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Kia Sorento 2015–2020 (UM)

Kia Sorento
Photo: Kevauto · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Price
$26,000–$44,000
MPG
25
  • Strength: Excellent safety
  • Strength: Strong value retention
  • Watch-out: Poor cargo & utility
  • Watch-out: Poor reliability
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How it scores for you10 scores
A 5-star-safe, comfortable three-row family hauler undercut by cramped cargo and serious engine-complaint concerns tied to the Theta II motor.
Reliability28

Recalled about as often as cars of the same model years; 5 of its 14 recalls were serious. About 6% of its owner complaints describe a crash, fire or injury. Based on recalls and serious defect reports — it doesn't capture everyday repairs or problems fixed by warranty extensions. Adjusted -6 points for its wider reputation.

Safety100

5-star overall NHTSA crash rating (frontal 5, side 5, rollover 4).

Running costs48

About $2,700 a year in fuel (EPA estimate) — cheaper to run than about 48% of cars we track.

Cargo & utility1

11.3 cu ft of cargo space — among the smallest of the SUVs we track.

Passenger space52

Three-row 7-seater but third row is tight and cargo behind it is just 11.3 cu ft; 73 cu ft folded is decent. On par with compact-midsize crossovers.

Driving fun40

Base 185-hp four in a 7-seat crossover is adequate but unexciting; comfort-tuned suspension and modest towing. V6 versions offered more punch but this trim prioritizes practicality over engagement.

Tech48

UM-generation Sorento offered UVO infotainment and available features, but by later years tech is dated versus rivals. Segment-typical for its era.

Comfort58

Kia reputation for quiet, well-appointed cabins and compliant ride; comfortable seats. Slightly above segment norm for refinement in this class.

Value retention70

SUVs and hybrids usually hold their value better than average.

Capability49

Rated to tow 2,000 lb; all- or four-wheel drive available.

Safety & recalls21 recalls
Overall 5/5
Frontal 5/5
Side 5/5
Rollover 4/5

21 recalls · 8 common complaint areas across 2015–2020

  • Engine — 523 complaints (2016)
  • Recall — Trailer hitches (2020)
  • Engine — 285 complaints (2017)

2020

  • RecallTrailer hitches22V703000

    Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris a

  • Complaint clusterEngine47 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE

    My 2020 Kia Sorento stalled and shut off while driving and eventually stopped working completely, requiring it to be towed to a Kia dealership. The dealership first replaced the starter and then the high-pressure fuel pump, but the vehicle still would not operate. After further diagnosis, I was info

  • Complaint clusterElectrical19 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    Driving on highway at 65, traction control light, airbag light, parking light, bcw warning, all came in at the same time. I was able to pull off to the side and re start engine to clear the lights. As soon as I got up to 40 lights one by one flickered on until up to highway speed and then all flicke

  • Complaint clusterPowertrain18 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN

    The contact called on behalf of his daughter who owns 2020 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a dealer for a routine oil change when the contact was informed that there was an unknown issue with the vehicle however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle wa

  • Complaint clusterUnknown or other12 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    While driving my 2020 Kia Sorento on the freeway at highway speed, the panoramic sunroof suddenly shattered without warning. There was a very loud explosive sound that startled and frightened me while I was driving. I was not aware of anything striking the sunroof immediately before it shattered, an

  • Complaint clusterTrailer hitches7 complaintscomplaints:TRAILER HITCHES

    The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that on multiple occasions while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal burning odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V703000 (Trailer Hitches), however, the part to do the

2019

  • RecallTrailer hitches22V703000

    Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris a

  • RecallBack over prevention: sensing system: camera23V639000

    Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2019 Sorento vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, water may leak into the rearview camera, which can cause the rearview camera image not to appear on the display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle S

  • Complaint clusterEngine107 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE

    I am filing this complaint regarding my 2019 Kia Sorento and an engine failure related to Kia’s Product Improvement Campaign/KSDS (Knock Sensor Detection System) campaign. I purchased this vehicle used in 2022. Prior to the engine failure, I was never notified of any Product Improvement Campaign af

  • Complaint clusterUnknown or other63 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    Engine burning oil Failed oil consumption test done by dealership - had to get engine replaced Still noticing stuttering and fluctuating power at times. Failure of Snow White Pearl paint delamination issue causing the top-coat to lift off of underlying primer. Rust has started in some of the spots

  • Complaint clusterElectrical62 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    There is a recall for the HAVOC system foe the years 2021-2023, 25V649 recall. My car is a 2019 kia sorento and I m having the same issues, I have already replaced blower motor, resistor, air filter replaced, fuses, air compressor clutch relays, 3 times. Coolant is fine. After reading this recall m

  • Complaint clusterPowertrain48 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN

    Engine seized per Kia Inspected by Kia after AAA TOWED AND COULD NOT START CAR warning lamps have been on for over 6 months. Kia inspected and ran diagnostics at that time and said it was nothing to fix just an annoying dashboard malfunction.

