Last updated: 2026-03-04

2024 Kia Sorento Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2024 Kia Sorento scores 79/100 ("Good"). With 2 recalls and 35 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
2
Complaints
35
Complaint Rate
3.7
per 10k sold
Below avgEst. Annual Cost
$533
About avgMajor Repair Risk
11%
NHTSA Rating
5/5
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
2 recalls on record
Should You Buy the 2024 Kia Sorento?
The 2024 Kia Sorento scores 79/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory.
With 35 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 (11). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2025 Kia Sorento, which scored 4 points lower. See also the 2023 Kia Sorento for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- Acceptable reliability score
- Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- Low major repair risk (11%)
- Low recall count
Cons
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issues reported (11 complaints)
- ENGINE: Owners of the 2024 Kia Sorento frequently report issues with engine performance... (5 complaints)
Compare 2024 Kia Sorento With
2024 Mazda CX-5
Score: 84/100
2024 Toyota RAV4
Score: 80/100
2024 Kia Sportage
Score: 78/100
2024 Nissan Rogue
Score: 79/100
2024 GMC Terrain
Score: 77/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 2 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (11)
- ENGINE (5)
- POWER TRAIN (4)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3)
- STRUCTURE (3)
- AIR BAGS (2)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (2)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (2)
- STEERING (1)
- SEAT BELTS (1)
- SEATS (1)
Recall Overview
2
recalls on record
The 2024 Kia Sorento has 2 recalls on record. This is a low count. Recalls are manufacturer-initiated fixes for safety or compliance issues and are repaired at no cost to the owner at authorized dealerships.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
3.7
per 10k soldSegment avg: 8.2
Safety Incidents
Crashes
4
Fires
1
Injuries
3
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2024 Kia Sorento Recall Details
2 recalls have been issued for the 2024 Kia Sorento. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Sorento, 2025 Sorento Hybrid, and 2025 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. A software error in the Body Domain Control Unit (BDC) may cause a loss of low beam headlights and taillights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence
A loss of headlights and taillights can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the BDC software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 21, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC331.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2024 Sorento vehicles. The motor driven power steering (MDPS) wiring harness may be incorrectly assembled, which can result in a loss of power steering assist.
Consequence
A loss of power steering assist increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and repair, or replace the MDPS wiring harness as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 7, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC309.
2024 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 2024 Kia Sorento
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Inspect radiator for punctures or leaks
- Test infotainment system for display and camera issues
- Check for sunroof glass integrity and signs of shattering
- Verify proper operation of automatic emergency braking system
- Ensure all electrical components function correctly, including horn and windows
- Test for transmission slippage and hesitation during acceleration
- Check for any warning lights or error messages on the dashboard
Check Any 2024 Kia Sorento's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2024 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.
2024 Kia Sorento Common Problems by Component
35 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
11 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report several electrical system issues with the 2024 Kia Sorento, including malfunctioning sensors leading to unintended braking and steering problems, as well as infotainment and instrument panel failures. Common symptoms include loss of electrical power while driving, non-functional horns, and issues with window controls. Complaints frequently mention these problems occurring at low mileage ranges, often under 8,000 miles. Safety implications are notable, with reports of crashes linked to sensor malfunctions and a fire incident resulting in injury. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues, particularly the risk of loss of control and electrical failures.
ENGINE
5 complaintsOwners of the 2024 Kia Sorento frequently report issues with engine performance and radiator vulnerabilities. Common symptoms include loss of motive power, sluggish acceleration, and overheating due to radiator punctures. These problems often emerge at low mileages, with some occurring as early as 1,300 miles. Multiple owners describe engine-related issues such as the vehicle losing speed unexpectedly, check engine lights flashing, and violent engine shaking. There are also reports of the hybrid inverter coolant system warning activating, which can lead to complete power loss. Safety implications include the potential for unexpected loss of power while driving, though no crashes or fires are reported. This information could be crucial for potential buyers considering the Sorento's reliability and maintenance needs.
POWER TRAIN
4 complaintsOwners report multiple issues with the 2024 Kia Sorento's power train, including jerky movements, loss of power, and transmission slippage. Complaints frequently mention hesitation and hard shifting, particularly during low-speed upshifting, with some instances of the vehicle failing to accelerate when needed, posing potential safety risks such as near rear-end collisions. Additionally, some owners describe the engine sputtering at idle, fluctuating RPMs, and eventual propulsion loss, which can lead to the vehicle becoming unresponsive until restarted. These issues are noted across various driving conditions, though specific mileage ranges are not consistently mentioned. Safety implications include the risk of accidents due to sudden loss of power and braking issues, as described by multiple owners.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
3 complaintsOwners of the 2024 Kia Sorento report several issues related to vehicle operation. Multiple complaints describe the panoramic roof glass shattering without any external impact, leading to potential loss of vehicle control. Another issue involves the vehicle unexpectedly shutting off during a U-turn, leaving the driver stranded in the road without any prior warning signs. Additionally, some owners experience problems with the vehicle's gear system, where the car fails to recognize being in park, preventing it from starting or turning off, and requiring a manual battery reset. These issues, which do not seem to be preceded by warning lights or messages, can pose safety risks, such as loss of control or being stranded in traffic. No specific mileage ranges are noted in the complaints.
