2023 Kia Sorento Problems
Compared with other Kia Sorento years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
30/100 0.6× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.6× that of a typical Kia Sorento year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 77 of its 125 complaints were filed by the end of 2025.
- Most reported problem: Loss of power and warning lights while driving (38 complaints, median 37,000 mi).
- 3 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 125filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 16,850miles, 12 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- Too newThis model year is less than 4 years old, so a trend is not meaningful yet.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4 / 5stars overall, 4 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 26 mpgcombined, 2.5L 4-cyl FWD · 24 city / 29 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2023 Kia Sorento (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Complaints on this model year center on sudden loss of engine power or intermittent no-starts, often accompanied by a cluster of warning lights, and on the 8-speed dual-clutch transmission's shuddering and delayed engagement. Many of these reports arrive at very low mileage, while braking vibration, sunroof glass breakage and blower motor concerns show up later in the odometer range.
- Engine
Loss of power and warning lights while driving
- 38 complaints (30%)
- median 37,000 mi at 2.2 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2023–2026
Owners describe the engine shutting down or refusing to accelerate at highway and in-town speeds, usually with several dashboard warning lights and messages appearing at once. Some say the vehicle restarts normally after being switched off and back on, others are left stranded; several report the dealer could not reproduce the fault or found no stored codes. A few note the engine cut out shortly after a stop/start event or a prior dealer repair. Reported across a wide mileage range, frequently under 10,000 miles and sometimes within the first few thousand miles.
What to check: Ask for the full repair history and whether warning-light events were documented or scanned, and note that codes are often cleared on restart. A diagnostic scan of stored history before purchase is worthwhile.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Safety concern. Vehicle suddenly could not maintain highway speed; vehicle unexpectedly decelerated. We were forced to pull over on the shoulder of the freeway. We called 911 and officers came. Officer confirmed being stopped on the shoulder of a major freeway was a very dangerous situation. We had 3 adults and two sleeping children in the car. No warning signals in the vehicle prior to the incident.”
NHTSA complaint #11672374, filed 2025-07“As I was driving the car it suddenly lost power… then all warning and sensor lights came on in the dash. I pulled the car over and restarted and the engine turned on but would not engage to drive. It was stuck. Multiple engine and transmission warning codes appeared on my Kia app for the car. Kia’s response to resolve has been non existent. I am fearful for my safety if this happens again. It’s the second time.”
NHTSA complaint #11586001, filed 2024-04 - Transmission and drivetrain
Dual-clutch transmission shudder and loss of drive
- 27 complaints (22%)
- median 16,850 mi at 2.0 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2022–2026
Complaints describe a shudder or hesitation when moving through the lower gears, worsening over time, plus jerking and a drop in power while accelerating. Some report transmission error messages or a low transmission fluid warning, and at least one owner says a diagnostic code pointed to the dual-clutch transmission while the VIN showed no open recall; dealers in several cases acknowledged the symptom but did not identify a repair. Starts as early as a few thousand miles; also reported at higher mileages up to roughly 30,000 miles and beyond.
What to check: Drive the car from a stop and through low-speed acceleration repeatedly, watching for shudder or hesitation, and ask whether the transmission logic updates in the service bulletins were applied.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Transmission problem arised on/about 9/15/23 and 3,000 miles. There is a distinct shudder when shifting through lower gears, more recently, on/around 4,000 miles l, shudder is growing worse, and there is intermittent problems at highway speeds. This is very dangerous, and could cause an accident/injury at any time. I have been to my local Kia dealership 3 times now, who have flight recorded and concurred with me that its the transmission failing, but have been sent home every time with we don't know exactly what it is, so keep driving it . …”
NHTSA complaint #11547541, filed 2023-09“The vehicle experienced a sudden transmission malfunction while operation on public roads. The check engine light illuminated on the dashboard, and a diagnostic scan from the app revealed active error code P1C2D03. This specific component failure looks like it relates directly to Kia Safety Recall SC250 (NHTSA Campaign 22V760) regarding the 8-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT). Although my specific vin shows no active recalls. …”
NHTSA complaint #11770257, filed 2026-10 - Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
Panoramic sunroof glass shattering or failing to close
- 12 complaints (10%)
- median 37,000 mi at 2.0 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- filed 2023–2026
Owners report the panoramic roof glass breaking or shattering while driving at highway and low speeds with no impact or debris, leaving glass in the cabin. Others describe the panel stopping or reversing during closing, needing repeated attempts and making grinding noises from the roof assembly, and one owner notes the sunroof software appeared disconnected after a dealer visit. Spread from low mileage to roughly 40,000 miles; several reports involve highway driving.
