NHTSA & EPA data · updated October 21, 2026

2023 Kia Sorento recalls, problems & safety ratings

Quick answer

NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2023 Kia Sorento and 124 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are electrical system (37), unknown or other (36), engine (32). It earned a 4-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 24–26 mpg combined, depending on engine.

The 2023 ranks #4 of 14 Sorento model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (496). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 3.9 per model year.

Free. Shows whether a recall applies, plus specs, problems and ratings for your exact vehicle.

Recalls 3

Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2023 Kia Sorento. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.

Electrical system · wiring · fuses and circuit breakersNHTSA #25V649000 · 09/25/2025

Problem: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Sorento vehicles. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) blower motor wiring harness may be inadequate, which can result in a fire.

Risk: A fire increases the risk of injury.

Fix: Dealers will replace the wiring harness and blower motor resistor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2026. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC351. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 9, 2025.

Back over prevention · sensing system · cameraNHTSA #23V610000 · 08/31/2023

Problem: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Sorento, Sorento Hybrid, and Sorento Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) vehicles. The mounting clips for the rearview camera may break, which can cause the rearview camera image not to appear properly on the display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk: A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera housing, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC280.

Equipment · other · labelsNHTSA #23V579000 · 08/15/2023

Problem: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Sorento vehicles. The air bag warning labels on the driver and front passenger sun visors may detach. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Risk: A detached air bag warning label will not warn occupants about the risks of air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the driver and front passenger sun visors, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 10, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC277.

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

Electrical system37
Unknown or other36
Engine32
Power train22
Forward collision avoidance14
Service brakes12
Vehicle speed control11
Lane departure10

By the numbers

124owner complaints filed
3involved a crash
2involved a fire
3injuries reported

Recent owner reports

10/18/2026 · Engine

My 2023 Kia Sorento has experienced continuous mechanical failures, including a serious engine fire in December 2025 while I was driving on the [XXX], which put my life at risk. Following that incident, my vehicle remained in the shop for nearly three months while the engine and related components were replaced, only to experience another failure in March 2026 requiring a trans…

10/09/2026 · Power train

The vehicle experienced a sudden transmission malfunction while operation on public roads. The check engine light illuminated on the dashboard, and a diagnostic scan from the app revealed active error code P1C2D03. This specific component failure looks like it relates directly to Kia Safety Recall SC250 (NHTSA Campaign 22V760) regarding the 8-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT…

10/02/2026 · Power train

The car loses power, the transmission shutters and slips at low speeds

Safety ratings

2023 Kia Sorento SUV AWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★

2023 Kia Sorento SUV FWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★

Fuel economy

EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2023 Kia Sorento.

Sorento AWD

Auto (AM-S8) · 4 cyl · 2.5 L · Turbo

22city
27hwy
24combined

Regular

Sorento AWD

Auto (S8) · 4 cyl · 2.5 L

23city
25hwy
24combined

Regular

Sorento FWD

Auto (AM-S8) · 4 cyl · 2.5 L · Turbo

22city
29hwy
25combined

Regular

Sorento FWD

Auto (S8) · 4 cyl · 2.5 L

24city
29hwy
26combined

Regular

Other model years

Compare every Kia Sorento year

Questions

How many recalls does the 2023 Kia Sorento have?

NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2023 Kia Sorento, most recently for electrical system · wiring · fuses and circuit breakers (09/25/2025). 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 2023 Kia Sorento?

Based on 124 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are electrical system (37), unknown or other (36), engine (32).

Is the 2023 Kia Sorento safe?

The 2023 Kia Sorento earned a 4-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.

Is the 2023 a good year for the Kia Sorento?

The 2023 ranks #4 of 14 Sorento model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (496). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 3.9 per model year.

What gas mileage does the 2023 Kia Sorento get?

EPA ratings for the 2023 Kia Sorento range from 24 to 26 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.

Own a 2023 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.

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