2026 Kia SorentoProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 7 owner complaints about the 2026 Kia Sorento, most often about the engine. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 25V-745 the manufacturer reports only 82% of affected cars repaired.

2026 Kia Sorento

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 11, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Bull-Doser, Public domain.

Complaints by system

Where the 2026 Kia Sorento has problems

7 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Engine20
Engine and engine cooling10
Forward collision avoidance11
Back over prevention11
Service brakes11
Service brakes, hydraulic11
Structure10
Lane departure10
Electrical system10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

2 recalls

2026 Kia Sorento recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

92%repaired · 2026 Q3

Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel

New

Recall 26V-046 · Jan 26, 2026 · 42,677 vehicles · 39,142 repaired

Risk. An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer, tire pressure, or warning lights, increases the risk of a…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

82%repaired · 2026 Q3

Tires: temporary/emergency spare tire

Recall 25V-745 · Oct 30, 2025 · 45 vehicles · 37 repaired

Risk. Anti-lock braking or traction control systems that do not function properly can increase the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Kia.

Best & worst years

2026 vs. every other Sorento year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Sorento median. How we score

'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

2026 Kia Sorento safety ratings

2026 KIA SORENTO SUV N/A AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

★★★★★Overall rating
2026 Kia Sorento frontal crash test, NHTSA
Frontal crash★★★★★
2026 Kia Sorento side barrier test, NHTSA
Side barrier★★★★★
2026 Kia Sorento side pole test, NHTSA
Side pole★★★★★
  • Rollover: 4 stars (15.9% risk)
  • Stability control: Standard
  • Forward collision warning: Standard & Optional
  • Lane departure warning: Standard
In owners' words

What Sorento owners report

Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

My radiator had to be replaced because a rock flew in and punctured it. After speaking with my insurance adjuster, they made me aware that there isn’t any real protection for the radiator or ac compressor. I went online and I noticed that this is an ongoing problem with KIA. I didn’t receive any…
Complaint 11777222 · Nov 11, 2026
The contact owns a 2026 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the check engine warning light started flashing and the vehicle entered LIMP Mode. The contact pulled over, turned off, and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle operated as intended while driving to the residence.…
Complaint 11747249 · Jun 29, 2026 · 7,000 miles

Own a 2026 Sorento?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.