Head-to-head reliability
KIA Sorento vs Toyota Camry
How the KIA Sorento and Toyota Camry 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 Toyota Camry: The Sorento averages 200.4 complaints per year with engine stalling and electrical glitches, while the Camry averages 208.1 with powertrain and brake issues. The Sorento has 30 recalls and 2 deaths; the Camry has 28 recalls and 1 death. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the KIA Sorento or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
KIA Sorento
The Kia Sorento, a midsize SUV, has a high complaint rate averaging 200.4 per year, with engine issues dominating. Owners report sudden power loss, limp mode, and stalling, often at highway speeds, which can be alarming. Electrical glitches and transmission hesitation add to the ownership burden, making it a vehicle that requires careful pre-purchase inspection.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, a midsize sedan, averages 208.1 complaints per year, slightly higher than the Sorento. Its top issues involve the powertrain, including key removal problems and roll-away risks, along with brake noise and unintended braking. While less dramatic than engine failures, these issues still affect daily usability and safety.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | KIA Sorento | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2,004 Better | 2,081 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 30 | 28 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 60 Better | 177 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 200.4 Better | 208.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 78 Better | 161 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 2 | 1 Better |
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
- 01ENGINE804
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER370
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM307
- 04POWER TRAIN212
- 05EXTERIOR LIGHTING200
Owners report the check engine light flashing and the vehicle entering limp mode at highway speeds, or sudden stalling during turns, which can lead to loss of power and crash risk.
Problems include infotainment screens showing 'No Camera Signal' when reversing, and wiring or body control module issues that may cause unexpected shutdowns or accessory failures.
Transmission hesitation, slippage at low speeds, and hard shifting are common. Some owners experience the engine revving without acceleration, creating dangerous merging situations.
“The contact owns a 2026 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the check engine warning light started flashing and the vehicle entered LIMP Mode. The contact pulled over, turned off, and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle operated as i…”
“On March 19 I completed my 8,000 mile oil change and then drove to Florida. I had a warning light to change my oil since the company did not reset it. Unsure of the other warning lights. As I was driving in Florida on the interstate the car started having iss…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN384
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER332
- 03ENGINE309
- 04SERVICE BRAKES288
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM233
The key can be removed while the vehicle is in Drive, allowing roll-away. Also, the ignition key may become stuck, requiring battery disconnection to remove it.
Some owners report excessive engine noise, vibration when braking, and musty smells from the trunk, though these are less critical than the Sorento's engine failures.
Brakes may produce thumping or grinding noises, and in some cases, the braking system activates erroneously, causing unintended deceleration.
“The vehicle allows the engine to be turned off, key removed, while the vehicle is still in drive with no warning lights or sounds. I have tested and the vehicle can roll away. Complained to the toyota dealership and they said the service tech consulted with t…”
“My 2023 Toyota Camry has developed an intermittent defect where the ignition key becomes stuck and cannot be removed even though the dashboard shows the vehicle is in Park. The only way to remove the key is to disconnect the vehicle's battery, which is not a…”
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 — 30 recalls
The defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 Telluride and 2026 Sorento vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with an incorrect spare tire which, when installed, can impair the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and the traction control system (TCS). As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the…
The risk: Anti-lock braking or traction control systems that do not function properly can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the spare wheel and tire assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 3, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC355. Vehicle Iden…
The defect: 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 suc…
The 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.
The 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…
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2024 Sorento vehicles. The motor driven power steering (MDPS) wiring harness may be incorrectly assembled, which can result in a loss of power steering assist.
The risk: A loss of power steering assist increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and repair, or replace the MDPS wiring harness as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 7, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall i…
The defect: 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…
The risk: A loss of headlights and taillights can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Toyota Camry — 28 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The lug nuts that attach the wheels to the vehicle may be loose, which can result in wheel detachment.
The risk: A wheel that detaches from a moving vehicle can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will inspect and tighten the lug nuts, and replace any damaged components, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short cir…
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue…
Buyer analysis
KIA Sorento or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Kia Sorento has 200.4 complaints per year versus the Camry's 208.1, a negligible difference. However, the Sorento's engine failures pose a higher immediate safety risk, while the Camry's issues are more about convenience and brake reliability. In practice, the Camry may be less alarming to live with.
Key differences
- Sorento owners report engine stalling and limp mode at highway speeds; Camry owners report key removal and roll-away risks.
- Sorento has 30 recalls vs Camry's 28, but Sorento recalls include electrical system wiring and body control module software.
- Camry has more crash-related complaints (177 vs 60) and injuries (161 vs 78), but fewer deaths (1 vs 2).
- Sorento's top complaint is engine (804); Camry's is powertrain (384), with brake issues (288) also prominent.
- Check for any check engine light history and ask if the engine has ever entered limp mode or stalled.
- Test all windows and the infotainment system, especially the backup camera, for intermittent failures.
- Verify that the key can only be removed when the vehicle is in Park, and test for any sticking.
- Listen for brake noises during test drive and check if the brakes ever activate without pedal input.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report for both models to check for open recalls and past repairs.
- Test drive the Sorento at highway speeds to feel for transmission hesitation or power loss.
- Inspect the Camry's ignition key operation and test the brakes for unintended activation.
- Check the Sorento's electrical system: operate all windows, lights, and infotainment repeatedly.
- For the Camry, ask about any brake noise complaints and whether the moonroof has been replaced.
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 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 97 |
| 2025 | 67 | 140 |
| 2024 | 36 | 46 |
| 2023 | 109 | 60 |
| 2022 | 183 | 57 |
| 2021 | 21 | 154 |
| 2020 | 130 | 264 |
| 2019 | 418 | 387 |
| 2018 | 248 | 728 |
| 2017 | 788 | 148 |
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 Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- KIA Sorento vs Toyota Camry
- KIA Sorento total complaints
- 2,004
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,081
- KIA Sorento total recalls
- 30
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 28
- KIA Sorento avg complaints/year
- 200.4
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 208.1
- More reliable overall
- KIA Sorento
- KIA Sorento top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN