Problems · NHTSA complaints
2024 Kia Sorento problems
Owners filed 44 complaints about the 2024 Kia Sorento with NHTSA between Mar 2024 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is electrical system (11).
Complaints
44
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
4
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
4
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Electrical system11
- Structure7
- Power train5
- Engine5
- Service brakes5
- Visibility/wiper3
- Forward collision avoidance3
- Steering2
- Fuel/propulsion system2
- Air bags2
- Seat belts2
- Exterior lighting2
- Carry handle, shell, base1
- Visibility1
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 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
4
21
19
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2025 | 21 |
| 2026 | 19 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Electrical system
11 reports2 crashes1 fire2 related recalls
“While braking in a left hand turn lane waiting for the vehicles in front to turn left through an intersection, the vehicle stalled, shut off, and forced a manual restart in the turn lane. This same sequence happened again at another red light when the brake was engaged. The dealership the car was purchased from would not evaluate the car as they stated it is under factory warranty and should be evaluated at the manufacturer. The closest Kia manufacturer has been notified, but they have not inspected it, as they stated they have a lift malfunction and do not have the ability to run diagnostics until at least 10/16/26. No warning lamps or messages appeared prior to the hard stop. After the car stalled, there was a message that appeared stating the car would need to be manually restarted by putting it in park or neutral and engaging the start button. It took 2 tries to restart the car. A police officer did pull up behind me for my safety while the car was stalled, but they let me go when the car restarted. My safety was put at risk as this happened while actively trying pull up to and through a busy intersection in a double left-turn lane. The car stalled right…”
Structure
7 reports1 crash1 fire
“The front bumper grill to this Sorento model, among others, has a major design flaw that causes the radiator to be highly vulnerable to debris. A rock struck and punctured my radiator causing it to aggressively spray engine coolant, eventually leading to my engine overheating. I found this incident to be an extremely odd and rare situation considering I was only driving on paved suburban roads. After some further investigation online, it appears there are several other customers across the country that have encountered this same issue. Many even displaying tutorials on how they have rigged their Kias with reinforced plastic grates to protect their radiators from further damage. Really? This is what consumers are being forced to do in 2026 to protect their front radiators on a modern vehicle? These damages occur way too easily on normal city roads and not on rough terrain (despite my xline model specifically being marketed as a rugged outdoor vehicle). This easily avoidable design flaw is due to the large openings in the front grill. I have driven thousands of miles across the country in far less rugged vehicles, including many years in "rocky" Colorado, and…”
Power train
5 reports
“Delayed Shifting: Noticeable delay when shifting from park to drive or reverse. Slipping Gears: Slipping out of gear unexpectedly. Rough Shifting: A rough or jerky shifting Warning Lights: The check engine light or transmission warning light may illuminate on the dashboard.”
Engine
5 reports1 fire
“The cars battery drained precipitously. Was able to sit and recharge. Took it to dealership. There were several code issues P033500 and P040500 among others. In discussion it seems that it might have been the EGR valve among other things. On research this is a known problem so why is there not a recall as the car can stop suddenly. "2024 Kia Sorento Hybrid Prestige (equipped with the Smartstream 1.6L Turbo Hybrid engine), code P0405 highlights a known issue that affects several modern Hyundai and Kia hybrid models."”
Service brakes
5 reports1 crash
“My 2024 Kia Sorento has experienced a dangerous brake failure on three separate occasions in which the brake pedal went to the floor and the vehicle lost normal braking capability. The first failure occurred on 7/1/2026 and was confirmed by the Kia dealer; the master cylinder was found leaking brake fluid into the brake booster, and the brake master cylinder and brake booster assembly were replaced and the brake system was bled. The same brake-pedal-to-the-floor failure occurred again on 7/16/2026. The dealer performed diagnostic testing, including clamping the calipers, and replaced both front brake calipers. The brake failure has occurred again during the vehicle's current repair period on August 15th 2026, requiring another dealer inspection and repair. Each occurrence created a serious safety risk because the vehicle could unexpectedly lose braking capability while being driven, potentially resulting in a collision, injury, or death to the occupants or others. The vehicle and brake system have been repeatedly inspected by Kia/dealer personnel, and the repair history and replaced components are available for inspection and documentation. The vehicle is…”
Visibility/wiper
3 reports
“The vehicles windshield may not be sealed properly or have moisture that builds up between the pressed glass causing reduced visibility and higher risk for crash obstructing the view of both passenger and most importantly the driver.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.