2025 Kia Sorento recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2025 Kia Sorento and 76 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are electrical system (22), unknown or other (20), engine (19). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 23–26 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2025 ranks #3 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.
Recalls 3
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2025 Kia Sorento. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Electrical system · instrument cluster/panel
Problem: 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 vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 101, "Controls and Displays" and 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring System."
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 crash.
Fix: The instrument panel display software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 26, 2026. Owners may contact Kia Customer Service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC361. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 9, 2026.
Engine and engine cooling · critical fasteners
Problem: 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.
Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the sub engine assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 12, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC349.
Electrical system · body control module · software
Problem: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Sorento, 2025 Sorento Hybrid, and 2025 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. A software error in the Body Domain Control Unit (BDC) may cause a loss of low beam headlights and taillights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk: A loss of headlights and taillights can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the BDC software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 21, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC331.
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
Bought my 2025 Kia Sorento brand new in November of 2025. Summer of 2026 with 30,000 miles on it, all of the dash lights kept flashing at me, including the red brake light, and messages saying CHECK ESC, CHECK ABS, CHECK DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM/ Happened several times but the car would still drive. The morning of August 20, I was going to leave for work and it happened agai…
While driving on the freeway, I was getting over into the next lane. I was half way over and there was no one in front of, next to or behind me from any direction, I was traveling an open road. The closest vehicle to me was 2 lanes over and 5 to 6 car lengths behind me, my car began to beep rapidly and immediately activated the automatic emergency breaking system. It slammed on…
Knee airbags deployed in my car accident and have severe injuries on bilateral legs bruises that damage my nerves and veins.
Safety ratings
2025 Kia Sorento SUV AWD
2025 Kia Sorento SUV FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2025 Kia Sorento.
Sorento AWD
Auto (AM-S8) · 4 cyl · 2.5 L · Turbo
Regular
Sorento AWD
Auto (S8) · 4 cyl · 2.5 L
Regular
Sorento FWD
Auto (AM-S8) · 4 cyl · 2.5 L · Turbo
Regular
Sorento FWD
Auto (S8) · 4 cyl · 2.5 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2025 Kia Sorento have?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2025 Kia Sorento, most recently for electrical system · instrument cluster/panel (01/27/2026). 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 2025 Kia Sorento?
Based on 76 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are electrical system (22), unknown or other (20), engine (19).
Is the 2025 Kia Sorento safe?
The 2025 Kia Sorento earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2025 a good year for the Kia Sorento?
The 2025 ranks #3 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 2025 Kia Sorento get?
EPA ratings for the 2025 Kia Sorento range from 23 to 26 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2025 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.