Kia Sorento hybrid problems
The Kia Sorento (Korean: 기아 쏘렌토, romanized: Gia Sorento) is a series of automobiles manufactured by the South Korean manufacturer Kia since 2002 through four generations. Initially a compact SUV built on a body-on-frame chassis, the second-generation Sorento transitioned to a larger car-based platform which placed it into the mid-size crossover SUV class, and has been developed alongside the Hyundai Santa Fe.
First generation (BL; 2002)
2002–2006
Debuting in February 2002, the first generation Sorento was a traditional truck-based body-on-frame SUV. All American Sorentos also came with dual front airbags and dual side-curtain airbags in the front and rear. An optional four-wheel drive system with low range received praise for adding to the vehicle's off-road ability.
It had two transmission options, a 5-speed manual or 4- and 5-speed automatic (pre-2005 models have a 4-speed automatic, whilst 2005 Sorentos came with a 5-speed tip-tronic style automatic). First generation Sorentos are equipped with a Hyundai-manufactured 3.5-liter 24-valve DOHC V6 engine producing 192 hp (143 kW) at 5500 rpm, and 217 lb⋅ft (294 N⋅m) of torque at 3,000 rpm. Common features of the first generation Sorento were 4-wheel disc brakes (standard on all models), optional anti-lock braking system (ABS), and a 21.1-gallon (79.9 litres) fuel tank.
There were two trim levels available for the Sorento: either the base LX or the up-level EX. Both models included an AM/FM stereo with a single-disc CD player and an eight-speaker audio system, dual front airbags and front and rear side-impact SRS airbags (side-impact front and rear SRS airbags for North American-market models ONLY), cloth seating surfaces, a power-adjustable front driver's seat, air conditioning, power door locks and windows, tinted windows, aluminum-alloy wheels, keyless entry, wood interior trim accents, a split-folding second-row rear bench seat, and monotone exterior paint as standard equipment. Features such as satellite radio (on later models), leather-trimmed seating surfaces, heated front seats, a ten-speaker premium audio system, cassette and CD players, an in-dash CD changer, power front bucket seats, seventeen-inch (17") aluminum-alloy wheels, a power sunroof, two-tone exterior paint, and a security system were available regardless of trim level choice.
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Kia Sorento hybrid model years
Common Kia Sorento hybrid problems
The Kia Sorento Hybrid is a popular vehicle among car buyers, but like any other car, it has its fair share of common problems reported by owners. Here are some of the most common issues with the Kia Sorento Hybrid:
- Hybrid System Failure: Some owners have reported issues with the hybrid system, with the internal combustion engine (ICE) shutting off while driving. This can be caused by bad information being sent to the hybrid system, causing it to detect the engine being turned on when it isn't. This can drain the battery and strand the vehicle.
- Rotary Shift Dial: The Kia Sorento Hybrid is equipped with an unusual rotary shift dial on the center console. Without power, there is no way to shift the car to neutral, and there is no shift lock release to compensate for this. This can be a major issue if the car needs to be towed.
- Infotainment System: Some owners have reported issues with the infotainment system, particularly with connecting their Android phones. The system can be difficult to navigate and connect to, requiring a lot of hoops to jump through.
- Backup Beeping: The Kia Sorento Hybrid has a backup beeping system that cannot be turned down or off. While the reasoning behind this is understandable, some owners find it unnecessary and annoying, particularly in quieter vehicles like the Dodge Durango.
- Inverter Coolant Warning Light: There is a known fault in the Kia Sorento Hybrid concerning the warning light to refill the inverter coolant. This issue can be difficult to diagnose and fix, with some owners reporting that Kia dealers are unable to provide a logical explanation or a means of fixing it.
- Reliability: According to Consumer Reports, the Kia Sorento Hybrid is expected to have about average reliability when compared to other new cars. However, this prediction is based on limited data from the Sorento Hybrid, plus the Kia brand scores.
