Engine
2.5L 4-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 76 of 76 complaints with a usable failure date.
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Electrical system
22 complaint records
"The driver’s door windows/lock button cluster on my 2025 Kia Sorrento LX will randomly not work. None of the buttons will work so I am unable to roll any of the windows down or lock or unlock the doors. The only way to fix this is to turn off the car and restart it...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Power train
19 complaint records
"The transmission is not shifting gears correctly. The engine revs loudly and hesitates for a few seconds before shifting. There were no warning lamps. The vehicle has not been inspected yet. This causes a dangerous situation when driving and accelerating in traffic...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →
Engine & cooling
19 complaint records1 crash report
"My Sorento has a transmission issue or something similar. It slips, it dies down and sometimes when I come to a stop and try to move, it won’t move. I have to put it back in park and then put it in drive. I have had several near miss accidents due to all these issues...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26V046000 | Electrical System | Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 Kia K4, 2025-2026 Sorento, Sorento Hybrid, Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV), 2026 Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, Sportage PHEV, K5, EV9, Carnival, and Carnival Hybrid... | Normally free |
| 25V548000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 K4 and Sorento vehicles. The connecting rod bolts in the engine may have been improperly tightened, which can cause a loss of drive power. | Normally free |
| 25V006000 | Exterior Lighting | Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Sorento, 2025 Sorento Hybrid, and 2025 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025011 2025-01-14 | Lights And Instruments | 7,404 | Issue: On certain vehicles, a software problem could cause the headlamps and tail lamps to turn off. As a result, the vehicles don't meet certain requirements of Canadian regulations. |
| 2024751 2024-12-11 | Fuel System | 439 | Issue: On certain vehicles, the fuel line could become damaged by contact with the steering gear in certain crashes. If this happens, fuel could leak. |
| 2024549 2024-08-15 | Label | 647,384 | Issue: On certain vehicles, the compliance label may be missing information in French. The words listed on the label for "Tires", "Rims", "Front" and "Rear" appear in English only, when they should be listed as "Tires/Pneus",... |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| WTY042_DP Mar 2026 | WARRANTY EXTENSION | Electrical System | WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO (WTY042) - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals advising that Kia is is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage, to all owners, for repairs related to the horn assembly for eligible vehicles,... |
| WTY042_DPSM Mar 2026 | WARRANTY EXTENSION | Electrical System | WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: DEALER PARTS & SERVICE MANAGER MEMO (WTY042) - This document is the announcement to the dealer Parts and Service managers advising that Kia is is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage, to all owners, for repairs related to the horn... |
| WTY042_QA Mar 2026 | WARRANTY EXTENSION | Electrical System | WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: QUESTION AND ANSWER (WTY042) - This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding the Warranty Extension Campaign WTY042. |
| WTY042_REIMB Mar 2026 | WARRANTY EXTENSION | Electrical System | WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: REIMBURSEMENT FORM (WTY042) - This document is a Reimbursement Request form that was mailed with the customer letter advising them to submit the form if they had paid for repairs for this same matter prior to the warranty extension campaign program... |
| WTY042_OWNR Mar 2026 | WARRANTY EXTENSION | Electrical System | WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (WTY042) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage, to all owners, for repairs related to the horn assembly in certain 2021-2025 MY Sorento, 2021-2025 MY... |
Show 28 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| OTA_ELE413_NOTES_R2 Jun 2026 | SOFTWARE UPDATE | Electrical System | RELEASE NOTES: OVER-THE-AIR: SOFTWARE UPDATE FOR DATA CONNECTIVITY (ELE413 Revision 2) - This Over-the-Air (OTA) software update is designed to update the Data Connectivity Unit (DCU) logic of certain 2025 - 2026MY Carnival, EV9, K5 and Sorento vehicles. |
| TSB_ELE422 May 2026 | Electrical System | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM SOFTWARE UPDATE USING UPDATE.KIA.COM - This bulletin provides information and service procedures for updating the infotainment systems on applicable Kia vehicles using the Kia Navigation Updater available at update.kia.com. | |
| OTA_ELE413_NOTES_R1 Apr 2026 | SOFTWARE UPDATE | Electrical System | RELEASE NOTES: OVER-THE-AIR: SOFTWARE UPDATE FOR DATA CONNECTIVITY (ELE413 Revision 1) - This Over-the-Air (OTA) software update is designed to update the Data Connectivity Unit (DCU) logic of certain 2025 - 2026MY Carnival, 2025 - 2026MY K5 and 2025 - 2026MY Sorento vehicles. |
| TSB_ELE417 Apr 2026 | Electrical System | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFOTAINMENT SOFTWARE UPDATE PROCEDURE - This bulletin provides information on the process for downloading infotainment software updates and preparing USB for installation on applicable Kia vehicles. | |
| TSB_ENG264 Apr 2026 | Engine | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER ACTION: ECU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT FOR DTC P2B59F0 (CA2516) - This bulletin provides information to upgrade the Engine Control Unit (ECU) software on certain 2024–2025MY vehicles equipped with 2.5 GDI or 2.5 T-GDI Theta III engines listed in the... | |
| OTA_ELE413 Mar 2026 | SOFTWARE UPDATE | Electrical System | RELEASE NOTES: OVER-THE-AIR: SOFWARE UPDATE FOR DATA CONNECTIVITY (ELE413) - This Over-the-Air (OTA) software update is designed to update the Data Connectivity Unit (DCU) logic of certain 2025 K5 and 2025 Sorento vehicles. |
| WTY042_TSB Mar 2026 | Electrical System | WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: HORN ASSEMBLY INSPECTION AND REPLACEMENT (WTY042) - This bulletin provides information associated with the ‘Warranty Extension Program’ (WTY042) to inspect and, if necessary, replace the horn assembly on certain vehicles... | |
| TSB_ELE413 Mar 2026 | Electrical System | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: DCU COMMUNICATION LOGIC IMPROVEMENT - This bulletin provides the procedure to upgrade the Data Connectivity Unit (DCU) system software on some 2025–2026MY vehicles listed in the table below. | |
| PS797 Dec 2025 | Back Over Prevention | PITSTOP: TECHNICAL OPERATIONS: EXTERNAL DAMAGE TO ULTRASONIC SENSOR: This Pitstop provides information related to Parking Distance Warning (PDW) alerts and repairs involving ultrasonic sensors. | |
| SC353_OWNR Nov 2025 | SERVICE CAMPAIGN | Engine | VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (SC353) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign on certain 2025 MY Sorento vehicles, manufactured from December 18, 2024 through February 24, 2025, to replace the engine... |
| SC353_TSB Nov 2025 | Engine | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: ENGINE REPLACEMENT FOR COOLANT LEAK (SC353) - This bulletin provides information to address an engine coolant leak concern on certain 2025MY Sorento (MQ4a) vehicles equipped with a 2.5L Theta III T-GDI engine produced from... | |
| SC353_DPSM Nov 2025 | SERVICE CAMPAIGN | Engine | VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO () - This document is the announcement to the dealer Parts and Service managers advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign on 11 units of 2025 MY Sorento vehicles, manufactured from December 18,... |
| SC353_DP Nov 2025 | SERVICE CAMPAIGN | Engine | VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO (SC353) - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign on 11 units of 2025 MY Sorento vehicles, manufactured from December 18, 2024 through February 24,... |
| SC353_QA Nov 2025 | SERVICE CAMPAIGN | Engine | VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: QUESTION AND ANSWER (SC353) - This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding the Voluntary Service Campaign SC353. |
| SC339_OWNR May 2025 | SERVICE CAMPAIGN | Electrical System | VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (SC339) - OWNER NOTIFICATION (SC339) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to inspect and, based on the inspection results, replace the right-hand 2nd-row seat cushion... |
| SC339_DP Apr 2025 | SERVICE CAMPAIGN | Seats | VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO (SC339) - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to inspect and, if necessary, replace the right-hand 2nd-row seat cushion wire harness on certain... |
| SC339_DPSM Apr 2025 | SERVICE CAMPAIGN | Seats | VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO (SC339) - This document is the announcement to the dealer Parts and Service managers advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to inspect and, if necessary, replace the right-hand 2nd-row seat... |
| SC339_QA Apr 2025 | SERVICE CAMPAIGN | Seats | VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: QUESTION AND ANSWER (SC339) - This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding the Voluntary Service Campaign SC339. |
| SC339_TSB Apr 2025 | Seats | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: RIGHT-HAND 2ND-ROW SEAT WIRING HARNESS INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT AND REROUTE (SC339) - This bulletin provides instructions to 1) inspect the right-hand 2nd-row seat cushion wiring harness and, if necessary, replace the wiring... | |
| TSB_TRA046_R5 Apr 2025 | Power Train | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. | |
| TSB_CHA127V Mar 2025 | Suspension | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: REAR SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information to address vehicles that may be exhibiting a ‘clunking’ noise from the rear suspension while traveling over rough/bumpy terrain on certain 2024-2025MY Sorento (MQ4a) vehicles... | |
| TSB_ELE368_R1 Jan 2025 | Electrical System | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: KIA CONNECT ACTIVATION FAILURE (SA600) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. | |
| TSB_ELE368 Jan 2025 | Electrical System | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: KIA CONNECT ACTIVATION FAILURE (SA600) - This bulletin provides information to access the ‘Dealer Mode’ function and perform a ‘Reset Network’ on certain 2025MY Multiple Model vehicles listed on page 7 equipped with a Connected Car... | |
| OTA_SA591 Oct 2024 | SOFTWARE UPDATE | Vehicle Speed Control | OVER-THE-AIR: SOFTWARE UPDATE FOR INTELLIGENT SPEED LIMIT ASSIST (SA591) - This Over-the-Air (OTA) software update is designed to update the Engine Control Unit (ECU) logic of certain 2025 Sorento vehicles. |
| TSB_ELE358 Oct 2024 | Electrical System | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: ISLA LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SA591) - This bulletin provides information to improve the Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA) function on certain 2025MY Sorento (MQ4a PE) vehicles equipped with 2.5L T-GDI Theta Ⅲ engines produced from June... | |
| TSB_BOD332 Sep 2024 | Structure | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: DOOR BELT OUTSIDE WEATHERSTRIP REPLACEMENT (SA589) - This bulletin provides information to replace all four door belt outside weatherstrips on certain 2025MY Sorento (MQ4a) vehicles produced from July 24, 2024 through August 13, 2024. | |
| TSB_ELE341_R2 Sep 2024 | Electrical System | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CCNC - DEALER MODE, FACTORY AND NETWORK RESET - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. | |
| TSB_TRA046_R4 May 2024 | Power Train | This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced. |
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 3 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask the dealer whether the warranty extension on file still applies to this VIN.The manufacturer issued 5 warranty extensions for this vehicle (see the service bulletins section). Extended coverage often runs by years or miles from the original sale, and a repair the seller paid for may have been free.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Kia Sorento →