Car Yearsto Avoid

2023 Kia Sorento Problems

What owners have reported about the 2023 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 2023 Kia Sorento a good year?

It's one of the better years for the Sorento. Owners have filed 123 complaints with NHTSA, the 14th most of 17 Sorento model years. The most reported problems involve the electrical system, engine and transmission.

123 complaints 3 recalls, 1 fire risk 14th worst of 17 Sorento years

Top 2023 Kia Sorento problems

1

Electrical problems

37 complaints (30%) name the electrical system.

Complaints 37 · Usually at 2,000–25,000 miles · Recall 25V649000

2

Engine problems

32 complaints (26%) name the engine.

Complaints 32 · Usually at 2,000–32,000 miles

3

Transmission problems

22 complaints (18%) name the transmission.

Complaints 22 · Usually at 17,000–115,000 miles

4

Emergency braking problems

14 complaints (11%) name the emergency braking system, most often the warnings and adaptive cruise control.

Complaints 14 · Usually at 35,000–35,000 miles

Which parts fail most

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

Electrical 30%
Unknown or Other 29%
Engine 26%
Transmission 18%
Emergency Braking 11%
Brakes 10%
Acceleration 9%
Wipers and Visibility 9%
Lane Assist 8%
Steering 6%

Mileage when it failed

Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (12 of 123). The amber line is the middle value, about 17,000 miles.

When problems were reported

Complaints by the year the problem happened.

2023 Kia Sorento recalls

Blower motor wiring can cause a fire

Fire risk

The wiring harness for the HVAC blower motor may be inadequate, which can lead to a fire. A fire increases the risk of injury to occupants.

Fix: Dealers will replace the wiring harness and the blower motor resistor at no charge.

Recall 25V649000 · Sep 2025

Camera

The mounting clips for the rearview camera may break, which can cause the rearview camera image not to appear properly on the display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility." A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera housing, as necessary, free of charge.

Recall 23V610000 · Aug 2023

Air bag warning labels on sun visors may detach

Injury risk

The warning labels on the driver and passenger sun visors can peel off. Without the label, occupants may not be warned of air bag risks, which raises the chance of injury in a crash.

Fix: The dealer will inspect and replace the driver and front passenger sun visors as needed, free of charge.

Recall 23V579000 · Aug 2023
Check your VIN for open recalls

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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

Common questions

Is the 2023 Kia Sorento a reliable year?

It's one of the better years for the Sorento. Owners have filed 123 complaints with NHTSA, the 14th most of 17 Sorento model years. The most reported problems involve the electrical system, engine and transmission.

What are the most common 2023 Kia Sorento problems?

Owners most often report problems with the electrical system, engine, transmission and emergency braking system. 37 complaints (30%) name the electrical system.

At what mileage do 2023 Kia Sorento electrical system problems start?

Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 2,000–25,000 miles, with a middle value near 2,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2023 Kia Sorento have?

3. Blower motor wiring can cause a fire (25V649000); Camera (23V610000); Air bag warning labels on sun visors may detach (23V579000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.

Should I buy a used 2023 Kia Sorento?

Ask for service records covering the electrical system, 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.