Last updated: 2026-03-04

75
GoodReliability score: 75 out of 100, rated Good
2025 Kia Sorento

2025 Kia Sorento Reliability Score & Common Problems

The 2025 Kia Sorento scores 75/100 ("Good"). With 8 recalls and 72 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

Recalls

8

Complaints

72

Complaint Rate

7.6

per 10k sold

Above avg

Est. Annual Cost

$533

About avg

Major Repair Risk

11%

NHTSA Rating

5/5

Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity35%
67/100 (Good)

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs30%
80/100 (Excellent)

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact20%
71/100 (Good)

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity15%
87/100 (Excellent)

Breadth of reported problem categories

Consider

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

Top Issues

POWER TRAIN (26)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (12)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (11)

8 recalls on record

Should You Buy the 2025 Kia Sorento?

The 2025 Kia Sorento scores 75/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory.

Its complaint rate (7.6 per 10k sold) is above the SUV segment average of 4.1. The most common reports involve power train (26).

A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to power train (26). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.

Compared to the 2026 Kia Sorento. See also the 2024 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: Sudden loss of power and transmission malfunctions (26 complaints)

Compare 2025 Kia Sorento With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

  • 8 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

  • POWER TRAIN (26)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (12)
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER (11)
  • VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (5)
  • ENGINE (5)
  • LANE DEPARTURE (2)
  • AIR BAGS (2)
  • VISIBILITY/WIPER (2)
  • STEERING (2)
  • ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (1)
  • FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (1)
  • BACK OVER PREVENTION (1)
  • FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1)
  • VISIBILITY (1)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

8

recalls on record

The 2025 Kia Sorento has 8 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

7.6

per 10k sold

Segment avg: 4.1

LowAvgHigh
Low

Safety Incidents

Crashes

4

Fires

0

Injuries

4

Deaths

0

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

2025 Kia Sorento Recall Details

8 recalls have been issued for the 2025 Kia Sorento. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

26V0460002026-01-27

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 Kia K4, 2025-2026 Sorento, Sorento Hybrid, Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV), 2026 Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, Sportage PHEV, K5, EV9, Carnival, and Carnival Hybrid vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 101, "Controls and Displays" and 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring System."

Consequence

An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer, tire pressure, or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

The instrument panel display software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 26, 2026. Owners may contact Kia Customer Service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC361. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 9, 2026.

25V0060002025-01-13

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.

25V5480002025-08-25

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 K4 and Sorento vehicles. The connecting rod bolts in the engine may have been improperly tightened, which can cause a loss of drive power.

Consequence

A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the sub engine assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 12, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC349.

2025 Kia Sorento NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 5 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, 2nd row)Seat Belt Load Limiters (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row, 3rd row)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Head Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Torso and/or Pelvis Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)Unattended Child Reminder Direct Sensing System (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, 2nd row)Seat Belt Load Limiters (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row, 3rd row)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Head Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Torso and/or Pelvis Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)Unattended Child Reminder Direct Sensing System (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, 2nd row)Seat Belt Load Limiters (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row, 3rd row)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Head Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Torso and/or Pelvis Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)Unattended Child Reminder Direct Sensing System (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 2025 Kia Sorento

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

  • Test for hybrid system power loss during a drive
  • Check transmission for hesitation or rough shifting
  • Inspect inverter radiator for punctures or leaks
  • Verify window and door lock functionality
  • Test lane keep assist for erratic behavior
  • Ensure key fob recognition is consistent
  • Check for unexplained sunroof damage

Check Any 2025 Kia Sorento's History Before You Buy

Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2025 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.

2025 Kia Sorento Common Problems by Component

72 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

26
12
11
POWER TRAIN (26)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (12)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (11)VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (5)ENGINE (5)LANE DEPARTURE (2)AIR BAGS (2)VISIBILITY/WIPER (2)Other (7)

POWER TRAIN

26 complaints

Owners report several power train issues with the 2025 Kia Sorento, primarily involving sudden loss of power and transmission malfunctions. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle stalling or failing to accelerate, especially in hybrid models, with some incidents occurring at highway speeds, posing significant safety risks. Symptoms often include the engine revving without corresponding acceleration, hesitation during gear shifts, and the vehicle entering limp mode, limiting speed to 20-30 mph. These issues are reported across various mileage ranges, including some vehicles with less than 1,000 miles, suggesting they can occur early in the vehicle's life. Buyers should be aware of these potential safety concerns, as multiple owners describe situations where these failures could lead to hazardous conditions in traffic.

26 complaints total

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

12 complaints

Owners of the 2025 Kia Sorento frequently report issues with sudden and complete loss of power, often accompanied by warnings such as "Hybrid Malfunction" or "Check Hybrid System." These incidents typically occur while driving, with some reports indicating speeds as low as 20 mph and others describing the vehicle entering limp mode. Complaints often mention that these issues arise at relatively low mileages, such as around 5,839 miles, and sometimes involve difficulties in diagnosing the problem at dealerships. Additionally, multiple owners describe problems with window operation and battery failures, with some unable to lock or unlock doors due to electrical malfunctions. These issues present significant safety implications, particularly when power loss occurs on highways, potentially leading to dangerous situations.

12 complaints total

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

11 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report several issues with the 2025 Kia Sorento, with common problems involving electronic and mechanical systems. Multiple owners describe difficulties with cruise control, where Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Antilock Braking System (ABS) warning lights activate, and the brake pedal becomes hard to press. Another frequent issue is the battery failing to hold a charge, leading to repeated jumpstarts and unresolved dealership visits. Some owners experience engine shutdowns while driving, requiring vehicle restarts, and a few report key fob recognition failures that prevent the car from starting. Safety concerns are noted, including a crash caused by unintended acceleration and a transmission issue where the vehicle rolls forward when placed in reverse. Complaints also mention vulnerabilities to road debris, affecting the radiator and air conditioning, with some owners attributing these to design flaws. These issues appear within the first year of ownership, often leading to safety risks such as crashes or being stranded.

