Which years should I avoid for the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sorento?

For the Tucson, NHTSA data flags 2016, 2017, 2022 and 2025 as years to avoid relative to other Tucson years. For the Sorento, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2016 stand out as years to avoid relative to other Sorento years.

Which model has more complaints overall?

The Kia Sorento has 8,656 total complaints and 541 per model year, versus 5,761 total and 360 per model year for the Hyundai Tucson. These totals are not adjusted for how many of each were sold.

Which model has more recalls?

The Kia Sorento has 35 recall campaigns across 2010-2025, compared to 26 for the Hyundai Tucson.

How do the Tucson and Sorento compare on fuel economy?

The Hyundai Tucson averages 25.2 mpg combined across its model years, while the Kia Sorento averages 22.8 mpg combined.

What are the top problem areas for each model?

For the Tucson, Engine complaints lead at 45% (2,577 complaints), followed by Transmission & Powertrain at 20%. For the Sorento, Engine also leads at 45% (3,900 complaints), followed by Electrical System at 19%.

Hyundai Tucson vs Kia Sorento: Which Years to Avoid

Hyundai Tucson owners filed 5,761 complaints across 2010-2025 (360 per model year, 26 recalls); avoid years are 2016, 2017, 2022 and 2025. Kia Sorento owners filed 8,656 complaints (541 per model year, 35 recalls); avoid years are 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2016. Totals aren't sales-normalized.

Head to head

Hyundai Tucson

Model years: 2010–2025 (16)
NHTSA complaints: 5,761
Per model year: 360
Recall campaigns: 26
Years to avoid: 2016, 2017, 2022, 2025
Best years: 2010, 2011, 2014, 2021
Top problem area: Engine
Avg. EPA combined MPG: 25.2
Avg. NHTSA overall rating: 4.7 ★

Kia Sorento

Model years: 2010–2025 (16)
NHTSA complaints: 8,656
Per model year: 541
Recall campaigns: 35
Years to avoid: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2016
Best years: 2018, 2023, 2024
Top problem area: Engine
Avg. EPA combined MPG: 22.8
Avg. NHTSA overall rating: 4.6 ★

Year by year

Complaint Index is relative within each model (0 = that model’s best year, 100 = its worst). Complaints and recalls are raw counts.

Year	Tucson				Sorento
Year	Verdict	Complaints	Recalls	MPG	Verdict	Complaints	Recalls	MPG
2010	Best	59	4	24.5	No verdict	3	1	—
2011	Best	124	5	23.5	Avoid	1,517	7	22
2012	Good	255	3	23	Avoid	880	5	22
2013	Good	266	3	23	Avoid	981	5	22
2014	Best	201	2	22.5	Caution	986	6	21
2015	Good	227	1	23	Caution	750	3	21
2016	Avoid	1,619	5	27	Avoid	1,250	8	21
2017	Avoid	1,086	3	27	Caution	804	4	22
2018	Caution	396	1	24.5	Best	254	3	22
2019	Caution	379	1	24	Caution	426	2	22.5
2020	Good	177	1	24	Good	135	1	22.5
2021	Best	79	1	24	Good	247	4	24.5
2022	Avoid	381	3	29	Good	189	6	25
2023	Caution	133	2	28	Best	119	3	25
2024	Caution	96	4	28	Best	41	2	25
2025	Avoid	283	6	28	Good	74	3	25

Complaint Index by year

Hyundai Tucson

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Kia Sorento

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Frequently asked questions

Which years should I avoid for the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sorento?: For the Tucson, NHTSA data flags 2016, 2017, 2022 and 2025 as years to avoid relative to other Tucson years. For the Sorento, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2016 stand out as years to avoid relative to other Sorento years.
Which model has more complaints overall?: The Kia Sorento has 8,656 total complaints and 541 per model year, versus 5,761 total and 360 per model year for the Hyundai Tucson. These totals are not adjusted for how many of each were sold.
Which model has more recalls?: The Kia Sorento has 35 recall campaigns across 2010-2025, compared to 26 for the Hyundai Tucson.
How do the Tucson and Sorento compare on fuel economy?: The Hyundai Tucson averages 25.2 mpg combined across its model years, while the Kia Sorento averages 22.8 mpg combined.
What are the top problem areas for each model?: For the Tucson, Engine complaints lead at 45% (2,577 complaints), followed by Transmission & Powertrain at 20%. For the Sorento, Engine also leads at 45% (3,900 complaints), followed by Electrical System at 19%.