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Kia Sorento — Years to Avoid

Reliability breakdown of every Kia Sorento model year. Based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, and safety investigations.

Model Years
24
Years to Avoid
2016, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011
Best Years
2026, 2025, 2024, 2023, 2010, 2009, 2007
2026Best Year
0 complaints2 recalls3 TSBs
2025Best Year
89 complaints3 recalls20 TSBs
2024Best Year
44 complaints2 recalls39 TSBs
2023Best Year
148 complaints3 recalls42 TSBs
2022
245 complaints6 recalls75 TSBs
2021
281 complaints4 recalls1 invest.94 TSBs
2020
164 complaints1 recalls1 invest.82 TSBs
2019
577 complaints2 recalls1 invest.108 TSBs
2018
305 complaints3 recalls1 invest.190 TSBs
2017
976 complaints4 recalls3 invest.236 TSBs
2016Avoid
1,568 complaints8 recalls3 invest.269 TSBs
2015
935 complaints3 recalls4 invest.200 TSBs
2014Avoid
1,345 complaints6 recalls8 invest.259 TSBs
2013Avoid
1,283 complaints5 recalls10 invest.227 TSBs
2012Avoid
1,194 complaints5 recalls10 invest.232 TSBs
2011Avoid
2,068 complaints8 recalls10 invest.201 TSBs
2010Best Year
3 complaints2 recalls1 invest.10 TSBs
2009Best Year
79 complaints3 recalls1 invest.16 TSBs
2008
314 complaints3 recalls3 invest.18 TSBs
2007Best Year
224 complaints4 recalls3 invest.23 TSBs
2006
382 complaints1 recalls1 invest.19 TSBs
2005
457 complaints0 recalls27 TSBs
2004
341 complaints0 recalls22 TSBs
2003
421 complaints1 recalls1 invest.30 TSBs

How we calculate this

Each year receives a composite risk score based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, safety investigations, and technical service bulletins. Years scoring more than 2x the model's average are flagged as “years to avoid.” Years in the lowest risk bracket are marked as “best years.” All data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Which Kia Sorento Years Should You Avoid?

Based on federal safety data, the 2016, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011 Kia Sorento are the most problematic years, with significantly higher rates of owner complaints, recalls, and safety investigations compared to other model years.

If you're shopping for a used Kia Sorento, consider the 2026, 2025, 2024, 2023, 2010, 2009, 2007 model years — these have the fewest reported issues relative to other years.

24 model years analyzed