Head-to-head reliability
KIA Sorento vs KIA SOUL
How the KIA Sorento and KIA SOUL compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
KIA Sorento vs KIA SOUL: The Sorento has 5669 complaints and 45 recalls over 10 years, while the Soul has 1340 complaints and 11 recalls. Engine stalling and electrical issues plague both, but the Sorento's higher rate suggests more frequent problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the KIA Sorento or KIA SOUL more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
KIA Sorento
The Kia Sorento, based on NHTSA data, shows a high complaint rate averaging 567 per year over a decade, with engine problems dominating. Owners report stalling, check engine lights, and timing chain failures, alongside electrical gremlins like random door locking and dash lights. The vehicle also has 45 recalls, including brake light switches and airbag sensors, suggesting a history of systemic issues that could mean frequent dealer visits for a used buyer.
KIA SOUL
The Kia Soul has a lower complaint rate of 134 per year, but engine issues still lead, with reports of stalling at stops and battery discharge warnings. Electrical problems include steering wheel jerking toward oncoming traffic and camera failures. With 11 recalls, including transmission oil pump and internal engine parts, the Soul appears less problematic overall but still has notable reliability concerns, especially in the engine and electrical systems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | KIA Sorento | KIA SOUL |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 5,669 | 1,340 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 45 | 11 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 150 | 74 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 566.9 | 134.0 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 192 | 78 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 4 Better | 13 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
KIA Sorento
- 01ENGINE2,076
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM838
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER682
- 04STRUCTURE580
- 05POWER TRAIN561
Owners report the engine stalling unexpectedly, often with warning lights like 'ASC-OFF' or check engine light, and timing chain failures requiring replacement. Some vehicles have been destroyed by fire after stalling on the highway.
Complaints describe doors relocking on their own, dome lights coming on, and the rear hatch unlocking without input. Stalling can occur when using wipers and radio, and the dashboard may light up with multiple warning lights while driving.
The chrome bezel on the instrument panel reflects sunlight and streetlights intensely, causing temporary blinding flashes, a safety hazard while driving.
“The contact owns a 2009 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving out of the driveway, the warning message "ASC-OFF" appeared on the instrument panel and the vehicle inadvertently stalled. The contact stated as she turned off the vehicle, she was able to…”
“My check engine light is on. It has been on for over 2 or more years. Nobody knows what the codes mean. My timing chain needs to be replaced. My tires are constantly leaking. My battery has been replaced 2 times, and I still cannot start my vehicle even when…”
KIA SOUL
- 01ENGINE809
- 02POWER TRAIN182
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER178
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM121
- 05ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING92
The engine can shut off completely while sitting at a light, requiring multiple restart attempts. Some owners experience a system emergency with electrical-like symptoms leading to engine failure.
Battery discharge and Auto START/STOP warning lights appear, linked to a recall for the electric oil pump. Transmission issues may also manifest as electrical symptoms.
The steering wheel jerks toward oncoming traffic on two-lane roads, and front/rear camera safety warnings appear intermittently, followed by ABS and traction control lights.
“It started appearing to be electrical and ended in some type of engine/system emergency! I rented this vehicle through Avis and the first few days everything appeared ok, regarding the functionality vehicle. Mid-day on 10-4-25, I attempted to put groceries in…”
“While sitting at a light, the vehicle would completely turn off! I put the vehicle in park and attempt to restart it. After several attempts, the vehicle would turn on and work properly. This happened to me on 2 occasions. The first time it happened was [XXX]…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
KIA Sorento — 45 recalls
The defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2006-2010 Sedona and 2007-2009 Sorento vehicles. Moisture may enter the Anti-lock Brake (ABS) Module and result in an electrical short.
The risk: An electrical short within the ABS Module may cause an engine compartment fire, even when the vehicle is turned off, increasing the risk of an injury.
The fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will install a relay in the main junction box to prevent power from being directed to the HECU when the vehicle's ignition switch is turned off, free of charge. The recall began June 5, 2020. Owners may…
The defect: Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul, model year 2008-2011 Optima, model year 2010 Forte, model year 2007-2009 Amanti, and model year 2009 Borrego vehicles. Originally, in April 201…
The risk: Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved…
The fix: Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's…
The defect: Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul, model year 2008-2011 Optima, model year 2010 Forte, model year 2007-2009 Amanti, and model year 2009 Borrego vehicles. Originally, in April 201…
The risk: Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved…
The fix: Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's…
The defect: KIA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2008 SORENTO PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 15, 2006 THROUGH NOVEMBER 27, 2007. THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG MAY BE TURNED OFF WHEN AN ADULT IS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG IS DESIGNED TO BE TURNED OFF IN LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES INC…
The risk: THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG IS TURNED OFF WHEN THE OCS MISCLASSIFIES AN ADULT PASSENGER. WITH THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF, THE FRONT PASSENGER WILL NOT HAVE THE PROTECTION OF THE PASSENGER AIR BAGS IN SOME FRONTAL COLLISIONS, THUS INCREA…
The fix: KIA WILL UPDATE THE PROGRAMMING IN THE SORENTO OCS CONTROL MODULE AT NO CHARGE. THE RECALL REMEDY IS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE UNDER SERVICE CAMPAIGN SC076. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-333-4542.
KIA SOUL — 11 recalls
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, Sportage Plug-in Hybrid, Niro Hybrid, Niro Plug-in Hybrid, Soul, and Telluride vehicles equipped with a digital instrument cluster containing a 4.2" LCD screen. The instrument cluster may fail to display any information wh…
The risk: A blank instrument cluster display will not show critical information, such as tire pressure, warning messages, and warning lights, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 26, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC270.
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Soul, Sportage, and 2023-2024 Seltos vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump to overheat.
The risk: An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the electric oil pump controller, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be…
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Soul and 2024 Seltos vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the side curtain air bags may deploy unexpectedly.
The risk: An air bag that deploys unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury or crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace both side curtain air bag modules as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 31, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this reca…
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Seltos and Soul vehicles. The piston oil rings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in engine damage.
The risk: Engine damage can cause a vehicle stall or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Dealers will also install piston-ring noise sensing system (PNSS) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 4, 2025. Owners may contact…
Buyer analysis
KIA Sorento or KIA SOUL: which should you buy?
The Kia Soul has far fewer complaints per year (134 vs 567) and fewer recalls (11 vs 45), making it the more reliable choice on paper. In practice, the Soul's lower complaint rate suggests fewer major failures, though both vehicles have significant engine and electrical issues that buyers should investigate.
Key differences
- The Sorento has over 4 times the complaint rate of the Soul (567 vs 134 per year) and 4 times the recalls (45 vs 11).
- Sorento owners report random electrical events like doors relocking and dash fires, while Soul owners report steering wheel jerking and camera failures.
- Both have engine stalling, but Sorento stalling is more frequently linked to timing chain and fire risk, whereas Soul stalling is often at stops and may be related to the oil pump recall.
- The Sorento has a structural glare issue from the instrument panel bezel, a unique safety complaint not seen in the Soul.
- Check for engine stalling history and timing chain replacement records; look for any fire damage or electrical system repairs.
- Inspect the instrument panel chrome bezel for glare; test all electrical functions including door locks, dome lights, and hatch release for intermittent operation.
- Verify if the electric oil pump recall (23V531000) has been performed; check for battery discharge or Auto START/STOP warning lights.
- Test the steering for any jerking toward oncoming traffic; check camera warnings and ABS/traction control lights.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a mechanic perform a compression test and scan for engine codes, especially on the Sorento.
- Test drive at various speeds and check for stalling, especially when coming to a stop (Soul) or using electrical accessories (Sorento).
- Inspect the Sorento's instrument panel for glare and test all electrical components repeatedly.
- For the Soul, verify the transmission oil pump recall completion and test the steering on a two-lane road.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | KIA Sorento | KIA SOUL |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 103 | 48 |
| 2021 | 21 | 215 |
| 2017 | 783 | 268 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific KIA Sorento or KIA SOUL in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- KIA Sorento vs KIA SOUL
- KIA Sorento total complaints
- 5,669
- KIA SOUL total complaints
- 1,340
- KIA Sorento total recalls
- 45
- KIA SOUL total recalls
- 11
- KIA Sorento avg complaints/year
- 566.9
- KIA SOUL avg complaints/year
- 134.0
- More reliable overall
- KIA SOUL
- KIA Sorento top complaint area
- ENGINE
- KIA SOUL top complaint area
- ENGINE