CarBrief

Owners filed 754 complaints with NHTSA about the 2015 Kia Sorento, and the engine is the most named component group[1][2]. The model year has 3 recalls, and the fix for each is listed as free of charge[3][4][5].

754owner complaints[1]
3recalls[6]
20–23MPG combined (EPA)[7]
5★NHTSA overall rating[8]

Most reported problems

NHTSA lists 754 owner complaints for this model year[1]. Of those, 20 mention a crash, 14 a fire and 24 an injury[1]. No deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified reports from owners, and one complaint can name more than one component.

Here are the component groups with the most complaints:

Component group Complaints Median miles at failure
Engine[2] 367 87,560
Structure[9] 100 60,000
Exterior lighting[10] 91 75,000
Electrical system[11] 58 69,027
Power train[12] 42 74,000
Brakes[13] 37 86,500
Steering[14] 33 67,615

NHTSA also lists 114 complaints under unknown or other components[15].

Engine. This is the largest group by a wide margin, with 9 fires and 6 crashes among its complaints[2]. In the sample of engine complaints we read, some describe the engine stalling or losing power while driving. Some say a dealer found oil sludge and that the engine needed replacing. Some also describe a disagreement with the dealer about whether maintenance or warranty covered the repair[2]. We read only a small sample, so this does not show how common any one cause is.

Exterior lighting. In the lighting complaints we read, owners describe headlight bulbs that burn out again and again. Others say the headlights are dim[10].

Structure. In the structure sample, owners describe paint or clear coat peeling, sometimes with rust under it. Others describe door handle or door panel parts that broke[9].

Electrical. The electrical sample includes headlight and battery trouble, stalls and warning lights[11].

Steering has the most injuries of any group at 10, from 33 complaints[14]. Brakes have 5 fires among 37 complaints[13].

Recalls

NHTSA lists three recalls for this model year[6]. Newest first.

Owners can call Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 about these recalls[3][4][5].

Fuel economy

EPA lists four configurations, all on regular gas with a 6-speed automatic[16][17][18][7].

Configuration City / highway / combined MPG Annual fuel cost
FWD, 2.4L 4-cyl[7] 20 / 27 / 23 $2,900
AWD, 2.4L 4-cyl[17] 19 / 25 / 21 $3,200
FWD, 3.3L 6-cyl[16] 18 / 25 / 21 $3,200
AWD, 3.3L 6-cyl[18] 18 / 23 / 20 $3,350

The front-drive 2.4L is the most efficient of the four. The all-wheel-drive 3.3L is the thirstiest[18][7]. Annual cost is an EPA estimate.

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives the all-wheel-drive version 5 stars overall[8]. It also gets 5 stars in the frontal test and 5 in the side test[8]. Rollover is 4 stars, with a rollover risk of 15.5%[8]. The front-wheel-drive version gets the same star ratings, with a rollover risk of 16.4%[19].

Engine and size

EPA lists two engines for this model year. The 2.4L 4-cylinder is rated 191 hp[20]. The 3.3L 6-cylinder is rated 290 hp[21].

These dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models. Every listed variant is 184 in long, 74 in wide and 67 in tall, with a 106 in wheelbase[22][23][24][25]. Curb weight differs:

Variant Curb weight
LX 4DR SUV FWD[23] 3,796 lb
LX 4DR SUV AWD[22] 3,814 lb
LX-V6 4DR SUV FWD[24] 4,034 lb
LX-V6/EX-V6/EX-V6LUXURY/SX 4DR SUV AW[25] 4,050 lb

How 2015 compares with other years

2003: 305 complaints, 1 recalls20032004: 220 complaints, 0 recalls2005: 307 complaints, 0 recalls20052006: 242 complaints, 1 recalls2007: 154 complaints, 4 recalls20072008: 217 complaints, 3 recalls2009: 55 complaints, 2 recalls20092011: 1,520 complaints, 7 recalls2012: 880 complaints, 5 recalls20122013: 982 complaints, 5 recalls2014: 988 complaints, 6 recalls20142015: 754 complaints, 3 recalls75420152016: 1,256 complaints, 8 recalls20162017: 807 complaints, 4 recalls2018: 255 complaints, 3 recalls20182019: 431 complaints, 2 recalls2020: 138 complaints, 1 recalls20202021: 275 complaints, 5 recalls2022: 227 complaints, 9 recalls20222023: 164 complaints, 4 recalls2024: 51 complaints, 2 recalls20242025: 134 complaints, 4 recalls2026: 9 complaints, 2 recalls2026
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Sorento model year. The 2015 is highlighted[6].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
20033051
20042200
20053070
20062421
20071544
20082173
2009552
20111,5207
20128805
20139825
20149886
20157543
20161,2568
20178074
20182553
20194312
20201381
20212755
20222279
20231644
2024512
20251344
202692

