With a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5, the Kia Sorento is ranked 12th out of 26 compact SUVs. It has cheaper ownership costs than the national average due to the $533 average yearly repair cost. The Sorento is one of the more dependable cars on the road since repairs are less severe and less frequent than with the ordinary automobile.
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Cost
Compared to an average of $521 for compact SUVs and $652 for all vehicle types, the total yearly cost of repairs and maintenance for a Kia Sorento is $533.
the typical annual sum for unplanned maintenance and repairs for all model years of a car. A vehicle’s greater average cost alone does not imply that it is less dependable. For instance, your car’s parts and labor may be pricey, especially if it’s a European luxury model, but if there are few serious problems and frequent service visits on average each year, that’s a sign of a dependable vehicle.
The typical annual frequency at which a vehicle is taken in for unplanned maintenance and repairs. This metric is produced by monitoring millions of distinctive automobiles over a number of years to ascertain the typical yearly visits for each make and model. Controls were included to prevent small, routine shop visits, such those for oil changes.
The severity element of dependability calculates the likelihood that a repair will cause a significant problem. The cost of a repair is assessed to be excessively expensive given the unscheduled nature of the repair if it is three times the average annual repair cost for all models. Due to their more expensive labor and component expenses, premium and luxury brands have a higher barrier.
Frequency
Compared to the average of 0.3 times for compact SUVs and 0.4 times for all vehicle models, Kia Sorento owners bring their cars in for unplanned repairs 0.3 times a year on average.
Do Kia Sorentos have many issues?
Customers have experienced a number of issues with the Kia Sorento since it has been advertised and sold by Kia. These models share costly issues with one another. The following model years should be avoided: 2004, 2006, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2016.
Common difficulties include those with the engine, the electrical system, the airbags, the seat belts, the lights, and the body or paint.
Engine failure is the most serious problem that these Kia Sorento models have. When most consumers have traveled an average of 62,000 miles, something happens. They could end up costing you more money in repairs, so we advise avoiding them.
Which Year Models of Kia Sorento Are Safe to Buy Used?
Production of the Kia Sorento has been going on for approximately 20 years. Not all of the models that are released, like many other cars in its market class, are flawless right out of the factory. Some people have flaws. Despite this, you have a selection of others. This is particularly true if you want to stay away from those already listed.
The following list of reliable Kia Sorento model years includes:
- Kia Sorento 2003
- Kia Sorento from 2005
- 2007 Sorento Kia
- Kia Sorento 2008
- Kia Sorento from 2009
- Kia Sorento 2010
- Kia Sorento 2015
- Kia Sorento 2017
- Kia Sorento from 2018
- Kia Sorento for 2019
- Kia Sorento 2020
- Kia Sorento 2021
The years 2003, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 are among the safest Kia Sorento model years to purchase. Compared to the earlier mentioned model years, these have minimal complaints.
The worst issues with many of them were engine issues, a broken air conditioner compressor, electrical issues, light issues, and AC/heater issues. Most of them are also inexpensive to fix minor problems. However, they are among the minority of car owners.
The worst car troubles in early generations include crankshaft problems, frequent lighting system failures, and broken parts. It’s important to remember that these issues only occur in cars with more than 90,000 miles on the odometer.
A few owners are also affected by the problems. They are less likely to happen in a Sorento with little mileage and good maintenance. The models from 2007 to 2010 and 2015 to 2021 are the least problematic. The year 2016 is an outlier; it is less dependable than the other years in the following years.
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Which Kia Sorento Years to Avoid
The aforementioned Kia Sorento model years should easily accommodate your family’s needs and daily driving requirements. You need a dependable automobile in addition to one with excellent handling, a luxurious interior, and lots of attractive amenities. Here, we go into greater detail regarding the model years that weren’t chosen.
