2023 Kia Sorento
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 120 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 18th highest complaint count among 23 Sorento model years with reports.
Of the 2023 reports, 3 involved a crash and 2 involved a fire. 3 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
Equipment, other, labelsAug 15, 2023
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Sorento vehicles. The air bag warning labels on the driver and front passenger sun visors may detach. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
A detached air bag warning label will not warn occupants about the risks of air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Dealers will inspect and replace the driver and front passenger sun visors, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 10, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC277.
Campaign 23V579000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
120 reports, newest first.
Other or unspecified, May 13, 2026
I have had to replace my radiator twice in under 2 years because the open spaces in the grill are too large and rocks are able to go through them and puncture the radiator.
Other or unspecified, May 5, 2026
The issue is the front grill design. Kia left the radiator completely exposed behind the grill with no protective barrier. Over time, dust, debris, and rocks collect and pass right through, causing serious damage to the radiator. Based on my experience and the experiences of hundreds of other owners, you will likely need to replace your entire radiator within the first three years of ownership. It is not covered under warranty. You will be expected to pay out of pocket in my case, $1,350, for damage caused by their faulty design. The "solution" owners are left with? Going on Amazon and purchasing a metal mesh grill guard to install yourself, just to protect a part that should have been protected from the factory. A consumer should not have to modify a brand-new vehicle to prevent a critical component from being destroyed under normal driving conditions. If the grill had been designed properly in the first place, none of this would be necessary.
Other or unspecified, May 1, 2026
The backup camera on the trunk of the 2023 Kia Sorrento has fallen out. It is attached only by the wires. Apparently, my specific vehicle is not a part of the initial recall; however, the camera has fallen out and is now hanging. I do not feel as though I should be responsible for this repair as it is due to a manufacturing issue.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Apr 30, 2026
2023 Kia sorento rear camera mounting bracket broke. There was are recall SC280 in 2023. Rear camera recently fell out of housing unit and is hanging. Still under warranty, dealership and Kia America refusing to cover and pay for issue. Want a new housing unit and brackets because it is similar to recall noticed.
Service brakes, Apr 10, 2026
I purchased this car with approximately 22,000 miles on it. I have had to have OEM rotor resurface / replacement at the dealership approximately almost every oil change or about every 6,000 miles for about 30k miles (2 replacements, 3 resurface in an 18 month period). They sent out a Kia engineer last time it happened.
Power train, Mar 24, 2026
Transmission went out while driving on highway. Dealership said they need to replace the entire transmission.
Other or unspecified, Mar 18, 2026
February 23 2026: Discoverd the rear window had imploded on its own overnight. investigated with the neighbor's Ring camera to see if there was suspicious activity overnight and found there was none. I had the glass replaced. I thought this was bizarre to have a window implode but didn't think anything else. March 17, 2026: Driving home from an errand the rear window imploded again with the most impressive sound-like a gunshot- and the window bits sprayed inside the vehicle. The sound was so loud my ears rang for approx 2 hours afterwards. I have the repair people coming out again, but am working with the local Kia Dealership to source the reason for the issue. This is no longer a one-off problem, but a particular car defect. There have been no warnings or extreme weather temperature changes that could factor into the problem. The incidents are sudden and without warning or reason. I have photographs from both incidents.
Electrical system, Mar 10, 2026
I am writing to report a mechanical failure with my Kia vehicle that occurred on January 19, 2026. While stopped at a red light, my vehicle suddenly shut off and would not restart. Although the electrical lights came on, the engine would not turn over. Because my car was stuck in the middle of the intersection blocking traffic, I had to call 911 for assistance. When the police arrived, the officer attempted to jump-start the vehicle, but it still would not start. A tow truck was then called to remove the vehicle from the roadway. I paid $290 out of pocket to have the vehicle towed to a nearby repair shop. After diagnosing the issue, the shop determined that the starter had completely failed. I purchased the vehicle on May 15, 2023. At the time of the failure, the vehicle had just exceeded the 60,000-mile warranty, leaving me responsible for the repair. I paid approximately $500 out of pocket to replace the starter. Given the short time between purchasing the vehicle and the failure of the starter, I believe this may indicate a defective component.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Engine, Mar 7, 2026
UNKNOWN However multiple times the front end of the vehicle starts shaking when I try to break up especially on the highway. The dealership claimed to have repaired it once and shortly after it happened again. When I took it in they first looked and said the parts was ordered but nothing was done then came back and said oh yes it was done then refused to fix it without a charge so I had to pay to repair it since I feared that the brake would give out if I drive it. The other issue was the check engine light just popped up check engine while driving on the highway, when I take it in they are stating that I may have left the gas tank open which is absolutely false. They cleared it but could not or neglect to explain why it was on. All these incidents occur while on highways never in the general local areas.
