2015 Kia Sorento recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2015 Kia Sorento and 754 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are engine (363), unknown or other (114), structure (100). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 20–23 mpg combined, depending on engine. 2 recalls carry a Park It or Park Outside warning.
The 2015 ranks #9 of 14 Sorento model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with more complaints than the average year (496). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 3.9 per model year.
Recalls 3
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2015 Kia Sorento. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Service brakes, hydraulic · antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · control unit/module
Problem: 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.
Risk: An electrical short in the HECU increases the risk of a fire while parked or driving.
Fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. Dealers will install a new multi-fuse, and inspect the HECU for leaks, replacing the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 2, 2021. This recall supersedes previous NHTSA recall number 20V-519. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC212.
Service brakes, hydraulic · antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · control unit/module
Problem: 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.
Risk: If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the HECU for leaking brake fluid and replace the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. The recall began October 20, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC197.
Fuel system, gasoline · delivery · hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Problem: 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.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
On XXX, my father was driving his Kia on the [XXX] when the vehicle unexpectedly stopped operating. The specific mechanical or electrical component responsible for the failure is currently UNKNOWN. The sudden failure occurred while the vehicle was being driven on a major highway, creating a potentially dangerous situation for my father and surrounding motorists. An unexpected…
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 dep…
My car's check engine just started flashing and the ECU has reduced my drivability to limp mode stating that my knock sensors are showing up on scan test and camshaft position exhaust sensor. When I removed the camshaft exhaust vvt sensor it indeed had metal shavings on it. A have a P1326 and a p0014 code which is basically telling me that my engine is having issue within the i…
Safety ratings
2015 Kia Sorento SUV AWD
2015 Kia Sorento SUV FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2015 Kia Sorento.
Sorento AWD
Auto 6-spd · 4 cyl · 2.4 L
Regular
Sorento AWD
Auto 6-spd · 6 cyl · 3.3 L
Regular
Sorento FWD
Auto 6-spd · 6 cyl · 3.3 L
Regular
Sorento FWD
Auto 6-spd · 4 cyl · 2.4 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2015 Kia Sorento have?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2015 Kia Sorento, most recently for service brakes, hydraulic · antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · control unit/module (05/10/2021). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2015 Kia Sorento?
Based on 754 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are engine (363), unknown or other (114), structure (100).
Is the 2015 Kia Sorento safe?
The 2015 Kia Sorento earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings. It has 2 recalls with a Park It or Park Outside warning, so check your VIN.
Is the 2015 a good year for the Kia Sorento?
The 2015 ranks #9 of 14 Sorento model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with more complaints than the average year (496). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 3.9 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2015 Kia Sorento get?
EPA ratings for the 2015 Kia Sorento range from 20 to 23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2015 Kia Sorento in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: SORENTO, Sorento.