2025 Kia Sorento Safety Report
2025 KIA SORENTO Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2025 Kia Sorento
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2025 Kia Sorento. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (3) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Moderate (55) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 4 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Unknown Or Other | Compare unknown or other issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2026 | Compare against the 2026 Kia Sorento with 0 complaints and 2 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2022 | Check the 2022 Kia Sorento before buying across this generation. |
Kia Sorento Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Kia Sorento years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Kia Sorento | 0 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2024 Kia Sorento | 29 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2023 Kia Sorento | 90 | 3 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2022 Kia Sorento | 166 | 6 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2021 Kia Sorento | 21 | 4 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2020 Kia Sorento | 121 | 1 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2025 Kia Sorento Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2025 Kia Sorento, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Unknown Or Other
8 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Kia onlyPower Train
7 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Kia onlyElectrical System
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Kia onlyPower Train,Engine
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train,Engine issues Kia onlyEngine,Fuel/Propulsion System
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System issues Kia onlyElectrical System,Unknown Or Other
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System,Unknown Or Other issues Kia onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2025 Kia Sorento
Reliability Score
The 2025 Kia Sorento receives a reliability score of 55 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.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2025 Kia Sorento
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2025 Kia Sorento
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2025 Kia Sorento:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instrument Cluster Malfunction Kia America, Inc. is recalling certain 2025 Sorento models due to a potential issue with the instrument cluster, which can freeze while driving, affecting visibility and safety. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Engine Fastener Defect Kia America, Inc. is recalling certain 2025 Sorento models due to critical connecting rod bolts that may become loose, posing a risk of engine failure. |
High | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Sunroof Spontaneous Shattering Kia America, Inc. is recalling certain 2025 Sorento models due to a potential issue with the sunroof that can spontaneously shatter while driving, posing a safety risk. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Engine Stalling Reports of the engine stalling and running only on battery power have been reported, which can be dangerous, especially at high speeds. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2025 Kia Sorento:
Issues with the instrument cluster and body control module are the most common electrical system problems.
Problems with engine fasteners and stalling are the most common engine issues.
Spontaneous sunroof shattering is a less common but significant issue.
DCT transmission hesitation is a less common issue but can be dangerous.
Recall Details for the 2025 Kia Sorento
The following 3 recalls have been issued for the 2025 Kia Sorento by NHTSA:
Summary: 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."
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Summary: 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."
Consequence: A loss of headlights and taillights can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2025 Kia Sorento
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2025 Kia Sorento with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 3 complaints involved crashes. 2 reported injuries or fatalities.
Driving 40 mph coming around a bend. There was a car stopped about to rear off to the left and when coming up around the turn I saw and tried to stop. I was about two car lengths behind the car when I pressed the brake down and I pushed it all the way down and nothing happened. It was grinding and shaky when pressing it down. Not tight or anything. I feel like I normally would have that tension ri...
I am reporting a loss of propulsion event in a 2025 Kia Sorento S AWD. The vehicle experienced a sudden loss of drive power when pressing the accelerator. The engine did not respond normally and the vehicle entered a reduced power (limp mode) condition. Stopping in the middle of major intersections, [XXX] and then [XXX] and [XXX] at 4:30 pm. This vehicle is subject to Recall 25V548 involving e...
This is the 4th time car is unable to start after being parked for one day and it had to be jump starting. At first I thought it was some accessory, specifically a dashcam and aftermarket ambient lights, so I disconnected both and I even turned off the wireless charging pad and disable the function to turn the lights on when doors open and it didn't help, dead car again after 1 day parked. Car was...
The Kia Connect fuse was confirmed by Gerald Kia of Naperville to cause a parasitic draw that cannot be fixed. The dealership had to remove the fuse after stating that no software update is yet available, and that numerous owners have had the issue. My car has died 7x with less than 7K miles on it and less than a year old. Bought new. They still have not put the fuse back in and Kia has refused to...
The sunroof spontaneously shattered while I was driving in the highway. No one was injured but glass did fly off of the vehicle and luckily the cover inside was closed so no glass got in the vehicle. There was no warning just an explosion sound. The sunroof glass was blowing outward once I was able to pull over and inspect it. The dealership did replace the sunroof and said it was covered under my...
While driving on a freeway I hear a crashing sound of glass and heard loose glass above me. When I pulled over I looked to see that my sunroof shattered. There was nothing above me for something to fall from and hit my car. There was also nothing found that would have struck the glass
While driving the engine stops running and only runs on battery power. The only remedy that is partially successful is to stop and restart the vehicle. Problem often repeats itself and makes driving unsafe as the battery cannot fully power the engine. Upon restart the check engine light will be on and report this error: "Powertrain P112000 A possible condition with your Engine Control Syste...
Was merging onto the San Tan L202 Freeway from the SR24 On Ramp. While accelerating to up to roughly 65mph, what sounded like a gunshot went off and it became very loud in the cabin of my car. I then noticed glass flying around the outside of my car, so I immediately pulled over onto the shoulder to see what happened. When I got out and looked up I noticed that the sunroof had completely exploded ...
