2023 Kia Sorento Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
BestComplaint Index
13/100
#14 most-complained of 16 Sorento years
The 2023 Kia Sorento has 119 NHTSA complaints, a complaint index of 13, and 3 recalls, ranking 14th worst out of 16 model years — making it one of the Best years for this model. Engine complaints (34%) are the top issue.
- Complaints
- 119
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes / fires
- 3 / 2
- Injuries / deaths
- 3 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 25
- 23 city / 29 hwy
Top 2023 Kia Sorento problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine41 (34%)
- Electrical System37 (31%)
- Other37 (31%)
- Transmission & Powertrain20 (17%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras15 (13%)
- Brakes13 (11%)
- Visibility & Wipers11 (9%)
- Lane Departure10 (8%)
- Steering7 (6%)
- Fuel System6 (5%)
What owners report
- Engine can suddenly lose acceleration or speed up unintentionally, in one case leading to a highway crash while cruise control was engaged.
- Some owners describe the engine smoking and catching fire after a sudden loss of power while driving.
- In eco mode, the vehicle reportedly hesitates for a few seconds and barely moves even with the gas pedal fully depressed on inclines.
- Transmission occasionally fails to engage or move the vehicle forward when placed in drive, even with no warning lights on.
- Brakes have reportedly gone spongy, engaged on their own, or gone to the floor, sometimes paired with steering wheel jerking or a collision.
- Collision avoidance alarms can trigger repeatedly and continuously while driving normally, distracting the driver.
2023 Kia Sorento recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 25V649000Sep 25, 2025HVAC39,536 vehicles
Visibility:defroster/defogger/HVAC system:fan/motor
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.
Risk: A fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the wiring harness and blower motor resistor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2026. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC351. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 9, 2025.
- NHTSA 23V610000Aug 31, 2023Collision Avoidance & Cameras144,979 vehicles
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera
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."
Risk: A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera housing, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC280.
- NHTSA 23V579000Aug 15, 2023Other50,517 vehicles
Equipment:other:labels
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."
Risk: A detached air bag warning label will not warn occupants about the risks of air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the driver and front passenger sun visors, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 10, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC277.
2023 Kia Sorento fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 23 MPG
- Highway
- 29 MPG
- Combined
- 25 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,600
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2023 compared with other Sorento years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2023 Kia Sorento reliable?
- NHTSA data shows the 2023 Sorento has a complaint index of 13, the second-lowest among 16 model years, and its verdict is 'Best' relative to other Sorento years.
- What are the main problems with the 2023 Kia Sorento?
- Engine complaints make up 34% of reports, followed by Electrical System issues at 31% and Transmission & Powertrain at 17%. Median mileage at engine failure was 7,000 miles.
- Does the 2023 Kia Sorento have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 3 recalls: an HVAC blower motor wiring harness fire risk, rearview camera mounting clips that may break, and detaching air bag warning labels. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2023 Sorento compare to other years?
- It ranks 14th out of 16 years from worst to best, with far fewer complaints (119) than high-complaint years like 2011 (1,517 complaints, index 100).
- What is the fuel economy of the 2023 Kia Sorento?
- EPA rates it at 25 mpg combined (23 city / 29 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,600.