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    Kia Sorento

    EPA MPG: 20 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    We expect the 2025 Sorento will have about average reliability when compared to the average new car. This prediction is based on data from 2022 and 2023 models, and the Kia brand score.

    The 2015 Kia Sorento has been recalled 3 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2015 Kia Sorento owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    What Owners Say

    Engine rebuild or replacement

    "Labor day 2023 driving 65 mph on highway using cruise control. The vehicle downshifted as it went up a hill. I heard a rattle coming from the engine compartment and the vehicle began to lose power and then went into limp mode. I believed the engine was failing and got off the highway and "limped" to my mechanic about 2.5 miles away. I left the car in the lot as he was closed. I followed up the next day by going to mechanic. He came out and started the vehicle and said the "rods" were about to blow through the oil pan. I had the car towed to Bald Hill Kia in Warwick RI. Within 3 days they diagnosed engine failure and had approval for engine replacement with Kia. The vehicle was out of service being repaired until mid October 2023. The vehicle was repaired to my satisfaction. The only additional work the dealer did was replace the alternator at additional cost. The vehicle mileage at failure was about 141,000 miles. It now has just under 150,000 miles. I have not experienced any other problems with the engine, although I check the antifreeze and oil levels weekly. I was also reimbursed for towing and modest rental car cost. I would note that I change my own oil and always changed oil (full synthetic) and used OEM oil filter at 3,000 miles. I also added Chevron Techron Complete every oil change as advised by Kia. I also brought the vehicle in for all recalls prior to engine failure. I had oil and filter receipts for all oil changes, however I was not required to produce them."

    Anonymous A., RI (2015 Kia Sorento LX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

    "Engine lost oil and seized. Kia is currently shipping a replacement engine as this is a known issue"

    Anonymous A., IL (2015 Kia Sorento 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

    "Driving onto highway and engine died, absolutely nothing. Told I had to get a new engine and that was that. Dead, nothing no noise just died."

    Anonymous, ON (2015 Kia Sorento 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

    "I have serviced the car regularly. It was not due for an oil change, but one day on the highway, the engine suddenly seized and the car was undrivable. The engine had to be completely replaced. With parts and labour, the cost was over $11,000 CDN. The engine alone was $6500. The new engine has performed well, including two long trips of 3,000 km. The new engine had 141,000 km on it when purchased."

    Anonymous A., ON (2015 Kia Sorento EX 3.3-L V6)

    "one week after buying the car I made complaints about most of the issues the car was being recalled for and was ignored big time. The car had to be towed in because the engine went dead all Kia cars were catching on fire"

    Anonymous A., NY (2015 Kia Sorento LX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

    "GDI engine variant qualified for warranty engine replacement, but they try and charge $3k for replacing all belts, hoses, etc."

    Anonymous, FL (2015 Kia Sorento SX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

    "Engine started making noise and went into limp mode, and there was a specific engine code that a mechanic told us required engine replacement. It was done at no charge, as there was a class action that had been settled that involved the specific engine that our Sorento had. It was a 2.4 liter motor. So we had to have the car taken to the Kia dealership and they replaced the motor and reimbursed us for the towing charge."

    Anonymous, NH (2015 Kia Sorento EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

    "There was significant oil consumption while normal operation. Kia had a recall on this issue but they told us that the car was was running normal and it would not be covered under the recall - Note: we had to pay $240 for them to tell us that. The engine seized 3 months later and the car was junked, as an engine replacement was not worth it on a car/brand like this."

    Anonymous, CO (2015 Kia Sorento LX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

    "Despite relatively moderate milage and regular maintenance, the engine started knocking and needed replacement. There was a class action lawsuit about this issue which kia lost. Kia still refused to replace the engine. It can no longer be driven safely. The company is aware of the problem and their responsibility due to the class action lawsuit, but is doing everything in their power not to take care of their customers. I will never buy another kia and would encourage others against that choice as well."

