Last updated: 2026-03-04

70
GoodReliability score: 70 out of 100, rated Good
2023 Kia Sorento

2023 Kia Sorento Reliability Score & Common Problems

The 2023 Kia Sorento scores 70/100 ("Good"). With 7 recalls and 120 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

2023 is the last model year of the Fourth generation (MQ4).

Recalls

7

Complaints

120

Complaint Rate

13.5

per 10k sold

Below avg

Est. Annual Cost

$533

About avg

Major Repair Risk

11%

NHTSA Rating

4/5

Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity35%
60/100 (Good)

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs30%
80/100 (Excellent)

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact20%
65/100 (Good)

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity15%
83/100 (Excellent)

Breadth of reported problem categories

Consider

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

Top Issues

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (33)POWER TRAIN (21)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (17)

7 recalls on record

Generation & Refresh (US)

Final Year

2023 is the last model year of the Fourth generation (MQ4).

  • Final-year models are typically the most refined version of a generation.
  • 4th generation Sorento (US).

What this means for buyers

Final-year models are usually the most polished version of a generation, but resale value may dip as buyers anticipate the next redesign.

Fourth generation (MQ4)

2021redesign
2022
2023selected

Should You Buy the 2023 Kia Sorento?

The 2023 Kia Sorento scores 70/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2023 is the last model year of the Fourth generation (MQ4).

With 120 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.

A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to electrical system (33). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.

Compared to the 2024 Kia Sorento, which scored 9 points higher. See also the 2022 Kia Sorento for an earlier comparison.

Pros

  • Acceptable reliability score
  • Infrequent unscheduled repairs
  • Low major repair risk (11%)
  • Below-average complaint rate for SUV

Cons

  • Above-average recall count
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issues reported (33 complaints)
  • POWER TRAIN issues reported (21 complaints)

Compare 2023 Kia Sorento With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

  • 7 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (33)
  • POWER TRAIN (21)
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER (17)
  • ENGINE (12)
  • STEERING (7)
  • FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (4)
  • SERVICE BRAKES (4)
  • VISIBILITY (4)
  • FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (3)
  • STRUCTURE (3)
  • SEATS (2)
  • VISIBILITY/WIPER (2)
  • LANE DEPARTURE (2)
  • ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (1)
  • EQUIPMENT (1)
  • TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (1)
  • SEAT BELTS (1)
  • EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1)
  • WHEELS (1)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

7

recalls on record

Park Outside

The 2023 Kia Sorento has 7 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

13.5

per 10k sold

Segment avg: 12.7

LowAvgHigh
Moderate

Safety Incidents

Crashes

3

Fires

2

Injuries

7

Deaths

0

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2023 Kia Sorento Recall Details

7 recalls have been issued for the 2023 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.

23V5790002023-08-15

EQUIPMENT

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 number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence

A detached air bag warning label will not warn occupants about the risks of air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the driver and front passenger sun visors, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 10, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC277.

2023 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, 2nd row, 3rd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Not Available)Seat Belt Pretensioners (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Load Limiters (Driver, Front Passenger)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Head Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Torso and/or Pelvis Protection (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (None)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (2nd row, 3rd row)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard/Optional)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Not Available)

HEV Powertrain

Driver: 4/5Passenger: 4/5

Rollover risk: 15.9%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row, 3rd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Not Available)Seat Belt Pretensioners (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Load Limiters (Driver, Front Passenger)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Head Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Torso and/or Pelvis Protection (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (None)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (2nd row, 3rd row)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard/Optional)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Not Available)

PHEV Powertrain

Rollover risk: 0.0%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row, 3rd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Not Available)Seat Belt Pretensioners (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Load Limiters (Driver, Front Passenger)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Head Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Torso and/or Pelvis Protection (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (None)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (2nd row, 3rd row)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard/Optional)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Not Available)
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 2023 Kia Sorento

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.

