2023 Kia Sorento Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2023 Kia Sorento has a complaint index of 30, ranking 15th out of 21 model years, with a Good verdict. It has 119 complaints, 3 recalls, and no do-not-drive orders, with Engine issues the top problem area at 34% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 30/100
- #15 of 21 Sorento years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 119
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 3
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 3
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 25
- 23 city / 29 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 3 / 0
Top 2023 Kia Sorento problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA 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%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Some drivers report sudden unintended acceleration while cruise control was engaged, with brakes failing to slow the car.
- Owners describe the engine losing power or stalling at highway speed, sometimes followed by smoke or a fire under the hood.
- Drivers report the transmission failing to engage after shifting into drive, even with the accelerator depressed, with the issue recurring multiple times.
- Several owners describe brakes feeling spongy or going to the floor, with the steering wheel jerking at highway speed.
- Owners in eco mode report the vehicle hesitating for several seconds with the pedal fully depressed when accelerating on an incline.
- Some drivers report collision-warning alarms cycling continuously and distracting them while driving normally.
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 gives the 2023 Sorento a complaint index of 30 and a Good verdict, ranking 15th out of 21 model years. It has fewer reported problems than most other Sorento years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2023 Kia Sorento?
- Engine complaints make up 34% of reports, followed by Electrical System issues at 31% and Transmission & Powertrain issues at 17%, according to NHTSA complaint data.
- Does the 2023 Kia Sorento have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2023 Sorento: an HVAC blower motor wiring harness fire risk, a rearview camera mounting clip issue, and a detaching air bag warning label recall. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2023 Sorento compare to other years?
- The 2023 Sorento has a complaint index of 30, better than years like 2011 through 2017 which carry Avoid or Caution verdicts with indexes of 55 to 100. Only the 2024 Sorento scores lower, with an index of 15 and a Best verdict.