2022 Kia Sorento: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2022 Kia Sorento? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 171 complaints, with Transmission / Drivetrain as the top reported area.
2022 Kia Sorento Fuel Economy
β EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 6 2022 Kia Sorento trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 6 trims analysed.
2022 Kia Sorento Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested β showing 2022 Kia Sorento SUV AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
15.9% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
15.9% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2022 Kia Sorento has 171 owner complaints, 4 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Transmission / Drivetrain. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Kia
- Model
- Sorento
- Model year
- 2022
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 171
- Crash-related complaints
- 4
- Safety recall campaigns
- 6
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 26
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 24 / 29
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2022 Kia Sorento Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Engine Problems
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Engine Problems, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2022 Kia Sorento?
The 2022 Kia Sorento shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2022 Kia Sorento
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the transmission and drivetrain for any signs of trouble, such as unusual noises or shifting issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and transmission repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported components.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the transmission and drivetrain for any signs of trouble, such as unusual noises or shifting issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and transmission repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported components.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2022 Kia Sorento, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2022 Kia Sorento are concentrated in the transmission/drivetrain and engine components, with a moderate number of electrical and brake issues. The data suggests potential concerns in these areas, but the low confidence level and limited model year range mean patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Transmission/drivetrain complaints are the most reported component, with 55 complaints.
- Engine problems are the second most reported, with 49 complaints.
- There are 6 recalls for the 2022 model year, which may address some reported issues.
- Transmission / Drivetrain issues are the most frequently reported concern.
- Engine Problems are a recurring theme in complaints.
- Electrical Faults and Brake System issues also appear in the data.
All 2022 Kia Sorento Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2022 Kia Sorento. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 55 | 1 | β | β | |
| Engine Problems | 49 | 1 | β | β | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 35 | 1 | 1 | β | |
| Electrical Faults | 25 | β | 1 | β | |
| Brake System | 17 | β | β | β | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 13 | β | β | β | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 11 | 1 | β | β | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 9 | β | β | β | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 8 | β | β | β | |
| Visibility | 8 | β | β | β | |
| Steering Defects | 8 | β | β | β | |
| Trailer Hitches | 5 | β | β | β | |
| Lane Departure | 4 | β | β | β | |
| Suspension Failures | 3 | β | β | β | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Structural Problems | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Equipment | 1 | β | β | β |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2022 Kia Sorento. Type a keyword (e.g. βtransmissionβ, βstallingβ, βbrakesβ) to filter.
The vehicleβs transmission failed. While driving on the highway, the transmission began slipping and then would not allow the vehicle to accelerate beyond approximately 10 mph. The vehicle also lost the ability to reverse. My familyβs safety was put at significant risk. The incβ¦
The fuel door actuator failed. The gas door would not open due to the actuator being seized shut, preventing access to the fuel tank. This vehicle does not have a manual release mechanism, so there was no alternative way to open the fuel door. The dealership confirmed the actuatoβ¦
The transmission and related drivetrain components malfunctioned. While driving, the vehicleβs RPMs would surge into the 5,000β6,000 range without corresponding acceleration, and the vehicle would not shift properly into the next gear. The issue caused poor acceleration and inconβ¦
The driverβs seat frame and adjustment mechanism failed. The seat broke off from the frame, resulting in the seat only being able to move left and right, with no ability to adjust forward/backward or recline. The dealership confirmed a seat frame malfunction and addressed the issβ¦
2022 Kia Sorento. Dec 2024(previous owner incident) to new owner purchase May 2025- April 2026 vehicle keeps displaying all lights and warnings, loses acceleration & loss of throttle power while driving. High voltage code P0653 code displays. RPMβs will go up and down while vehiβ¦
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument panel displayed a blank screen. In addition, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had occurred several times. The vehicle β¦
My AC system has failed due to leak in the evaporator core. It has been inspected by 2 mechanics (one including the Kia dealership) the extreme Texas heat puts myself and small children at risk. Iβve been told the evaporator core has been made with cheap thin metal and has small β¦
1. Panoramic sunroof 2. Sunroof exploded while parked sounding like a gun shot. 3. Dealer/Kia Customer Care has informed me this is a known issue. 4. Dealer said they looked at my car but never looked at it. I confirmed this with the service manager at University Kia in Waco Tx. β¦
When I turned my car on and started to drive, an orange a popped up and started blinking. It looked like the automatic stop and start light. My car would not shift and I could not go above 60 mph. I had to turn my car off and turn it back on for it to stop doing what it was doingβ¦
All sensors and alarms glitching.
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the sunroof exploded without impact. There was no injury sustained. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made awβ¦
The vehicle has less than 75k miles, and I am the second owner. I was driving, and the vehicle lost power. Creating a traumatic experience that could have been fatal. After Kia had inspected the vehicle, I was informed that I needed a new engine and it would cost 8k or more, andβ¦
Vehicle purchased August 2022. July 13, 2023: Vehicle experienced sudden loss of acceleration while driving. The vehicle would not properly accelerate with traffic flow and another vehicle nearly struck me due to the unexpected loss of propulsion. Vehicle was towed to Kia dealerβ¦
There is a safety recall concerning fire hazard during normal operation. Kia is refusing to buyback the inoperable vehicle
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the contact experienced the death wobble. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicβ¦
My reverse camera bracket broke off leading to the camera dangling on the license plate and unusable for rear backup safety.
Vehicle: 2022 Kia Sorento EX VIN: [XXX] Date Defects Discovered:[XXX} A Kia dealership confirmed multiple instances of airbag tampering in this vehicle: β’ Driver knee airbag missing β’ Driver Aβpillar airbag missing β’ Wiring harnesses cut β’ Electrical resistors spliceβ¦
Radiator has had a leak twice in the past three months. This has cause me to have to get it fully replaced at my own cost. This is a design flaw and is at no part my fault.
In August 2025 my 2022 Kia Sorento S began having the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) Malfunction Indicator light flashing. It comes on, flashes for a while, then goes off again. Shortly after the first time this happened (a week or so), my steering began losing all power steerinβ¦
I am reporting a serious safety defect regarding my 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid (Mileage: 91,661). The vehicle was diagnosed with an internal short in the EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) Control Unit (Error codes P0404, P049D). Upon inspection, significant engine oil intrusion was fβ¦
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2022 Kia Sorento.
2022 Kia Sorento Recalls
6 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2022 Kia Sorento. 6 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2022 Kia Sorento Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2022 Kia Sorento reliable?βΎ
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 171 owner complaints, 4 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2022 Kia Sorento shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2022 Kia Sorento?βΎ
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (55 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (49 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (35 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2022 Kia Sorento?βΎ
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2022 Kia Sorento?βΎ
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2022 Kia Sorento, NHTSA complaints include 4 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 171 total complaints. 4 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2022 Kia Sorento have any recalls?βΎ
Yes. 6 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2022 Kia Sorento. A major recall area is ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER. 6 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2022 Kia Sorento?βΎ
The 2022 Kia Sorento shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Transmission / Drivetrain during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
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.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2022 Kia Sorento based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.