What to check: Operate the sunroof fully open and closed several times, listen for grinding, and inspect the glass and seals for chips, stress marks or previous replacement.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The panoramic sunroof on my 2023 Kia Sorento intermittently fails to close. When commanded to close, the glass travels most of the way, then stops or reverses before reaching the fully closed position. It frequently takes many repeated attempts. In some cases the panel will not seat at all until the vehicle is driven over rough pavement, and the resulting vibration allows it to complete closure. The malfunction is accompanied by a loud grinding or scraping noise from the roof assembly during travel. …”
NHTSA complaint #11751824, filed 2026-07“The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brakes spontaneously engaged. The brake warning light was illuminated. The contact stated there was no other vehicles nearby when the failure occurred on several occasions. Additionally, the sunroof was deactivated due to the software being disconnected spontaneously. …”
NHTSA complaint #11534290, filed 2023-07, 35,000 miles - Electrical system
No-start and auto stop/start stalling
- 27 complaints (22%)
- median 6,600 mi at 1.9 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2022–2026
Owners report the engine failing to restart after the automatic stop/start shuts it down at a light, and other occasions where the vehicle will not start after being parked normally. Some say the brake pedal goes stiff and the shifter will not move out of park; a few trace it to a loose or unsecured battery or to electrical faults that dealers could not duplicate. Mostly reported on vehicles with low mileage, often within the first few thousand miles.
What to check: Confirm the battery is properly secured and the stop/start system operates normally on a test drive, including several stops. Ask whether any no-start events were diagnosed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I purchased my 2023 Kia Sorento in 2024 from Rohrman Kia in Lafayette, Indiana. At the time of purchase, the vehicle had approximately 9,000 miles and had previously been utilized as a dealership loaner vehicle. Since purchasing the vehicle, I have experienced recurring mechanical concerns involving the vehicle’s auto start/stop system and a significant, unexpected loss of engine power. …”
NHTSA complaint #11768378, filed 2026-10“The vehicle intermittently fails to start in two different situations. First, when the auto Stop/start system shuts the engine off while the vehicle is stopped anywhere, the engine sometimes refuses to restart, leaving the vehicle immobilized. Second, there are occasions when I park the vehicle, turn it off normally, and upon returning, the engine will refuse to start.”
NHTSA complaint #11754178, filed 2026-08 - Brakes
Brake vibration and pulsation
- 17 complaints (14%)
- median 23,500 mi at 1.7 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2023–2026
Owners describe vibration and pulsation through the steering wheel and pedal when braking from highway speeds, sometimes with a grinding or seizing feel. Several say rotors were resurfaced or replaced and the vibration returned within a short interval, and one owner reports repeat rotor work at roughly 6,000-mile intervals. In some complaints brakes engaged on their own without another vehicle nearby. Typically noted from around 10,000 to 30,000 miles, and reported on both new and used-purchased vehicles.
What to check: Brake firmly from highway speed during the test drive and feel for pulsation. Ask for rotor service records and whether the rotors were replaced or only resurfaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I purchased this car with approximately 22,000 miles on it. I have had to have OEM rotor resurface / replacement at the dealership approximately almost every oil change or about every 6,000 miles for about 30k miles (2 replacements, 3 resurface in an 18 month period). They sent out a Kia engineer last time it happened.”
NHTSA complaint #11730368, filed 2026-04“The brakes failed; they felt spongy, as if my foot were pressing directly against the road. The car accelerated and I headed toward a wall; the sensors didn't stop the vehicle. It came to a halt against the wall after the impact. I was on my way to the repair shop for a scheduled appointment due to electrical problems.”
