2022 Kia Sorento
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 189 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 15th highest complaint count among 23 Sorento model years with reports.
Of the 2022 reports, 4 involved a crash and 1 involved a fire. 4 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Electrical system, wiring, fuses and circuit breakersSep 25, 2025
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Sorento vehicles. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) blower motor wiring harness may be inadequate, which can result in a fire.
A fire increases the risk of injury.
Dealers will replace the wiring harness and blower motor resistor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2026. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC351. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 9, 2025.
Campaign 25V649000 on NHTSA.gov
Back over prevention, sensing system, cameraAug 31, 2023
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Sorento, Sorento Hybrid, and Sorento Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) vehicles. The mounting clips for the rearview camera may break, which can cause the rearview camera image not to appear properly on the display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera housing, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC280.
Campaign 23V610000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmissionOct 11, 2022
Kia Motors, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Sorento and 2021-2023 K5 vehicles. The vehicle's "fail-safe" limited-mobility drive mode may be impaired, when prompted by a transmission oil pump malfunction, which can result in a complete loss of drive power.
Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission, as necessary. Dealers will also update the transmission control unit software. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 9, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC250.
Campaign 22V760000 on NHTSA.gov
Trailer hitchesPark outsideSep 19, 2022
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect the vehicle, and, as necessary, replace the fuse and/or tow hitch harness module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC249.
Campaign 22V703000 on NHTSA.gov
Tires, temporary/emergency spare tireJul 19, 2022
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2022 Sorento and Telluride vehicles. The vehicles may be equipped with an incorrect spare tire which, when installed, can impair the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and the traction control system (TCS). As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Impaired anti-lock braking or traction control systems can increase the risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect and replace the spare tire, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC244.
Campaign 22V509000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, engine, gasoline, turbo/superchargerMar 29, 2022
Kia Motor America (Kia) is recalling certain 2022 Sorento vehicles. The oil supply pipe to the turbocharger may crack, which could result in an oil leak in the engine compartment.
An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Dealers will replace the turbocharger oil supply pipe, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC233.
Campaign 22V202000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
189 reports, newest first.
Other or unspecified, Apr 1, 2025
The AC condenser has failed. Kia said the condenser is damaged in the far corner of the condenser where it meets the rubber. They said the warranty would not cover the repair but could not explain the damage. I have reviewed a webpage where many Kia Sorento owners had this issue. The techs all said the same thing: the rock-damaged condenser and warranty won't cover the cost of almost 1500 dollars. Now, they are stating a rock didn't damage it, but there is unexplainable damage, and they won't cover any costs. The vehicle is a 2022 with 29,000 miles.
Engine, Mar 25, 2025
I received a rock hit that punctured the radiator. The front of this vehicle has large holes in the grill that do not prevent rocks from hitting the radiator. This has required me to replace my radiator at my own cost. Many owners are installing metal mesh behind the front facia to protect the radiator. This vehicle needs to be recalled to install a similar protection and KIA need to reimburse owners for related repairs. A punctured radiator caused loss of coolant to the environment and can lead to catastrophic engine failure if it overheats.
Other or unspecified, Mar 14, 2025
Driving down the road and the sunroof exploded. No other cars were around me so no project was thrown from another vehicle. Took the vehicle to the dealership. The service tech confirmed nothing was thrown and it appears the glass imploded from the inside. We are over 60,000 so not covered by warranty. He stated he would send through to Kia to see if they would replace and was rejected. Was told to take it some place else to get it fixed. Contacted a local auto glass, they will not even touch it. Contacted another, the entire panoramic roof must be replaced even though it was only the front moving part that shattered. I am out $1,300 and a vehicle until the glass arrives which I was told will take weeks. Searching the internet I see there have been numerous complaints of this issue. Something needs to be done. No there was no crash, but very easily could have.