  • Complaint clusterStructure33 complaintscomplaints:STRUCTURE

    About 1 month ago, i noticed on the hood, several areas (10-12) of bubbling and peeling of the paint. On the Side upright panel next to the windshield on the passenger side, there is a big area of peeling and bubbling paint. Paint is called Snow white Pearl. On the driver side panel above the handle

2018

  • RecallAirbags: side/window17V784000

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2018 Kia Sorento vehicles. The side curtain air bags on these vehicles have a component that may detach during deployment of the inflatable curtain air bag.

  • RecallSteering: column; steering: electric power assist system18V656000

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2018 Kia Sorento vehicles. The cowl crossbar that connects to the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) steering column may be improperly welded, allowing the steering column to separate.

  • RecallTrailer hitches22V703000

    Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris a

  • Complaint clusterEngine77 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE

    I am a working parent filing a formal complaint against Kia America and Classic kia of Carrollton for non-compliance with the Theta II Class Action Settlement mandates. My vehicle experienced a qualifying engine failure and is currently held at the dealership. The dealership is actively refusing to

  • Complaint clusterElectrical28 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    I had the car for just 2 years and it's giving me a lot of problems the car smells like gas it has a gas leak the breaks don't work and the electrical system don't work properly

  • Complaint clusterUnknown or other27 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    I've never had a problem staying awake driving. I don't have this problem in my vehicles or other vehicles. Every time I drove the car. I could not stay awake. I ve driven the car about 5xs. I would fall asleep and not even realize it. Now fell asleep driving the car two nights ago. No warnings we

  • Complaint clusterExterior lighting27 complaintscomplaints:EXTERIOR LIGHTING

    In April, 2025, my vehicle's engine power was significantly reduced while on the highway. I could not keep pace with traffic. My mechanic said there were recalls for the turbo engine but my car was not included. I paid forbthe part and repair. Less than a year later and the car began burning a lot o

  • Complaint clusterSteering26 complaintscomplaints:STEERING

    I was driving and when I lost all power steering the lights on the dash came on for power steering and traction I could not steer at all it was so hard to drive . I reported it right away and had my car check out there is a recall on the power steering but they are saying my car was made in April an

2017

  • RecallElectrical system; trailer hitches16V862000

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Sorento vehicles manufactured October 27, 2014, to August 25, 2016, and 2017 Sportage vehicles manufactured December 10, 2015, to August 26, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness tha

  • RecallEngine and engine cooling: engine17V586000

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017 Sorento vehicles equipped with 3.3L engines. The engine crankshaft may have been improperly heat treated and may fail.

  • RecallEngine; fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings18V907000

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pi

  • RecallTrailer hitches22V703000

    Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris a

  • Complaint clusterEngine285 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE

    In early July, my vehicle's check engine light turned on. I took it to a reputable local mechanic in Sachse, Texas, who had the vehicle for approximately two weeks. He was unable to determine the cause of the issue but informed me that there was an existing recall and that the dealership should be a

  • Complaint clusterSteering97 complaintscomplaints:STEERING

    Vehicle steers with more resistance to the left but very loose and easy to the right. Dealership diagnosed that a new steering column is required. Kia also issued a new vehicle limited warranty extension on the motor driven power steering. I believe the warranty extension should apply; however, deal

  • Complaint clusterExterior lighting93 complaintscomplaints:EXTERIOR LIGHTING

    My high beams and low beams are starting to shut off randomly while driving. They are burning out weekly and having to be replaced. 1 of my tail lights is doing the same exact thing. I replace it. It works for a couple weeks and then goes out. When the headlights shut off my dash shows that i am tr

  • Complaint clusterUnknown or other83 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    I am writing to escalate an unresolved issue regarding a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign performed on my vehicle at Bulldog Kia on July 14, 2026. Shortly after leaving the dealership, my Check Engine Light illuminated. An independent mechanic scanned the vehicle and confirmed that the active fa

  • Complaint clusterElectrical82 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while seated inside the vehicle with three other occupants and the engine turned off, there was black smoke quickly coming from underneath the hood. The contact and the passengers exited the vehicle. The contact stated that a fire had star

2016

  • RecallCruise control: accelerator pedal15V089000

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Sorento vehicles manufactured October 27, 2014, to January 29, 2015. Due to an improperly soldered component in the accelerator pedal assembly, the driver may not be able to accelerate the vehicle.

  • RecallSeat belts: front: buckle assembly15V446000

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Kia Sorento vehicles manufactured October 23, 2014, to December 10, 2014. The affected vehicles have a front passenger seat belt whose buckle latch assembly may prevent the front passenger from fastening the seat belt.

