The most serious Kia Sorento problems involve the 2012–2019 2.0L and 2.4L GDI engines: bearing-wear recall 17V224, engine-fire recalls and a settlement that gives a lifetime short-block warranty once the KSDS software is installed. Other major campaigns cover ABS/HECU module fires on 2011–2015 models and tow-hitch harness fires on 2016–2023 models.
CarWhere lists 12 documented Sorento issues, including 10 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source. Recall entries come from NHTSA's recall dataset on the DOT open-data portal, which may not list every campaign, so run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup.
2011–2015 Sorento problems
Engine bearing wear may cause engine seizure (recall 17V224) (2012–2014)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 2011–2015
- Years:
- 2012–2014
Machining errors during engine manufacturing can cause premature wear of the engine bearings, and a worn engine can seize while driving. Dealers inspect the engine and replace it if needed, free of charge. A follow-up recall, 18V907, covers 2012–2017 Sorentos that already got a replacement engine, because the high-pressure fuel pipe may have been damaged or misinstalled during the swap and can leak. The 618,160-vehicle count is for the whole campaign, which also covers other models.
Symptoms
- Knocking noise from the engine that rises with engine speed
- Check-engine or oil-pressure warning light
- Engine stalls or seizes
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 17V224 (2017-03-31) · 618,160 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [1][2]
2.0L/2.4L GDI engine settlement and lifetime warranty (2012–2019)
Major repair- Generation:
- 2011–2015 and 2016–2020
- Years:
- 2012–2019
A federal class settlement (In re: Hyundai and Kia Engine Litigation) covers 2012–2018 and certain 2019 Kia Sorento models with the 2.0L or 2.4L GDI engine. Plaintiffs alleged a defect that can lead to engine seizure, stalling, failure or fire. Kia extended the powertrain warranty to a lifetime warranty on the engine short block (block, crankshaft and bearings, connecting rods and bearings, pistons) for vehicles that have the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software update.
Symptoms
- Knocking or ticking from the engine
- Check-engine light or the KSDS warning that limits engine speed
- Stalling or loss of power
Check before buying
- Ask a Kia dealer to confirm by VIN that the KSDS software update is installed; the lifetime short-block coverage depends on it
- Check the 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for engine recalls 17V224 and 18V907 where they apply
- Keep oil-change records; Kia America handles post-2021 settlement questions at 1-888-952-4827
Sources: [3][4]
ABS/HECU module may short and cause an engine fire (recall 23V652) (2011–2014)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 2011–2015
- Years:
- 2011–2014
- Powertrain:
- Not specified in the recall
The anti-lock brake Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) can short-circuit and start an engine-compartment fire, whether the vehicle is parked or being driven. Dealers replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. The 1,730,192-vehicle count is for the whole campaign, which also covers other models.
Symptoms
- ABS or brake warning light
- Burning smell or smoke from the engine bay, even with the car off
Check before buying
- Until the repair is done, Kia advises parking outside and away from structures
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 23V652 (2023-09-25) · 1,730,192 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [5]
Brake fluid leak inside ABS/HECU module may cause fire (recall 21V331) (2014–2015)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 2011–2015
- Years:
- 2014–2015
- Powertrain:
- Not specified in the recall
Brake fluid can leak inside the HECU and cause an electrical short, raising the risk of a fire while parked or driving. Dealers install a new multi-fuse and inspect the HECU, replacing it if it leaks, free of charge. This campaign supersedes the earlier recall 20V519. The 440,370-vehicle count is for the whole campaign, which also covers other models.
Symptoms
- ABS or brake warning light
- Burning smell or smoke from the engine bay, even with the car off
Check before buying
- Until the repair is done, Kia advises parking outside and away from structures
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 21V331 (2021-05-10) · 440,370 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [6][7]
Engine compartment fire while driving (recall 23V877) (2011)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 2011–2015
- Years:
- 2011
- Powertrain:
- Not specified in the recall
Certain 2011 Sorentos can suffer an engine-compartment fire while driving. Dealers install the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software and replace the engine as needed, free of charge.
