Last updated: 2026-03-04

2022 Kia Sorento Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2022 Kia Sorento scores 66/100 ("Good"). With 10 recalls and 171 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
2022 is year 2 of the Fourth generation (MQ4).
Recalls
10
Complaints
171
Complaint Rate
19.6
per 10k sold
Above avgEst. Annual Cost
$533
About avgMajor Repair Risk
11%
NHTSA Rating
4/5
Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues
10 recalls on record
Generation & Refresh (US)
2022 is year 2 of the Fourth generation (MQ4).
- Redesigned for the 2021 model year.
- A refresh arrives in 2024.
- 4th generation Sorento (US).
What this means for buyers
Year 2 is typically a safer pick than the first model year — early issues are more likely to be identified, but the platform is still new.
If you're comparing prices, check 2021 (redesign year) vs 2022+ pricing and recalls.
Fourth generation (MQ4)
Should You Buy the 2022 Kia Sorento?
The 2022 Kia Sorento scores 66/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2022 is year 2 of the Fourth generation (MQ4).
Its complaint rate (19.6 per 10k sold) is above the SUV segment average of 13.7. The most common reports involve power train (54).
A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to power train (54). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2023 Kia Sorento, which scored 4 points higher. See also the 2021 Kia Sorento for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- Acceptable reliability score
- Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- Low major repair risk (11%)
Cons
- Above-average recall count
- Above-average complaint rate for SUV
- POWER TRAIN issues reported (54 complaints)
Compare 2022 Kia Sorento With
2022 Mazda CX-5
Score: 87/100
2022 Toyota RAV4
Score: 80/100
2022 Kia Sportage
Score: 79/100
2022 Nissan Rogue
Score: 70/100
2022 GMC Terrain
Score: 72/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 10 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- POWER TRAIN (54)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (24)
- ENGINE (20)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (17)
- STEERING (8)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (8)
- SERVICE BRAKES (6)
- TRAILER HITCHES (6)
- VISIBILITY (6)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (5)
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (3)
- SUSPENSION (2)
- AIR BAGS (2)
- STRUCTURE (1)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1)
- TIRES (1)
- SEATS (1)
- EQUIPMENT (1)
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (1)
- SEAT BELTS (1)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1)
- LANE DEPARTURE (1)
- WHEELS (1)
Recall Overview
10
recalls on record
The 2022 Kia Sorento has 10 recalls on record, which is above average. A higher recall count can indicate multiple component concerns. However, recalls also demonstrate that the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
19.6
per 10k soldSegment avg: 13.7
Safety Incidents
Crashes
4
Fires
2
Injuries
4
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2022 Kia Sorento Recall Details
10 recalls have been issued for the 2022 Kia Sorento. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VISIBILITY
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.
Consequence
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.
BACK OVER PREVENTION
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."
Consequence
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.
POWER TRAIN
Kia Motors, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Sorento and 2021-2023 K5 vehicles. The vehicle's "fail-safe" limited-mobility drive mode may be impaired, when prompted by a transmission oil pump malfunction, which can result in a complete loss of drive power.
Consequence
Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission, as necessary. Dealers will also update the transmission control unit software. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 9, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC250.
2022 Kia Sorento NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 15.9%
Safety Technologies
HEV Powertrain
Rollover risk: 15.9%
Safety Technologies
PHEV Powertrain
Rollover risk: 0.0%
Safety Technologies
Kia Sorento Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$533
vs $521 avg for compact SUVs
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.3
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
11%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
When Buying a Used 2022 Kia Sorento
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Test transmission for smooth gear shifting
- Inspect brake rotors for warping or vibration
- Check for any active recalls and ensure they are resolved
- Test for acceleration issues or limp mode under load
- Inspect radiator and grill for potential damage or leaks
- Verify all airbags are present and properly connected
- Test power steering for intermittent loss of assist
Check Any 2022 Kia Sorento's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2022 Sorento in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Kia Sorento with a free VIN lookup.
Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.
2022 Kia Sorento Common Problems by Component
171 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
POWER TRAIN
54 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report frequent issues with the transmission and powertrain of the 2022 Kia Sorento, notably involving loss of power, failure to accelerate, and gear shifting problems. Symptoms commonly described include the vehicle stalling, jerking, or failing to move despite pressing the accelerator, often accompanied by warning lights or error messages. These problems typically emerge at varying mileages, with some noted as early as 25,000 miles and others over 90,000 miles. Safety risks are highlighted by reports of vehicles stalling on highways or intersections, with one incident involving a crash. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring transmission issues and the associated safety implications.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
24 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2022 Kia Sorento frequently report issues related to the vehicle's acceleration and power loss, with multiple complaints describing sudden loss of acceleration that can lead to near-collision situations. Symptoms include the vehicle not accelerating with traffic flow, stalling without warning, and requiring multiple restarts to regain normal function. Some reports indicate these issues occur around 30,000 to 58,000 miles. Additionally, several owners mention sunroof explosions while driving, causing potential safety hazards due to falling glass and driver distraction. These issues, along with unresolved safety recalls involving fire risks, suggest potential safety implications that used car buyers should consider.