Suspension, Feb 26, 2025
Strut noise
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 26, 2025
The vehicle experienced multiple critical mechanical failures, including defective injectors, transmission issues, and a malfunctioning differential. The dealer repaired some of the previous issues, such as the differential in August 2024 and the transmission in October 2024 (which required three weeks of repair). However, they refused to repair the defective injectors, even after the NHTSA issued an alert on September 1, 2024, regarding injector problems. I was never notified of this alert. On January 8, 2025, while driving with my family, the vehicle suddenly stalled without any warning, creating a dangerous situation on the road and putting our safety at significant risk. This resulted in additional expenses, including towing costs ($300) and alternative transportation by taxi ($150). I had to pay $1,851.98 out of pocket to repair the injectors with an independent mechanic after the dealer refused to cover it. There were no warning lights or messages before the sudden stalling incident. These issues have been partially inspected and addressed by the dealer and independent service centers, but the recurring failures persist, posing ongoing safety risks.
Power train, Jan 26, 2025
Vehicle jerks and goes into a neutral mode while driving. Vehicle shifter still shows it's in "Drive", but vehicle stops moving. Once I drift over to the shoulder of the road, I can shut the engine off and restart. Then it moves. Twice this has happened now. Once on December 13, 2024 and again on January 24, 2025. I reported this to my dealership, Gurley Leep Kia with the first incident and they said it was just a fluke. They did not pursue inspecting anything on the vehicle, knowing some 2022 Sorento's were involved in a transmission recall. In both incidents I was driving on an incline. My VIN currently doesn't have a recall on it, but should. This could result in a crash.
Visibility/wiper, Jan 14, 2025
My wife was driving down the highway (XXX) after dropping our daughter off at school. The closest car was approximately 10 cars ahead of her and there were no vehicles behind her. The outside temperature was about 48 degrees, the A/C was set to about 70 degrees. She was driving about 70mph. My wife described the sound to be what she thought was a shotgun blast above her head followed by wind noise like if the sunroof had opened. She looked in the rear-view mirror and observed glass flying behind the car, and what sounded like glass continuously falling on to the cloth for the retractable headliner. When she arrived home I took pictures of the sun roof and noticed that the glass appeared to be pushed upwards (away from the car) as if the glass had been over-pressurized and "popped". By the looks of the glass it appeared as though something massive had been thrown from the inside of the car through the sun roof (although not possible as my wife is small and the retractable headliner was closed). My two youngest kids were in the car with my wife and if the headliner would have been retracted they 100%, without a doubt in my mind, would have been injured by the blow back of the glass "exploding". For context I am an Aviation Electricians mate in the Navy and it looked the exact same as when we have had windows on our Aircraft fail and they have blown outwards. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Engine, Dec 13, 2024
Engine light came on while driving . Solid light. Car started to vibrate and felt like it would stall. Engine has only 38,000 miles. Kia Greenway Certified Technicians at Hickory. They charged me $200 for the diagnosis. They later said the check engine code was due to bad fuel injectors, I paid $950 for that service. That day I took the car out and after 5 minutes of driving it I had to go back to Kia to tell them my check engine light was on again. Now they said they had to drain the gas because the tank was damaged, They charged me $900 and $350 for the spark plug replacement, but none of that worked. The car continues to have problems and they don't know what it is. There is some defect in this car model that should be investigated because I have read on internet forums and I am not the only one with this complaint.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 9, 2024