  • Test for transmission shudder during acceleration
  • Inspect for unexpected sunroof shattering
  • Check for electrical system malfunctions or warning lights
  • Verify fuel system components for leaks or failures
  • Ensure brakes do not engage unexpectedly
  • Confirm engine does not lose power or stall unexpectedly
  • Check for any signs of engine oil leaks or excessive consumption
  • Inspect HVAC system for burning smells or blower motor issues

Check Any 2023 Kia Sorento's History Before You Buy

Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2023 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.

2023 Kia Sorento Common Problems by Component

120 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

33
21
17
18
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (33)POWER TRAIN (21)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (17)ENGINE (12)STEERING (7)FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (4)SERVICE BRAKES (4)VISIBILITY (4)Other (18)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

33 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2023 Kia Sorento frequently report issues related to the vehicle's electrical system, with common failures involving sudden loss of power and unresponsive acceleration. Complaints often describe symptoms such as flashing warning lights, malfunctioning safety features, and the vehicle unexpectedly stalling or shutting down while driving. Several reports indicate these issues occurring at various mileage points, with some as early as 1,200 miles. Safety implications are notable, with instances of engine fires, loss of vehicle control, and one reported crash. Prospective buyers should be aware of these recurring electrical malfunctions, which may pose significant safety risks.

33 complaints total1 crash1 fire2 injuries

POWER TRAIN

21 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2023 Kia Sorento frequently report powertrain issues, with common symptoms including sudden loss of power, failure to accelerate, and the vehicle stalling unexpectedly. Complaints often describe these issues occurring at various mileages, with some as early as 3,000 miles and others around 22,000 miles. Typical symptoms include the vehicle not exceeding low speeds, erratic shifting, and dashboard warning lights for the transmission or engine. Safety implications are significant, as reports include a crash due to unintended vehicle movement and several instances where the vehicle suddenly loses power in traffic, posing a risk of accidents. Buyers should be aware of the potential for unresolved transmission problems, even after dealer visits and repairs.

21 complaints total1 crash

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

17 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report several issues with the 2023 Kia Sorento, with a notable pattern involving the sunroof unexpectedly shattering, often described as exploding without any apparent external cause. Complaints frequently mention the sunroof glass breaking while driving, causing glass to fall into the cabin, which poses a risk to vehicle occupants. Another significant issue involves a fire incident originating from the rear AC vent, leading to a total vehicle loss and raising safety concerns. Additionally, there are reports of the vehicle experiencing sudden deceleration and loss of power, which some owners describe as leaving them in dangerous situations on highways. These issues are reported across various mileage ranges and timelines, indicating potential safety implications for prospective buyers.

17 complaints total1 fire1 injury
ENGINE (12 complaints)

ENGINE

12 complaints

Owners of the 2023 Kia Sorento report several engine-related issues, with a notable pattern of excessive oil consumption and engine warning lights activating. Complaints frequently mention sudden engine power loss, with some vehicles losing motive power entirely, often accompanied by illuminated warning lights. These issues are reported at various mileage points, with some occurring as early as 2,600 miles. Additionally, multiple owners describe dangerous situations involving delayed acceleration from a stop, which presents safety risks when merging into traffic. Some reports also involve engine surging and the engine shutting off while driving, leading to safety concerns. These issues are compounded by mixed responses from dealerships regarding diagnostics and warranty coverage.

12 complaints total
STEERING (7 complaints)

STEERING

7 complaints

Owners of the 2023 Kia Sorento frequently report issues with the steering system, particularly abnormal squeaking sounds and difficulty turning the steering wheel. These symptoms often occur while driving at speeds between 35-45 MPH, with some complaints noting the presence of multiple warning lights on the dashboard. The reported issues appear at varying mileages, from as low as 50 to 50,000 miles, suggesting they can occur early in the vehicle's life. Some complaints mention that the steering problems can lead to a potential safety risk, as the steering wheel may become stiff, impacting vehicle control. Buyers should be aware that these issues may not always be easily replicated during service visits, which can complicate diagnosis and repair.