Symptoms
- Engine knocking
- Oil or fuel smell from the engine bay
- Smoke from under the hood
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 23V877 (2023-12-21) · 79,812 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [10]
Engine compartment fire while driving (recall 20V750) (2012–2013)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 2011–2015
- Years:
- 2012–2013
- Powertrain:
- Not specified in the recall
An engine-compartment fire can occur while driving. Dealers inspect for fuel and oil leaks, run an engine test and repair or replace the engine as needed, and also install the KSDS software update, all free of charge. The 294,756-vehicle count is for the whole campaign, which also covers other models.
Symptoms
- Engine knocking
- Oil or fuel smell from the engine bay
- Smoke from under the hood
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 20V750 (2020-12-02) · 294,756 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [11]
Theft vulnerability on models without an immobilizer (2011–2022)
Major repair- Generation:
- 2011–2015, 2016–2020 and 2021–present
- Years:
- 2011–2022
- Powertrain:
- All engines (key-start vehicles not factory-equipped with an immobilizer)
2011–2022 Kia Sorento models built without a factory engine immobilizer were targeted by theft methods spread on social media. Kia offers a free security software upgrade that blocks the ignition when the car is locked, and a free zinc-reinforced ignition cylinder protector for added protection, both at Kia dealers. These model years are the ones the multistate immobilizer settlement lists for the Kia Sorento.
Symptoms
- Damaged steering column trim or ignition cylinder
- Vehicle starts with a mechanical key and has no push-button start
Check before buying
- Enter the VIN on Kia's anti-theft support page (customercare.kiausa.com/SWLD) to see whether the software upgrade or ignition cylinder protector applies
- Look for the upgrade sticker or ask a Kia dealer to confirm the upgrade by VIN
- Push-button-start vehicles have a factory immobilizer and are not part of this program
Sources: [16][17]
2021–present Sorento problems
Transmission oil pump fault may cause loss of drive power (recall 22V760) (2021–2022)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 2021–present
- Years:
- 2021–2022
- Powertrain:
- Not specified in the recall
If the transmission oil pump malfunctions, the transmission's fail-safe limited-mobility mode may not work as intended, and the vehicle can lose all drive power. Dealers inspect and replace the transmission as needed and update the transmission control software, free of charge. The 69,038-vehicle count is for the whole campaign, which also covers other models.
Symptoms
- Transmission warning message
- Sudden loss of drive power
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 22V760 (2022-10-11) · 69,038 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [12]
Hybrid front seat belt pretensioners may explode (recall 22V447) (2021–2022 Sorento Hybrid; 2022 Sorento Plug-in Hybrid)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 2021–present
- Years:
- 2021–2022 Sorento Hybrid; 2022 Sorento Plug-in Hybrid
- Powertrain:
- 1.6L turbo hybrid and plug-in hybrid
In a crash, the front seat belt pretensioners can explode when they deploy and throw metal fragments into the cabin. Dealers fit a cap over the pretensioners, free of charge. This campaign expands and replaces 22V127, so cars fixed under the earlier recall need the new remedy.
Symptoms
- No warning signs before a crash; the defect shows only when the part is needed
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- If the car was repaired under 22V127, confirm the 22V447 remedy is recorded too
- Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 22V447 (2022-06-23) · 17,199 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [13][14]
HVAC blower motor wiring may overheat and cause a fire (recall 25V649) (2021–2023)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 2021–present
- Years:
- 2021–2023
- Powertrain:
- Not specified in the recall
The wiring harness for the heating and air-conditioning blower motor may be inadequate and can cause a fire. Dealers replace the wiring harness and blower motor resistor, free of charge.
Symptoms
- Blower fan stops working or works only on some speeds
- Burning or melting-plastic smell from the dash
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 25V649 (2025-09-25) · 39,536 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [15]