    Anonymous A., NC (2015 Kia Sorento SX 3.3-L V6)
    Other major engine problem

    "It smells hot often. And is more sluggish. I don't like that I have to run it as I take care of my cars and not had this type issue ."

    Anonymous, WV (2015 Kia Sorento LX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
    Timing belt or chain

    "Camshaft sprocket and chain tensioner required replacement. It has been fixed."

    Anonymous A., NC (2015 Kia Sorento SX 3.3-L V6)

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Engine knock or ping

    "I brought the kia in for recall serving and they said the engine was knocking."

    Anonymous A., NC (2015 Kia Sorento SX 3.3-L V6)
    Oil leaks

    "had to put in several quarts of oil over a few months period. took it to dealership and they put in oil sealed the oil intake and it continued to lose oil they then replaced the engine"

    Anonymous, IN (2015 Kia Sorento LX Unsure)

    "The gdi engine somehow doesn't let oil go to bottom of engine and burns oil till it is black. Known problem. I keep adding oil so doesn't blow up. Lots of other owners have had it blow up and quit. Say warranteed now due to issues but has to blow up to replace."

    Anonymous, WV (2015 Kia Sorento LX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

    "Burns through oil."

    Anonymous, VA (2015 Kia Sorento LX 3.3-L V6)

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    What Owners Say

    Driveshaft or axle

    "Right Rear Bearing"

    Anonymous, MB (2015 Kia Sorento SX 3.3-L V6)

    "Developed noise front left of vehicle. Took vehicle to regular mechanic he diagnosed as transfer case and advised me to take it to transmission shop. Transmission shop felt transfer case was fine as the driveshaft was turning behind transfer case, but not turning rear wheels. The transmission shop could not pinpoint the problem and suggested taking it to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed as rear coupler failure. The rear coupler was replaced at a cost of about $1600 plus a diagnostic fee of $189. Failure was at about 144,000 miles and came just after new engine was installed. Vehicle was unusable for about a month until diagnosed and fixed by dealer. Dealer had the vehicle about a week."

    Anonymous A., RI (2015 Kia Sorento LX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    What Owners Say

    Steering wheel controls

    "The controls dont actually control the indicated actions, for instance the volume up down buttons will not control the radio volume but brings up the assist screen, click the little face for the assist screen and it doesnt do anything most of the time if you are trying to make a phone call!"

    Anonymous A., GA (2015 Kia Sorento EX 3.3-L V6)

    Steering And Suspension

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    What Owners Say

    Steering linkage (includes rack and pinion)

    "main racj and pinion column had to be replaced (next week), supposedly covered by warranty"

    Anonymous, QC (2015 Kia Sorento LX 3.3-L V6)

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    What Owners Say

    Door handle

    "rear door handle broke off"

    Anonymous, QC (2015 Kia Sorento LX 3.3-L V6)

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    What Owners Say

    Spark plugs or wires failure

    "The spark plugs were in really bad shape due to the significant oil consumption that we had with the car. Our mechanic replaced them 1 month before the engine seized and we had to junk the car."

    Anonymous, CO (2015 Kia Sorento LX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    Noises And Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    Paint And Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    2015 SUVs Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Kia vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
    * Redesign year
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    Overall Reliability Verdict
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA

    NA
    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Cooling
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Electrical
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Steering and Suspension
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2024 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical accessories. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
    May 10, 2021
    An electrical short in the HECU increases the risk of a fire while parked or driving.
    Summary:
    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles previously recalled under recall 20V-519. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
    What should you do:
    Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. Dealers will install a new multi-fuse, and inspect the HECU for leaks, replacing the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 2, 2021. This recall supersedes previous NHTSA recall number 20V-519. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC212.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 21V331000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 440370
    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
    Aug 27, 2020
    If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
    Summary:
    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
    What should you do:
    Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the HECU for leaking brake fluid and replace the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. The recall began October 20, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC197.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 20V519000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 440370
    ENGINE, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
    Dec 19, 2018
    A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
    Summary:
    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
    What should you do:
    Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18V907000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 71653
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