Car Yearsto Avoid

2015 Kia Sorento Problems

What owners have reported about the 2015 Kia Sorento, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.

From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.

Is the 2015 Kia Sorento a good year?

It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 753 complaints with NHTSA, the 7th most of 17 Sorento model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, body and structure and lights.

753 complaints 3 recalls, 2 park outside 7th worst of 17 Sorento years

Top 2015 Kia Sorento problems

1

Engine problems

367 complaints (49%) name the engine.

Complaints 367 · Usually at 64,000–111,000 miles · Recall 18V907000

2

Body problems

100 complaints (13%) name the body and structure, most often the body and tailgate.

Complaints 100 · Usually at 53,000–80,000 miles

3

Lighting problems

91 complaints (12%) name the lights, most often the headlights and bulbs.

Complaints 91 · Usually at 55,000–100,000 miles

4

Electrical problems

58 complaints (8%) name the electrical system, most often the speedometer / odometer.

Complaints 58 · Usually at 41,000–101,000 miles

Which parts fail most

Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.

Engine 49%
Unknown or Other 15%
Body 13%
Lights 12%
Electrical 8%
Transmission 6%
Brakes 5%
Steering 4%
Fuel System 4%
Airbags 4%

Mileage when it failed

Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (334 of 753). The amber line is the middle value, about 75,000 miles.

When problems were reported

Complaints by the year the problem happened.

2015 Kia Sorento recalls

Control unit / module

Park outside

Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short. An electrical short in the HECU increases the risk of a fire while parked or driving.

Fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. Dealers will install a new multi-fuse, and inspect the HECU for leaks, replacing the HECU if necessary, free of charge.

Recall 21V331000 · May 2021

Control unit / module

Park outside

Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short. If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.

Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the HECU for leaking brake fluid and replace the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed.

Recall 20V519000 · Aug 2020

Hoses, lines / piping, and fittings

Fire risk

The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge.

Recall 18V907000 · Dec 2018
Check your VIN for open recalls

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We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2015 Kia Sorento, you'll hear about it the same week.

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Sorento years to avoid

Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.

2011 Sorento 1,519
2016 Sorento 1,254
2014 Sorento 988
2013 Sorento 981
2012 Sorento 880
2017 Sorento 806
2015 Sorento 753
2019 Sorento 431
2018 Sorento 255
2021 Sorento 253
2008 Sorento 217
2022 Sorento 193
2020 Sorento 137
2023 Sorento 123
2025 Sorento 76
2009 Sorento 55
2024 Sorento 42

2015 Kia Sorento problems by system

Engine (367)Body (100)

Common questions

Is the 2015 Kia Sorento a reliable year?

It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 753 complaints with NHTSA, the 7th most of 17 Sorento model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, body and structure and lights.

What are the most common 2015 Kia Sorento problems?

Owners most often report problems with the engine, body and structure, lights and electrical system. 367 complaints (49%) name the engine.

At what mileage do 2015 Kia Sorento engine problems start?

Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 64,000–111,000 miles, with a middle value near 88,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2015 Kia Sorento have?

3. Control unit / module (21V331000); Control unit / module (20V519000); Hoses, lines / piping, and fittings (18V907000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.

Should I buy a used 2015 Kia Sorento?

Ask for service records covering the engine, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2024, 2009 and 2025 models, which have the fewest complaints.

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.