Vehicle 1

KIA Sorento

1,977 complaints · 30 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Toyota Camry

2,003 complaints · 27 recalls

📊 Based on NHTSA owner complaint & recall data
Which Should I Buy?

KIA Sorento vs Toyota Camry: The Sorento has 197.7 complaints per year and 30 recalls, while the Camry has 200.3 complaints per year and 27 recalls. The Sorento's top issue is engine (795), Camry's is power train (365). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

Lower numbers are better for complaints, recalls, and crashes.

3
KIA Sorento
wins 3 of 4 categories
1
Toyota Camry
wins 1 of 4 categories
CategoryKIA SorentoToyota Camry
Total Complaints
All years combined
1,977
✓ lower
2,003
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
30
27
✓ lower
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
60
✓ lower
174
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
197.7
✓ lower
200.3

Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records. Lower is better.

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

KIA Sorento

1. ENGINE795
2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER362
3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM302
4. POWER TRAIN207
5. EXTERIOR LIGHTING200

Toyota Camry

1. POWER TRAIN365
2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER316
3. ENGINE305
4. SERVICE BRAKES284
5. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM222
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Toyota Camry has slightly more complaints per year (200.3 vs 197.7), but the Kia Sorento has more recalls (30 vs 27). For a buyer, this means both vehicles have similar complaint rates, but the Sorento may require more recall-related service visits.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize lower recall risk and fewer engine complaints, choose the Toyota Camry. If you prefer an SUV and can accept more recalls, the Kia Sorento may suit you, but watch for engine issues.

Key Differences
  • Kia Sorento has 30 recalls vs Toyota Camry's 27.
  • Toyota Camry has 174 crash complaints vs Sorento's 60.
  • Kia Sorento's top issue is ENGINE (795 complaints); Camry's top is POWER TRAIN (365).
  • Camry has 284 SERVICE BRAKES complaints; Sorento has 0 in top five.
⚠ Watch on KIA Sorento
  • Engine problems are the most common complaint (795), so check for engine noise, stalling, or failure.
  • Electrical system issues (302 complaints) may cause warning lights or battery drain.
⚠ Watch on Toyota Camry
  • Power train complaints (365) include transmission and drivetrain issues; test all gears.
  • Service brakes (284) suggest potential brake problems; inspect pads, rotors, and fluid.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check NHTSA recall status for both vehicles and ensure all recalls are performed.
  • For Sorento: request engine service records and listen for unusual noises.
  • For Camry: test brakes for pulsation or noise and check transmission smoothness.
  • Obtain a vehicle history report to see if crash complaints match reported accidents.
  • Have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

KIA SorentoToyota Camry
2026
3
68
2025
64
126
2024
35
44
2023
103
56
2022
181
55
2021
21
151
2020
128
260
2019
412
374
2018
247
721
2017
783
148
KIA Sorento vs Toyota Camry — comparison facts
Comparison
KIA Sorento vs Toyota Camry
KIA Sorento total complaints
1,977
Toyota Camry total complaints
2,003
KIA Sorento total recalls
30
Toyota Camry total recalls
27
KIA Sorento avg complaints/year
197.7
Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
200.3
More reliable overall
KIA Sorento
KIA Sorento top complaint area
ENGINE
Toyota Camry top complaint area
POWER TRAIN
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

KIA Sorento Reliability & Problems

1,977 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Toyota Camry Reliability & Problems

2,003 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

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