NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The wiring harness for the HVAC blower motor may be inadequate, potentially causing a fire.
What the fix does
This page covers 12 recalls, 208 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2022 Kia Sorento.
24–37 mpg combined
6.4–9.8 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 6 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Powertrain and engine complaints dominate what 2022 Kia Sorento owners report. On the powertrain side, owners frequently describe transmission-related error messages appearing while driving, followed by the vehicle dropping into a reduced-power or limited-mobility mode that cuts speed significantly, a pattern that points to the electronic oil pump in the transmission system. Engine complaints center on sudden power loss during acceleration, with owners noting this happens in situations that demand quick response, like merging onto highways or crossing intersections. A smaller but recurring group of owners report clicking or popping sounds from the steering area during low-speed turns, particularly when pulling into driveways or parking spaces. Electrical system complaints are less frequent but include sealed LED taillight assemblies where individual bulbs cannot be replaced, requiring purchase of the entire unit when one fails.
208
Total Complaints
5
Crash-Related
2
Fire-Related
4
With Injuries
By System
The 2022 Kia Sorento has 12 recalls, the most serious being multiple fire risks: a tow hitch harness wiring fault, an HVAC blower motor wiring issue, a cracking turbocharger oil supply pipe, and on Plug-In Hybrid models, a fuel tank that can leak fuel near ignition sources.
On the occupant safety side, Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid models have a recall covering the front seatbelt pretensioners, which can explode in a crash and send metal fragments into the cabin. There is also a transmission concern affecting certain vehicles where the fail-safe drive mode can fail when the transmission oil pump malfunctions, cutting drive power entirely while underway. The spare tire on some vehicles is the wrong size, which can interfere with the anti-lock brakes and traction control when the spare is in use. Two recalls address the same rearview camera issue: the mounting clips can break, causing the camera to shift out of position and display a distorted or missing image while reversing. Note that several of these recalls apply only to Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid trims.
At a glance
What can fail
The wiring harness for the HVAC blower motor may be inadequate, potentially causing a fire.
What the fix does
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Dealers will replace the wiring harness and blower motor resistor at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The mounting clips that hold the rearview camera in place can fail, causing the camera to shift position and prevent the rearview image from displaying properly.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the rearview camera housing and replace it if needed to restore proper camera positioning and display function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The mounting clips holding the rearview camera may break, preventing the camera image from displaying properly on your screen.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera housing at no cost if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel tank may have been improperly molded, which can cause fuel to leak.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the fuel tank and replace it if necessary, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The transmission oil pump may malfunction, impairing the vehicle's fail-safe limited-mobility drive mode and potentially causing complete loss of drive power.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission if needed, and update the transmission control unit software. All repairs are free.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Debris and moisture can build up on the tow hitch harness electrical module, causing a short circuit that may start a fire.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the tow hitch harness and replace the fuse or module as needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The spare tire may be incorrect. When installed, it can disable the anti-lock braking and traction control systems.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the spare tire and replace it if needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Front seat belt pretensioners may explode during a crash, potentially sending metal fragments into the vehicle's cabin and injuring occupants.
What the fix does
Protective caps will be installed over the driver and front passenger seat belt pretensioners at a Kia dealership.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
In a crash, the front seat belt pretensioners may explode when they deploy.
What the fix does
Dealers will secure the seat belt pretensioners with a cap at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The oil supply pipe feeding the turbocharger can crack, causing oil to leak in the engine compartment.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the turbocharger oil supply pipe at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front seat belt pretensioners may rupture during a crash, causing metal fragments to scatter inside the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the affected driver and/or passenger front seat belt pretensioners.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
In a crash, the front driver and/or passenger seat belt pretensioners may explode when they deploy.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the seat belt pretensioners at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
