Last updated: 2026-03-04

66
GoodReliability score: 66 out of 100, rated Good
2022 Kia Sorento

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 avg

Est. Annual Cost

$533

About avg

Major Repair Risk

11%

NHTSA Rating

4/5

Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity35%
54/100 (Mixed)

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs30%
80/100 (Excellent)

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact20%
57/100 (Mixed)

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity15%
79/100 (Good)

Breadth of reported problem categories

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues

POWER TRAIN (54)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (24)ENGINE (20)

10 recalls on record

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Redesign (Year 2)

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)

2021redesign
2022selected
2023

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

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)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

10

recalls on record

Park Outside

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 sold

Segment avg: 13.7

LowAvgHigh
Moderate

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.

25V6490002025-09-25

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.

23V6100002023-08-31

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.

22V7600002022-10-11

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

Overall safety rating: 4 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 4/5Passenger: 4/5

Rollover risk: 15.9%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat, 3rd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (-)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat, 3rd row)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard, Optional)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)

HEV Powertrain

Driver: 4/5Passenger: 4/5

Rollover risk: 15.9%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat, 3rd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Not Available)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat, 3rd row)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Optional)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)

PHEV Powertrain

Rollover risk: 0.0%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat, 3rd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Not Available)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat, 3rd row)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Optional)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Kia Sorento Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5

Based 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

Sorento
$533
Category Avg
$521
All Vehicles
$652

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.

54
24
20
28
POWER TRAIN (54)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (24)ENGINE (20)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (17)STEERING (8)VISIBILITY/WIPER (8)SERVICE BRAKES (6)TRAILER HITCHES (6)Other (28)

POWER TRAIN

54 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

54 complaints total1 crash

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

24 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

24 complaints total1 crash1 injury

ENGINE

20 complaints

Owners 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.

20 complaints total
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (17 complaints)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

17 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

17 complaints total2 fires
STEERING (8 complaints)

STEERING

8 complaints

Owners 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.

8 complaints total
VISIBILITY/WIPER (8 complaints)

VISIBILITY/WIPER

8 complaints

Owners 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.

8 complaints total1 injury
SERVICE BRAKES (6 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

6 complaints

Owners 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.

6 complaints total
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (5 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

5 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

5 complaints total1 crash
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (3 complaints)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

3 complaints

Owners 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.

3 complaints total
AIR BAGS (2 complaints)

AIR BAGS

2 complaints

Owners 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.

2 complaints total

When Do 2022 Kia Sorento Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

1,000–12,000 milesTransmission failures
8,000–10,000 milesBrake rotor warping
25,000–58,000 milesEngine limp mode

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.

avg 70
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Kia Sorento reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201868/100Good
201964/100Good
202071/100Good
202166/100Good
202266/100Good
202370/100Good
202479/100Good
202575/100Good

Kia Sorento Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202675/100 (predicted)Predicted40
202575/100-4Good872
202479/100+9Good235
202370/100+4Good7120
2022(selected)66/1000Good10171
202166/100-5Good6217
202071/100+7Good1115
201964/100-4Good2383
201868/100Good3232

2022 Kia Sorento Reliability by Powertrain

The 2022 Kia Sorento is available with 3 powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.

Reliability comparison across powertrain options
PowertrainComplaintsRecallsIncidents*Crash Rating
Gas159654 out of 5
HEV12414 out of 5
PHEV000N/T
Total171106

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?
The 2022 Kia Sorento has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 66/100. It is reasonably reliable with 10 recalls and 171 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2022 Kia Sorento?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2022 Kia Sorento include: POWER TRAIN (54 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (24 complaints), ENGINE (20 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (17 complaints), STEERING (8 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2022 Kia Sorento have?
The 2022 Kia Sorento has 10 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2022 Kia Sorento expensive to maintain?
The 2022 Kia Sorento has estimated annual repair costs of $533/year, which is $12 more than the compact SUVs average of $521. With a reliability score of 66/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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.

See incorrect data? Report an issue