NHTSA complaint #11757893, filed 2026-08
Buying note. Check that the vehicle starts and restarts reliably, that the transmission does not shudder from a stop, and that the brake pedal feels smooth at highway speed; the sunroof and blower motor are also worth inspecting. Ask for the complete service and campaign history, since several of these symptoms are intermittent and dealers often could not reproduce them.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 125 consumer complaints for the 2023 Kia Sorento. 12 of the complaints include a mileage, and 83% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 16,850 miles. Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 3 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 51 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 14 Kia Sorento model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 30 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Other or unknown39 31%
- Electrical system38 30%
- Engine32 26%
- Brakes12 9.6%
- Vehicle speed control11 8.8%
- Lane departure10 8.0%
- Steering7 5.6%
Also reported: Fuel system (6), Exterior lighting (2), Seats (2), Body and structure (2), Back-over prevention (rear camera) (1), Engine cooling (1), Equipment (1).
Example complaints
Other or unknown: “Driving down the road and the left rear passenger window exploded. Shatters went everywhere all over the passenger in the back. I went online and looked and this is a hugh issue evidently with some Kias. To me this is really serious issues that Kia is completely ignoring. Someone will eventually get seriously injured bi the glass exploding like it does.”
NHTSA complaint #11746681, filed 2026-06Electrical system: “Was driving on Dallas North Toll way when my vehicle lost acceleration. Had to pull over and engine started smoking and lit a flame under the hood. Car is now at Clay Cooley Kia in Irving, TX. Car has been there for over two weeks and I still have no answers or information regarding the plan to fix it. Major dealership delay and all they keep saying is “Waiting on a Kia Engineer to come out but we don't have a date.””
NHTSA complaint #11708410, filed 2026-01Engine: “UNKNOWN However multiple times the front end of the vehicle starts shaking when I try to break up especially on the highway. The dealership claimed to have repaired it once and shortly after it happened again. When I took it in they first looked and said the parts was ordered but nothing was done then came back and said oh yes it was done then refused to fix it without a charge so I had to pay to repair it since I feared that the brake would give out if I drive it. …”
NHTSA complaint #11722647, filed 2026-03Transmission and drivetrain: “CURRENT MILEAGE 6,776 miles -Purchased the vehicle and on two occasions the AEB Emergency brake system came on twice without any cars around- Also, twice the engine shutdown light came on and acceleration has stopped on me and the vehicle stalled, which is dangerous if Im on the parkway or road where I cant pull over like a bridge. NICE LOOKING CAR BUT DONT BE FOOLED- A 🔴RECALL NEEDS TO BE SENT TO PROTECT OTHERS FROM A CRASH IMMEDIATELY.”
NHTSA complaint #11590775, filed 2024-05Mileage when problems were reported
83% of the 12 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 2,400 and 39,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
This model year is less than 4 years old, so a trend is not meaningful yet.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2023 Kia Sorento. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sorento · SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 15.9% risk |
| Sorento · SUV FWD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 15.9% risk |
| Sorento HEV · SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 15.9% risk |
| Sorento HEV · SUV FWD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 15.9% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2023 model year: forward collision warning standard on some versions, lane departure warning standard, automatic emergency braking standard on some versions.
Neighbouring years: 2022: same overall rating; 2024: 5 stars overall. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2023 Kia Sorento version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving); plug-in hybrid figures are for gasoline-only (hybrid mode) driving, so no annual cost is shown.
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sorento AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 23 | 25 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Sorento AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 22 | 27 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Sorento FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 24 | 29 | 26 | $2,600 |
| Sorento FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 22 | 29 | 25 | $2,700 |
| Sorento Plug-in Hybrid AWD | 1.6L 4-cyl · plug-in hybrid | 6-speed automatic | 35 | 33 | 34 gas only | — |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 25V649000Sep 25, 2025Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Fan/motorCovers: Kia Sorento 2021–2023
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.
