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.
Engine, Jul 25, 2023
Driving along, slow down and signal to make a right hand turn. Start the turn and all dash lights illuminate and engine dies, coasting through the damn intersection. 2nd time this happened. No check engine light, no codes……wtf KIA?
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 25, 2023, crash
The contact owned a 2022 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while approaching a stop light, she lost consciousness. The contact crashed into another vehicle as the air bags deployed and the front driver side tire had separated from the vehicle. The other driver sustained injuries; however, their whereabouts were unknown. An employee from a nearby dental office removed the contact from the vehicle and placed her inside the office. When the contact regained consciousness, the dental employee informed her that a strong unknown odor had emitted from the vehicle which prompted her to remove the contact from the vehicle. The contact believed that this odor caused her to lose consciousness which resulted in the accident. The contact sustained an injured left eye and bruises to her forehead. The contact later sought medical attention at a hospital where she was treated for her injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent tow yard. The dealer and the manufacturer were both notified of the failure but neither have offered any assistance. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. The failure mileage was approximately 3,200. The VIN was not available.
Power train, Jun 26, 2023
Received "Stop Vehicle Immediately" warning on 5/11/23. Notified Destination KIA service department on 5/12/23 and was advised that if the check engine light was not on, that I shouldn't bring vehicle in. Destination KIA scheduled recall service for 07/09/23. On 5/13/23, vehicle lost all power, on highway, and rolled to a stop. Vehicle stopped on a bridge, with no shoulder, and in a travel lane. Myself and three occupants were placed in substantial risk of being struck by other vehicles. Vehicle was diagnosed at Destination KIA and determined this was a result of transmission failure.
Power train, Forward collision avoidance, Jun 16, 2023
Failures with power train around 12,000 miles. Code P1C2D03. Engine jumps gears and may require full transmission replacement. Upon research, there are at least nine other separate complaints of the same issue under 12,000 miles. Car was brought in a month earlier to have the front camera replaced due to a latent defect in the sensor causing forward assist to erroneously lock the brakes while driving. As an aerospace/automotive quality engineer, I am appalled that there isn't a major recall on this vehicle for powertrain failures under 12,000 miles. https://www.carcomplaints.com/Kia/Sorento/2022/transmission/transmission_failed.shtml 12/27/22 – At around 12,000 miles the SUV wouldn't accelerate while driving 20mph to 40mph. Also, it wouldn't get out of 1st gear off the line. On its 3rd transmission in 2 months. 8/4/22 - Kia Sorento is 5 months old, with 2017 miles locally driven, and this is the third time the transmission has failed me while driving. 2/21/22 - Transmission failed at 1561 miles. It would accelerate to 3000rpm, do the 1-2 shift then bang back to 1st gear. https://www.kia-forums.com/threads/transmission-recall-updated-information.360349/ 4/2/23 - Waiting to hear whether I’ll need a new transmission on my SX Prestige 2022 Sorento. 8000 miles on the clock and it started struggling to change out of first. 5/4/22 - same with my 2021 Sorento 11,582 miles, been at the dealers since last Thursday night (4/28/22). This is what’s on my Kia app…Code P1C2D03. (1) Powertrain 5/8/22 - Same milage basically here at 10,400mi for my failure. Transmission was not rebuilt for me FYI. It was a brand new transmission from factory shipped in. 5/10/22 - Check engine code was P1C2D03. I have had the car 15months, and not even 25k yet. Mine is 2021 SX 2.5Turbo AWD https://sorentoforums.com/threads/2021-kia-sorento-transmission-light-wont-move.149/ 5/10/22 - Mine is the same code P1C2D03 and they tell me they've never seen this code before. I have 8500 miles on it.
Service brakes, May 24, 2023
The ABS system did not activate when emergency breaking nor did the system indicate anything was wrong with the ABS (no warning lights on dash board). When emergency breaking, the wheels locked causing the car the slide straight forward. The vehicle has not been inspected by any parties.
