took
High-Voltage Battery
- [2023] My vehicle died inThe middle of an extremely busy four lane road. A light came on That said to turn the car off immediately. The engine light and battery light flashed on. It sounds like the engine recall for the 22 and 21 hybrid sorento’s. I had to have the vehicle towed to the dealership, it is only 7 mos old.
Thermal Events
- [2022] The contact owned a 2022 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked overnight and the following morning it was driven a short distance to pick up their children, upon arrival the vehicle was parked in the garage and all the occupants exited, it caught on fire. No injuries were sustained. There was no property damage to the residence. No warning light had previously been illuminat
Source: classified from NHTSA complaint and recall data. "Battery-related" includes high-voltage propulsion battery, charging system, hybrid drivetrain, electric propulsion, regenerative braking, 12V auxiliary battery, and thermal-event complaints. Other complaints (suspension, steering, brakes, infotainment) appear in the engine and vehicle-level sections. Rates are absolute counts, not normalized per-VIN — high-volume models naturally produce more raw complaints than low-volume ones. Self-reported death and injury counts are capped per complaint to limit form abuse.
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Kia Sorento regardless of engine variant.
Recalls (12)
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. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 101, "Controls and Displays" and 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring System."
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.
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.
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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2024 Sorento vehicles. The motor driven power steering (MDPS) wiring harness may be incorrectly assembled, which can result in a loss of power steering assist.
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Sorento, Sorento Hybrid, and Sorento Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) vehicles. The mounting clips for the rearview camera may break, which can cause the rearview camera image not to appear properly on the display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Kia Motor America (Kia) is recalling certain 2022 Sorento vehicles. The oil supply pipe to the turbocharger may crack, which could result in an oil leak in the engine compartment.
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2022 Sorento and Telluride vehicles. The vehicles may be equipped with an incorrect spare tire which, when installed, can impair the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and the traction control system (TCS). As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Kia Motors, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Sorento and 2021-2023 K5 vehicles. The vehicle's "fail-safe" limited-mobility drive mode may be impaired, when prompted by a transmission oil pump malfunction, which can result in a complete loss of drive power.
Kia Motor America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021 Sorento and 2021-2022 K5 vehicles equipped with 2.5L turbocharged engines. Fuel may leak at the pipe connection between the high-pressure fuel pump and fuel rail.
All Generations
Alternatives in Midsize SUV
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2021-2025 Kia Sorento problems?
The 2021-2025 Kia Sorento has accumulated 466 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Engine, Transmission, Electrical System. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Kia Sorento engine is most reliable?
The 2021-2025 Kia Sorento was offered with 3 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2.5L 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2021-2025 Kia Sorento a good used car?
The 2021-2025 Kia Sorento can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 466 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2021-2025 Kia Sorento have?
The 2021-2025 Kia Sorento has 466 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2021-2025 Kia Sorento?
There are 12 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2021-2025 Kia Sorento vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Kia Sorento?
Before buying a used Kia Sorento, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Engine, Transmission, Electrical System, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Sorento?
The 2025 Kia Sorento received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 4 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (15.9% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Standard & Optional. Lane Departure Warning: Standard. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 466 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-07.