- 23V610000Aug 31, 2023Back over prevention › Sensing system › CameraCovers: Kia Sorento 2022–2023, Sorento Phev 2022–2023, Sorento Hybrid 2022–2023
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…
- 23V579000Aug 15, 2023Equipment › Other › LabelsCovers: Kia Sorento 2023
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…
Recall details for the 2023 Kia Sorento → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 51 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11033217May 28, 2026Electrical system. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM SOFTWARE UPDATE USING UPDATE.KIA.COM - This bulletin provides information and service procedures for updating the infotainment systems on applicable…
- 11032900May 6, 2026Brakes. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: FRONT BRAKE DISC REPLACEMENT & BURNISHING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a…
- 11031906Apr 14, 2026Electrical system. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFOTAINMENT SOFTWARE UPDATE PROCEDURE - This bulletin provides information on the process for downloading infotainment software updates and preparing USB for…
- 11030386Mar 26, 2026Electrical system. WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (WTY042) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage, to all owners, for…
- 11030389Mar 24, 2026Electrical system. WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: HORN ASSEMBLY INSPECTION AND REPLACEMENT (WTY042) - This bulletin provides information associated with the ‘Warranty Extension Program’…
- 11030388Mar 24, 2026Electrical system. WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: REIMBURSEMENT FORM (WTY042) - This document is a Reimbursement Request form that was mailed with the customer letter advising them to submit the form if they had paid…
- 11030387Mar 24, 2026Electrical system. WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: QUESTION AND ANSWER (WTY042) - This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding the Warranty Extension Campaign…
- 11030385Mar 24, 2026Electrical system. WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: DEALER PARTS & SERVICE MANAGER MEMO (WTY042) - This document is the announcement to the dealer Parts and Service managers advising that Kia is is extending the New…
- 11030383Mar 24, 2026Electrical system. WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO (WTY042) - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals advising that Kia is is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage…
- 11026698Dec 9, 2025Back-over prevention (rear camera). PITSTOP: TECHNICAL OPERATIONS: EXTERNAL DAMAGE TO ULTRASONIC SENSOR: This Pitstop provides information related to Parking Distance Warning (PDW) alerts and repairs involving ultrasonic sensors. The…
Other model years of the Kia Sorento
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | 3,800 | 2 | 5 | 26 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 77 | 4,000 | 3 | 5 | 26 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 44 | 24,308 | 2 | 5 | 26 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 125 | 16,850 | 3 | 4 | 26 | 30 · Fewer | Too new |
| 2022 | 194 | 28,660 | 6 | 4 | 26 | 57 · Typical | Rising |
| 2021 | 255 | 43,000 | 4 | 4 | 26 | 50 · Typical | Stable |
| 2020 | 140 | 19,500 | 1 | 5 | 25 | 9 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2019 | 435 | 21,675 | 2 | 5 | 25 | 44 · Typical | Rising |
| 2018 | 255 | 49,000 | 3 | 5 | 23 | 16 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2017 | 808 | 46,500 | 4 | 5 | 23 | 63 · Typical | Rising |
| 2016 | 1,261 | 66,500 | 8 | 5 | 23 | 87 · More | Stable |
| 2015 | 755 | 74,990 | 3 | 5 | 23 | 39 · Typical | Falling |
| 2014 | 988 | 80,000 | 6 | 5 | 21 | 63 · Typical | Falling |
| 2013 | 983 | 82,392 | 5 | 4 | 24 | 68 · More | Falling |
| 2012 | 880 | 90,000 | 5 | 4 | 24 | 69 · More | Stable |
| 2011 | 1,520 | 80,000 | 7 | 4 | 22 | 100 · More | Stable |
| 2009 | 55 | 43,225 | 2 | — | 18 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 217 | 57,026 | 3 | — | 18 | 3 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 154 | 55,500 | 4 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 242 | 81,000 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 307 | 84,400 | 0 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 220 | 86,250 | 0 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 305 | 74,000 | 1 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
All Kia Sorento model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Kia Sorento?
Complaints on this model year center on sudden loss of engine power or intermittent no-starts, often accompanied by a cluster of warning lights, and on the 8-speed dual-clutch transmission's shuddering and delayed engagement. The issues reported most often: Loss of power and warning lights while driving; Dual-clutch transmission shudder and loss of drive; Panoramic sunroof glass shattering or failing to close.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2023 Kia Sorento have?
NHTSA recorded 125 consumer complaints for the 2023 Kia Sorento as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2023 Kia Sorento is reported most often?
Other or unknown is named most often, in 39 complaints (31% of the total), followed by electrical system with 38.
Has the 2023 Kia Sorento been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2023 Kia Sorento do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2023 Kia Sorento 4 out of 5 stars overall, across 4 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2023 Kia Sorento get?
The EPA rates the 2023 Kia Sorento (Sorento FWD, 2.5L 4-cyl) at 26 mpg combined, 24 city and 29 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,600 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2023 Kia Sorento reported?
Among the 12 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 16,850 miles and the middle half falls between 2,400 and 39,000 miles; 83% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.