The best and worst Kia Sorento years, by the numbers
Short answer: among Kia Sorentos old enough to judge (2005–2022), the 2009–2010, 2020 and 2022 have the fewest owner complaints per 10,000 sold. The 2011, 2013–2014 and 2016 have the most.
We counted every owner complaint filed with the federal government (NHTSA) for each model year and divided by how many were sold that year, so a year that sold more doesn’t look worse just for being popular. Years newer than 2022 are shown but not ranked — they haven’t been on the road long enough. How this is calculated.
Years with the most complaints
2011 Kia Sorento · 116.5 per 10,000 sold (2.5× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim, typically around 87,000 miles; then airbags, seatbelts and restraints.
2013 Kia Sorento · 92.9 per 10,000 sold (2.0× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Internal engine (bearings, pistons, rings), typically around 103,000 miles; then stalling and no-start.
2014 Kia Sorento · 98.5 per 10,000 sold (2.1× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Body and panel corrosion, typically around 75,163 miles; then internal engine (bearings, pistons, rings).
2016 Kia Sorento · 108.8 per 10,000 sold (2.3× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Internal engine (bearings, pistons, rings), typically around 86,000 miles; then oil consumption and leaks.
Years with the fewest complaints
2009 Kia Sorento · 21.3 per 10,000 sold (0.5× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Body control and other modules, typically around 82,186 miles.
2010 Kia Sorento · 0.3 per 10,000 sold (0.0× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Oil consumption and leaks, typically around 52,000 miles.
2020 Kia Sorento · 17.9 per 10,000 sold (0.4× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Oil consumption and leaks, typically around 150,000 miles.
2022 Kia Sorento · 21.5 per 10,000 sold (0.5× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting, typically around 21,067 miles.
Every year: complaints per 10,000 sold
Typical Kia Sorento year: 46.5 per 10,000 sold.
Complaints are counted once each, even when an owner lists several parts. Sales are US units sold in the calendar year, a close stand-in for the model year.
Common questions
What is the worst year for the Kia Sorento?
Among Kia Sorentos old enough to judge (2005–2022), the 2011 has the most owner complaints per 10,000 sold: 116.5, about 2.5× a typical Kia Sorento year. The 2013–2014 and 2016 also stand out.
What is the best year for the Kia Sorento?
The 2010 has the fewest owner complaints per 10,000 sold among Kia Sorentos from 2005–2022: 0.3, against 46.5 for a typical year. The 2009, 2020 and 2022 are also well below typical.
What goes wrong on the 2011 Kia Sorento?
The most-reported problem on the 2011 Kia Sorento is doors, windows, latches, seats and trim, typically around 87,000 miles.
Why aren't the newest Kia Sorento years ranked?
The 2023–2026 haven't been on the road long enough. Newer cars have fewer complaints mainly because they're newer, so ranking them would flatter them.
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Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; US sales from public industry figures. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. This is not an inspection and not a recommendation to buy or avoid any vehicle.