The Lemon Index2025 Kia Sorento.
The 2025 Kia Sorento is so far one of the worst years by owner complaints: 121 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 210, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 3 recalls, and it gets 23 to 36 mpg combined. The best Kia Sorento year is 2018.
Early read
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 121 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Kia Sorento year. 2025 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 1K to 13K miles on the car (13 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 3
- electrical 2026
Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail.
- engine 2025
The connecting rod bolts in the engine may have been improperly tightened, which can cause a loss of drive power.
- electrical 2025
A software error in the Body Domain Control Unit (BDC) may cause a loss of low beam headlights and taillights.
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 45 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Technical service bulletin: service action: motor control unit (mcu) logic improvement (sa596)…
- This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill…
- Technical service bulletin: service action: isla logic improvement (sa591) - this bulletin…
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 Hybrid SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Kia Sorento Hybrid SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $1800–2800 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.6L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Will be driving when it switches to EV mode it will have no power and go into limp mode. Can't go over 30 mph. This is now the second time this has happened. Dealership tried to say it was because of temperature. Come on.
2025 Kia Sorento owner · NHTSA complaint 11708773
Quick answers
Is the 2025 Kia Sorento reliable?
It's too early to be sure. So far it has drawn 2.1× the average car's complaints per car sold, against other 2025 cars after the same time on the road (early Lemon Index 210; 100 is average). The best Kia Sorento year by this measure is 2018.
What are the most common 2025 Kia Sorento problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (35%), transmission & drivetrain (31%) and electrical (26%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2025 Kia Sorento have?
3 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 2025 Kia Sorento get?
23 to 36 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2025 Kia Sorento safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 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 2025 Kia Sorento have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 31% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2025 Kia Sorento cost in fuel a year?
About $1800 to $2800 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2025 Kia Sorento have?
1.6L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl.
What Kia Sorento year is better than the 2025?
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