Steering, Fuel/propulsion system, May 19, 2023
This is the info that was given to kia : VERIFIED CONCERN, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON VEHICLE IDLING ROUGH, SCANNED FOR CODES AND FOUND CODE P0303 PRESENT, MONITORED WITH LIVE DATA AND CAN SEE HEAVY MISFIRES ON CYLINDER #3, REMOVED SPARK PLUG AND SWAPPED TO CYLINDER 1 AND REMOVED COIL AND SWAPPED WITH CYLINDER 4, REMONITORED AND MISFIRE REMAINED ON CYLINDER 3, NO FUEL ON SPARK PLUGS, PROCEEDED TO PERFORM COMPRESSION TEST, FOUND 60 PSI ON CYLINDER 3, PERFORMED WET COMPRESSION TEST AND READING WENT TO 120 PSI, PERFORMED COMPRESSION TEST ON CYLINDER 1,2,3, FOUND 90 PSI IN ALL OTHER CYLINDERS. was told i would need a new engine but have now been denied it. The car has stopped on me and shakes while I drive it. It has an active recall and have been told there is no solution for it. The dealer confirmed issues and recall that is active with no remediation. Have contacted dealership as well as corporate kia and have not been able to get any resolution. this issue apperaed first with a check engine light Sep 2022 ,
Other or unspecified, May 15, 2023
Have token vehicle to dealer ship twice and no resolution
Other or unspecified, Apr 24, 2023
While traveling on the highway about 70m/hr. the glass sunroof exploded while operation the vehicle. The glass explored/shattered in upwards direction. There was not trucks or overpass around for any object to fall from or strike the vehicle/sunroof. The explosion was comparable to shotguns or "like a bomb". My first thought was that tire blown but I didn't loose steering. After the assurance, I pull over immediately to the side of the route in safe place to inspect the vehicle. After the inspection of the vehicle, I noticed that sunroof glass shattered in pieces. Thanks god the curtained was closed at the time of the incident. This is something I never experienced in my life. Based on the information available on the website, this is not the first time happened and there is complains already filed. It is defiantly dangers and may result in crash, face injury and possible death caused by collision. Kia Dealership has been informed and appointment has been scheduled. Kia motors did not made decision on repair yet to classify as manufacturing defect.
Visibility/wiper, Visibility, Apr 24, 2023
While driving a vehicle on the highway, the sunroof exploded violently. The large, moving piece of the panoramic sunroof appears to have broken outwards. Large pieces of glass and smaller pieces landed in the front and middle of the cabin, including on the driver. Small chunks of glass landed on and cut the driver of the vehicle. A loud sound occurred. This was very startling, the glass was very dangerous, and we were lucky that no one was in the middle seats where the glass primarily fell. This occurred in a temperate (high 60s or low 70s F) climate and with no prior damage to the glass. No sign of an impact from anything on the glass. The sunroof cover was pulled back while the glass was in the closed position. The vehicle is at the dealer and we are reaching out to the manufacturer.
Power train, Apr 21, 2023
When accelerating onto a highway from a stop the vehicle hesitated to the point that a collision with cross traffic was imminent. This has happened 5-6 times in the year we have owned the vehicle. It is not predictable and mechanics have not been able to duplicate the problem. This happened a week ago and we were able to see the Electronic Stability Control indicator light flash on and off as the hesitation occurred. We have had the KIA dealership in Joplin, MO try to troubleshoot the problem but to no avail. The dealership has installed other transmission-related updates but none have fixed this problem. We are unable to report this on the KIA website due to glitches on the site such as "invalid VIN" or "session has timed out". The Sorento "Features and Functions Guide", page 44, comments that "aggressive acceleration maneuvers" may cause a "slight time lag" due to clutch overheating in cars with Dual Clutch Transmission. The incidents we have experienced have been associated with what we would consider to be normal acceleration needs.
Trailer hitches, Apr 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V703000 (Trailer Hitches) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that he contacted the dealer who stated that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power train, Apr 2, 2023
Loss of power while shifting gears for roughly 3 seconds between each gear change causing check engine light to illuminate. No issues detected by Kia diagnostic check in Kia Access app. Believed to be a similar issue as stated in recall 22V760000 regarding power train, but has yet to result in a complete loss of power.
