Kia Sorento FWD
Kia · Auto · 2023
Kia Sorento FWD
81
30 complaints
status.verdict
status.safe
status.safe_sub
product.specifications
specs.g_fuel_economy
specs.city_mpg22
specs.highway_mpg29
specs.combined_mpg25
specs.annual_fuel_cost$2700
specs.ghg_score5 / 10
specs.g_engine_drivetrain
specs.engine_size2.5 L
specs.cylinders4
specs.fuel_typeRegular
specs.transmissionAutomatic (AM-S8)
specs.drivetrainFront-Wheel Drive
CO₂360 g/mi
specs.g_classification
specs.vehicle_classSmall Sport Utility Vehicle 2×2

specs.data_sourced_from FuelEconomy.gov (specs.energy_dept)

product.complaints_section30 total
KIA SORENTO 2023 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
low
All lights came on the dashboard including the check engine light and I could not accelerate. I had to pull over and turn car off and on to get it to accelerate. It poses a very serious threat as you can not accelerate at all and can be rearended. Kia has fixed the throttle twice and have told me 2 other times they can not replicate the issue. It clears out by the time I am able to bring it to the dealership. This issues has happened 4 times starting at 9,000 miles and most recently at 21,000 miles.
NHTSAUSMay 2026Source →
KIA SORENTO 2023 FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
medium
VEHICLE: 2023 Kia Sorento, VIN [XXX] , currently 48,000 miles. Vehicle has never been in a collision. DEFECT: FUEL FILLER DOOR ACTUATOR WITH NO EMERGENCY RELEASE — STRANDING HAZARD The fuel filler door actuator fails to release on demand intermittently. When the actuator fails, the door must be pried open with tools or force, which is inconsistent and not always possible. The dealership service advisor has stated that this model is not equipped with any emergency release mechanism for the fuel filler door. With no emergency release, the actuator is the only mechanism by which the fuel door can be opened. SAFETY IMPLICATION: An intermittent actuator failure with no backup release mechanism creates a stranding hazard. If the actuator fails when the vehicle is low on fuel — particularly in remote areas, in cold weather, at night, or in emergency situations requiring refueling to reach safety or medical care — the vehicle cannot be refueled and becomes immobilized. This is a single-point-of-failure design on a system required for vehicle operation. The condition has been reported to the dealership and remains unresolved. The vehicle remains within the 5-year / 60,000-mile basic warranty period. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSAUSMay 2026Source →
KIA SORENTO 2023 UNKNOWN OR OTHER
low
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.
NHTSAUSApr 2026Source →
KIA SORENTO 2023 POWER TRAIN
medium
Immediately after a dealership-performed warranty repair, the vehicle experienced a severe safety‑critical failure at highway speed. The vehicle began shaking violently, produced loud knocking and impact noises, and metal pieces fell from the underside. The failure occurred without warning and created an immediate loss of safe drivability. The dealership later documented that an engine mount (‘lower dog bone mount’) had not been torqued to specification, which allowed the engine to shift back and forth under load. This improper torque caused the violent shaking, metal impacts, and falling metal. The problem was confirmed by the dealership, but no corrective repair was performed. Only a single bolt was re‑torqued, and no inspection was done to determine the extent of damage, the source of the falling metal, or the cause of the knocking. The vehicle was returned in an unsafe condition and has not been driven since. The vehicle had to be towed directly from the highway due to the severity of the failure, and it was delivered straight to the dealership because it was unsafe to operate. The vehicle remains available for inspection.
NHTSAUSApr 2026Source →
KIA SORENTO 2023 UNKNOWN OR OTHER
medium
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.
NHTSAUSApr 2026Source →
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product.status_history
status.certifiedstatus.safe1 Jun 2026
Lemon Score: 89. 14 data points. v3 scoring.
status.uncertainstatus.certified27 May 2026
Lemon Score: 100. 0 data points. v3 scoring.
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