Steer clear of the following Kia Sorento model years:
- Kia Sorento from 2004
- Kia Sorento from 2006
- Kia Sorento from 2011
- Kia Sorento 2012
- Kia Sorento 2013
- Kia Sorento 2014
- Kia Sorento 2016
These model years frequently experience issues with their engines, electrical systems, lighting, seat belts and airbags, and body and paint. These affect everyone, and numerous users have noted concerns that are essentially the same.
You should steer clear of the 2011 Kia Sorento the most. It tops the list for having the most owner complaints. It is most likely to experience brakes issues, drivetrain issues, airbag and seat belt issues, and engine issues.
An engine failure at 77,000 miles cost the most money of all issues reported for the 2011 model year. Fixing this issue will cost $4,600. Other serious issues include an airbag problem that cost $2,000 to fix at 92,000 miles and a door issue that cost $400 to fix at 94,000 miles.
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The 2016 Kia Sorento is another vehicle you should completely avoid. In comparison to other models with lower mileage, it has more issues and costs more to repair. The most common issues are with the engine, then the steering, body/paint, and lights.
The engine has experienced the worst reported failure at 62,000 kilometers. Repairing this cost $6,100. Other owners reported having to pay up to $600 to fix wiring that rodents had gnawed. At 22,000 miles, one user’s car stalled while accelerating.
Common Kia Sorento Problems
One of the greatest warranties for cars is offered by Kia. But that doesn’t mean you should be any less critical, especially when it comes to reliability concerns. The most typical Kia Sorento issues, spanning all model years, are listed below:
- Engine issues – The Sorento’s engine frequently fails, which is a common dependability problem. The engine failure, which was primarily reported in 2011, 2016, and 2017 models, was caused by a leaky head gasket, which mixed engine oil and coolant. These liquids when combined can seriously harm engines.
- Frustrated owners reported that the Sorento’s doors won’t open when reached from the outside, which is more unpleasant than dangerous. Additionally, defective door handles made users of the child-lock feature even more irate. Owners of 2011 Sorentos make up the majority of the complaints.
- Burning out of headlight bulbs: Numerous customers noted that the headlight bulbs on Sorento models from 2002 to 2009 were particularly prone to premature failure. Additionally, several stories claimed that additional headlamp component parts were also melted. There should have been a recall for this dependability problem, but there wasn’t one. Owners were required to purchase replacement bulbs for between $100 and $600.
Kia Sorento Problem Counts by Year
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What is the Kia Sorento’s expected lifespan?
A Kia Sorento should endure for at least 200,000 kilometers. If you travel roughly 15,000 miles each year, it should last for around 13 years. However, maintaining the factory-recommended maintenance schedule and being careful not to misuse the vehicle are necessary to get the round amount.
How much does it cost to maintain a Kia Sorento?
The overall yearly car maintenance costs for the Kia Sorento are $533. The table that follows provides a detailed ranking of each car in this overall scheme for comparison’s sake. The Kia Sorento is significantly less expensive to maintain when compared to the average vehicle ($651 annually vs. $533 for the Sorento).
What are the Kia Sorento 2021’s typical issues?
The Kia Sorento for 2021 isn’t ideal, as you might expect. Despite receiving an overwhelmingly excellent assessment, the midsized SUV has a few important flaws. The first has to do with the dual-clutch transmission that is mated to the aforementioned 2.5-liter turbocharged engine. Consumer Reports stated that the powertrain isn’t silky smooth at low speeds despite having a ton of available torque. As a result, if you’re in stop-and-go traffic, you might hear some strange vibrations and jerky movements.
The hybrid powertrain of the 2021 Kia Sorento has several flaws as well. Consumer Reports claims that there is a delay when accelerating after coming to a complete stop. Consumer Reports discovered that the Sorento requires a lot of force to move forward because it starts off using electric power. But as soon as the accelerator is depressed and the 1.6-liter engine fires up, the extra power is delivered fairly suddenly.
The ride comfort of the 2021 Kia Sorento is arguably its biggest shortcoming. Consumer reviews claims that numerous testers found the Sorento to have a fairly stiff and uneven ride. The 2018 Sorento is reputedly not the most comfortable car in its class as a result.