Trailer hitches, Mar 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V703000 (Trailer Hitches) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Trailer hitches, Mar 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V703000 (Trailer Hitches) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The local dealer was notified of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the part was not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Other or unspecified, Feb 14, 2023, crash
I went to take my husband coffee put my car in park got out to get my son out of the back passenger side seat of the car and when I got to the back passenger side seat, I try to unlock the door the door was locked so I went back around to get back to the driver seat to unlock the door and before I could get all the way back to the driver side door I heard a loud click and my car jolted forward and crashed into my husband’s truck with my two year old in the backseat. I notified Kia. They towed it to the nearest dealership. It’s been there for a week, but they’re refusing to do anything or provide me with a loaner vehicle at this time. I’ve been working with a representative and his Only concern seems to be getting pictures of the damage that was done to the front of the vehicle when in reality, they really need to be looking at the computer in my car to see what actually happened. Although it caused damage to both my vehicle and my husband’s vehicle, I am grateful that my husband’s vehicle was there to stop my car because It could have been so much worse!
Electrical system, Engine, Feb 4, 2023
The Sorento went in for three recalls on 1/24/2023 at 6970 miles. These were tow hitch recall ( no tow hitch on the vehicle) . SC250 8 speed electrical oil pump and SC252 B HECU inspection. One week later , (and after approx. 35 miles) , while driving all warning lights started flashing and the engine lost power. Luckily I was in an area where I could stop and when the car was in neutral with all lights warning still flashing the engine ran irregularly between 1000 and 1500 revs. When I tried to put in back in gear and drive it just limped at a about 5 miles per hour and when you depressed the accelerator nothing happened. I switched car off and waited 10 seconds and restarted it. This time the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) stayed on. I then switched it off again and waited 30 minutes. This time all lights went out and the engine operated normally. I immediately phone the dealer who did the recalls and who then examined the car. The error codes they found were P065312 (engine) C1161386 Brake) C136081 C174181 C161381 (Front Radar) C161386 C164286 (Front View camera) C169381111111 (Rear corner radar). They redid the SC 250 update and test drove the vehicle to see if the problem reoccurred. It did not and the vehicle was returned to me on 2/3/2023. With the sudden loss in engine power this could have been very serious had it happened on an expressway. My wife is now too scared to drive the vehicle. I did phone KIA Customer service to report the issue and their file number is 15300218
Power train, Electrical system, Jan 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was jerking and was losing motive power while at a stop light. The vehicle was able to restart, and no warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where an unknown software update was completed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact stated that the failure recurred and the gauges on the instrument panel were failing to display and that the auto START/STOP function and the downhill brake control were activating and deactivating independently while driving on flat surfaces. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the failure could not be duplicated. The contact then stated that when she was shifting the gear into drive(D) the vehicle started reversing, and while shifting into park(P), the vehicle moved forward. Additionally, the contact stated two unknown warning lights had illuminated intermittently and that while driving at approximately 50 MPH, the Forward Collision Avoidance Emergency Automatic Braking activated independently and caused the vehicle to swerve. The vehicle was then taken to Kia of Valencia (24095 Creekside Rd, Santa Clarita, CA 91355) where it was diagnosed that the Lo-Jack system needed to be removed; however, after the removal the contact stated that the failure recurred. The contact was awaiting another service appointment for additional diagnostic test and repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 13,882.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jan 27, 2023
Dear. NHTSA Good morning, Yesterday I filed a complaint regarding 2022 Kia Sorento Car Problems regarding recall issues. This morning, I received a response from NHTSA saying that NHTSA cannot help with this matter. My complaint is about serious car issues which concernts 2 recall issues. Kia America took my car for repair on 12/20/22 and today is 01/27/23 Until today, Kia American is not responding about my car. Kindly re-review my complaint and help advise. My case information is as below. Request #[XXX] Re: Kia Customer Care Case#[XXX] Thank you for your help. Best regards, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Engine, Jan 26, 2023
Dear. NHTSA I owned a 2022 Kia Sorento and my vehicle had serious issues. I have attached Complaint Letter as a PDF file. Kindly review and advise your help. Thank you so much. Best regards, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Jan 18, 2023
There was a complete loss of motive power. Myself and my passenger were on a busy 5 lane road approaching a busy intersection when the check engine light came on as well as a "Stop Safely Immediately" message and an audible chime sound. Then the car lost power. I was in the middle lane and had no way nor time to pull over safely before the vehicle lost power. Thank goodness I was slowing down for a stop light. This was the first time I had received any warnings, messages or other symptoms. The vehicle was towed to the dealership. They tell me that the recall number 22V760 is not the reason for the incident, but they do not know what the problem is. They have now had my vehicle for 43 days and still do not know what is wrong with it. I just completed a letter to KIA Consumer affairs as a written demand for a refund. I am calling them and filing a complaint online tomorrow.