I've taken my vehicle to the dealership and explained what issues I'm having. I was told that the TEC experienced the same issues. When I asked for a loaner car until they make the repairs needed I was told that they don't give loaners out unless I call customer relations which I did and filed a complaint. My complaint was escalated to corporate and the person that was handling my complaint told me due to the regulations in my state they're not able to assist me with my concerns. I explained to her that I could not go over 5miles, the truck would and has shut down on me and my family while driving on the interstate. I've had my truck towed three times. Then the transmission light comes on the dealership stated they can't find anything wrong with the truck. At this point I don't even want the truck anymore I don't feel safe driving the vehicle anymore. I explained my concerns to the dealership and corporate office customer escalated Case Representative (Tiffany) and still no one CARES is it going to take for myself or my kids to lose their life in order for them to take this seriously!!!!! Case # [XXX] is my case number.... Please assist me with this matter as I'm currently deployed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Nov 23, 2024
I have had this happen 4 times now with my Sorento hybrid where the gas engine does engage with the drivetrain, leaving only the electric motor providing power. All incidents have occurred where I was sitting idle with the vehicle on. All incidents occurred when I had the vehicle in ECO mode. 2 of the 4 incidents have warnings about pulling over immediately because the hybrid battery was nearly depleted. The only resolution I've had is to pull over or come to a complete stop on the highway and restart my vehicle. Afterwards, the vehicle runs normally. I have not brought this up with a Kia dealer due to others I've discussed with saying Kia does not know what is happening. The circumstances that replicate this problem are probably difficult to recreate.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 5, 2024
I was driving on a busy road when the computer system completely stopped the engine from running and gave a message/notice appear, accompanied with an alarm stating "engine failure." I had to put the car in neutral and try to pull over to safety. This is the third time this has happened. The second time, the dealer repair shop ran a diagnostic test and told me that they reset the computer, and nothing was wrong mechanically. This time, it is sitting at the dealership waiting to have a diagnostic test done, but I was told it was likely just a computer issue. Prior to the engine being completely stopped, the car will jump gears while driving [i.e., from 1st to 5th while going 25 miles an hour and not accelerating], and the car feels like it is misfiring. The car is two years old and has 50,000 miles. It should not have any of these issues. A car should not be putting my life in danger while driving for no reason and without any effort to fix it.
Power train, Seat belts, Vehicle speed control, Oct 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the forward camera was obstructed. The steering over corrected while turned off. The vehicle was accelerating and decelerating independently. The Forward Collision Avoidance system engaged without an object being nearby. Additionally, the driver’s side seat belt randomly unlatched. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, who diagnosed and determined that the transmission and seat belt needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted, who opened a case but declined to buy back the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 28,660.
Engine, Sep 26, 2024
Check engine light came on after a weird sound clanked on start up. Error code p1c2d03 Was told it was a major transmission problem “Not related to the previous recall” I did trade the car in immediately due to being 3000 miles from home when it happened.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Sep 23, 2024
WHILE PARKED ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET. I STARTED CAR AND PUT IT IN REVERSE. CAR WOULD NOT REVERSE WHEN I APPLIED GAS. I SHIFTED TO DRIVE. CAR WOULD NOT GO FORWARD WHEN I APPLIED GAS. REPEATED ATTEMPT TO REVERSE. NO MOVEMENT. SHIFTED INTO DRIVE AND AFTER APPLYING MORE PEDAL , ALMOST TO FLOOR, CAR LURCHED FORWARD. IN JUST ABOUT 30 MINUTES LATER CAR AGAIN WOULD NOT MOVE WHEN REVERSING. IT DID GO FORWARD IN DRIVE THE SECOND TIME. THE KIA DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN DEALING WITH A COMPLAINT REGARDING THE CAR GOING INTO LIMP MODE WHILE MERGING IN TRAFFIC ...AN ON GOING PROBLEM SINCE THE CAR WAS AT 25,000 MILES. THEY HAVE "RESET" THE TRANSMISSION ACCORDING TO A RECALL NOTICE BUT SAY THEY CAN NOT REPLACE TRANSMISSION WITHOUT A "CODE" THAT VERIFIES IT IS THE TRANSMISSION. THIS IS A NEW ISSUE BUT ALSO UNABLE TO PULL ANY CODES. THERE IS A DEFINITE SAFETY CONCERN WITH DRIVING THIS CAR. WHAT CAN I DO.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 8, 2024
