Last updated: 2026-04-20

RELIABILITY SCORE: 75/100 (GOOD)

2026 KIA Sorento Reliability Report

Name: 2026 KIA Sorento
Brand: KIA

The 2026 KIA Sorento has a predicted reliability score of 75/100 based on prior model year data. Early data shows 4 recalls and 0 owner complaints.

Full Breakdown Compare Models

Recalls

Complaints

Complaint Rate

0per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$533

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,300–$2,600

The Verdict

Consider

Based on historical reliability patterns, predicted to score 75/100 — worth considering.

Should You Buy the 2026 KIA Sorento?

The 2026 KIA Sorento has a predicted reliability score of 75/100 ("Good") based on prior model year performance.

So far: 4 recalls, 0 owner complaints. No owner-reported issues on file yet.

Prior model years suggest dependable ownership. Confirm all recall repairs are completed, and consider a pre-purchase inspection for used examples.

See also the 2025 KIA Sorento for an earlier comparison.

Pros

+Acceptable predicted reliability based on prior model years
+Infrequent unscheduled repairs
+Low major repair risk (11%)
+Below-average complaint rate for SUV

Cons

−Score is a prediction — real-world data still developing
−Moderate recall count

Compare 2026 KIA Sorento With

2026 KIA Sportage

Predicted: 76/100

Predicted

2026 Honda CR-V

Predicted: 76/100

Predicted

2026 Hyundai Tucson

Predicted: 76/100

Predicted

2026 Nissan Rogue

Predicted: 77/100

Predicted

2026 Subaru Forester

Predicted: 79/100

Predicted

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK

4 manufacturer recalls issued

Recall Overview

recalls on record

A moderate 4 recalls are on file for the 2026 KIA Sorento. Each one points to a specific safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA — check the list below before buying.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 4.6

LowAvgHigh

Very Low

Safety Incidents

Crashes

Fires

Injuries

Deaths

★★★★★

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

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

2026 KIA Sorento Recall Details

4 recalls have been issued for the 2026 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.

25V7450002025-10-31

TIRES

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 Telluride and 2026 Sorento vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with an incorrect spare tire which, when installed, can impair the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and the traction control system (TCS). As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Consequence

Anti-lock braking or traction control systems that do not function properly can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the spare wheel and tire assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 3, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC355. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning November 13, 2025.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2026 KIA Sorento? Check its history first

Every 2026 KIA Sorento has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.

Accidents
Open Recalls
Title History
Odometer Rollback

2026 KIA Sorento NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

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)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 (None)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)Unattended Child Reminder Direct Sensing System (Yes)LATCH Locations (2nd row, 3rd row)Driver Monitoring System (No)Automatic High Beams (Standard)

HEV Powertrain

Driver: 4/5Passenger: 4/5

Rollover risk: 15.9%

Safety Technologies

PHEV Powertrain

Rollover risk: 0.0%

Safety Technologies

View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

KIA SorentoRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

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.

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Gas

23–26 MPG

Running cost: $2,850–$3,150/yr

Fuel + repair

20–23 city / 27–31 hwy MPG

Plug-in Hybrid

33–37 MPG

Running cost: $2,150–$2,350/yr

Fuel + repair

32–37 city / 34–36 hwy MPG

Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2026 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims

Trim	Drive	Trans.	City	Hwy	Comb	Fuel Cost
Sorento FWD 2.5L 4-cyl	Front-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S8)	23	31	26	$2,300
Sorento AWD 2.5L 4-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S8)	23	28	25	$2,400
Sorento AWD 2.5L 4-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Automatic (AM-S8)	20	27	23	$2,600
Sorento FWD 2.5L 4-cyl	Front-Wheel Drive	Automatic (AM-S8)	20	29	23	$2,600

Plug-in Hybrid trims

Trim	Drive	Trans.	City	Hwy	Comb	Fuel Cost
Sorento Plug-in Hybrid 1.6L 4-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Automatic (AM-S6)	33	34	33	$1,800

Best & Worst KIA Sorento Years

Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.

Best KIA Sorento Years to Buy

Based on reliability index score

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).

Top Pick

Good

KIA Sorento Years to Avoid

The worst KIA Sorento year is 2019 with a score of 64/100, primarily due to engine (93) issues.

Good

2019

2Recalls

383Complaints

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.

KIA Sorento reliability scores by year
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

Reliability scores compared across model years
Year	Score	vs Prior Year	Rating	Recalls	Complaints
2026(selected)	75/100 (predicted)	—	Predicted	4	0
2025	75/100	-4	Good	8	72
2024	79/100	+9	Good	2	35
2023	70/100	+4	Good	7	120
2022	66/100	0	Good	10	171
2021	66/100	-5	Good	6	217
2020	71/100	+7	Good	1	115
2019	64/100	-4	Good	2	383
2018	68/100	—	Good	3	232

2026 KIA Sorento Reliability by Powertrain

The 2026 KIA Sorento is available with 3powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.

Reliability comparison across powertrain options
Powertrain	Recalls	Crash Rating
Gas	2	5 out of 5
HEV	1	5 out of 5
PHEV	1	N/T
Total	4

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 2026 KIA Sorento reliable?

The 2026 KIA Sorento has a predicted reliability score of 75/100 ("Good") based on prior model year data. So far there are 4 recalls and 0 owner complaints on file. This is a prediction — the actual score will be available once more real-world data accumulates.

What are the most common problems with the 2026 KIA Sorento?

There aren't enough owner complaints to establish common problem patterns yet for the 2026 KIA Sorento. Based on available data, the main item to verify is recall completion. Prior model years can indicate what to watch for.

How many recalls does the 2026 KIA Sorento have?

The 2026 KIA Sorento has 4 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.

How is the predicted score calculated?

The predicted score of 75/100 is calculated by averaging reliability scores from prior model years of the same generation. When generation data is unavailable, the average of the most recent model years is used. The prediction updates automatically as new data becomes available.

Don’t buy a 2026 KIA Sorento without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Look Up a VIN →

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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