  • RecallSuspension: rear16V480000

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Sorento vehicles. A component of the rear suspension may not be properly welded.

  • RecallSeats16V770000

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Kia Sorento vehicles manufactured March 3, 2016 to March 21, 2016. The driver's seatback frame may have been produced with inadequate weld joints and, as a result, the seatback may not function as designed in the event of a rear-end coll

  • RecallElectrical system; trailer hitches16V862000

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Sorento vehicles manufactured October 27, 2014, to August 25, 2016, and 2017 Sportage vehicles manufactured December 10, 2015, to August 26, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness tha

  • RecallEngine; fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings18V907000

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pi

  • RecallPowertrain: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift22V612000

    Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016 Sedona and Sorento vehicles. The vehicles may have been manufactured with faulty automatic transmission shift lever assembly components, preventing the shift lever from locking, which can allow the vehicle to rollaway.

  • RecallTrailer hitches22V703000

    Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris a

  • Complaint clusterEngine523 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE

    I am filing this complaint regarding a 2016 Kia Sorento, VIN [XXX]. The vehicle suddenly broke down while my [XXX] daughter was driving in [XXX] and was taken to Sooner Kia in [XXX]. The dealership diagnosed the engine as seized and stated that it failed because there was no oil, requiring engine r

  • Complaint clusterUnknown or other126 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    I went in a few months ago for a routine oil change. My car has had zero operating issues since I had the engine replaced around 5 years ago. They told me that I need to have a voluntary emissions update performed, so I gave consent. (The letter I received a few days later referred to it as "Volunta

  • Complaint clusterPowertrain123 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN

    I am filing a safety complaint regarding a severe, sudden electronic and mechanical failure of the shift interlock system and the Body Control Module (BCM) that compromises vehicle control and leaves the vehicle stranded in active traffic conditions. While attempting to operate the vehicle, the shif

  • Complaint clusterStructure101 complaintscomplaints:STRUCTURE

    THE PAINT ISCOMING OFF AND DON'T STICK TO THE VEHICLE. I NEED KIA TO PAINT THIS CAR ASAP

  • Complaint clusterElectrical83 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    (Transmission and motor) I had taken my car to the dealership on XXX for recalls and all the signal were fine before going there. They took my car back to do the recalls and my son and I waited . Once they were done we left closer to closing time is noticed there was a burn mark on my dash board tha

2015

  • RecallEngine; fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings18V907000

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pi

  • RecallService brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module20V519000

    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.

  • RecallService brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module21V331000

    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.

  • Complaint clusterEngine279 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE

    My 2015 Kia Sorento is experiencing a catastrophic structural failure of the exhaust system where the front manifold catalytic converter has internally collapsed This is a severe safety hazard because the physical blockage of the exhaust flow creates massive engine backpressure stalling when trying

  • Complaint clusterStructure94 complaintscomplaints:STRUCTURE

    Paint De lamination on Snow White Pearl due to manufacturing defect Date listed was the date it started to peel. Started peeling around the window first. Then it continued on the front hood.

  • Complaint clusterUnknown or other85 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    I own a 2015 Kia Sorento with Snow White Pearl paint. The paint is prematurely peeling/delaminating from multiple areas of the vehicle despite normal maintenance and no accident damage. The vehicle was inspected by a Kia dealership, and I was informed that the condition appears to be a paint defect

  • Complaint clusterExterior lighting79 complaintscomplaints:EXTERIOR LIGHTING

    I’m tired of replacing my headlight bulbs every month!!! Both high and low beam go out all the time! It’s expensive. Also it is a safety concern. The low beams are dim to begin with and having one go out I have to drive with high beams on due to inability to see. I even upgraded bulbs in hopes of b

  • Complaint clusterElectrical53 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    The headlights are so dim that I could not see at night. I am forced to drive with the fog lights on for any amount of visibility. I recently replaced the headlights with factory replacements and now the connectors going into the back have failed and power only makes it to the lights when Mercury is

Cost to own$19,400 / 5 yr

MSRP, new

$26,000–$44,000

Estimated used price, by model year

2020$23,300–$27,400
2019$19,900–$23,400
2018$16,900–$19,800
2017$14,200–$16,600
2016$11,700–$13,800
2015$9,600–$11,300

$2,700/yr

EPA estimate, combined fuel cost per year.

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Specs
MSRPNew $26,000–$44,000
Efficiency25 MPG
Seats7
DrivetrainAWD
PowertrainGas

City MPG

22

Highway MPG

29

Combined MPG

25

Horsepower

185 hp

Doors

4

Length

187.8 in

Width

74.4 in

Height

67.3 in

Wheelbase

109.4 in

Curb weight

4,004 lb

Cargo volume

11.3 cu ft

Cargo (seats folded)

73 cu ft

Towing capacity

2,000 lbs

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