2015 Kia Sorento

Above average

Owners filed 750 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 3 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
75,000 milesMedian miles at failure

339 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,00075,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine323
272
Structure › Body90
211
Unknown or Other76
000
Exterior Lighting70
100
Electrical System45
020
Air Bags26
507
Power Train18
003
Steering17
306
Service Brakes17
233
Service Brakes, Hydraulic11
010

3 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module21V331000Park outside
Filed May 10, 2021440,370 vehiclesKia Motors America

Defect. Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles previously recalled under recall 20V-519. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.

Risk. An electrical short in the HECU increases the risk of a fire while parked or driving.

Remedy. Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. Dealers will install a new multi-fuse, and inspect the HECU for leaks, replacing the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 2, 2021. This recall supersedes previous NHTSA recall number 20V-519. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC212.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module20V519000Park outside
Filed Aug 27, 2020440,370 vehiclesKia Motors America

Defect. Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.

Risk. If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.

Remedy. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the HECU for leaking brake fluid and replace the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. The recall began October 20, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC197.

Engine18V907000
Filed Dec 19, 201871,653 vehiclesKia Motors America

Defect. Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.

Risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy. Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Engine
Filed Sep 11, 2026AZ

I was driving my 2015 Kia Sorento on [XXX] south of the [XXX] junction when the engine suddenly started making severe mechanical noise and the vehicle seemed to have significantly reduced power. This is a remote stretch of highway with no usable shoulder. I had my son with me and had to immediately navigate with reduced speeds and power until I could reach a pullout and get safely off the highway. The sudden engine problem at highway speed created a serious safety concern because I could not immediately get the vehicle out of the traffic lane, and had no immediate shoulder I could pull onto. The vehicle was subsequently inspected by Oxendale Kia dealer. The dealer diagnosed catastrophic internal engine bearing failure. The vehicle has approximately 160,000 miles. The vehicle and failed engine are currently at the Kia dealer. Availability of the failed engine/components for inspection: UNKNOWN pending confirmation from the dealer. Prior warning lamps or warning messages: No engine lights. An airbag light was illuminated. There were no other warning immediately before the failure. The failure has been confirmed by the Kia dealer. Kia America has also opened a corporate case and is obtaining the dealer's diagnostic information, but to my knowledge Kia corporate has not separately physically inspected the vehicle. I am aware that NHTSA has previously investigated loss-of-motive-power issues involving 3.3L Kia Sorento engines, including model years around mine. I am submitting thi

Exterior Lighting
Filed Sep 3, 2026TX

The headlights are so dim that I could not see at night. I am forced to drive with the fog lights on for any amount of visibility. I recently replaced the headlights with factory replacements and now the connectors going into the back have failed and power only makes it to the lights when Mercury is in retrograde. This is unacceptable and a severe safety hazard.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 3, 2026119,000 milesIL

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an Auto Zone auto parts store. The contact was notified of an open recall. The dealer was made aware of the failure by phone. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was previously involved in a crash, and the air bags had not deployed. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 7, 2026CA

Paint De lamination on Snow White Pearl due to manufacturing defect Date listed was the date it started to peel. Started peeling around the window first. Then it continued on the front hood.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 11, 2026IL

I parked my car and it was sitting for about an hour I came back to the car and heard a humming noise found that weird but I had to drive home about 10 mins later I parked car, sound was still going even while car was off. So I thought to let it sit for another while. Came back to car sound was still on I started car and the abs, traction, & brake light came on and not even 2 mins later my car starts smoking. So immediately I shut it off and have to leave my car parked in another city because I didn’t want to risk driving it home. Fast forward to next day. I got to my car and notice the speedometer had went out. i called Kia because I read about the HECU ABS recall. the service rep assured me my car would be covered so I pay a tow to get it towed to Kia dealer where they then tell me the recall had been repaired in a year that I didn’t even own the car and they refuse to look at it or fix without a fee. With this problem being a fire hazard and a manufacturing problem I should not have to come out of pocket for Kia mistake. I will be escalating this to corporate level.

Engine
Filed Jul 5, 2026TN

My 2015 Kia Sorento is experiencing a catastrophic structural failure of the exhaust system where the front manifold catalytic converter has internally collapsed This is a severe safety hazard because the physical blockage of the exhaust flow creates massive engine backpressure stalling when trying to drive even a small hill on highway, risking sudden engine stalling, unprompted deceleration, and power loss at highway speeds, which increases the risk of a crash. Furthermore, the blocked exhaust gases generate extreme temperatures under the hoods if it's running hot presenting a distinct vehicle fire hazard. I have maintained this vehicle and had all previous safety campaigns addressed, including a complete engine replacement and the required engine control software updates. Despite these recalls being fully completed, the vehicle has still suffered this severe exhaust system failure. The Check Engine light was on, and diagnostic scanning shows fault code P2096.I thought it was my transmission but a professional dealer assessment confirmed a manifold catalytic converter," "contamination of honeycomb on front of rear catalytic converter," and severe "contamination on the O2 sensor."He could not fixed An oxygen sensor replaced had to be fixed by someone else Abrasive ceramic dust from the melting manifold structure is actively being drawn back into the engine cylinders, threatening to destroy the newly replaced engine that Kia replaced but . this failure mirrors the exact physic