Visibility, Jan 10, 2023
On January 4, 2023, the windshield cracked without any outside force (no rocks, vandalism, etc.) it began underneath the passenger wiper moved upward and curved toward the drivers side. As I drove the following days, the crack grew and eventually splintered in a third direction, also with no outside forces. The stress of the crack formed a bubble-like crack in the middle of where it splintered. By the time I was able to get it to the dealership, the bubble was more of a hole. It is no longer available for inspection because it is at the dealership to be repaired. It effected my visibility and with how quickly and easily it spread I felt I was in danger of the windshield cracking to the point of breaking out completely at any time which could have caused an accident. The dealership denied the defect claiming the hole that was produced where the crack splintered was the origin and was caused by a rock. I explained and provided an earlier photo showing the stress bubble, but they still denied the claim. It was inspected at the dealership but pictures are forwarded to an outside source who makes the decision whether it is a defect of damage. There were no warning signs this would happen, no objects hit my windshield, I saw it happen as I was driving. It has been raining steadily and I believe the defect is near the installation point of the wipers which caused the crack.
Trailer hitches, Jan 10, 2023
2022 KIA SORENTO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO NHTSA SAFETY RECALL 22V-703.
Visibility/wiper, Jan 4, 2023
This safety issue involves the windshield wipers. It is available for inspection upon request but must be inspected when it is snowing or freezing rain. When there is inclement weather such as temperatures dropping to create ice or wet and slushy snow, the wipers can not function correctly and you can then not see out your windshield and must drive with them stuck across the face of your windshield. The channel that holds the wipers fills with ice easily. Since the wipers on the 2022 Kia Sorento must retract under the hood during normal operation, they are not able to if ice or slush has accumulated in that channel. Therefore instead, they go up and down only about 5 inches. Even if you turn them off to try to clear and break up the ice in the channel, you can not do so as they are still moving. The only way to stop them from making this 5 inch movement is to shut the vehicle off. Warming up the Sorento does not prevent this from happening. Our safety was put at risk because every time this happens, we are unable to see out the windshield clearly at all. We must pull off the road and manually wipe the windshield off which is dangerous and could cause an accident. Someone could run into us outside trying to clear the windshield, rear end our vehicle putting their lives at risk as well. The dealer today could not replicate this action, the formation of this ice, as it was above freezing. We were advised to record the action (or lack thereof) with our phone video next time it happened. The manufacturer did not see this happen. There were no warning lights. We are hesitant to drive our new AWD vehicle in the snow as we could be put in a dangerous situation. This is the whole reason we bought an AWD vehicle! So we could get safely around town in the winter. We are also afraid of the wiper motor burning out or having a shortened life span.
Power train, Jan 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed, he heard abnormal sounds coming from the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact continued driving to his destination. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer where a software upgrade on the transmission was performed. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V760000 (Power Train). The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and had the recall repair completed. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact took the vehicle back to the dealer, but the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact continued to experience the failure. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.
Power train, Dec 29, 2022
There was a complete loss of motive power. Myself and my passenger were on a busy 5 lane road approaching a busy intersection when the check engine light came on as well as a "stop safely immediately" message and an audible chime sound. Then the car lost power. I was in the middle lane and had no way nor time to pull over safely. Thank goodness I was slowing down for a stop light. This was the first time I had received any warnings, messages or other symptoms. The vehicle was towed into my KIA Dealership. They have had the car since December 6th and have not been able to tell me what is wrong. Before I received my recall letter, I had researched where other people have had the same issue and that KIA was recalling over 65,000 Kia's for this problem. KIA has run diagnostics on the vehicle but claims it is not due to this issue. Then on December 27th I received a safety recall for this very same issue stating that this notice applies to my vehicle and had my VIN number on it. The dealership has been waiting for KIA to diagnose the problem and have no idea when I can have my vehicle back. After demanding a loaner vehicle from KIA, two weeks later, I was finally given a Hertz rental car that is not comparable to my vehicle and which I have to pay $14.99 daily for insurance that KIA would not pay for.