Kia Sorento years to avoid and best years
Newer Kia Sorento years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2013 has the most complaints per year, at 48 (981 complaints). Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2021 at 0 (from 17 complaints), 2020 at 10 (from 135 complaints), and 2024 at 14 (from 41 complaints). The Kia Sorento 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet. On the 2013 Kia Sorento, 361 of 981 complaints name Engine.
Data as of .
2021
2020
2024
2025–26
Kia Sorento reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Kia Sorento. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Too early | 0 | 0 | 2 | — | 28.7 |
| 2025 → Too early | 37 | 74 | 3 | Powertrain | 28.6 |
| 2024 → Fewest | 14 | 41 | 2 | Structure | 28.9 |
| 2023 → | 26 | 119 | 3 | Powertrain | 29.1 |
| 2022 → | 36 | 189 | 6 | Powertrain | 29.3 |
| 2021 → Fewest | 0 | 17 | 4 | Powertrain | 27.2 |
| 2020 → Fewest | 10 | 135 | 1 | Engine | 22.5 |
| 2019 → | 28 | 426 | 2 | Engine | 22.8 |
| 2018 → | 16 | 254 | 3 | Engine | 21.6 |
| 2017 → | 40 | 804 | 4 | Engine | 21.6 |
| 2016 → | 43 | 1,250 | 8 | Engine | 21.4 |
| 2015 → | 21 | 750 | 3 | Engine | 21.3 |
| 2014 → | 26 | 986 | 6 | Engine | 21 |
| 2013 → Most | 48 | 981 | 5 | Engine | 22.4 |
| 2012 → | 39 | 880 | 5 | Engine | 22.4 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- SUV
- Oil
- 5W-20 or 0W-20 (2.4L and 3.3L V6 per manual) · 5 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 235/65R17 to 235/55R19 (trim dependent)
Known issues for this generation
Safety recall 17V-224 covers certain 2012-2014 Sorentos (among Optima and Sportage): machining errors during engine manufacturing may cause premature bearing wear that can seize the engine; dealers inspect and replace the engine as needed. That campaign does not list 2015-2020 model years. For later GDI/T-GDI years, Kia ran a Knock Sensor Detection System product-improvement campaign (not a safety recall) on certain 2015-2018 Sorentos with 2.4L GDI and 2016-2018 with 2.0L turbo GDI to add ECU software that detects early connecting-rod bearing wear. Safety recall 18V-907 covers certain 2012-2017 Sorentos that previously received an engine replacement under 17V-224, warranty, or the KSDS campaign: the high-pressure fuel pipe may have been damaged or mis-torqued during that replacement and can leak; dealers inspect and replace the pipe. Safety recall 16V-480 covers certain 2016 Sorentos whose rear-suspension cross-member welds may be improper; dealers inspect and replace the cross-member as needed.
- Body styles
- SUV
- Oil
- 0W-20 (2.5L and turbo/hybrid where equipped) · 5 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 235/65R17 to 255/45R20 (trim dependent)
Known issues for this generation
Safety recall 22V-202 covers certain 2022 Sorentos: the turbocharger oil supply pipe may crack and leak oil in the engine bay, raising fire risk near hot components; dealers replace that pipe. The published population is a small 2022 turbo subset, not every MQ4. Safety recall 22V-760 covers certain 2021-2022 Sorentos (and 2021-2023 K5 vehicles): fail-safe limited-mobility drive mode may be impaired when a transmission oil-pump malfunction prompts it, which can cause complete loss of drive; dealers inspect and replace the transmission as needed and update transmission control unit software.
Frequently asked questions
Which Kia Sorento years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2021 at 0 (from 17 complaints), 2020 at 10 (from 135 complaints), and 2024 at 14 (from 41 complaints).
Which Kia Sorento year has the most owner complaints?
2013 has the most complaints per year, at 48 (981 complaints). On the 2013 Kia Sorento, 361 of 981 complaints name Engine.
How do Kia Sorento owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Kia Sorento years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones.
Which Kia Sorento years are too early to compare?
The Kia Sorento 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet.
What oil does a Kia Sorento take?
UM (2012-2020): 5W-20 or 0W-20 for 2.4L and 3.3L V6. MQ4 (2021+): 0W-20 for 2.5L and turbo/hybrid where equipped (about 5 qt with filter).
Does safety recall 22V-202 cover a 2022 Kia Sorento?
Yes for certain 2022 Sorentos: the turbocharger oil supply pipe may crack and leak oil near hot components; dealers replace that pipe.
What generation is a 2020 Kia Sorento?
UM generation (2012-2020). The MQ4 redesign starts in 2021.