Engine
Filed Jun 25, 2026OK

My 2015 Kia Sorento is experiencing a catastrophic structural failure of the exhaust system where the front manifold catalytic converter has internally collapsed and broken apart. This is a severe safety hazard because the physical blockage of the exhaust flow creates massive engine backpressure, risking sudden engine stalling, unprompted deceleration, and power loss at highway speeds, which increases the risk of a crash. Furthermore, the blocked exhaust gases generate extreme temperatures under the hood, presenting a distinct vehicle fire hazard. I have proactively maintained this vehicle and had all previous safety campaigns addressed, including a complete engine replacement and the required engine control software updates. Despite these recalls being fully completed, the vehicle has still suffered this severe exhaust system failure. The Check Engine light was on, and diagnostic scanning shows fault code P2096. A professional dealer assessment confirmed a "collapsing manifold catalytic converter," "contamination of honeycomb on front of rear catalytic converter," and severe "contamination on the O2 sensor." An oxygen sensor replaced in December 2025 has already been destroyed by the upstream ceramic debris. Abrasive ceramic dust from the melting manifold structure is actively being drawn back into the engine cylinders, threatening to destroy the newly replaced engine. This failure mirrors the exact physical mechanics and safety risks outlined in Kia's previous safety campai

Structure › BodyFire
Filed Jun 15, 2026PA

2015 Kia Sorento fire on the 7th I was drive lost brakes and steering and as soon as I stop to get out to check the whole truck went up in flames

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 13, 2026DC

I am filing a safety complaint regarding a Kia vehicle I purchased from CarMax Waldorf approximately 3 months ago. The vehicle has developed a strong gasoline/fuel odor that is consistent with a possible fuel leak. This creates a serious safety concern, including the risk of fire or explosion while driving or operating the vehicle. The issue began shortly after purchase and has continued. The vehicle is now unsafe to drive due to the strong fuel smell. When I contacted CarMax about the issue, I was instructed to take the vehicle to a Kia dealership instead of CarMax inspecting or addressing the safety concern themselves. I believe this is improper handling of a potentially dangerous defect in a recently sold vehicle. At this time: * Vehicle emits strong fuel/gas smell * Safety risk increases while driving * Vehicle has been in my possession for only 3 months * Issue appears to be early or pre-existing defect * I was redirected away from CarMax responsibility I am requesting that this safety issue be investigated as a potential fuel system defect and documented appropriately.

Engine
Filed Jun 1, 2026PA

While driving on interstate 380 south,with cruise on ,my engine failed with loud knocikng, Ihad two tractor trailors behind me ,i was lucky to get off road onto side of shoulder this was on May 5,2026. this was the second 2.4 liter theta 2 motor in my sorento, first motor failed at 58.000 miles, second motor failed at 138,000miles. auto was taken to kia dealership in Blakely ,Pa. a NEW MOTER HAS BEEN INST.ALLED UNDER WAURENTEE.MY ENGINE HAS THE KNOICK SENSOR AND SOFTWARE INSTALLED

Engine
Filed May 18, 2026WA

I am filing a safety complaint regarding a 2015 Kia Sorento equipped with the 2.4L Theta II engine. The vehicle developed progressive engine knock, reduced power, and check engine warnings while driving. Diagnostic trouble codes include P0017, P0014, and P0340 relating to crankshaft/camshaft timing correlation and camshaft position faults. A Kia dealership performed diagnostic testing using Kia diagnostic equipment (KDS) and documented abnormal knock activity across all cylinders. The dealer repair order specifically states: * “Found data PIDs for additional knock noise” * “All registering knock on all cylinders” * “Recommend replacement of engine sub assy based on knock detection” The vehicle experiences engine knocking and loss of power that create concern for sudden engine failure or stalling while driving, which could increase crash risk. This complaint is being submitted because the symptoms appear consistent with the known Theta II engine defect involving connecting rod bearing failure, engine knock, seizure, and potential engine failure.

Unknown or Other
Filed May 14, 2026NJ

I own a 2015 Kia Sorento with Snow White Pearl paint. The paint is prematurely peeling/delaminating from multiple areas of the vehicle despite normal maintenance and no accident damage. The vehicle was inspected by a Kia dealership, and I was informed that the condition appears to be a paint defect rather than normal wear and tear. The paint failure is occurring in a manner consistent with numerous complaints from other Kia owners involving Snow White Pearl paint adhesion failure. The peeling paint affects the appearance and value of the vehicle and continues to spread. In areas around the roofline/windshield pillars, exposed surfaces may also create long-term corrosion concerns and potential visibility/safety issues. Kia has acknowledged my complaint under Case #26008837 but has not agreed to repair the defect. I am submitting this complaint because this appears to be a widespread manufacturer paint defect affecting Kia vehicles with Snow White Pearl paint.

Engine
Filed Apr 27, 202694,000 milesID

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle hesitated to maintain automotive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed; however, the diagnostic result was not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 4, 2026NJ

Shift arm gear stuck- unable to shift from park to drive to neutral, reverse, etc.