11 complaints total1 crash1 injury
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (5 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

5 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2025 Kia Sorento frequently report issues with the vehicle unexpectedly entering "LIMP Mode," which limits speed to 20-30 MPH. Symptoms often include a dashboard message indicating restricted speed and, in some cases, a hard-to-depress brake pedal. These issues have been noted at low mileage, around 4,000 to 5,000 miles, and occur during both normal and cold weather conditions. One complaint involves a crash where the vehicle failed to accelerate and subsequently struck another car, highlighting potential safety concerns. Buyers should be aware of these recurring speed control issues and the difficulty in obtaining a diagnosis or repair from dealers.

5 complaints total1 crash
ENGINE (5 complaints)

ENGINE

5 complaints

Owners of the 2025 Kia Sorento report multiple engine-related issues, with common complaints involving acceleration problems and limp mode activation. Symptoms often include a lack of acceleration despite increased RPMs, sudden deceleration to lower speeds, and the vehicle entering limp mode, affecting drivability. Several complaints mention these issues occurring at lower speeds or during attempts to merge onto highways, with some reports indicating the problems arise as early as 2,300 miles. Safety implications are noted, with owners expressing concerns over hesitation during merging and the potential for collisions. Additionally, some owners describe intense fumes entering the cabin and issues with the inverter radiator leading to coolant loss, which could pose risks of overheating or fire. These patterns suggest potential reliability concerns for prospective buyers.

5 complaints total
LANE DEPARTURE (2 complaints)

LANE DEPARTURE

2 complaints

Owners of the 2025 Kia Sorento report issues with the lane keep assist system, noting that it causes the vehicle to wobble back and forth within the lane, which can lead to dizziness and potential accidents. Additionally, some drivers experience frequent and seemingly unwarranted activations of the driver attention warning light, which they find distracting. These issues are described as occurring without specific mileage details, but the symptoms suggest potential safety implications, such as near-miss incidents with other vehicles or obstacles. This information could be valuable to potential buyers who prioritize safety features in their vehicle selection.

2 complaints total
AIR BAGS (2 complaints)

AIR BAGS

2 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2025 Kia Sorento report issues with airbag non-deployment during collisions. In the documented cases, airbags fail to deploy in both a head-on collision with another vehicle and an incident involving a deer at high speed, resulting in a total of three injuries. These complaints highlight a lack of airbag activation despite significant impact, suggesting potential safety implications. There is no mention of prior warnings or indications of malfunction before these events. Buyers considering a used 2025 Kia Sorento should be aware that these incidents involve crashes and injuries, underscoring the importance of thorough inspection and consideration of vehicle history.

2 complaints total2 crashes3 injuries
VISIBILITY/WIPER (2 complaints)

VISIBILITY/WIPER

2 complaints

Owners of the 2025 Kia Sorento report issues with the sunroof and side view mirrors. One owner describes the sunroof suddenly exploding while driving at highway speeds, with no apparent external cause, leading to glass scattering and increased cabin noise. Another complaint highlights that at highway speeds and in windy conditions, the side view mirrors partially fold inwards, obstructing visibility for blind spot checks. This issue was noted within a month of purchase. These complaints suggest potential safety implications, particularly concerning visibility and distraction while driving.

2 complaints total
STEERING (2 complaints)

STEERING

2 complaints

Owners of the 2025 Kia Sorento report issues with steering functionality, particularly involving the interaction between adaptive steering and lane assist systems. Complaints frequently mention a conflict between these systems, leading to difficulty maintaining lane position and erratic vehicle movement unless the lane assist is turned off. Additionally, some owners describe a severe steering lock-up accompanied by multiple safety warning lights, which in one case was attributed to an improperly secured wiring harness rubbing against the steering shaft. These issues can result in a sudden loss of vehicle control, posing a potential safety risk, especially if they occur on busy roads. No specific mileage range is provided, but the problems appear to manifest soon after the vehicle is in use.

2 complaints total
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (1 complaints)

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 complaint
2025-07-14

The contact owns a 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The message "Check Fluids. Fluids Are Low" was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle was able to restart but failed to respond upon depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that an inverter coolant component had sustained a hole from a pebble or a bug, causing the coolant leak. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 2,000.

When Do 2025 Kia Sorento Problems Start?

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

1,500–5,000 milesHybrid system failures
1,000–5,000 milesTransmission issues
5,000–6,000 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
2025(selected)75/100-4Good872
202479/100+9Good235
202370/100+4Good7120
202266/1000Good10171
202166/100-5Good6217
202071/100+7Good1115
201964/100-4Good2383
201868/100Good3232

2025 Kia Sorento Reliability by Powertrain

The 2025 Kia Sorento is available with 3 powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.

Reliability comparison across powertrain options
PowertrainComplaintsRecallsIncidents*Crash Rating
Gas49335 out of 5
HEV22215 out of 5
PHEV130N/T
Total7284

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 2025 Kia Sorento reliable?
The 2025 Kia Sorento has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 75/100. It is reasonably reliable with 8 recalls and 72 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2025 Kia Sorento?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2025 Kia Sorento include: POWER TRAIN (26 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (12 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (11 complaints), VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (5 complaints), ENGINE (5 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2025 Kia Sorento have?
The 2025 Kia Sorento has 8 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2025 Kia Sorento expensive to maintain?
The 2025 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 75/100, 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