Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
2025 Kia Sorento Plug-in HybridRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 13 owner complaints for the 2025 Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid. Most complaints involve forward collision avoidance (3) and power train (3). The EPA rates it 33 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
33mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
13
Top: forward collision avoidance
Fuel cost / yr
$1,800est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2025 Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid as of Nov 11, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 11, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
13 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jan 2025 – Oct 2026
- Forward collision avoidance3
- Power train3
- Electrical system3
- Engine2
- Air bags1
- Service brakes1
- Fuel/propulsion system1
- Fuel system, gasoline1
- Communication1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Forward collision avoidance
3 reports1 crash
“traveling on 6 lane divided highway at highway speed no traffic ahead for approximately 10 car lengths collision warnings fcs activated steered/swerved and braked. 2. Returned from KIA Dealership assured it should not happen again, 289 miles later driving 6 lane divided highway clear ahead warnings cuts power. Crash at highway speed. KIA Dealer states "NO problems found" "Functioning as designed". Yes Collision red and orange flashing lights, beeping alerts.”
Power train
3 reports1 crash
“A check engine coolant system light came on, so I took the car to the local Kia dealership in downtown LA. They checked the battery coolant level and found it was completely empty and recommended I check for leaks. I later took the vehicle to Kia of Irvine for an inspection, and they found a rock had entered through the front grille and punctured the radiator, causing the leak. The front grill is both very exposed and low to the ground without any kind of protective shield/mesh blocking ordinary road debris from entering and damaging the exposed radiator and other vital engine components. Kia denied warranty coverage, claiming this was an "outside influence". However, online I found numerous complaints by other Kia owners over this same issue, as well as class action lawsuits against other car manufacturers alleging the same issue.”
Electrical system
3 reports
“I am writing to report a safety concern with my 2025 Kia Sorento plug-in hybrid. On multiple occasions, after starting the vehicle, the instrument panel appears normal, but the vehicle does not enter the ready state. The ready indicator does not illuminate and the vehicle will not shift into drive or reverse. The vehicle will however, unfortunately, shift into neutral and roll, but with no power. The only way to restore normal operation is to completely turn the vehicle off and restart it. This intermittent condition creates a safety concern because it can leave the vehicle unexpectedly immobilized, with no power, and allow the vehicle to move/roll with no control. I respectfully request that Kia investigate this issue for a possible software or hybrid control defect. Please document my report and inform me of any software updates, improvements or service recalls.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
1 version rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl turbo plug-in hybrid
- Transmissions
- Automatic (AM-S6)
- Drive
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- EV range
- 440 mi (EPA)
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sorento Plug-in Hybrid Auto (AM-S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 33 | 34 | 33 | $1,800 | 111 |
- 33mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2025 Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid as of Nov 11, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 11, 2026Vehicle 20729
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2025 Sorento Plug-in Hybrid questions
How many recalls does the 2025 Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 11, 2026.
What are the most common 2025 Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid problems?
Owners filed 13 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are forward collision avoidance (3), power train (3), electrical system (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2025 Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid get?
The EPA rates the 2025 Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid at 33 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 11, 2026