Power Train
Filed Mar 21, 2026MA

I was driving with my son when my 2015 Kia Sorento stopped in traffic. I remember warning lights coming on my dash including the engine light, oil light and battery light. However, I was more concerned about getting my hazards on so we would not be hit by another car. Traffic was heavy, it was raining and getting dark. I needed to push my car off the road with the help of another driver. A Hyannis ambulance was a few cars behind me and the EMT's also assisted with the traffic and moving my vehicle out of the road. I called AAA and had my car towed. I was told in writing by the Kia dealership that the engine needed to be replaced. I was told verbally by Kia that it was a rod knock issue. When I asked how it was diagnosed with rod knock she said the mechanic put something down in the engine and said its rod knock. I requested through Kia corporate that the car be inspected for the WTY039 extended warranty and corporate said they would reach out to the dealer and ask that it be checked. I have not received any further communication from the dealership or Kia corporate. Yes the vehicle is available for inspection. Safety was an issue because the car stopped so suddenly in heavy traffic. I was not able to slowly decelerate or steer to the side of the road. I felt like a sitting duck. We were extremely lucky that we were not hit from behind at 35 mph resulting in injury to us and to the drivers behind us. Prior to this event there were no warning lights that had come on and no stra

Engine
Filed Mar 18, 2026NC

Was driving vehicle and it began to run hot, check engine light came on then started to make a knocking sound when getting to 30-35 mph. Was inspected by a service center. There it was confirmed an issue with the motor/head gasket

Engine
Filed Mar 17, 2026CA

Eccessive oil consumpion. I related it to the dealir who did not want yo do anything about it. I present this problem yo the dealr beginning of 2024 and sid not wanted to do anything but instructed me yo gather my receipt and come back. By yhe time i pulle all my record 10 yaer of car maintenanxe iy took me yime and i was necer told yhat after 10 yers yhw warrant will expire and thw miles qhere noy valid anymore. I went by the miles knowing that i could do somwnthing about unyil 100,000 miles. When i went back to my dealer, the dealwr had cl9sed down so i yook yhe cae yo anoyher dealer and was yold couldnt do noti g and i should i called costumere caee. I have been calling molyiple yime but no cooperarion on their hand. Knowing yhat i went thwr early yo rwport thw issue thwy are srill noy taking reapo sability. I am reaxhing out for hwl as the car consume an eccessive amount it keep smelling brurning smell and oild needs to be added ever 1000 mile. Please guide me o. How to proceed 8184724019 if u need to reach me. Thanks for ur help in this matter.

Engine
Filed Mar 15, 2026VA

Dealer driving car 35mph. Check engine light started flashing. Burning plastic smell from under hood. Car cut off. Did not restart. Towed to mechanic, was told engine locked up.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Mar 14, 2026PA

I’m tired of replacing my headlight bulbs every month!!! Both high and low beam go out all the time! It’s expensive. Also it is a safety concern. The low beams are dim to begin with and having one go out I have to drive with high beams on due to inability to see. I even upgraded bulbs in hopes of brightening but they also go out all the time.

Seats
Filed Mar 4, 2026CA

Subject: Broken Driver Seat Metal Rod – Safety Hazard in 2015 Kia Sorento To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to report a serious issue involving the driver’s seat in my 2015 Kia Sorento, specifically a broken metal rod inside the seat frame. This part appears to be part of the seat's internal adjustment mechanism and should not fail under normal use. Its failure presents a potential safety hazard. 📌 Vehicle Details: Make/Model: 2015 Kia Sorento VIN [XXX] 5 Registered Owner [XXX] m Address [XXX] 4 Email [XXX] m 📌 Part Label Information: Label reads: “4 Way Manual” Manufacturer: Johnson Controls, Inc. [XXX] MI The part appears to be a seat adjustment rod or structural component Attached is a photo showing the damaged part and label ⚠️ Description of the Problem: While I was driving I hear a snap my seat then slid forward and I was telted to my left side I was going 65 on the freeway almost crashed into wall I discovered a broken metal rod inside the seat frame. This rod is clearly not meant to break under typical use and poses a risk of: Sudden seat movement while driving Decreased driver safety in the event of a crash Reduced structural integrity of the seat I believe this could be a design or manufacturing defect, and it warrants inspection. I am requesting that this issue be investigated and that I be informed if there are any recalls, extended warranties, or safety programs covering this defect. 📎 Attached: Photo of the damaged part and manufacturer label Please let me kn

20 of 750 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2011
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20266200Routine
202573300Routine
202440210Routine
2023119320Routine
2022189610Routine
2021242410Above average
20201341111Fatalities reported
20194262190Above average
20182533111Fatalities reported
20178024320High concern
20161,2488490High concern
2015 — this page7503140Above average
20149866461Fatalities reported
20139815440High concern
20128795770High concern
20111,5178610High concern
20103200Routine
200955310Routine
2008217393Fatalities reported
2007154450Routine
2006242180Above average
2005307051Fatalities reported
20042200121Fatalities reported
2003305131Fatalities reported

Compare every Sorento year →

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: May 10, 2021. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.