Last updated: 2026-03-04

Kia Sorento

1 Kia Sorento Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Kia Sorento average of 70/100

The Kia Sorento years to avoid are 2019 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2019 with a reliability score of 64/100. The best Kia Sorento year to buy is 2024 79/100.

Verdict

The 2019 Kia Sorento scores significantly below the model average of 70/100. The weakest year is 2019 with a score of 64/100 due to engine (93) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2020 71/100.

See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Kia Sorento Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Kia Sorento average of 70/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1201964/100Good2383Engine (93)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

64
GoodReliability score: 64 out of 100, rated Good

2019 Kia Sorento

The 2019 Kia Sorento has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 383 owner complaints on file for the 2019 KIA Sorento. Severity signals include 10 crash-related complaints and 18 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (93), Electrical System (61), Unknown Or Other (57).

2 recalls383 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Engine (93), Electrical System (61), Unknown Or Other (57), Power Train (43), Structure (29), Exterior Lighting (16)

View full 2019 reliability report →

What Are Common Kia Sorento Problems?

Top reported issues across all Kia Sorento model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

POWER TRAIN

269 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ENGINE

260 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

206 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

182 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

STEERING

61 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

32 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

Best Kia Sorento Year to Buy Instead

71
GoodReliability score: 71 out of 100, rated Good

2020 Kia Sorento

The 2020 Kia Sorento has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 115 owner complaints on file for the 2020 KIA Sorento. Severity signals include 9 crash-related complaints and 10 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (39), Electrical System (16), Power Train (15).

Score: 71/100 (Good)1 recalls115 complaints
View full 2020 reliability report →

All Kia Sorento Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Kia Sorento Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2018–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Kia Sorento years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Kia Sorento years: 2019 (score: 64/100). These model years score significantly below the Kia Sorento average of 70/100.
What is the best year for the Kia Sorento?
The best year for the Kia Sorento is 2024, with a reliability score of 79/100 ("Good"). It has 2 recalls and 35 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Kia Sorento have?
Across all years in our database, the Kia Sorento has a total of 43 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Kia Sorento worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2024 model year, which scores 79/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 70/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Kia Sorento problems?
The most common Kia Sorento problems are power train (269 complaints), engine (260 complaints), electrical system (206 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Kia Sorento reliable long-term?
The Kia Sorento has an average reliability score of 70/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Kia Sorento generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Kia Sorento generation is the Third generation (UM) with an average score of 68/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
How much does it cost to maintain a Kia Sorento?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Kia Sorento is $533 based on independent repair cost databases. This may vary depending on the model year and driving conditions.
Is the 2024 Kia Sorento a good used buy?
Yes, the 2024 Kia Sorento is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 79/100 ("Good"). It has 2 recalls and 35 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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.

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