This page covers 5 recalls, 134 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2023 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
The 2023 Kia Sorento complaint picture is led by powertrain and engine concerns, with electrical issues not far behind. On the powertrain and engine side, owners frequently report sudden loss of acceleration accompanied by multiple warning lights illuminating at once, the vehicle goes into a reduced-power state that requires cycling the ignition to restore normal driving. Some owners report the issue recurring even after dealer repairs. A separate but notable pattern involves radiator damage: owners describe rocks and road debris passing through the front grille opening and puncturing the radiator, with several reporting they needed radiator replacements more than once within the first couple of years of ownership. On the electrical side, a handful of owners report the backup camera detaching from its mount and hanging loose by its wiring, which they attribute to how it was secured at the factory.
134
Total Complaints
3
Crash-Related
2
Fire-Related
4
With Injuries
By System
The 2023 Kia Sorento has 5 recalls, the most serious being two separate fire risks: a tow hitch wiring harness that can ignite while the vehicle is parked or in use, and an HVAC blower motor wiring harness that can also cause a fire.
A third recall affects rear visibility: the mounting clips that hold the rearview camera in place can break, causing the camera image to display incorrectly or not at all, which reduces the driver's view when backing up. The remaining two recalls cover the same issue filed in both the US and Canada: airbag warning labels on the driver and front passenger sun visors can peel off and detach, removing the safety guidance about airbag deployment and child restraint recommendations.
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
Dealers will replace the wiring harness and blower motor resistor at no cost.
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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 →
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 airbag warning labels on the driver and passenger sun visors may peel off, removing required safety information.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the driver and passenger sun visors as needed to restore the airbag warning labels.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The air bag warning labels on the driver and front passenger sun visors may come loose and detach.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect both sun visors and replace them if needed at no cost to you.
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.
