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: Over 10 years, the Sorento averaged 207.4 complaints per year with 829 engine complaints, while the Camry averaged 205.6 with 315 engine complaints. The Camry had 171 crash-related reports versus 65 for the Sorento. 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 is a mid-size SUV that, based on owner complaints, can demand extra attention as it ages. Over 10 years, it has averaged about 207 complaints per year, with engine issues dominating the list. Owners frequently report stalling, power steering failure, and transmission warnings, which can be unsettling and costly. While many SUVs have problems, the Sorento's pattern suggests a higher likelihood of major component failures that affect drivability.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mid-size sedan with a reputation for dependability, but NHTSA data shows it is not trouble-free. It averages about 206 complaints per year, with power train and brake issues among the most common. Owners describe problems like hesitation, shuddering, and electronic parking brake failures. Still, the Camry's complaint pattern includes fewer engine-related complaints than the Sorento, though brake and power train concerns are notable.
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 | 2,074 | 2,056 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 30 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 65 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 207.4 | 205.6 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 83 Better | 158 |
| 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
- 01ENGINE829
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER379
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM314
- 04POWER TRAIN239
- 05EXTERIOR LIGHTING201
Owners report sudden stalling while driving, including uphill, and a 'STOP SAFELY IMMEDIATELY' warning. These failures can leave you stranded and may require expensive repairs.
Complaints include transmission warning lights and vehicles shutting off at red lights, forcing a manual restart. Such electrical glitches can be intermittent and hard to diagnose.
Transmission control system warnings and stalling while braking are reported. These issues can affect acceleration and safety in traffic.
Electronic power steering failure is a recurring complaint, making the steering wheel extremely stiff and hard to control. This is a serious safety concern if it happens at speed.
“While driving my 2021 Kia Sorento, the electronic power steering suddenly failed/intermittently cut out while the vehicle was in motion. The steering wheel became extremely stiff and difficult to turn, making the vehicle very hard to control and creating a se…”
“I own a 2021 Kia Sorento 2.5L Turbo AWD with approximately 150,000 miles. In the evening, while driving home after dinner with my daughter in the vehicle, I was traveling in the area of [XXX] and [XXX] when the vehicle displayed a “STOP SAFELY IMMEDIATELY” wa…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key getting stuck in Park, requiring battery disconnection to remove. Others describe hesitation and shuddering with the check engine light on, which can indicate transmission or engine issues.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow. A clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area is also reported, linked to the ABS system.
Delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator is a complaint, with the car taking several seconds to move. This can be dangerous when merging or crossing traffic.
Multiple system malfunctions are reported, including stability control, power steering, and blind spot monitoring failing simultaneously. Such widespread electrical issues can be frustrating and costly to fix.
“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…”
“The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was hesitating and shuddering, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle…”
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 Motor America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021 Sorento and 2021-2022 K5 vehicles equipped with 2.5L turbocharged engines. Fuel may leak at the pipe connection between the high-pressure fuel pump and fuel rail.
The risk: A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten, or replace the fuel pipe as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC214.
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris a…
The risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect the vehicle, and, as necessary, replace the fuse and/or tow hitch harness module, free of charge. Owner notification lett…
The defect: Kia Motors, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Sorento and 2021-2023 K5 vehicles. The vehicle's "fail-safe" limited-mobility drive mode may be impaired, when prompted by a transmission oil pump malfunction, which can result in a complete loss of drive power.
The risk: Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission, as necessary. Dealers will also update the transmission control unit software. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 9, 2022. Owners…
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Sorento vehicles. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) blower motor wiring harness may be inadequate, which can result in a fire.
The risk: A fire increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the wiring harness and blower motor resistor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2026. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC351. Veh…
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
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…
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…
Buyer analysis
KIA Sorento or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Toyota Camry has a slightly lower complaint rate per year (205.6 vs. 207.4) and fewer engine-related complaints, but it has more crash-related reports (171 vs. 65) and injuries (158 vs. 83). In practice, the Sorento's issues often involve stalling and steering loss, while the Camry's problems are more varied but include brake and power train faults. Both have recalls, so neither is immune to defects.
Key differences
- The Sorento has far more engine complaints (829 vs. 315), often involving stalling and power steering failure, while the Camry's engine issues are less frequent but include throttle delay.
- The Camry has more crash-related reports (171 vs. 65) and injuries (158 vs. 83), despite fewer overall complaints, suggesting different safety concerns.
- The Sorento's top complaint category is engine, while the Camry's is power train, indicating different areas of owner frustration.
- Both have electrical issues, but the Sorento's include transmission warnings and stalling, while the Camry's involve multiple system malfunctions like stability control and blind spot monitoring.
- During a test drive, listen for any warning chimes or messages about transmission or engine issues, and check if the steering feels stiff or unresponsive.
- Ask for maintenance records and check for open recalls related to fuel system, trailer hitch, transmission, and electrical wiring.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park and listen for any clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area.
- Check for open recalls on wheels, seats, and air bag sensors, and ask if the electronic parking brake has ever failed to disengage.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a certified mechanic, focusing on engine, transmission, and electrical systems.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any hesitation, stalling, unusual noises, or warning lights.
- Ask the seller for all maintenance records, especially for oil changes and transmission service.
- Verify that all safety recalls have been addressed and ask for proof of repair.
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 | 6 | 0 |
| 2025 | 75 | 163 |
| 2024 | 41 | 50 |
| 2023 | 121 | 64 |
| 2022 | 189 | 61 |
| 2021 | 20 | 157 |
| 2020 | 136 | 274 |
| 2019 | 428 | 395 |
| 2018 | 254 | 744 |
| 2017 | 804 | 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
- 2,074
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- KIA Sorento total recalls
- 30
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- KIA Sorento avg complaints/year
- 207.4
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Camry
- KIA Sorento top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN