Car Yearsto Avoid

2025 Kia Sorento Problems

What owners have reported about the 2025 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 2025 Kia Sorento a good year?

It's one of the better years for the Sorento. Owners have filed 76 complaints with NHTSA, the 15th most of 17 Sorento model years. The most reported problems involve the electrical system, transmission and engine.

76 complaints 3 recalls, 2 crash risk 15th worst of 17 Sorento years

Top 2025 Kia Sorento problems

1

Electrical problems

22 complaints (29%) name the electrical system.

Complaints 22 · Usually at 6,000–31,000 miles · Recall 26V046000, 25V006000

2

Transmission problems

19 complaints (25%) name the transmission.

Complaints 19 · Usually at 1,000–4,000 miles

3

Engine problems

19 complaints (25%) name the engine.

Complaints 19 · Usually at 2,000–30,000 miles · Recall 25V548000

4

Emergency braking problems

9 complaints (12%) name the emergency braking system, most often the automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.

Complaints 9

Which parts fail most

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

Electrical 29%
Unknown or Other 26%
Transmission 25%
Engine 25%
Emergency Braking 12%
Acceleration 9%
Brakes 8%
Wipers and Visibility 8%
Fuel System 5%
Backup Camera 4%

When problems were reported

Complaints by the year the problem happened.

2025 Kia Sorento recalls

Instrument panel display may fail

Crash risk

A software error can make the instrument panel display stop working. When that happens, the speedometer, tire pressure readings, and warning lights may not show, which raises the risk of a crash.

Fix: The dealer will update the instrument panel software free of charge, or the update may be sent to your car over the air.

Recall 26V046000 · Jan 2026

Critical fasteners

Can stall

The connecting rod bolts in the engine may have been improperly tightened, which can cause a loss of drive power. A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the sub engine assembly, free of charge.

Recall 25V548000 · Aug 2025

Software fault can cut headlights and taillights

Crash risk

A software error in the body control unit can cause the low beam headlights and taillights to turn off, so the car may not meet federal lighting requirements. Losing these lights reduces your visibility to other drivers and raises the risk of a crash.

Fix: The dealer will update the body control unit software at no cost to you.

Recall 25V006000 · Jan 2025
Check your VIN for open recalls

Get an email when your 2025 Kia Sorento gets a new recall

We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2025 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.

Common questions

Is the 2025 Kia Sorento a reliable year?

It's one of the better years for the Sorento. Owners have filed 76 complaints with NHTSA, the 15th most of 17 Sorento model years. The most reported problems involve the electrical system, transmission and engine.

What are the most common 2025 Kia Sorento problems?

Owners most often report problems with the electrical system, transmission, engine and emergency braking system. 22 complaints (29%) name the electrical system.

At what mileage do 2025 Kia Sorento electrical system problems start?

Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 6,000–31,000 miles, with a middle value near 15,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2025 Kia Sorento have?

3. Instrument panel display may fail (26V046000); Critical fasteners (25V548000); Software fault can cut headlights and taillights (25V006000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.

Should I buy a used 2025 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.