CarBrief

NHTSA has 134 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Kia Sorento, and NHTSA lists four recalls[1][2][3][4][5]. Engine and power train complaints lead the list, so it pays to check recall status and ask about any power-loss repairs before you buy[6][7].

134owner complaints[1]
4recalls[8]
23–36MPG combined (EPA)[9]
5★NHTSA overall rating[10]

Most reported problems

Owners filed 134 complaints with NHTSA[1]. Eight mention a crash, seven mention injuries, and none mention a fire or a death[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one part of the car.

The biggest groups are:

Forward collision avoidance has fewer complaints than the top groups, but it has the most crashes and injuries of any group in the list[14].

In a sample of engine complaints we read, owners describe the car losing power or hesitating when they press the accelerator, including at highway speed. Some mention check engine or hybrid warnings, and some say the dealer could not reproduce the problem[6]. In a sample of power train complaints, owners describe slow or missing acceleration, and an engine that revs without the car picking up speed[7]. Samples of fuel/propulsion complaints describe hybrid system warnings followed by reduced power[13]. In a sample of electrical complaints, some owners also describe power loss, and others describe window and door lock buttons that stop working now and then[12].

These samples are small, so they show what owners describe, not how often it happens.

Recalls

NHTSA lists four recalls, newest first.

If you are buying used, ask whether each recall work has been done. You can also call Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542[2].

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the version. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new.

Version City / highway / combined MPG Annual fuel cost
Hybrid FWD, 1.6L turbo[9] 36 / 36 / 36 $1,850
Hybrid AWD, 1.6L turbo[17] 34 / 34 / 34 $1,950
FWD, 2.5L[18] 23 / 31 / 26 $2,600
AWD, 2.5L[19] 23 / 28 / 25 $2,700
FWD, 2.5L turbo[20] 20 / 29 / 23 $2,900
AWD, 2.5L turbo[21] 20 / 27 / 23 $2,900

The Sorento Plug-in Hybrid is rated at 33 MPGe combined, with 440 miles of range[22].

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives the 2025 Sorento 5 stars overall[10]. Frontal crash gets 4 stars, side crash gets 5 stars and rollover gets 4 stars[10]. The rollover risk is 15.9%[10]. The ratings are the same for the FWD and AWD versions, and for the hybrid listing[10][23][24][25].

Engine and size

EPA lists a 1.6L 4-cylinder rated at 178 hp[26]. The 2.5L 4-cylinder is rated from 191 to 281 hp, depending on version[27].

These dimensions are Canadian-market specifications, converted to inches and pounds. They can differ slightly from US models.

Version Length / width / height Wheelbase Curb weight
2.5L[28] 189 / 75 / 67 in 111 in 3,825 lb
2.5L turbo[29] 189 / 75 / 67 in 111 in 3,940 lb
Hybrid[30] 189 / 75 / 67 in 111 in 4,120 lb

How 2025 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 recalls2016: 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 recalls13420252026: 9 complaints, 2 recalls2026
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Sorento model year. The 2025 is highlighted[8].
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

NHTSA lists 134 complaints and 4 recalls for the 2025 model year[8]. Four years have fewer complaints: 2027 with 0, 2026 with 9, 2024 with 51 and 2009 with 55[8]. The 2020 model year is close behind at 138[8]. The most recalls are on 2022 with 9, 2016 with 8 and 2011 with 7[8].

Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so use them to compare years of the Sorento, not to compare it with other models.

Should you buy a used 2025 Sorento?

The 2025 Sorento has a 5-star overall NHTSA rating and 134 complaints on file[10][1]. Its recalls cover the display, the headlights, the engine bolts on a small batch and a fuel line cover on the plug-in hybrid[2][3][4][5]. Owners in the samples we read describe sudden power loss, so ask any seller for repair records on that. Check the VIN for open recalls and pick the version by the MPG table[6][9][21].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2025 Kia Sorento?
By NHTSA complaint counts, engine has 45, power train 40 and electrical system 34[6][7][12]. In a sample we read, owners describe power loss or hesitation when accelerating[6][7].
Does the 2025 Kia Sorento have recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists four: 26V046, 25V548, 25V006 and 24V920[2][3][4][5].
What is the gas mileage of the 2025 Kia Sorento?
EPA combined ratings run from 23 MPG for the turbo 2.5L to 36 MPG for the Hybrid FWD[9][20][21]. The Plug-in Hybrid is rated at 33 MPGe[22].
How safe is the 2025 Kia Sorento?
NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall, with 4 stars for frontal crash and rollover[10].
Is the 2025 Sorento better than other model years?
It has 134 complaints[8]. Only 2027, 2026, 2024 and 2009 have fewer[8].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 134 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Kia Sorento (8 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 7 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. Recall 26V046, filed January 26, 2026: Electrical System › Instrument Cluster / Panel. NHTSA recall database
  3. Recall 25V548, filed August 25, 2025: Engine And Engine Cooling › Critical Fasteners. NHTSA recall database
  4. Recall 25V006, filed January 13, 2025: Exterior Lighting › Headlights. NHTSA recall database
  5. Recall 24V920, filed December 10, 2024: Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines / Piping, And Fittings. NHTSA recall database
  6. 45 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 7,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 40 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. Owner complaints and recalls for every Kia Sorento model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  9. EPA rating for Sorento Hybrid FWD, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (AM-S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 36 city / 36 highway / 36 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $1,850. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  10. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 15.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 35 complaints name the unknown or other component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 34 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 8,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 21 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. 12 complaints name the forward collision avoidance component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 4 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  15. 11 complaints name the speed control component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  16. 7 complaints name the brakes component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  17. EPA rating for Sorento Hybrid AWD, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (AM-S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 34 city / 34 highway / 34 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $1,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. EPA rating for Sorento FWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S8), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 23 city / 31 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for Sorento AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S8), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 23 city / 28 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for Sorento FWD, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (AM-S8), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 29 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for Sorento AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (AM-S8), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 27 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. EPA rating for Sorento Plug-in Hybrid, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (AM-S6), Regular Gas and Electricity: 33 MPGe combined, 440 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  23. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 15.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  24. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 15.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  25. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 15.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  26. EPA Test Car List, 2025 Kia Sorento with 1.6L 4-cylinder: rated 178 hp. www.epa.gov
  27. EPA Test Car List, 2025 Kia Sorento with 2.5L 4-cylinder: rated 191 to 281 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
  28. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SORENTO 2.5L SUV: length 189 in, width 75 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 111 in, curb weight 3,825 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  29. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SORENTO 2.5L TURBO SUV: length 189 in, width 75 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 111 in, curb weight 3,940 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  30. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SORENTO HYBRID SUV: length 189 in, width 75 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 111 in, curb weight 4,120 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.