My wife was slowly pulling into a parking spot at kohls and the car lunged like the gas pedal was pressed all the way down and hit parking pole in spot . I googled to see if this was an issue reports and found information on this not actual recall but reports on this issue . Kia has done nothing with this case
Vehicle only has 5839 miles and this is the 2nd time the battery has been dead. First time was Dec 18th 2025. Vehicle purchased 7/5/25. 2nd time 2/5/26. First time the outside lights flickered for a long time before finally going off. 2nd time the outside lights didnt flicker and key fob wont even lock the car. We took the vehicle in for service after 1st dead battery instance and they told us we...
Driver attention warning light coming on frequently for no reason, is distracting for driver and will cause and accident, today we almost hit a horse and buggy
The DCT transmission causes significant hesitation at slow speeds or starting from a stop. This often leaves the driver and it’s occupants in a vulnerable position if the car hesitates when trying to navigate through traffic. I have taken it to the dealership and they stated that nothing is wrong with it, However, in reviewing online forums, it is obviously a significant concern.
Hit a deer going 80, airbags did not deploy and car did not attempt to brake
This incident started within the first 100 miles of ownership. The dealership hasn’t been able to recreate the incident. I put my 2025 Kia Sorento in the “automatic” drive position. I start driving and my transmission won’t shift gears. I looked down at my dashboard and it shows the vehicle is in “manual” drive gear 1. I look at my gear shift and it shows the vehicle is in “automatic” drive positi...
Instrument gauge cluster freezes while driving. Cannot view current speed, blinker status, cruise control settings, tachometer information, fuel status, or ADAAS items. Also gear select indicator light freezes and does not show correct gear/park. Can only be reset by disconnecting negative battery cable and discharging system.
Today is 12/15/2025 About a month or 2 ago i was on the highway coming from South Carolina to North Carolina when the engine revved up unexpectedly without input. It has HDA2 and that was doing most of the work. The vehicle started to speed up beyond the set limit and once i hit the brakes and manually shifted i was able to regain control. Last week the vehicle made a small noise that I wasn’t ...
Road debris under normal driving conditions caused a puncture of the inverter radiator resulting in a total loss of coolant in the inverter and battery system. Inspection of the system at a Kia dealer confirmed the problem. The first sign of concern was an error displayed on the driver screen stating, "Check drive motor cooling system". There is no mention of this error in the owner's manual for t...
There is an electronic glitch with the gear shifting system where it will randomly / sporadically not allow shifting from reverse to drive and provides the error message "gear already selected." This has happened numerous times and resolves itself after 1-2 minutes. However, the vehicle remains in the wrong gear (reverse) while waiting, creating a significant safety issue. I purchased this vehi...
Vehicle: 2025 Kia Sorento (leased) VIN: [XXX] Mileage at failure: 11,345 Incident dates: March 23, April 27, November 28–December 1 Type: Loss of power / electrical failure / safety hazard Complaint Description: I am reporting repeated electrical failures and complete loss of power in my 2025 Kia Sorento that created unsafe situations for myself and my children. The first failure occurred on M...
My vehicle has an ongoing acceleration problem that feels like the engine and transmission are not communicating correctly. There are times when the vehicle will not accelerate even though the RPMs increase. Instead of picking up speed, it feels like the engine is pulling the vehicle back. This creates hesitation and uncertainty about whether the car will respond when I press the accelerator. Thi...
Showing 20 of 55 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for the 2025 Kia Sorento
TSBs are manufacturer-acknowledged issues with recommended fixes. Unlike recalls, TSB repairs are not always free.
WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: DEALER PARTS & SERVICE MANAGER MEMO (WTY042) - This document is the announcement to the dealer Parts and Service managers advising that Kia is is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage, to all owners, for repairs related to the horn assembly for eligible veh...
WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO (WTY042) - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals advising that Kia is is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage, to all owners, for repairs related to the horn assembly for eligible vehicles, from 5 years / 60,000 m...
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER ACTION: ECU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT FOR DTC P2B59F0 (CA2516) - This bulletin provides information to upgrade the Engine Control Unit (ECU) software on certain 2024–2025MY vehicles equipped with 2.5 GDI or 2.5 T-GDI Theta III engines listed in the table below. Affected ...
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: DCU COMMUNICATION LOGIC IMPROVEMENT - This bulletin provides the procedure to upgrade the Data Connectivity Unit (DCU) system software on some 2025–2026MY vehicles listed in the table below. Kia has identified that Connected Car Services (CCS) functionality may intermitte...
RELEASE NOTES: OVER-THE-AIR: SOFWARE UPDATE FOR DATA CONNECTIVITY (ELE413) - This Over-the-Air (OTA) software update is designed to update the Data Connectivity Unit (DCU) logic of certain 2025 K5 and 2025 Sorento vehicles. This update is designed to improve the vehicle’s network communication perfo...
PITSTOP: TECHNICAL OPERATIONS: EXTERNAL DAMAGE TO ULTRASONIC SENSOR: This Pitstop provides information related to Parking Distance Warning (PDW) alerts and repairs involving ultrasonic sensors. The PDW system alerts the driver while parking, by calculating distance based on the difference in signal ...
