Last updated: 2026-03-04
Kia Sorento Reliability by Year
The Kia Sorento averages 70/100 across 8 model years, rated good.
Kia Sorento Reliability Overview
The Kia Sorento, covering model years 2018 to 2026, presents an average reliability score of 81 out of 100, indicating an excellent reliability reputation. Common issues reported by owners include engine and powertrain problems, particularly in earlier models, with a noted improvement in complaint rates by 2026. With an estimated annual repair cost of $533, slightly above the compact SUV average, the Sorento is characterized by medium repair costs and is suited for buyers prioritizing a balance between reliability and cost.
Current generation: 4th gen (2021–2023), facelifted 2024.
Best & Worst Kia Sorento Years
Best Kia Sorento Years to Buy
The best Kia Sorento year is 2024 with a reliability score of 79/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2025 (75/100) and 2020 (71/100).
Kia Sorento Years to Avoid
The worst Kia Sorento year is 2019 with a score of 64/100, primarily due to engine (93) issues.
See full Kia Sorento years-to-avoid analysis →Kia Sorento Reliability Score Trend
Kia Sorento reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 70/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 68/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 64/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 66/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 66/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 70/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 79/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 75/100 | Good |
Year-by-Year Reliability
2026 Kia Sorento
4 recalls · 0 complaints
The 2026 Kia Sorento has excellent reliability. There are 4 recalls and 0 owner complaints on file for the 2026 KIA Sorento.
2025 Kia Sorento
8 recalls · 72 complaints
The 2025 Kia Sorento has good reliability. There are 8 recalls and 72 owner complaints on file for the 2025 KIA Sorento. Severity signals include 4 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (26), Electrical System (12), Unknown Or Other (10).
2024 Kia Sorento
2 recalls · 35 complaints
The 2024 Kia Sorento has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 35 owner complaints on file for the 2024 KIA Sorento. Severity signals include 4 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (11), Power Train (4), Structure (3).
2023 Kia Sorento
7 recalls · 120 complaints
The 2023 Kia Sorento has good reliability. There are 7 recalls and 120 owner complaints on file for the 2023 KIA Sorento. Severity signals include 3 crash-related complaints and 2 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (33), Power Train (21), Unknown Or Other (17).
2022 Kia Sorento
10 recalls · 171 complaints
The 2022 Kia Sorento has good reliability. There are 10 recalls and 171 owner complaints on file for the 2022 KIA Sorento. Severity signals include 4 crash-related complaints and 2 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (54), Unknown Or Other (23), Engine (20).
2021 Kia Sorento
6 recalls · 217 complaints
The 2021 Kia Sorento has good reliability. There are 6 recalls and 217 owner complaints on file for the 2021 KIA Sorento. Severity signals include 3 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (98), Unknown Or Other (34), Electrical System (31).
2020 Kia Sorento
1 recalls · 115 complaints
The 2020 Kia Sorento has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 115 owner complaints on file for the 2020 KIA Sorento. Severity signals include 9 crash-related complaints and 10 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (39), Electrical System (16), Power Train (15).
2019 Kia Sorento
2 recalls · 383 complaints
The 2019 Kia Sorento has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 383 owner complaints on file for the 2019 KIA Sorento. Severity signals include 10 crash-related complaints and 18 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (93), Electrical System (61), Unknown Or Other (57).
2018 Kia Sorento
3 recalls · 232 complaints
The 2018 Kia Sorento has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 232 owner complaints on file for the 2018 KIA Sorento. Severity signals include 9 crash-related complaints and 10 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (69), Steering (26), Unknown Or Other (26).
Kia Sorento Repair Costs
Reliability Rating
4/5
Annual Repair Cost
$533
Repair Frequency
0.3/yr
Major Repair Risk
11%
$12 above the compact SUVs average of $521/yr.
Ranked #12 of 26 among compact SUVs.
Kia Sorento Years to Avoid
See which model years have the most problems
Most Reliable Kia Models
Compare all Kia models by reliability
Compare Kia Sorento With Similar SUVs
The Kia Sorento competes with other midsize suvs such as Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Hyundai Tucson.
Honda CR-V reliability
9 years tracked · 5017 complaints
Toyota RAV4 reliability
8 years tracked · 2734 complaints
Hyundai Tucson reliability
9 years tracked · 1838 complaints
Nissan Rogue reliability
9 years tracked · 2539 complaints
Kia Sportage reliability
9 years tracked · 810 complaints
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Kia Sorento reliable?
- The Kia Sorento has good reliability with an average score of 70/100. Some model years are stronger than others — check individual years before buying.
- What is the best year for the Kia Sorento?
- The best year for the Kia Sorento is 2024 with a reliability score of 79/100, rated good. It has 2 recalls and 35 owner complaints on record. See full 2024 Kia Sorento analysis →
- What are the Kia Sorento years to avoid?
- The Kia Sorento years to avoid include 2019 (64/100). These model years score significantly below the model average due to higher recall and complaint volumes. See the full years-to-avoid analysis for details. See full years-to-avoid analysis →
- How much does it cost to maintain a Kia Sorento?
- The Kia Sorento has an estimated annual repair cost of $533, which is $12 above the compact SUVs average of $521. This includes both scheduled maintenance and unscheduled repairs based on independent repair data.
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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