Kia Sorento Years to Avoid
Every Sorento model year ranked by owner complaints filed with NHTSA, with recalls and the top problem for each year.
Updated Oct 16, 2026.
Which Sorento years should you avoid?
The 2011, 2016 and 2014 Sorento have the most NHTSA complaints. Adjusted for how long each year has been on the road, the 2009, 2008 and 2020 models have the fewest problems.
Complaints by model year
Total complaints. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing.
Every year at a glance
| Year | Complaints | Per year | Recalls | Top problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 76 | 38 | 3 | Electrical |
| 2024 | 42 | 14 | 2 | Electrical |
| 2023 | 123 | 31 | 3 | Electrical |
| 2022 | 193 | 39 | 6 | Transmission |
| 2021 | 253 | 42 | 4 | Transmission |
| 2020 | 137 | 20 | 1 | Engine |
| 2019 | 431 | 54 | 2 | Engine |
| 2018 | 255 | 28 | 3 | Engine |
| 2017 | 806 | 81 | 4 | Engine |
| 2016 | 1,254 | 114 | 8 | Engine |
| 2015 | 753 | 63 | 3 | Engine |
| 2014 | 988 | 76 | 6 | Engine |
| 2013 | 981 | 70 | 5 | Engine |
| 2012 | 880 | 59 | 5 | Engine |
| 2011 | 1,519 | 95 | 8 | Engine |
| 2009 | 55 | 3 | 3 | Airbags |
| 2008 | 217 | 11 | 3 | Airbags |
"Per year" divides complaints by the years since that model year went on sale, so new and old years compare fairly. Highlighted rows have the most complaints.
Get an email when your Kia Sorento gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the Kia Sorento, you'll hear about it the same week.
One email per new recall. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Common questions
What is the worst year for the Kia Sorento?
The 2011 Sorento, with 1,519 complaints. Its most reported problem area is the engine.
What is the best year for the Kia Sorento?
Among years with at least three years of owner reports, the 2009 Sorento has the fewest complaints per year on the road.
Which Kia Sorento years should I avoid?
Be most careful with the 2011, 2016 and 2014 models. Check service records and recall work before buying.