How many brake complaints does the 2015 Kia Sorento have?

NHTSA lists 43 brake-related complaints for the 2015 Kia Sorento, which is about 6% of the 750 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a brake recall for the 2015 Kia Sorento?

Yes. Kia issued two recalls, campaign 20V519000 and campaign 21V331000, both covering brake fluid that may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) and possibly cause an electrical short. Owners were told to park outside and away from other vehicles until the repair was completed.

At what mileage do 2015 Sorento brake problems usually appear?

The median mileage at failure among reported brake complaints for the 2015 Sorento is 73,000 miles.

Have 2015 Sorento brake issues caused crashes or fires?

NHTSA data tied to this component shows 2 crashes, 5 fires, and 3 injuries reported for the 2015 Kia Sorento.

2015 Kia Sorento Brakes Problems

NHTSA lists 43 brake complaints for the 2015 Kia Sorento, about 6% of all complaints filed for that model year. Two Kia recalls (campaigns 20V519000 and 21V331000) cover HECU brake fluid leaks. Median mileage at failure was 73,000 miles.

Brakes complaints: 43; 6% of 750
Crashes reported: 2
Fires reported: 5
Injuries reported: 3
Median mileage: 73,000 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical brake symptoms owners report

Owners report sudden loss of brakes and steering together, sometimes leading to loss of control at low speed.
Multiple reports describe smoke or fire coming from under the hood, later traced by some owners to brake fluid leaking onto the exhaust manifold.
Some owners describe rotors wearing down and the vehicle shaking during braking at relatively low mileage.
A few reports mention water intrusion near the dash and brakes making a scrubbing noise after the car sat overnight in rain.
Some owners describe brakes not responding along with unrelated electrical issues such as flickering wipers, headlights, or warning lights.

When 2015 Kia Sorento brake complaints were filed

First complaint Mar 31, 2015, latest Jul 11, 2026.

43 complaints filed with NHTSA from Mar 2015 to Jul 2026; peak Aug 2021 (4).

Brakes recalls for the 2015 Kia Sorento

NHTSA 21V331000May 10, 2021Brakes440,370 vehiclesPark Outside
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles previously recalled under recall 20V-519. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
Risk: An electrical short in the HECU increases the risk of a fire while parked or driving.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. Dealers will install a new multi-fuse, and inspect the HECU for leaks, replacing the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 2, 2021. This recall supersedes previous NHTSA recall number 20V-519. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC212.
NHTSA 20V519000Aug 27, 2020Brakes440,370 vehiclesPark Outside
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
Risk: If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the HECU for leaking brake fluid and replace the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. The recall began October 20, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC197.

Brakes complaints by Sorento model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20100 (0%)
2011152 (10%)
2012113 (13%)
201394 (10%)
201495 (10%)
201543 (6%)
201633 (3%)
201727 (3%)
20188 (3%)
201914 (3%)
20205 (4%)
20212 (1%)
202218 (10%)
202313 (11%)
20246 (15%)
20255 (7%)

Frequently asked questions

How many brake complaints does the 2015 Kia Sorento have?: NHTSA lists 43 brake-related complaints for the 2015 Kia Sorento, which is about 6% of the 750 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a brake recall for the 2015 Kia Sorento?: Yes. Kia issued two recalls, campaign 20V519000 and campaign 21V331000, both covering brake fluid that may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) and possibly cause an electrical short. Owners were told to park outside and away from other vehicles until the repair was completed.
At what mileage do 2015 Sorento brake problems usually appear?: The median mileage at failure among reported brake complaints for the 2015 Sorento is 73,000 miles.
Have 2015 Sorento brake issues caused crashes or fires?: NHTSA data tied to this component shows 2 crashes, 5 fires, and 3 injuries reported for the 2015 Kia Sorento.