Visibility, Mar 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 10 MPH, after making a left turn, the sunroof shattered with the sunroof cover closed. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and inspected, but the contact was unaware that the sunroof had exploded. The vehicle was taken to the residence, where the contact’s husband became aware that the sunroof had shattered. The contact had not sustained any injuries. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the sunroof had exploded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 39,000.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Feb 26, 2026
While driving on the interstate at 70 mph the front part of the panoramic sunroof exploded. There was no debris or road hazards that caused it.
Other or unspecified, Feb 24, 2026
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? —-The radiator How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? ——possible fire and engine damage Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? —— dealer stated rock chip damage. Contesting as manufacturer defect. They should be a plate to protect from this. Advertisement show vehicles off road so how can a normal highway driving cause this type of alleged damage. Is there No manufacturer design to prevent this flaw. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? ——no Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? —— yes, warning message on 3/21/26
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 11, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the "Low Oil" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact immediately pulled over and called for assistance. A service technician arrived at the scene and added engine oil, and the vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic to be inspected. The vehicle was inspected, and the contact was informed that the bolts on the oil pan were loose, causing oil to leak from the engine. The bolts were tightened. The mechanic then informed the contact that certain Kia vehicles were under investigation for failures with the oil pan and that the vehicle was possibly affected. The contact stated that approximately 4 hours after the oil service, the "Low Oil" message returned. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer for inspection. The dealer was unaware of any investigations regarding the engine oil pan, and the vehicle remained with the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.
Electrical system, Jan 31, 2026
Screen not responding properly
Other or unspecified, Jan 9, 2026, fire
I am reporting a vehicle fire that occurred in June 2025 involving my Kia vehicle. On the day of the incident, I started my car and immediately noticed excessive smoke coming out of the air vents, along with a strong burning smell. I drove only a short distance and pulled into a gas station across the street to stop and check what was wrong. While stopped, my children in the back seat alerted me that there was a fire coming from the rear AC vent area. I known it was fire because I saw flames inside the AC vent located in the back seat area of the vehicle. I immediately got my children out of the car and ran inside the store to ask for help. When I walked back outside moments later, my entire vehicle was engulfed in flames. The vehicle was a total loss. At the time of the incident, there was no recall issued for my vehicle. However, in November 2025, I received a recall notice from Kia by mail that appears to be related to the cause of the fire. I purchased this vehicle from Toyota Cavender in October 2024. Since the fire, I have contacted Kia multiple times seeking assistance and resolution, but I am still waiting for a response. This fire occurred without warning and put my children and me in immediate danger.
Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Jan 6, 2026
I purchased a new 2023 Kia Sorento in February 2023 from Ken Garff Kia Avondale. Since shortly after purchase, the vehicle has experienced repeated electrical and mechanical failures that substantially impair safety. In July 2023, the vehicle began displaying flashing lights, dashboard error messages, and system malfunctions while driving, despite no collision or visible damage. The air conditioning system malfunctioned and blew hot air even when turned off. The dealership stated a front sensor was “damaged” and not warranty-covered, despite no visible damage, and verbally indicated that many other customers were experiencing similar issues. Repairs took nearly four months, during which Kia Corporate engineers were involved. The issue persisted despite repairs. In December 2024, the vehicle began displaying repeated transmission system error warnings, often within the first 5–10 minutes of driving, causing significant loss of speed and drivability. After multiple service visits, the vehicle required a full transmission replacement in July/August 2025 under warranty. Despite this repair, the same transmission errors returned in December 2025. More critically, the vehicle then experienced multiple sudden and complete electrical shutdowns without warning, including: Shutting off entirely while stopped at a red light, requiring a jump start All screens going black and the vehicle failing to restart Restarting only after being left parked for several minutes These events occurred without any battery or system warning indicators and created a serious safety risk, including risk of being stranded or disabled in traffic. The issues have been documented with photos, videos, repair records, and written communications. Due to the ongoing and dangerous nature of these failures, I am reporting this as a vehicle safety defect.
Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance, Jan 4, 2026
Upon starting the vehicle, it flashed several warning lights that were not on the day before. Including popping codes up on the infotainment system and urging me to schedule a service with KIA. Upon looking up the codes it states HVAC issue, when calling to dealership to schedule a service for it (while it is still barely under warranty) they let me know it might not be covered. That’s when I found out there is a recall only for certain VIN #’s for the exact same issue. My car won’t even drive because the electrical system is being affected. Windshield wipers going crazy, lights not working, AC/heat not working, the emergency braking system braking out of nowhere, the lane departure pulling the wheel while driving without cause. I don’t even feel safe driving the vehicle anymore. Kia needs to have a recall on this that alerts the vehicles owners because I had no clue that there was a potential fire hazard due to faulty wiring.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 2, 2026, fire
Was driving on Dallas North Toll way when my vehicle lost acceleration. Had to pull over and engine started smoking and lit a flame under the hood. Car is now at Clay Cooley Kia in Irving, TX. Car has been there for over two weeks and I still have no answers or information regarding the plan to fix it. Major dealership delay and all they keep saying is “Waiting on a Kia Engineer to come out but we don't have a date.”
Electrical system, Dec 12, 2025
I have been calling the nearest Kia dealership to have this recall fixed since September 2025 and there has been no remedy since. We do not feel safe using the vehicle due to the recall involving a fire hazard due to HVAC wiring. We have a family that needs the vehicle and its been 3 months with no remedy and no estimated date of when remedy will be available, so remedy for recall is indefinite. We would like Kia to repurchase the vehicle or assist in auto monthly payments, as we are paying for a vehicle that we cannot use. We have kids and do not feel comfortable driving in this vehicle. We use this vehicle to help work and recall has impacted us financially. Below are details of the recall as we are trying to get Kia to help with: Manufacturer Recall Number SC351 There is no remedy for this safety recall ***REMEDY IS NOT AVAILABLE YET*** KIA AMERICA, INC. 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. Safety Risk A FIRE INCREASES THE RISK OF INJURY.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 7, 2025
Incident #1: [XXX] The vehicle would not accelerate after coming to a stop at an intersection. The vehicle would not exceed 20 MPH with oncoming traffic from both the East and West as I was turning West from a North Bound Road. On coming traffic was traveling between 45 and 50 MPH. I was clearly nearly broadsided. The car displayed flashing lights on the dash as I was attempting to accelerate. Depressing the accelerator did not increase my speed. The car kept at a 20 MPH speed for the 1/2 mile I traveled to pull off the road in a safe location, causing traffic to be disrupted until I could pull off the highway I had the car towed to the Kia of Round Rock dealership November 17th. The car remained at Kia until December 3rd where they were unable to duplicate the problem. I requested the problem be referred to Kia in California. Kia of CA was totally unresponsive when the problem could not be duplicated. Incident #2 [XXX] Vehicle failed to respond to accelerate after stopping before attempting to enter a four lane highway. (No traffic was visible.) The car would not accelerate more than 20 MPR, the speed limit was 55 MPH. For the 1.5 mile trip home, I turned on my hazard lights, kept to the right and flagged traffic around me. The car never exceeded 20 MPH. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Dec 4, 2025
I was Driving the car and the sunroof exploded out of the blue.
Electrical system, Visibility, Dec 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while attempting to activate the HVAC system, there was an abnormal burning plastic odor inside the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the blower motor relay had short circuited and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired; however, the contact performed a repair based on guidance from the mechanic. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired, but the failure with the blower motor relay reoccurred. The contact recently received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V649000 (Electrical System, Visibility). The contact related the failures to the recall. The contact called a local dealer and was advised that the remedy was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Forward collision avoidance, Nov 30, 2025
Check engine light on. Rear defrost doesn't work. Auto stop/start not working. Cruise control not working. Vehicle shuts off sometimes at stand still and have to put in neutral or park and push Start button. Engine looses power while driving. Check rear cross traffic, check tire pressure monitoring system, check lane departure warning system, check speed limit system, check lane keeping assist, check forward safety system lights are cycling on the front screen and warning ️ signs pinging. Vehicle has been inspected 3 times at a local KIA DEALERSHIP. 1st in 4/2025, 2nd 6/2025 3rd time 10/2025. Module was replaced and 2 days later same issue so Vehicle will be going back a 4th time. No warnings before issues started. Sometimes it does it for hours and sometimes it's back to normal.
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 23, 2025
Around 35,000 miles the vehicles fuel pump, relay assembly, and smart junction box failed and left my wife stranded. Kia took about 7 days to diagnose and repair.
Electrical system, Nov 19, 2025
On 8 occasions, while driving on a highway, the emergency lights started to flash out of no where and the driver could not accelerate. The driver had to find a way to pull over and turn the car off and then restart the car. The car was taken in 3 times and checks were run but no codes showed up. The third time the car was brought in, the mechanic agreed to drive it until the problem could be reproduced. The car was driven for 70 miles but it could not be reproduced. The mechanics were informed that it happened every 300-500 miles and the car had not been driven enough. The mechanics said it was running as designed. Our safety and everyone on the road was put at risk if we could not get over to a shoulder.