Last updated: 2026-03-04

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 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
7 recalls on record
Generation & Refresh (US)
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)
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
2023 Mazda CX-5
Score: 81/100
2023 Toyota RAV4
Score: 80/100
2023 Kia Sportage
Score: 67/100
2023 Nissan Rogue
Score: 68/100
2023 GMC Terrain
Score: 75/100
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)
Recall Overview
7
recalls on record
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 soldSegment avg: 12.7
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.
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.
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
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 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
33 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
POWER TRAIN
21 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
17 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
ENGINE (12 complaints)
ENGINE
12 complaintsOwners 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.
STEERING (7 complaints)
STEERING
7 complaintsOwners 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.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (4 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
4 complaintsOwners 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.
SERVICE BRAKES (4 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
4 complaintsOwners 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.
VISIBILITY (4 complaints)
VISIBILITY
4 complaintsOwners 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.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (3 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
3 complaintsOwners 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.
LANE DEPARTURE (2 complaints)
LANE DEPARTURE
2 complaintsOwners 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.
When Do 2023 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
2023 Kia Sorento Reliability by Powertrain
The 2023 Kia Sorento is available with 3 powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.
| Powertrain | Complaints | Recalls | Incidents* | Crash Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas | 83 | 3 | 4 | 4 out of 5 |
| HEV | 29 | 2 | 1 | 4 out of 5 |
| PHEV | 8 | 2 | 0 | N/T |
| Total | 120 | 7 | 5 |
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?
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Kia Sorento?
How many recalls does the 2023 Kia Sorento have?
Is the 2023 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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