Used Kia Sorento: Inspection checklist
Pick the model year you are going to see. Each sheet lists the checks for the problems owners reported on that year, in the order you would do them at the car. Owners filed 1,345 complaints across these 8 years; the 2019 drew the most.
Choose a model year
2025
Most reported: transmission
72 complaints4 recallsOpen checklist
2024
Fewest complaintsMost reported: electrical
35 complaints2 recallsOpen checklist
2023
Most reported: electrical
120 complaints4 recallsOpen checklist
2022
Most reported: transmission
171 complaints8 recallsOpen checklist
2021
Most reported: transmission
217 complaints5 recallsOpen checklist
2020
Most reported: engine
115 complaints1 recallOpen checklist
2019
Most complaintsMost reported: engine
383 complaints2 recallsOpen checklist
2018
Most reported: engine
232 complaints3 recallsOpen checklist
Problems that follow the Sorento from year to year
Each of these is a top-three complaint area in at least two model years. Darker cells mean more complaints that year. Whatever year you are looking at, give these extra time.
| Area | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 8 | 43 | 15 | 98 | 54 | 21 | 4 | 26 | 269 |
| Engine | 75 | 93 | 41 | 17 | 20 | 12 | 5 | 5 | 268 |
| Electrical | 25 | 61 | 16 | 31 | 17 | 33 | 11 | 12 | 206 |
Sorento generations and updates
First years of a new generation and mid-cycle updates are marked. Each year links to its checklist.
Fourth generation
2021–2023
2024 update: New exterior design elements; Updated technology features in interior
Third generation
2016–2020
2019 update: Updated grille and bumper design; New LED lighting features
Mileages where Sorento problems start
From owner reports for each model year, lowest mileage first. Compare these with the odometer of the car you are seeing.
| Typical mileage | Problem | Year |
|---|---|---|
| 300–7,000 miles | Sudden loss of acceleration | 2023 |
| 775–2,000 miles | Early transmission failure | 2022 |
| 1,328–2,400 miles | Steering column squeal, stiff steering | 2023 |
| 3,000–13,000 miles | Transmission shudder and hesitation | 2023 |
| 5,606–17,802 miles | Transmission failure, loss of drive | 2021 |
| 7,650–23,000 miles | Hybrid inverter coolant warning | 2021 |
| 8,672–10,000 miles | Warped front brake rotors | 2022 |
| 10,000–30,000 miles | Headlight shadow and bouncing beam | 2019 |
| 25,000–38,000 miles | Loss of power, limp mode | 2022 |
| 28,000–54,000 miles | Pearl white paint peeling | 2019 |
| 50,000–60,000 miles | Airbags failing to deploy | 2019 |
| 56,000–125,000 miles | Oil pressure sensor leak or failure | 2019 |
| 80,000–100,000 miles | Excessive engine oil consumption | 2020 |
| 87,000–138,500 miles | Engine failure and power loss | 2018 |
Every Sorento recall to confirm
18 recalls cover the Sorentoyears on this site. Open a campaign number for NHTSA's full notice. 6 campaigns span more than one model year. One told owners not to drive or to park outside until repaired.
