Notable Issues

2015 KIA SORENTO Problems

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2015 Kia Sorento. This model year has 738 NHTSA complaints β€” top issue: Engine Problems.

738
Complaints
20
Crashes
13
Fires
24
Injuries
β€”
Deaths
3
Recalls

Before you buy β€” check the actual VIN

This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.

Worst 2015 Kia Sorento Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#1
359
complaints

Engine Problems

Crash-related:6
Fires:8
Injuries:5
#2
112
complaints

Uncategorized Issues

Crash-related:1
Fires:1
#3
98
complaints

Structural Problems

Crash-related:3
Injuries:1

Considering a 2015 Kia Sorento?

This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).

All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2015 Kia Sorento. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Engine Problems35968β€”
Uncategorized Issues11211β€”
Structural Problems983β€”β€”
Headlight/Taillight Failures901β€”β€”
Electrical Faults56β€”4β€”
Transmission / Drivetrain421β€”β€”
Brake System3524β€”
Steering Defects335β€”β€”
Airbag Malfunctions297β€”β€”
Fuel/Propulsion System2711β€”
Unintended Acceleration203β€”β€”
Hydraulic15β€”1β€”
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)8β€”β€”β€”
Visibility/Wiper7β€”β€”β€”
Seat-Related Issues61β€”β€”
Tire Issues4β€”β€”β€”
Suspension Failures4β€”β€”β€”
Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB3β€”1β€”
Wheel Issues31β€”β€”
Seat Belt Issues31β€”β€”
Visibility3β€”β€”β€”
Fuel System3β€”β€”β€”
Gasoline3β€”β€”β€”
Air1β€”β€”β€”
Equipment1β€”β€”β€”

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2015 Kia Sorento. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

πŸ”

Showing 400 most recent complaints of 738 total. View all on NHTSA β†—

Engine ProblemsApr 27, 2026

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle hesitated to maintain automotive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed; however, the diagnostic resul…

Uncategorized IssuesApr 4, 2026

Shift arm gear stuck- unable to shift from park to drive to neutral, reverse, etc.

Transmission / DrivetrainMar 21, 2026

I was driving with my son when my 2015 Kia Sorento stopped in traffic. I remember warning lights coming on my dash including the engine light, oil light and battery light. However, I was more concerned about getting my hazards on so we would not be hit by another car. Traffic was…

Engine ProblemsMar 18, 2026

Was driving vehicle and it began to run hot, check engine light came on then started to make a knocking sound when getting to 30-35 mph. Was inspected by a service center. There it was confirmed an issue with the motor/head gasket

Engine ProblemsMar 17, 2026

Eccessive oil consumpion. I related it to the dealir who did not want yo do anything about it. I present this problem yo the dealr beginning of 2024 and sid not wanted to do anything but instructed me yo gather my receipt and come back. By yhe time i pulle all my record 10 yaer …

Engine ProblemsMar 15, 2026

Dealer driving car 35mph. Check engine light started flashing. Burning plastic smell from under hood. Car cut off. Did not restart. Towed to mechanic, was told engine locked up.

Headlight/Taillight FailuresMar 14, 2026

I’m tired of replacing my headlight bulbs every month!!! Both high and low beam go out all the time! It’s expensive. Also it is a safety concern. The low beams are dim to begin with and having one go out I have to drive with high beams on due to inability to see. I even upgraded…

Seat-Related IssuesMar 4, 2026

Subject: Broken Driver Seat Metal Rod – Safety Hazard in 2015 Kia Sorento To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to report a serious issue involving the driver’s seat in my 2015 Kia Sorento, specifically a broken metal rod inside the seat frame. This part appears to be part of the …

Engine ProblemsMar 3, 2026

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. There was a knocking sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was towed the local dealer and was diagnosed wit…

Transmission / DrivetrainFeb 25, 2026

I was driving on the highway when I proceeded to the turn lane to turn left crossing two lanes of traffic and the vehicle just shut down no warning whatsoever no check engine lights no oil lights nothing and it wouldn’t turn back on when trying it but after about 5 times it turne…

Engine ProblemsFeb 12, 2026

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40-45 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle, but the engine made …

Engine ProblemsFeb 8, 2026

I am filing this complaint regarding a suspected safety defect involving the Theta II engine in my 2015 Kia Sorento. The vehicle developed progressive engine failure symptoms including: Engine knocking and abnormal mechanical noise Loss of power while driving Misfire conditions E…

Headlight/Taillight FailuresFeb 4, 2026

Formal Complaint on Seized Headlight Sockets and Kia’s Obstruction of Essential Safety Maintenance 1. Incident & Discovery of Defect: I am the owner of a 2015 Kia Sorento. Recently, one of my headlights failed. Upon attempting a routine bulb replacement, I discovered a critical…

Tire IssuesJan 30, 2026

- I was driving down 55 mph. on dark, busy highway in Sarasota, Florida (Fruitville Rd.) at approximately 6:15 a.m. on Friday, January 23, 2025. - Suddenly, without warning, the sidewall of the rear passenger side tire completely blew out in a perfect circle around the entire ou…

Headlight/Taillight FailuresJan 26, 2026

Yes there was a recall in a module control panel which still is messed up. It’s been replaced a couple x. Also the dim lights since I bought the car have a very low light were you can hardly see at night. And this SUV drinks gas on long/short trips. I’ve taken it in several times…

Headlight/Taillight FailuresJan 22, 2026

The low beam headlights do not illuminate the highway sufficiently to drive safely. I lowered the aim of my high beam to be able to drive at night and not blind approaching drivers. This is unacceptable for a modern vehicle to be permitted to be sold in this condition.

Uncategorized IssuesJan 13, 2026

I was driving down a very busy road and with no warning my car lost power. It would turn over but not start back up. I was stuck in the middle of a busy road way causing traffic’s to back up. I had to call the police to sit behind me so I wouldn’t get hit from behind.

Transmission / DrivetrainNov 9, 2025

My vehicle has a slow speed pick up and I’m getting code p0018 and has very rough idling !

Engine ProblemsOct 23, 2025

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the en…

Transmission / DrivetrainOct 21, 2025

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked and shifted into park(P), the gear shifter failed to shift into the intended gear. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the gear shifter had seized in park(P). In addition,…

Page 1 of 20

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2015 Kia Sorento.

Recalls for 2015 Kia Sorento

3 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2015 Kia Sorento. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

18V907000Invalid Date
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

20V519000Invalid Date
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

21V331000Oct 5, 2021
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

2015 Kia Sorento β€” FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2015 Kia Sorento reliable?β–Ύ

Notable Issues. The 2015 Kia Sorento has 738 NHTSA owner complaints, 20 crash-related, and 3 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Engine Problems (359 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.

What are the most common problems with the 2015 Kia Sorento?β–Ύ

#1: Engine Problems (359 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (112 complaints). #3: Structural Problems (98 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2015 Kia Sorento?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2015 Kia Sorento?β–Ύ

The 2015 Kia Sorento has 20 crash-related complaints and 13 fire reports out of 738 total NHTSA complaints. 24 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2015 Kia Sorento have any recalls?β–Ύ

Yes β€” 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2015 Kia Sorento. The largest issue: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

Should I buy a 2015 Kia Sorento?β–Ύ

The 2015 Kia Sorento has notable issues β€” review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Engine Problems issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.

Wider context: See the full Kia Sorento reliability report with year-by-year comparison.

Check Your Specific 2015 Kia Sorento

Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.