2024 Kia Sorento Safety Report

2024 Kia Sorento: Strong Crash Ratings, but Early Electrical and Structural Concerns with Two Safety Recalls

29Complaints
2Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
65/100Reliability Score
4Crash Reports
1Fire Reports
3Injuries
Most reported components: Electrical System (4)Structure (3)Visibility/Wiper (2)Unknown Or Other (2)Exterior Lighting (2)Engine (2)Service Brakes,Back Over Prevention (1)Electrical System,Fuel/Propulsion System,Forward Collision Avoidance (1)Air Bags,Service Brakes,Forward Collision Avoidance (1)Power Train,Fuel/Propulsion System (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2024 Kia Sorento

The 2024 Kia Sorento presents a mixed safety picture, achieving strong crash test ratings from NHTSA but showing early signs of concerning electrical and structural issues based on consumer complaints and recalls. With an overall 5-star NHTSA safety rating, including 5 stars for side impact and 4 stars for frontal and rollover, the vehicle demonstrates good passive safety performance in controlled crash scenarios. However, the 29 total complaints, including 4 crashes, 1 fire, and 3 injuries, highlight potential active safety and reliability concerns. A significant pattern of electrical system malfunctions is evident, with 4 complaints directly related to the electrical system and two recalls addressing critical electrical issues: one for a software error in the Body Domain Control Unit (BDC) that can cause a loss of headlights and taillights, and another for an incorrectly assembled motor driven power steering (MDPS) wiring harness leading to a loss of power steering assist. These recalls directly address issues that could increase the risk of a crash, aligning with several consumer reports of sudden loss of power, steering issues, and lighting failures while driving. Furthermore, structural issues, particularly related to the panoramic sunroof, are a recurring theme in complaints, with multiple reports of spontaneous shattering, which poses a direct safety risk from glass fragments and potential driver distraction.

Reliability Score

The 2024 Kia Sorento receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2024 Kia Sorento

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2024 Kia Sorento:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Electrical System Malfunctions (Loss Of Lights/Power Steering)
Multiple complaints and two recalls (NHTSA ID 24V-200 and 24V-201) indicate issues with the electrical system, including sudden loss of headlights/taillights and power steering assist due to software errors or wiring harness defects. Consumers report complete electrical power loss while driving.
High Common new-8000 miles
Panoramic Sunroof Shattering
Several reports of the panoramic sunroof spontaneously shattering at highway speeds or while parked, without external impact. This poses a risk of glass falling into the cabin and driver distraction.
High Occasional new-8000 miles
Automatic Emergency Braking (Aeb) Malfunctions
Complaints describe the AEB system activating unexpectedly on clear roads, causing sudden braking and increasing the risk of a rear-end collision. One report mentions the system failing and causing a collision.
High Occasional new-8000 miles
Power Train/Transmission Hesitation/Slippage
Reports of vehicle hesitation, transmission slippage at low speeds, hard shifting, and loss of motive power, particularly when accelerating from a stop, creating a safety hazard.
Medium Occasional new-8000 miles
Horn Malfunction
Multiple complaints indicate the horn stops working, confirmed by dealerships, leading to an inability to warn other drivers and increasing collision risk.
Medium Occasional new-8000 miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2024 Kia Sorento:

Electrical System 13% of complaints

Most frequently reported component, with 4 direct complaints and two recalls (24V-200, 24V-201) related to loss of lights, power steering, and overall electrical power while driving.

Structure 10% of complaints

Multiple complaints about panoramic sunroof shattering and windshield cracking without impact, indicating potential structural integrity issues.

Visibility/Wiper 6% of complaints

Complaints include fogging headlights and issues with window operation, impacting driver visibility and safety.

Engine 6% of complaints

Reports of engine noise, loss of motive power, and vehicle shutting off while driving.

Forward Collision Avoidance 6% of complaints

Issues with the automatic emergency braking system activating unexpectedly or failing to prevent a collision.

Power Train 3% of complaints

Complaints of transmission slippage, hesitation, and hard shifting at low speeds.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2024 Kia Sorento

Is the 2024 Kia Sorento safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2024 Kia Sorento received an excellent 5-star overall safety rating in crash tests, indicating strong passive safety. However, it has 29 consumer complaints, including 4 crashes and 3 injuries, and two significant safety recalls (24V-200, 24V-201) related to electrical system failures that can cause loss of headlights, taillights, or power steering. These active safety concerns warrant caution.

What are common problems with the 2024 Kia Sorento?

The most reported issues are related to the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4 complaints), including sudden loss of power, lights, or power steering, which are also addressed by two recalls. Other common problems include STRUCTURE (3 complaints), primarily spontaneous panoramic sunroof shattering, and issues with VISIBILITY/WIPER (2 complaints) like fogging headlights and window malfunctions. ENGINE and FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE systems also have multiple complaints.

Are there any recalls for the 2024 Kia Sorento?

Yes, there are two recalls for the 2024 Kia Sorento. Recall 24V-200 addresses a software error in the Body Domain Control Unit (BDC) that may cause a loss of headlights and taillights. Recall 24V-201 concerns an incorrectly assembled motor driven power steering (MDPS) wiring harness, which can result in a loss of power steering assist. Both issues increase the risk of a crash.

How does the 2024 Kia Sorento perform in crash tests?

The 2024 Kia Sorento performed very well in NHTSA crash tests, earning an overall 5-star safety rating. It received 4 stars for frontal crash, 5 stars for side crash, and 4 stars for rollover resistance.

Should I be concerned about the electrical system in the 2024 Kia Sorento?

Yes, the electrical system is a significant concern. It is the most complained-about component and is the subject of both recalls. Issues include sudden loss of headlights/taillights, power steering, and complete electrical power while driving, which are critical safety hazards. Ensure any recalled components have been addressed before purchase.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: While the 2024 Kia Sorento has excellent crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of the two active safety recalls and numerous consumer complaints regarding electrical system failures, panoramic sunroof shattering, and automatic emergency braking malfunctions. Verify that all recall repairs have been completed and consider an extended warranty for peace of mind regarding these early-reported issues.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2024 Kia Sorento

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2024 Kia Sorento. The data includes 29 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 2 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 4 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 3 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2024 Kia Sorento an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.