If you’re looking for a mid-size SUV that’s spacious and practical while still being stylish, then you’ve probably already heard about the Kia Sorento. This popular model is known for its seating capacity, advanced technologies, and competitive price point.
While it does have a lot of good features, is the Kia Sorento actually a reliable vehicle?
Are Kia Sorentos Reliable?
The Kia Sorento is widely known for its general dependability. Since its introduction in 2003, the Kia Sorento has become a go-to option for growing families who need a generous, luxurious cabin with plenty of modern features in a reliable, practical SUV. Many owners report that their Sorentos have been reliable with good fuel mileage for years—in part due to consistent maintenance.
The Sorento is predictable and easy to drive. The turbocharged engine produces the torque you would anticipate, and it cruises quietly enough. In certain Sorento trims, a panoramic display is created by combining two 12-inch screens. It's an upscale family SUV design. A top-notch Bose audio package is integrated into the infotainment system, and the interface is simple to use.
To provide a holistic review of the Sorento’s reliability, here are the reliability ratings for the latest Kia Sorento model from popular review sites:
- Car and Driver: 8/10
- JD Power: 82/100
- RepairPal: 4/5
- Edmunds: 8.2/10
RepairPal notes that the Sorento’s annual repair cost is only around $533, meaning it has above-average ownership costs. Repairs are less severe and less frequent than the average car, so the Sorento is generally one of the more reliable vehicle models on the market today.
What Are the Most Common Issues with the Kia Sorento?
The Kia Sorento is not without its share of problems, despite being hailed a generally reliable ride. Below are some of the common issues associated with Kia Sorentos and the affected model years:
Engine Failure
Engine failure is one of the most common issues associated with the Kia Sorento. Some owners reported smelling coolant right before the engine shut off completely while on the road. Others noted seeing most of the warning lights on the dashboard activate before the engine turned off.
Kia recalled 2020 Sorentos for potential oil leaks that could damage the engine permanently. When an oil leak happens near an ignition source like a hot engine, this increases the risk of a fire.
Affected Model Years:
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
- 2011
- 2022
Timing Chain Slap Noise
An annoying timing chain slap noise has been reported in several Kia Sorentos with the 3.3L GDI engine, usually during cold starts. But the noise tends to diminish after the engine warms up.
Affected Model Years:
- 2014
- 2015
- 2016
Misfires Due to Engine Coil Failure
Coil failures have been reported, resulting in misfires, rough idle, and a flashing or illuminated check engine indicator.
Affected Model Years:
- 2011
- 2012
- 2013
Headlights Burn Out
Owners have reported that the headlights burn out far too often on certain model years.
Affected Model Years:
- 2002
- 2003
- 2004
- 2005
- 2006
- 2007
- 2008
- 2009
Side Door Problems
The 2011 model year saw a redesign of the Sorento. The updated Sorento became a unibody vehicle that is far more crossover than a sport utility, as opposed to a truck-like, body-on-frame that is more suited for off-road driving.
These design changes caused several issues, including difficulty with the side door not opening.
Affected Model Years:
- 2011
- 2016
- 2013
Weak Door Handles That Break
Some owners have reported that the outside door handles would easily break due to the fracturing of a small internal spring or a small plastic piece inside the handle. This makes it feel loose and sometimes fails to open the door.
Sometimes, the handle simply comes off in your hand.
Affected Model Years:
- 2011
- 2012
- 2013
Paint Peeling
Other owners of the 2014 Kia Sorento, specifically those with Snow White Pearl paint, have reported significant issues with paint peeling and delamination. Many owners have expressed concerns that this is due to a manufacturing defect in the paint application process. Some have taken steps, such as filing complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and joining support groups to seek resolutions from Kia.
Affected Model Years:
- 2014
- 2012
- 2013
Power Door Locks Not Working Properly
Another common issue in older Sorentos are the power door locks. They malfunction at around the 50,000-mile mark. Symptoms include doors failing to lock or unlock using key fobs or interior buttons. Some drivers noted intermittent functionality, with locks occasionally working after multiple attempts or ceasing to operate during cold weather.
Affected Model Years:
- 2014
- 2016
- 2018
Excessive Oil Consumption
Another commonly reported issue is excessive oil consumption. Some owners have shared that this usually happened around the 88,000-mile mark. Drivers have observed the need to add oil between regular maintenance intervals, with some noting a drop from the full mark to the low mark on the dipstick after driving approximately 682 miles.
Affected Model Years:
- 2011
- 2013
- 2014
- 2015
- 2019
What Are the Best Model Years for the Kia Sorento?
Overall, those looking for a three-row SUV will be plenty satisfied with the Kia Sorento. Its general reliability, good reputation, and advanced features make it a great value for money. The question remains: which model years of the Kia Sorento stand out from the rest, preferably with no known major problems?
Here are the model years widely considered to be the best by owners and enthusiasts online:
- 2023
- 2017
- 2009
- 2021
FAQ
How long do Kia Sorentos last?
With proper maintenance, Kia Sorentos can easily last 200,000 to 300,000 miles or more, which is around 15-20 years of dependable service. This estimate assumes regular oil changes, tire rotations, and maintenance are routinely conducted.
Where is the Kia Sorento built??
Where Kia Sorentos are built depends on the generation and where they’re bought. In general, Kia has 14 production plants spread across eight countries, in addition to research facilities in South Korea, the US, Japan, and Germany. In addition, it operates four production facilities in South Korea and other facilities in the US, China, India, Japan, Mexico, Slovakia, and Vietnam.
What car is comparable to the Kia Sorento??
The Kia Sorento is a midsize SUV with three rows of seats–a feature found in some other cars of similar category. Hyundai Santa Fe, Mitsubishi Outlander, Buick Envista, Subaru Crosstrek, Honda Passport, Nissan Rogue, and Ford Everest are just some of the known competitors of the Kia Sorento.