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: QUESTION AND ANSWER (SC353) - This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding the Voluntary Service Campaign SC353.
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO (SC353) - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign on 11 units of 2025 MY Sorento vehicles, manufactured from December 18, 2024 through February 24, 2025, to replace the e...
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO () - This document is the announcement to the dealer Parts and Service managers advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign on 11 units of 2025 MY Sorento vehicles, manufactured from December 18, 2024 through February...
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (SC353) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign on certain 2025 MY Sorento vehicles, manufactured from December 18, 2024 through February 24, 2025, to replace the engine with a new one.
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: ENGINE REPLACEMENT FOR COOLANT LEAK (SC353) - This bulletin provides information to address an engine coolant leak concern on certain 2025MY Sorento (MQ4a) vehicles equipped with a 2.5L Theta III T-GDI engine produced from December 18, 2024 thr...
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (SC339) - OWNER NOTIFICATION (SC339) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to inspect and, based on the inspection results, replace the right-hand 2nd-row seat cushion wire harness on cert...
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: RIGHT-HAND 2ND-ROW SEAT WIRING HARNESS INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT AND REROUTE (SC339) - This bulletin provides instructions to 1) inspect the right-hand 2nd-row seat cushion wiring harness and, if necessary, replace the wiring harness and 2) rerout...
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: QUESTION AND ANSWER (SC339) - This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding the Voluntary Service Campaign SC339.
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO (SC339) - This document is the announcement to the dealer Parts and Service managers advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to inspect and, if necessary, replace the right-hand 2nd-row seat cushion wire harness o...
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO (SC339) - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to inspect and, if necessary, replace the right-hand 2nd-row seat cushion wire harness on certain 2024-2025 MY Sorento X...
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid ty...
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: REAR SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information to address vehicles that may be exhibiting a ‘clunking’ noise from the rear suspension while traveling over rough/bumpy terrain on certain 2024-2025MY Sorento (MQ4a) vehicles produced from January 6, 202...
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: KIA CONNECT ACTIVATION FAILURE (SA600) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information to access the ‘Dealer Mode’...
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: KIA CONNECT ACTIVATION FAILURE (SA600) - This bulletin provides information to access the ‘Dealer Mode’ function and perform a ‘Reset Network’ on certain 2025MY Multiple Model vehicles listed on page 7 equipped with a Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2025 Kia Sorento
Has the 2025 KIA SORENTO been recalled?
Yes, the 2025 KIA SORENTO has 3 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2025 KIA SORENTO have?
The 2025 KIA SORENTO has 55 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 4 involved crashes. 2 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2025 KIA SORENTO?
The 2025 KIA SORENTO received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 4/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2025 KIA SORENTO?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2025 KIA SORENTO involve unknown or other (8 complaints), power train (7 complaints), electrical system (3 complaints). Other affected components include power train,engine, engine,fuel/propulsion system, electrical system,unknown or other.
How many crash reports does the 2025 KIA SORENTO have?
There are 4 crash reports associated with the 2025 KIA SORENTO out of 55 total complaints (7.3% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2025 KIA SORENTO have?
There are no fire reports for the 2025 KIA SORENTO in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2025 KIA SORENTO?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2025 KIA SORENTO.
How many injuries are reported for the 2025 KIA SORENTO?
2 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2025 KIA SORENTO. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2025 KIA SORENTO?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2025 KIA SORENTO is acceptable with caveats. It has 55 complaints, 3 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2025 KIA SORENTO?
The components with the most failures on the 2025 KIA SORENTO are: 1. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (8 complaints), 2. POWER TRAIN (7 complaints), 3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3 complaints), 4. POWER TRAIN,ENGINE (3 complaints), 5. ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (2 complaints). UNKNOWN OR OTHER is the single most-reported problem area with 8 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2025 KIA SORENTO?
Be cautious of electrical system and engine issues, as they can pose significant safety risks. Regular maintenance is crucial. The 2025 KIA SORENTO has 55 NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2025 KIA SORENTO?
The 2025 KIA SORENTO receives a reliability score of 55/100, indicating average reliability. This is based on 55 owner complaints, 3 recalls, and 4 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Instrument Cluster Malfunction and Engine Fastener Defect.
What are the known issues with the 2025 KIA SORENTO?
Known issues with the 2025 KIA SORENTO include: Instrument Cluster Malfunction, Engine Fastener Defect, Sunroof Spontaneous Shattering, Engine Stalling. These are based on patterns found across 55 NHTSA complaints. 3 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the most common safety issues with the 2025 KIA Sorento?
The most common issues are electrical system malfunctions, particularly with the instrument cluster, and engine fastener defects.
Can the spontaneous sunroof shattering be fixed?
Kia is recalling vehicles due to this issue, but it may require a repair or replacement of the sunroof.
What should I do if I experience engine stalling?
Stop the vehicle safely, check the battery and fuse box, and seek professional assistance if the issue persists.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of electrical system and engine issues, as they can pose significant safety risks. Regular maintenance is crucial.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2025 Kia Sorento
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2025 Kia Sorento. The data includes 55 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 3 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 4 reported crashes, 2 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2025 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.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16