6 different times my wife has driven the vehicle and when at a stop and restart the vehicle will not go over 25 mph even when the gas pedal is pushed to the floor. The vehicle while driving would lose power and decelerate and would only go 25-30 mph. I have two videos of it happening with her even after the previous day of the vehicle being at the dealership for the same problem. The A on the dash was not supposed to be blinking while driving according to dealership rep. I have the videos also but can’t upload them because they are bigger than allowed. I am concerned after reading reviews of other owners having the same problem but no resolution has been found. I am concerned for my family that ride in the vehicle to neighboring states for ball tournaments. Please help try to find a resolution to this issue before my family or another is injured or killed.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 26, 2024
The vehicle began misfiring while driving on the highway. The check engine light turned on. The vehicle shook violently when the gas pedal was pressed. The vehicle was unable to accelerate and required the driver to pull over on the side of the highway. This issue has presented itself several times since the original incident. After multiple visits to the dealer, the issue has NOT been resolved. The check engine light has been caused by code P0301 (misfire cylinder 1) as well as P0304 (misfire cylinder 4). Spark plugs and ignition coils have been replaced by the dealer, but the issue still persists. Forcing the vehicle to pull over and being unable to accelerate on the highway is risk to the driver's safety as well as the safety of other vehicles on the road. The vehicle also now struggles to start and begins misfiring when left off overnight and started cold.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jul 26, 2024
Automatic stop start admission. Was turning right on a green light. The vehicle stalled while trying to take the turn. All the dash lights flickered and the dashboard made a buzzing sound. Then vehicle then shut off, while trying to take the turn. There was 4 people in the vehicle 2 of them small children. We almost got hit on the left side of the vehicle. Because the light that was green had turned red. This is the fourth time the vehicle had failed us. By shutting off while driving. We having taken the vehicle in 2 times to be inspected by Kia, but have been told there is nothing wrong with the vehicle. But we are still having issues. There is no warning signs that the vehicle is going to shut off. It shows it after the fact.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Jul 9, 2024
10/19/2022 – Vehicle stuck in drive and would not shift out of drive. Vehicle towed to the dealer and not touched for a day and a half. Dealer found walnut lodged in shifter column which was preventing the shifter from going into park. Dealer also performed software update on vehicle. 10/21/2022 – Picked up vehicle and it was shifting very hard through every gear, returned to the dealer for further repairs. 10/26/2022 – Picked up vehicle again and performance improved but it still shifted hard and lurched when coming to a stop and when going in reverse. Dealer stated that they had retrained the transmission and performed another software update related to the transmission. I told them that I was driving out of town tomorrow morning for 10 days and that this was the only vehicle I could take and asked if they could provide a rental. Dealer stated that the current issues would not cause any long-term damage and that I could bring it back when I got back in town and that they would take care of it then. 11/17/2022 – Returned vehicle to dealer to correct the previous issues, they said that they did another software update and that it is shifting properly. Performance has improved but the vehicle would still lurch when going into reverse and occasionally when coming to a stop. 12/22/2022 – Returned vehicle for scheduled maintenance and safety recall for the transmission. Another software update was performed and transmission has been working without issue so far. 4/18/2024 - When driving while accelerating we experience a significant loss of power and it will not accelerate as normal. I can have the pedal nearly to the floor and it will barely move. When this occurs you can see the @ symbol flashing on the dash but no other warning lights or indicators. This is the 6th time this happened since February of this year and it has happened 3 times while on the on ramp to the freeway. This has continues to occur at least 3 times a week every week.
