NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 755 owner complaints for the 2015 Kia Sorento. Most complaints involve engine (363) and structure (100). The EPA rates it 20–23 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
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.
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Sorento model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 308 |
| 2004 | 220 |
| 2005 | 307 |
| 2006 | 242 |
| 2007 | 154 |
| 2008 | 217 |
| 2009 | 55 |
| 2011 | 1,520 |
| 2012 | 880 |
| 2013 | 983 |
| 2014 | 988 |
| 2015 | 755 |
| 2016 | 1,262 |
| 2017 | 808 |
| 2018 | 255 |
| 2019 | 435 |
| 2020 | 140 |
| 2021 | 25 |
| 2022 | 194 |
| 2023 | 126 |
| 2024 | 44 |
| 2025 | 77 |
| 2026 | 6 |
“The contact rented a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the headlights and tail lights intermittently failed to illuminate or shorted out, and the check engine warning light illuminated. While driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle suddenly seized in the middle of an intersection, and the contact was unable to move the gear shifter out of gear. The local police department arrived on the scene and assisted the contact by disassembling components around the gear shifter in order to shift the transmission into neutral (N). The vehicle was then towed back to the rental business. The failure mileage was approximately 207,000. The VIN was not available.”
“Paint De lamination on Snow White Pearl due to manufacturing defect Date listed was the date it started to peel. Started peeling around the window first. Then it continued on the front hood.”
“The headlights are so dim that I could not see at night. I am forced to drive with the fog lights on for any amount of visibility. I recently replaced the headlights with factory replacements and now the connectors going into the back have failed and power only makes it to the lights when Mercury is in retrograde. This is unacceptable and a severe safety hazard.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sorento FWD Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,800 | 390 |
| Sorento AWD Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 25 | 21 | $3,050 | 409 |
| Sorento FWD Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.3 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 21 | $3,050 | 427 |
| Sorento AWD Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.3 L · All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 23 | 20 | $3,200 | 449 |
| 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 |
3 safety recalls as of Nov 3, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 755 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (363), structure (100), exterior lighting (91). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2015 Kia Sorento at 20–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2015 Kia Sorento 5 out of 5 stars overall.