The 2015 model year has 754 complaints and 3 recalls[6]. Six years have more complaints: 2011 with 1,520, 2016 with 1,256, 2014 with 988, 2013 with 982, 2012 with 880 and 2017 with 807[6]. Every other listed year has fewer, from 431 for 2019 down to 0 for 2027[6]. Recall counts are 6 for 2014 and 8 for 2016[6]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat this as a rough guide.

Should you buy a used 2015 Sorento?

NHTSA gives the 2015 Sorento 5 stars overall[8][19]. Its complaint file is led by the engine, with 367 of 754 complaints[1][2]. Ask for full oil change records, since some owners describe disputes with dealers over maintenance. Confirm with the dealer or NHTSA that the brake control unit recalls were done on the car you are considering[3][4]. The fix for each recall is listed as free of charge[3][4][5].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2015 Kia Sorento?
The engine group has the most NHTSA complaints at 367 of 754, followed by structure at 100 and exterior lighting at 91[1][2][9][10].
Does the 2015 Kia Sorento have recalls?
Yes, three: two for a brake fluid leak in the hydraulic control unit (20V519 and 21V331) and one for a fuel pipe (18V907). Each lists a free remedy[3][4][5].
What gas mileage does the 2015 Kia Sorento get?
EPA combined ratings range from 20 MPG for the AWD V6 to 23 MPG for the FWD four-cylinder[18][7].
Is the 2015 Kia Sorento safe?
NHTSA rates it 5 stars overall and 4 stars for rollover[8][19].
Is 2015 a good year for the Kia Sorento?
It has 754 complaints, fewer than 2011 to 2014, 2016 and 2017, and more than the other listed years[6].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 754 owner complaints on file for the 2015 Kia Sorento (20 mention a crash, 14 a fire, 24 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 367 complaints name the engine component group (6 crashes, 9 fires, 5 injuries, median mileage at failure 87,560). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Recall 21V331, filed May 10, 2021: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock / Traction Control / Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit / Module . NHTSA recall database
  4. Recall 20V519, filed August 27, 2020: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock / Traction Control / Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit / Module . NHTSA recall database
  5. Recall 18V907, filed December 19, 2018: Engine. NHTSA recall database
  6. Owner complaints and recalls for every Kia Sorento model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  7. EPA rating for Sorento FWD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 27 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  8. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 15.5%. NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 100 complaints name the structure component group (3 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 60,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 91 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 75,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 58 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 4 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 69,027). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 42 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 74,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 37 complaints name the brakes component group (2 crashes, 5 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 86,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. 33 complaints name the steering component group (5 crashes, 0 fires, 10 injuries, median mileage at failure 67,615). NHTSA vehicle records
  15. 114 complaints name the unknown or other component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 67,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  16. EPA rating for Sorento FWD, 3.3L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 25 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  17. EPA rating for Sorento AWD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 25 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. EPA rating for Sorento AWD, 3.3L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 23 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 16.4%. NHTSA vehicle records
  20. EPA Test Car List, 2015 Kia Sorento with 2.4L 4-cylinder: rated 191 hp. www.epa.gov
  21. EPA Test Car List, 2015 Kia Sorento with 3.3L 6-cylinder: rated 290 hp. www.epa.gov
  22. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SORENTO LX 4DR SUV AWD: length 184 in, width 74 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 3,814 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  23. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SORENTO LX 4DR SUV FWD: length 184 in, width 74 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 3,796 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  24. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SORENTO LX-V6 4DR SUV FWD: length 184 in, width 74 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 4,034 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  25. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SORENTO LX-V6/EX-V6/EX-V6LUXURY/SX 4DR SUV AW: length 184 in, width 74 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 4,050 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.