What results in engine failure in a Kia Sorento?
Owners will be informed, and dealers will do a free engine test, inspection for gasoline and/or oil leaks, and any necessary repairs, including an engine replacement, at the owners’ expense. Additionally, Kia is now working on a software upgrade for the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) that, when ready, will be carried out by dealers at no cost. On January 27, 2021, the recall is anticipated to start. Call 1-800-333-4542 to reach Kia customer support. The recall number for Kia is SC200.
Service brakes, hydraulic: Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: Control unit/module
A select number of 2013-2015 Kia Optimas and 2014-2015 Kia Sorentos are being recalled by Kia Motors America (Kia). The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience brake fluid leakage, which could lead to an electrical short.
There is a higher chance of an engine compartment fire if the HECU shorts out.
Owners will be notified by Kia, and dealers will check the HECU for any brake fluid leaks and replace the HECU for free if necessary. Owners are urged to park their cars outside, away from other cars and buildings, until the recall fix is finished. On October 20, 2020, the recall started. Call 1-800-333-4542 to reach Kia customer support. SC197 is the Kia recall number.
Service brakes, hydraulic, electrical system
Certain Sedona and Sorento vehicles from the model years 2006 to 2010 are being recalled by Kia Motors America (Kia). A possible cause of an electrical short is moisture getting within the Anti-lock Brake (ABS) Module.
Even while the car is off, an electrical short within the ABS Module could ignite a fire in the engine compartment, increasing the danger of an accident.
In order to prevent power from going to the HECU when the ignition switch is off, Kia will free of charge notify owners and have dealers place a relay in the main junction box. On April 10, 2020, the recall is anticipated to start. Call 1-800-333-4542 to reach Kia customer support. The recall number for Kia is SC186.
Fuel system, gasoline: Delivery: Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento, and 2011-2018 Sportage cars are being recalled by Kia Motors America (Kia). These vehicles previously had their engines replaced under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. During the engine replacement process, the high pressure fuel line that links to the fuel pump output may have been broken, misaligned, or poorly torqued, potentially leading to a fuel leak.
A fuel leak with an ignite source nearby can make a fire more likely.
Owners have been informed by Kia, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe for free as needed. beginning on January 17, 2019, the recall. Call 1-800-333-4542 to reach Kia customer support. SC172 is the Kia recall number.
Steering: Column
Certain 2018 Kia Sorento vehicles are being recalled by Kia Motors America (Kia). It’s possible that the cowl crossbar connecting the steering column to the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) system was not securely welded, which would cause the steering column to split.
The risk of a collision can increase if the steering column splits because it can result in a loss of steering capacity.
Owners will be informed by Kia, and dealers will replace the cowl crossbar at no cost. Beginning on October 26, 2018, the recall. Call 1-800-333-4542 to reach Kia customer support. SC167 is the Kia recall number.
Air bags: Side/window
Certain 2018 Kia Sorento vehicles are being recalled by Kia Motors America (Kia). These vehicles have a part in the side curtain air bags that could come loose during the inflation of the inflatable curtain air bag.
The danger of injury is increased if the component separates during deployment and enters the passenger compartment as a projectile.
Owners will be notified by Kia, and dealers will free of charge replace the driver and passenger side curtain air bags. On December 18, 2017, the recall got under way. Call 1-800-333-4542 to reach Kia customer support. The recall number for Kia is SC159.
Engine and engine cooling: Engine
Certain 2017 Sorento models with 3.3L engines are being recalled by Kia Motors America (Kia). The engine crankshaft could malfunction as a result of incorrect heat treatment.
The engine will stall if the crankshaft fails, increasing the likelihood of a collision. A failed crankshaft also makes a fire more likely.
Owners will be notified by Kia, and dealers will check the crankshaft and replace the engine sub component for free if necessary. Beginning on November 6, 2017, the recall. Call 1-800-333-4542 to reach Kia customer support. SC153 is the Kia recall number.