Last updated: 2026-10-10

Kia Sorento

Kia Sorento Years to Avoid

9 scored model years (2018–2026) · model average 71/100

Skip the 2019 model year. Its engines burn oil and some catch fire, and owners also report sudden power loss while driving. The 2024 is the year to buy, with far fewer complaints and only two recalls.

Verdict

Avoid
2019 64/100
Buy
2024 79/100
Model average
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 71/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1201964/100Good2383Engine (93)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

64
GoodReliability score: 64 out of 100, rated Good

2019 Kia Sorento

Owners filed more complaints on this year than any other. Engines burn oil between changes, and oil pressure sensors leak or fail, often past 80,000 miles. Some cars catch fire, and some were total losses. Electrical faults can cut power steering and braking assist while driving. Dealers often end oil tests with no diagnosis.

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 2019reliability report →

What Are Common Kia Sorento Problems?

POWER TRAIN

269 complaints

Most reported in 2021, 2022, 2019

2021: Sudden loss of drive power is the dominant failure.

ENGINE

260 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2018, 2020

2019: Fires lead this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

206 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2023, 2021

2019: Sudden power loss while driving is the most serious pattern.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

182 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2021, 2018

2019: This category is a mix, but peeling pearl white paint shows up most often.

STEERING

51 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2022, 2023

2018: The wheel turns heavy or sticks, often at highway speed, then breaks loose and overshoots, so the driver has to correct back.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

47 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

2018: Headlights shut off without warning while driving at night.

Best Kia Sorento Year to Buy Instead

79
GoodReliability score: 79 out of 100, rated Good

2024 Kia Sorento

The 2024 drew 35 owner complaints, against 383 for the 2019, and has two recalls. It has been on the road long enough to count. Engine and power train complaints are far fewer than on the 2019. It is not flawless, since sudden electrical power loss shows up in its reports.

Score: 79/100 (Good)2 recalls35 complaints
View full 2024reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the 2024 Kia Sorento has 2 recalls on file. A VIN check confirms the recall work on the exact car and shows its accident, title, and service history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Kia Sorento Years by Generation

Frequently Asked Questions

Which KIA Sorento years should I avoid?
Avoid the 2019. Site analysis puts it well below the model's own average. It has the most owner complaints of any year, led by engines that burn oil, fire reports, and sudden electrical power loss. The 2022 also ranks among the lowest-rated years, so check it closely.
Which KIA Sorento years have transmission problems?
The 2019 has the clearest transmission reports. Owners describe hesitation from a stop, then surging or bucking, worst in Eco mode. The 2021 has the most power train complaints of any year, but the data does not say what they involve.
Is the 2022 KIA Sorento a bad year?
It is a weaker year, but not one the site says to avoid. The 2022 ranks among the two lowest-rated years and has 10 recalls. Its top complaint area is power train. Check that all recall work was done before buying.
Is the 2026 KIA Sorento the most reliable year?
Do not treat it that way. The 2026 shows no owner complaints, but it is too new to have collected any. Complaints build up over time. The 2024 is the better-proven choice.
Is the 2024 KIA Sorento problem free?
No. The 2024 has few complaints, but its top area is electrical. Owners report sudden power loss while driving, including power steering and headlights, and one report involves a fire. Have a dealer check for open recalls and test the electronics.

How we score every Kia Sorento model year

Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.

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