2023 Kia SORENTO: complaints, problems and recalls

was driving down road that was dry with sunshinning. Vehicle Traction control then came on breaks went to the floor and steering wheel started to jerk while the car was still going 55 MPH

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11495427 at NHTSA ↗

I have only had the Kia Sorento for a few months and bought it brand new. While driving normally, one of the collision warning indicators came on while switching lanes and then nearly every alarm in the car cycled continuously. These audible and visual alarms were highly distracting to drive with and it is surprising the software allows this to happen and that there’s no sensor override or silencer button. Even when the car is turned off and back on again the alarms continue. I took the car into the dealer and it sat there for two weeks wai…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11504300 at NHTSA ↗

This vehicle has four drive modes… when in eco mode and pulling onto a road with a steep grade the car lacks power to safely drive. This only happens in eco mode. I have tested 4 times and got the same result. The hesitation lasts for about 3 seconds with that gas pedal fully depressed the vehicle moves about 2 mph maybe slight faster but it’s noticeable. Thank you.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11513402 at NHTSA ↗

The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle independently decelerated with the transmission error warning light illuminated. The contact was able to push the vehicle to the side of the roadway. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 12,000. The VIN was not available.

Owner-reported narrative. 12,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11518946 at NHTSA ↗

On 6/6/2023, the sunroof shattered while driving. No rock/debris collided at this time with the sunroof and I believe this is a security malfunction due to the glass overheating. This incident isn't the result of mishandling on our (the consumer's) behalf. The car dealership (VANGUARD KIA of Arlington) has denied responsibility in the defect of this car part. As such, I'm filing on for our situation and warning of others who are at risk. Additionally, no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem were present prior to the failure…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11526046 at NHTSA ↗

My passenger interior dash and glove box trim are melted. I’ve had it checked out by Kia, however they do not see where an origin could have come from. The day i noticed it, my vehicle had been hit on the front right passenger fender. The melting looked to be electrical or caused by a combustion of sort but we also believe it could have been caused by reflection off of the interior of my vehicle to that spot. I live in Michigan, the temperature was above 80*.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11526836 at NHTSA ↗

Sunroof on the vehicle blew out out of nowhere. No prior cracks or damage.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11528594 at NHTSA ↗

The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brakes spontaneously engaged. The brake warning light was illuminated. The contact stated there was no other vehicles nearby when the failure occurred on several occasions. Additionally, the sunroof was deactivated due to the software being disconnected spontaneously. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure and informed the contact that the manufacturer needed to be contacted to check the l…

Owner-reported narrative. 35,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11534290 at NHTSA ↗

Reported: 2023-08-15 (August 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."

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Reported: 2023-08-31 (August 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."

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.

Reported: 2025-09-25 (September 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.

Consequence: A fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy: 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.