In summary, the Kia Sorento Hybrid has several common problems reported by owners, including issues with fuel economy, the hybrid system, the rotary shift dial, the infotainment system, the backup beeping system, the inverter coolant warning light, and overall reliability. While some of these issues can be fixed or mitigated, others may require more extensive repairs or replacements.
What is the problem with the Kia Sorento Hybrid?
Summary: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid and 2022 Sorento Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. In the event of a crash, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioner(s) may explode upon deployment.
Is Sorento hybrid reliable?
We expect the 2024 Sorento Hybrid to have about average reliability when compared to other new cars. This prediction is based on limited data from the Sorento Hybrid, plus the Kia brand scores.
How long does the Kia Sorento hybrid battery last?
between 3 to 5 years
Your 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid battery will typically last between 3 to 5 years, but that can change heavily depending on weather conditions type of battery, battery size, and driving habits.
What is the biggest problem with Kia Sorento?
Engine problems, electricity problems, airbag problems, seat belt problems, light problems, and body/paint problems are some of the most common ones. Engine problems are the worst thing to happen to these Kia Sorento types. This happens after most customers have driven an average of 62,000 miles.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Kia Sorento hybrid years
We have researched Kia problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Kia Sorento hybrid cars and compiled the top 2 most problematic Kia Sorento hybrid model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Kia Sorento hybrid model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Kia Sorento hybrid years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Kia Sorento hybrid car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Kia Sorento hybrid , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Trailer hitches problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Kia Sorento hybrid vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Kia Sorento hybrid . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Kia Sorento hybrid vehicles.
List of Kia Sorento hybrid complaints
Kia Sorento hybrid 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2023-03-13
- Date Complaint: 2023-03-13
- VIN: KNDRH4LG0M5
- Components: TRAILER HITCHES
- Summary: The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid. 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.
Kia Sorento hybrid 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2022-04-09
- Date Complaint: 2022-05-09
- VIN: kndrh4lg3m5
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the fluid inverter level indicator warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer informed the contact that there was no known repair available for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was 7,650.
Recalls Kia Sorento hybrid
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the Kia Sorento hybrid.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Kia Sorento hybrid 2023
- Report Received Date: 2023-08-31
- Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
- Summary: 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."
- Consequence: A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: 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.
- Model: Kia Sorento hybrid 2021
- Report Received Date: 2022-09-19
- Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
- Park Out Side: 1
- Park Out Side: 1
- Components: TRAILER HITCHES
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy: 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.
- Model: Kia Sorento hybrid 2023
- Report Received Date: 2022-09-19
- Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
- Park Out Side: 1
- Park Out Side: 1
- Components: TRAILER HITCHES
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy: 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.
- Model: Kia Sorento hybrid 2021
- Report Received Date: 2022-06-23
- Manufacturer: Kia Motors America
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT
- Summary: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid and 2022 Sorento Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. In the event of a crash, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioner(s) may explode upon deployment.
- Consequence: An exploding seat belt pretensioner can project metal fragments into the vehicle, striking vehicle occupants and resulting in injury.
- Remedy: Dealers will secure the seat belt pretensioners with a cap, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 17, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC241. This recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall number 22V-127. Vehicles already repaired under the previous recall will need to have the new remedy completed.