7 complaints total
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (4 complaints)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

4 complaints

Owners report issues with the fuel and propulsion system of the 2023 Kia Sorento, primarily involving the fuel pump, relay assembly, and smart junction box. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle losing power or failing to accelerate, with one instance occurring around 35,000 miles. Symptoms include the vehicle entering limp mode, requiring excessive pressure on the gas pedal, and generating error codes such as P0171 and P0191. These issues result in significant safety concerns, as drivers describe situations where the vehicle cannot maintain speed, potentially leading to collisions. The recurring nature of these problems, even after repairs, suggests potential challenges for used car buyers considering this model.

4 complaints total
SERVICE BRAKES (4 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

4 complaints

Owners report several issues with the brakes on the 2023 Kia Sorento. Complaints frequently mention premature wear, with brakes and rotors needing replacement as early as 23,930 miles. Multiple owners describe abnormal vibrations and brake seizing at speeds of 55 MPH or higher, often accompanied by unusual sounds. Some owners report the vehicle rolling while in park, particularly on inclines, despite engaging the parking brake. Additionally, there are instances of brakes spontaneously engaging without nearby vehicles, with one owner noting this occurred at approximately 35,000 miles. These issues could pose safety risks, such as loss of control or potential rollaway incidents.

4 complaints total
VISIBILITY (4 complaints)

VISIBILITY

4 complaints

Owners report issues with the panoramic sunroof and windshield of the 2023 Kia Sorento. Multiple complaints describe the front panel of the panoramic sunroof shattering spontaneously while driving at highway speeds, with no external cause cited. This issue occurs under clear weather conditions and has resulted in glass entering the cabin in some cases, posing a potential safety risk. Additionally, owners mention windshield cracking, both while parked and while driving, with one owner experiencing repeated incidents when traveling at high speeds. These issues are reported at relatively low mileages, around 900 miles in one instance.

4 complaints total
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (3 complaints)

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

3 complaints

Owners of the 2023 Kia Sorento report issues with the forward collision avoidance system, with complaints frequently mentioning unexpected activation of automatic emergency braking (AEB) without obstacles present, causing the vehicle to stop abruptly. Symptoms described include sudden, unprovoked braking at speeds of 35 to 50 mph and persistent dashboard warning lights and alarms related to collision warning systems. These issues occur within months of ownership, as seen in reports of both new vehicles and those with ongoing problems over several months. Safety implications are noted, as unexpected braking and continuous alarms can be highly distracting and potentially increase the risk of an accident. Buyers should be aware that repeated service visits may be required to address these issues, with some owners expressing concerns about the vehicle's reliability and safety.

3 complaints total
LANE DEPARTURE (2 complaints)

LANE DEPARTURE

2 complaints

Owners report issues with the 2023 Kia Sorento's lane departure systems, including false activations of the blind spot and forward collision warnings. Complaints frequently mention these warnings going off without any vehicles present, with one owner noting that the systems engaged emergency braking and maneuvers despite no obstacles. These incidents occur while driving, though specific mileage is not detailed. Safety implications include unexpected vehicle behavior, such as unnecessary braking or steering adjustments, which could startle drivers or lead to potential safety risks. This information is pertinent for used car buyers considering the impact of these systems on driving experience and safety.

2 complaints total

When Do 2023 Kia Sorento Problems Start?

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

3,000–4,000 milesTransmission shudder
35,000 milesFuel system failures
1,200–7,500 milesElectrical system failures

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
2023(selected)70/100+4Good7120
202266/1000Good10171
202166/100-5Good6217
202071/100+7Good1115
201964/100-4Good2383
201868/100Good3232

2023 Kia Sorento Reliability by Powertrain

The 2023 Kia Sorento is available with 3 powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.

Reliability comparison across powertrain options
PowertrainComplaintsRecallsIncidents*Crash Rating
Gas83344 out of 5
HEV29214 out of 5
PHEV820N/T
Total12075

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 2023 Kia Sorento reliable?
The 2023 Kia Sorento has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 70/100. It is reasonably reliable with 7 recalls and 120 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Kia Sorento?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2023 Kia Sorento include: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (33 complaints), POWER TRAIN (21 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (17 complaints), ENGINE (12 complaints), STEERING (7 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2023 Kia Sorento have?
The 2023 Kia Sorento has 7 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2023 Kia Sorento expensive to maintain?
The 2023 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 70/100, 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