STRUCTURE (3 complaints)
STRUCTURE
3 complaintsOwners of the 2024 Kia Sorento frequently report issues with the vehicle's structure, particularly concerning the sunroof and trim. Multiple complaints describe the panoramic sunroof glass shattering unexpectedly, both while driving and while parked, with no apparent external cause or impact. This issue is noted to create a loud noise and poses a risk of glass falling into the car's interior, potentially endangering passengers. Additionally, owners mention problems with the trim not staying secured. These issues do not specify particular mileage ranges, but the safety implications of the sunroof incidents, such as potential injury from falling glass, are clearly noted by the owners.
AIR BAGS (2 complaints)
AIR BAGS
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report issues with the airbag system in the 2024 Kia Sorento, particularly during collisions. Complaints frequently mention that airbags fail to deploy in severe accidents, including a case where a vehicle rolled over and another where a collision with a tree occurred. Typical symptoms include the absence of warning lights or messages before the airbag failure. Safety implications are significant, as these failures are associated with crashes, one resulting in an injury when the driver was ejected from the vehicle. The incidents do not specify mileage, indicating the issues may not be related to vehicle age or use.
VISIBILITY/WIPER (2 complaints)
VISIBILITY/WIPER
2 complaintsOwners report two distinct issues related to the visibility components of the 2024 Kia Sorento. One complaint describes a panoramic sunroof panel that spontaneously explodes while driving at highway speeds, which could pose a safety risk due to potential driver distraction or debris. Another owner notes a large crack appearing on the driver's side of the windshield after the vehicle was parked, with no visible chip or impact point, suggesting an unexplained stress fracture. Both incidents occur under unknown mileage conditions, but the sudden nature of these failures highlights potential concerns for visibility and safety.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING (2 complaints)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
2 complaintsOwners report two primary issues with the 2024 Kia Sorento's exterior lighting. One complaint describes headlights and taillights unexpectedly turning off and back on while driving at night, also affecting dashboard lights, with no prior warning or repeated occurrences. Another complaint mentions the front headlights fogging up, obstructing visibility, and awaiting dealership action for replacement approval. Both issues present potential safety risks, particularly the sudden loss of lighting while driving, although no accidents or injuries are reported. These problems occur without specific mileage or timeline patterns, but buyers should be aware of these issues when considering this vehicle.
STEERING (1 complaints)
STEERING
1 complaintMy vehicle has issues with the power steering. At random times, day or night, the wheel steers to the right and I have to force my grip on the wheel to avoid crashing. It last between 3-5 seconds. No lights or alerts light up on the dashboard. Dealerships have been unable to assist me, I have gone to three different ones. They cannot identify the issue. Loss of power steering assist increases crash risk, since it’s harder to control the vehicle in tight maneuvers or emergencies. Car is available for inspection.
SEAT BELTS (1 complaints)
SEAT BELTS
1 complaintOn August 6, 2025, I discovered that both the driver and passenger front seat belts in my 2024 Kia Sorento were installed backwards from the factory, with the buckle facing inward instead of outward. This defect has been present since the vehicle was purchased brand new, but it was only discovered and documented on this date. The issue was confirmed by an authorized Kia dealership in an official service report and in a video recorded by the service technician. I also have photos and videos taken before the dealership visit showing the same defect. This is a manufacturing defect and poses a serious safety risk to occupants in the event of a collision, as the seat belts may not function as intended. Supporting documentation is available upon request.
When Do 2024 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).
2024(this page)
2 recalls · 35 complaints
2025
8 recalls · 72 complaints
2020
1 recall · 115 complaints
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
2024 Kia Sorento Reliability by Powertrain
The 2024 Kia Sorento is available with 3 powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.
| Powertrain | Complaints | Recalls | Incidents* | Crash Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas | 28 | 2 | 5 | 5 out of 5 |
| HEV | 5 | 0 | 0 | 5 out of 5 |
| PHEV | 2 | 0 | 0 | N/T |
| Total | 35 | 2 | 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 2024 Kia Sorento reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2024 Kia Sorento?
How many recalls does the 2024 Kia Sorento have?
Is the 2024 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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