Latest negative Kia Sorento hybrid car reviews
Latest positive Kia Sorento hybrid car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2023
I have been a long-time fan of Hyundai Sonata hybrids, but when I saw a 2022 Sorento hybrid available at a good price, I decided to switch things up. I must say, the Sorento hybrid has exceeded my expectations. Despite some reports of disappointing fuel economy, I have been getting an impressive 40 MPG, which is even better than what my Sonata hybrid offered. Plus, the Sorento's numerous technological features, including two levels of lane-assist driving, make for an interesting and enjoyable ride. The six-passenger seating also comes in handy for family trips, although I would have preferred a seven-passenger bench seating. However, on the fifth day of ownership, I encountered an issue with starting the car. Thankfully, the Kia road service that was part of the warranty was able to assist me. The only downside was that the car's unusual rotary shift dial made it impossible to shift to neutral without power. Overall, I am still very pleased with my purchase and look forward to many more enjoyable rides in my Sorento hybrid.As far as anyone can tell, including the local Kia dealers and the national Kia road service personnel, this car lacks that feature. This is a fundamental design problem. Returning to the narrative, the first tow driver departed and informed me that he had called for a second truck to come out. After waiting another two hours, the second driver appeared and simply went through the same futile motions. I was then promised a third truck that would be properly equipped to deal with the issue. That truck did not arrive until late the following morning. The driver had to employ a wheel lift and dollies to transport the car to the dealership. Needless to say, most tow trucks do not come equipped with these mechanisms. The bottom line is that it was almost 24 hours before the car was taken to the Kia service center. But that was just the start of the odyssey. The dealership was initially unable to figure out the source of the problem. They admitted that the hybrid was so new that they were not really familiar with the technology of the vehicle. They had to coordinate for several days with engineers at Kia central headquarters before diagnosing the issue as a defective starter button. So that should be quickly rectifiable, right? Wrong. I was told that it would take around 5 business days to get a new switch! That is a clear indication that certain essential parts for this car are not being stocked regionally. But even so, one would think that the equipment would be sent for overnight delivery as a simple courtesy for Kia customers. Apparently not. As it turned out, it took nine days for the item to arrive. In total, I was without the Sorento for a couple of days short of three weeks. The one saving grace is that after about a week without the vehicle, the dealership provided a rental car through Enterprise. Without that, I would have been beside myself. Was this untoward experience an extraordinary occurrence? Probably.As I mentioned, I am otherwise impressed with the vehicle. However, I wanted to make you aware of the issues I encountered, so you can make an informed decision.
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Vehicle year: 2023
I'm so glad to hear that you're enjoying your third Kia product! It sounds like you've found a great hybrid that's spacious, tech-savvy, efficient, and safe. I can imagine that it took some getting used to, but it's great to hear that you're getting good fuel economy for its size. The car nannies sound like a really helpful feature, especially with adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, active steering assist, and frontal collision mitigation. It's like having your own personal co-pilot! Thank you for sharing your positive experience with Kia.
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Vehicle year: 2023
We have put 8,000 miles on our 2023 Sorento Hybrid and we are happy to report that the performance, economy, comfort, handling and space are all excellent! Unfortunately, we have experienced some issues with the technology, but we are confident that our nearest dealer will be able to repair it. While we wait for the service opening, we are grateful that Android Auto is still working and providing us with navigation ability on the main screen. Overall, we love our Prestige SX model hybrid and had an amazing trip to Canada with it. Although we were disappointed when the navigation and all radios failed on our way back, we are still satisfied with our purchase. We previously owned a Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and had a great experience with its technology, so we expected the same from the Kia. We are hopeful that the issue will be resolved soon and we can continue to enjoy our Sorento Hybrid to the fullest!
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Vehicle year: 2021
We purchased the Sorento after conducting extensive research on mid-size SUVs. The Kia warranty and amenities that come with it make it an unbeatable deal. We opted for the hybrid and are thrilled with the mileage. Additionally, my kids adore the panoramic sunroof! With the third-row seats down (which will be 99% of the time), there is ample cargo space, and the rear seats provide enough leg and headroom for someone over 6 feet tall. At this time, my only complaints are that the infotainment system has not been easy to connect to my Android phone, and the backup beeping cannot be turned down or off. Although I understand the reasoning behind it, I believe it is unnecessary. We have only had the car for two months, but so far, everything is great!
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Vehicle year: 2023
Hello! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my thoughts on my new vehicle. Even though I've only driven it for less than 2000 miles, I can confidently say that it's a great vehicle. The handling and acceleration are impressive, especially in 'sport' mode, and I'm averaging around 40 mpg, which is amazing! The 'S' trim that I purchased comes with so many convenience and safety features, such as heated front seats and remote start. The only downside is that my wife wishes the front seats were a little more comfortable, but I reminded her that we would have to pay a lot more for that in other brands/models. This vehicle is replacing my 2008 Kia Sedona, and while it has less storage room, the hybrid drivetrain has more than doubled my fuel economy, which is fantastic. The only feature I wish it had was active cruise control, but I didn't feel that the cost was worth it to upgrade the trim-line. Overall, I'm very happy with my purchase and plan on driving it for many years to come. Thanks for reading!
