This page covers 5 recalls, 93 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2025 Kia Sorento.
23–36 mpg combined
6.5–10.2 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.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Powertrain and engine complaints dominate what 2025 Kia Sorento owners report, with electrical system issues close behind. On the powertrain side, owners describe hesitation, loss of power, and unexpected acceleration behavior, including a recurring pattern where the vehicle surges or moves in ways that don't match driver input. Engine complaints involve stalling, rough running, and warning lights appearing at low mileage. The electrical system draws reports of driver assist warnings that temporarily disable throttle response, requiring a restart to restore normal function, along with instrument cluster warnings tied to the 4WD mode selector. A handful of owners also describe the panoramic sunroof shattering spontaneously without any object striking it, though that pattern appears in fewer reports than the powertrain and engine concerns. The throttle-disabling driver assist warning is notable because several owners describe being unable to accelerate until they cycled the ignition.
93
Total Complaints
7
Crash-Related
3
With Injuries
By System
The 2025 Kia Sorento has 5 recalls, the most serious being a fire risk on plug-in hybrid models where the steering gear can damage the fuel line in a crash, causing a fuel leak near potential ignition sources.
A separate engine concern affects certain Sorentos where connecting rod bolts may not have been tightened correctly, which can cause a sudden loss of drive power while driving. On the electrical side, a software error in the body control module can cut out the low beam headlights and taillights, leaving the vehicle dark to other drivers. A second software issue can cause the instrument panel display to go blank, taking the speedometer, tire pressure readout, and warning lights with it. Some recalls are specific to plug-in hybrid models, while others cover the broader Sorento lineup.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error can cause the instrument panel display to fail, preventing you from seeing important controls and tire pressure information.
What the fix does
Kia will update the instrument panel display software through an over-the-air update or at a dealer, at no cost to you.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
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
Engine connecting rod bolts may not be tight enough, potentially causing sudden loss of driving power.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the engine sub-assembly at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error in the body control unit may cause the low beam headlights and taillights to stop working.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the body control unit software at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel line can be damaged if it contacts the steering gear during certain crashes, potentially causing fuel to leak.
What the fix does
A protective cover will be installed on the fuel line at a Kia dealership to prevent contact with the steering gear.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
In a crash, the steering rack can damage the fuel line, causing fuel to leak.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a protective cover around the fuel line at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