ENGINE
20 complaintsOwners of the 2022 Kia Sorento frequently report issues related to engine power loss and stalling. Common symptoms include the vehicle entering limp mode, a check engine light illuminating, and the engine failing to accelerate or respond to the gas pedal. Complaints often mention these issues occurring at various mileage points, with some as early as under 1,000 miles and others over 70,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as multiple reports describe sudden power loss while driving, including on highways, which could lead to dangerous situations. Additionally, there are several mentions of radiator damage due to grill design, leading to coolant loss and potential engine overheating. These patterns suggest that prospective buyers should be aware of potential engine and radiator issues when considering this vehicle.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (17 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
17 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2022 Kia Sorento frequently report issues with the vehicle's electrical system, particularly involving sudden loss of power while driving, which can lead to hazardous situations on the road. Complaints often describe the engine shutting off unexpectedly, dashboard lights flickering, and loss of control, with some incidents occurring at highway speeds. Affected vehicles vary in mileage, with some reports as early as 6,700 miles and others around 50,000 miles. Additionally, two instances of fires are reported, one originating near the tow hitch and another linked to wiring behind the odometer. These issues raise safety implications, as they include potential fire hazards and loss of vehicle control.
STEERING (8 complaints)
STEERING
8 complaintsOwners of the 2022 Kia Sorento frequently report issues with the electronic power steering, particularly the malfunction indicator light flashing and intermittent loss of power steering. These problems often occur at random and can lead to a complete loss of steering control, especially during turns, which poses significant safety risks. Some complaints describe the issue worsening over time, with one owner noting it started shortly after purchase. Additionally, there are reports of unusual noises from the steering column, described as squeaking, which occurs primarily when driving straight. These issues are reported even at low mileages, indicating potential early-onset reliability concerns.
VISIBILITY/WIPER (8 complaints)
VISIBILITY/WIPER
8 complaintsOwners of the 2022 Kia Sorento report two primary issues related to visibility and wipers. The first issue involves the sunroof, with multiple owners describing incidents where the sunroof glass unexpectedly explodes outward, sometimes while driving at highway speeds, resulting in glass falling into the cabin and posing a safety risk. One injury was reported due to this issue. The second issue involves windshield wipers, where owners report wipers failing to operate properly, particularly in inclement weather, or getting stuck due to ice accumulation, significantly impairing visibility. These problems are reported at various mileage ranges, with some incidents occurring shortly after purchase, highlighting potential safety concerns for drivers and passengers.
SERVICE BRAKES (6 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
6 complaintsOwners of the 2022 Kia Sorento report several brake-related issues, with frequent mentions of unexpected brake engagement and inconsistent braking performance. Some describe the electronic brake engaging while driving, causing sudden deceleration and potential loss of control, often at highway speeds. Others report rapid wear of brake pads and rotors, requiring replacement approximately every 2,000 miles, along with steering wheel pull and a feeling of sliding. Additional complaints include the failure of the ABS system during emergency braking and intermittent brake pedal softness. These issues present significant safety concerns, with multiple incidents of unintended stopping and potential for accidents. These problems appear to occur at varying mileages, and repairs are often delayed due to difficulty replicating issues or obtaining parts.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (5 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
5 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2022 Kia Sorento frequently report issues related to vehicle speed control, particularly involving hesitation or failure to accelerate. Common symptoms include the vehicle stalling, losing power, or shutting down unexpectedly, sometimes at highway speeds, which poses a significant safety risk. One notable incident involves the vehicle rolling away and crashing into a fence while parked. These issues often occur intermittently, making them difficult for dealerships to replicate and address. Complaints mention these problems starting as early as a few months after purchase, with some vehicles having mileage around 15,000. These patterns suggest potential safety implications, including the risk of crashes or loss of control.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (3 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
3 complaintsOwners of the 2022 Kia Sorento frequently report issues with the fuel system, particularly involving the fuel rail and injectors. Common symptoms include the vehicle entering limp mode, unexpected loss of acceleration, and the check engine light activating. Some owners mention noises such as sputtering or a "tink-tink" sound, and describe needing to restart the vehicle to resolve limp mode temporarily. These problems often recur, with one owner noting previous repairs for similar issues. The complaints highlight safety implications, as the sudden loss of acceleration poses an increased crash risk when merging into traffic. These issues are reported to occur sporadically over several months, suggesting potential recurring problems.
AIR BAGS (2 complaints)
AIR BAGS
2 complaintsOwners report issues with the airbag systems in the 2022 Kia Sorento, including missing airbags and improper reconnection after recall servicing. Symptoms described include the absence of the driver knee and A-pillar airbags, with wiring harnesses tampered to bypass fault detection, preventing the airbag indicator light from illuminating. Another complaint highlights improperly connected seatbelts and airbags after recall work, leaving the vehicle without these critical safety features for over a month. Both instances involve significant safety implications, as they compromise the functionality of airbags and seatbelts, essential for occupant protection in a crash. These issues are reported shortly after purchase or recall service, suggesting potential risks for used car buyers.
When Do 2022 Kia Sorento Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
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. Current year highlighted.
| 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 |
Kia Sorento Reliability Compared to Other Years
2022 Kia Sorento Reliability by Powertrain
The 2022 Kia Sorento is available with 3 powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.
| Powertrain | Complaints | Recalls | Incidents* | Crash Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas | 159 | 6 | 5 | 4 out of 5 |
| HEV | 12 | 4 | 1 | 4 out of 5 |
| PHEV | 0 | 0 | 0 | N/T |
| Total | 171 | 10 | 6 |
NHTSA tracks complaints separately for each powertrain configuration. Totals reflect the sum across all variants. N/T = Not tested by NHTSA.
* Incidents = crash + fire reports. A single complaint can include multiple incident types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2022 Kia Sorento reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2022 Kia Sorento?
How many recalls does the 2022 Kia Sorento have?
Is the 2022 Kia Sorento expensive to maintain?
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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