Seats, Jun 20, 2024
Drivers seat is moving all the way forward & inclining all the way towards steering wheel while operating vehicle and I am unable to stop stop it or move it back. This has happened to me 4 times now, 2 of them at high speeds & there is no rhyme or rhythm to when or if you can adjust the seat back. It stayed all the way up after parking & sitting in my driveway for about 14 hours, I was able to move it back but after driving it about 2 miles it moved all the way up again & I so far am unable to move it back. This nearly caused me to crash the first time it happened & I am simply lucky to by thin enough to fit in the tiny space & somewhat see the road long enough to stop. Someone 10 pounds heavier likely would not be so lucky & would most certainly crash.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 7, 2024
On 3/5/24, the vehicle began to limp shortly after starting it and driving a little ways. I pulled off and a majority of the lights on the dash came on. I turned vehicle off and then on, and the check engine light stayed on. I was then able to drive car as normal. The check engine light eventually went off. Service department said they were unable to do anything unless the light was on. For the next few months, upon starting the car, the auto start/stop light would flash on the dashboard. The car would limp until you turn the car off and back on. Once turned back on, the car would drive normally. On 5/20/24, check engine light came back on. Drove to dealership where I had to schedule an appointment for diagnostic testing. On 6/6/24, I had diagnostic testing done at a service department where they found that the fuel rail had gone bad.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 8, 2024
My 2022 Kia Sorento has 18K miles on it and in Feb 2024 the first incident of this issue occurred. I will be accelerating or driving through traffic (coming on and off the gas), the car will lurch several times, and then the gas pedal will stop working and the car loses all acceleration. No engine light or warning comes on. The car remains on, but it won't accelerate. I have to restart the car one or more times to get the acceleration to reengage. Since Feb 2024 it has happened 4 times, most recently on May 7, 2024. On these occasions I was driving 5-10mph, 30mph, 40mph, and once at 60mph. I have had all other required maintenance performed, checks performed, etc. I have taken it to the dealer where I leased the vehicle twice. They have not been able to replicate the issue. I'm not sure what this means, "is it available for inspection upon request" but if someone wanted to inspect it, absolutely it's available. The car completely stops accelerating, foot to the floor on the gas pedal and no acceleration happens. This happened to me on 4 separate occasions at 5-10mph, 30mph, 40mph, and once at 60mph at exactly the busiest and heavily trafficked highway in my area that has accidents on a daily basis. It's extremely dangerous. I have taken the car in twice, am scheduled for a third visit. They've kept it for multiple days both times and haven't been able to replicate the issue. The vehicle/component has NOT been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others There were no other warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. The engine light does not come on. No other warning signs of symptoms before this started happening or before each failure. The first issue happened on Feb 6, 2024, then again on March 22, 2024, then again on March 23, 2024, then again on May 7, 2024.
Power train, Service brakes, Engine, Apr 12, 2024
I was driving on the highway when my car suddenly lost all power. I tried to brake, but the pedal went straight to the floor several times with no pressure. The car finally slowed down, and I believe the ABS kicked in, causing a jerky stop. I managed to pull over, but the engine was barely idling and seemed on the verge of stalling. This was a very dangerous situation. Not only did losing power on the highway put me at risk, but I also had to wait on the side of the road at night in the rain with traffic whizzing by. When I initially checked for the problem, I noticed a strong smell of gasoline and exhaust fumes, with no other indications of failure. Check engine light is now on, and there was a warning failure but i can not recall what it said.
Visibility/wiper, Mar 29, 2024
Without warning or indication, my windshield wipers stopped working in a heavy night rainstorm causing me to not be able to see anything. The dealership told me to bring my car in the next morning, while it was still raining, and they said they don’t know what caused it but stated that I need a replacement windshield wiper motor. They ‘escalated’ the issue due to the safety concern involved with lack of functional windshield wipers. As of today, 3/29, Kia continues to tell me there is no ETA of the windshield wiper motor. The wipers are stuck in reverse and only work occasionally… but in reverse. Most times they do not work. I have been in constant communication with the dealership and Kia customer care and no one is able to help or offer a loaner car, but everyone I speak to confirms that this is in fact a safety issue and continues to tell me the case is being escalated. How high does it need to be escalated before a part is received and the issue is fixed? I do not feel safe driving in this condition as it has been raining a lot and no one seems to care about my safety. I don’t want to get into an accident due to limited or completely obstructed visibility. It is now spring and spring in NY means alot of rain, and since 3/6 it has rained more days than not. Today, kia customer care sent me an email saying that the part was ordered on [XXX], but it should have been ordered on [XXX] which was the date I went to the dealership where they confirmed my windshield wiper motor needs to be replaced. I am getting the run around from Kia and associated dealerships and want to feel safe. Please help. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Engine, Mar 29, 2024
The car just randomly turns off mid drive, several times a week. Even in drive the engine turns off and says I need to put it in park and return on the whole car, very unsafe.
Equipment, Mar 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while using the OEM jack, it became stuck underneath the vehicle. The jack was very flimsy and was bent. The contact sustained injuries to his face, but no medical attention was provided. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,998.