The Lemon Index2023 Kia Sorento.
The 2023 Kia Sorento is so far worse than average by owner complaints: 156 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 145, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 4 recalls, and it gets 24 to 37 mpg combined. The best Kia Sorento year is 2018.
Early read
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 156 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Kia Sorento year. 2023 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 2K to 38K miles on the car (16 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 4
- electrical 2025
The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) blower motor wiring harness may be inadequate, which can result in a fire.
- back over prevention 2023
The mounting clips for the rearview camera may break, which can cause the rearview camera image not to appear properly on the display.
- equipment 2023
The air bag warning labels on the driver and front passenger sun visors may detach.
Show all 4 recalls
- trailer hitches 2022
Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Kia told dealers about
Kia sent dealers 71 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: 8-SPEED WDCT REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS - This bulletin provides…
- Potential low oil pressure due to filter drain plug that was left in filter - this bulletin…
- Technical service bulletin: customer satisfaction: anti-theft s/w logic upgrade & decal…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Sorento SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Kia Sorento SUV FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Kia Sorento HEV SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Kia Sorento HEV SUV FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $1750–2700 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.6L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
The car is accelerating without anyone pressing down on the gas, not accelerating when our foot is on the gas, jerking unexplainably and the emergency brake warning is coming on when it has not been employed.
2023 Kia Sorento owner · NHTSA complaint 11668875
More owner reports
car parked automatically while in drive. won't allow car to shift to drive or reverse due to "driving conditions not met". hybrid system light also randomly comes on.
NHTSA complaint 11516071
Engine consuming excessive oil between oil changes.
NHTSA complaint 11633311
Quick answers
Is the 2023 Kia Sorento reliable?
It's too early to be sure. So far it has drawn 1.4× the average car's complaints per car sold, against other 2023 cars after the same time on the road (early Lemon Index 145; 100 is average). The best Kia Sorento year by this measure is 2018.
What are the most common 2023 Kia Sorento problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (29%), electrical (28%) and transmission & drivetrain (17%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2023 Kia Sorento have?
4 safety recalls (latest: electrical). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2023 Kia Sorento get?
24 to 37 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2023 Kia Sorento safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
Does the 2023 Kia Sorento have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 17% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2023 Kia Sorento cost in fuel a year?
About $1750 to $2700 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2023 Kia Sorento have?
1.6L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl.
What Kia Sorento year is better than the 2023?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2018, 2020 and 2012.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works