Are you having problems with your Kia Sorento hybrid?
Kameron Barrows 2025-04-18
Vehicle year: 2023
During my first road trip, I received a check engine warning that the out-of-town dealer service center was unable to diagnose. They thought it was okay for me to drive back home, and later, corporate KIA instructed the dealer to flush the system. About eight months later, during another road trip, I lost power and had to pull over on a busy freeway, 20 miles from the nearest town but near an exit. Unfortunately, KIA roadside assistance was unable to locate me and kept insisting that my location was hundreds of miles away. They couldn't even look up the address of the actual nearest dealer. The dealer has now informed me that a rock flew through the grill and damaged the radiator for the hybrid motor. They admitted that there is a serious design flaw because if rocks don't hit the radiator, they hit the AC condenser. The tow truck operator told me that he tows more Hyundais and Kias than any other make. Despite these issues, the interior feels nice. However, after about 30 minutes of driving, there is about a two-minute lag on the infotainment touchscreen.
Jackson Bauch 2025-01-04
Vehicle year: 2021
We bought our Sorento just over a year ago with the intention of taking long road trips with good gas mileage. It has exceeded our expectations in terms of driving experience. The seats are comfortable, the ergonomics are perfect for long trips, and the technology is very useful. The adaptive cruise control is great at reducing fatigue, and the lane keep assist, lane follow assist, and forward and reverse alerts work very well. We get an average of 38-40 mpg, even when driving in hilly terrain in Southern California. Our only issue is that we repeatedly get a warning light reading 'Refill Inverter Coolant', which is concerning, and the placement of the light makes it difficult to use most of the dash computer functionality. We have been to two separate dealers, but they have been unable to determine the cause of the light or stop it from recurring. Both dealers indicated that this 'false warning light' is pretty common across Kia's hybrid lineup, but they had no idea how to rectify it. Several posts in owner forums indicate an over-the-air 'fix' is scheduled, but it has yet to happen (and the dealers are unaware of this 'fix'). The latest incident occurred while we were traveling several hundred miles from home, through the Arizona desert. Pulling into the dealer with fingers crossed (hoping to NOT overheat something), we were again told the vehicle was fine and we could drive it the rest of the way home. If not for this recurring error message, I would give this car a 5-star review. However, with today's hot used car market, we may well trade it in for a comparable Toyota product, a brand we have had great experience with over the years.
Alvah Herzog 2024-11-06
Vehicle year: 2023
As you may have read in another review, there is a recurring issue with the 'refill inverter fluid'. Additionally, the message 'Check hybrid system. Stop Car' may appear, even though there is nothing wrong with the car. It seems that extreme temperatures, such as the heat here in Florida, can cause some issues. I have also heard that cold weather can cause problems. However, if you live in a temperate climate year-round, you should be fine. Another minor inconvenience is that Android Auto sometimes has trouble connecting to phones when they are on the wireless cell phone charger. It works much better if the phone is placed in the cupholder.
Tevin Muller 2024-10-24
Vehicle year: 2023
When you come to a stop, the acceleration can be quite uneven.
Jeremy Hermiston 2024-07-10
Vehicle year: 2021
The gear shifting has been a bit challenging with my vehicle, even though it only has 3k miles on it. At times, it is difficult to engage the gear with the dial. Recently, I encountered an issue where the vehicle would not move forward or backward, and the screen kept prompting me to fasten my seatbelt and check if the back gate was closed. After double-checking everything, I had to restart the vehicle a few times to release the park and move it. Overall, I believe there is room for improvement with this equipment. However, I remain confident in my ability to operate it effectively.