2023 Kia Sorento: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2023 Kia Sorento? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 91 complaints, with Electrical Faults as the top reported area.
2023 Kia Sorento Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 6 2023 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.
2023 Kia Sorento Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2023 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 2023 Kia Sorento has 91 owner complaints, 2 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Electrical Faults. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Kia
- Model
- Sorento
- Model year
- 2023
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 91
- Crash-related complaints
- 2
- Safety recall campaigns
- 3
- Top reported component
- Electrical Faults
- 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 2023 Kia Sorento Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Electrical Faults
Uncategorized Issues
Engine Problems
Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Uncategorized Issues, Engine Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2023 Kia Sorento?
The 2023 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 2023 Kia Sorento
Inspection Focus
- Inspect electrical systems, including infotainment and wiring, for known issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and transmission repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on reported components.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect electrical systems, including infotainment and wiring, for known issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and transmission repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on reported components.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2023 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 2023 Kia Sorento are concentrated in electrical faults, engine problems, and transmission/drivetrain issues. A recurring theme appears to be forward collision avoidance and unintended acceleration concerns. Crash-related complaints are low, but the overall confidence in this data is low due to limited sample size.
- Electrical faults account for the highest number of complaints among all components.
- Engine problems and transmission/drivetrain issues are also frequently reported.
- Forward collision avoidance and unintended acceleration are notable concerns.
- Electrical Faults
- Engine Problems
- Transmission / Drivetrain
All 2023 Kia Sorento Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2023 Kia Sorento. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 29 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 25 | — | 2 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 23 | — | 1 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 16 | 1 | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 1 | — | — | — |
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 2023 Kia Sorento. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
I purchased this car with approximately 22,000 miles on it. I have had to have OEM rotor resurface / replacement at the dealership approximately almost every oil change or about every 6,000 miles for about 30k miles (2 replacements, 3 resurface in an 18 month period). They sent o…
Transmission went out while driving on highway. Dealership said they need to replace the entire transmission.
February 23 2026: Discoverd the rear window had imploded on its own overnight. investigated with the neighbor's Ring camera to see if there was suspicious activity overnight and found there was none. I had the glass replaced. I thought this was bizarre to have a window implode bu…
I am writing to report a mechanical failure with my Kia vehicle that occurred on January 19, 2026. While stopped at a red light, my vehicle suddenly shut off and would not restart. Although the electrical lights came on, the engine would not turn over. Because my car was stuck in…
UNKNOWN However multiple times the front end of the vehicle starts shaking when I try to break up especially on the highway. The dealership claimed to have repaired it once and shortly after it happened again. When I took it in they first looked and said the parts was ordered …
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 10 MPH, after making a left turn, the sunroof shattered with the sunroof cover closed. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and inspected, but the contact was unaware that the sunro…
While driving on the interstate at 70 mph the front part of the panoramic sunroof exploded. There was no debris or road hazards that caused it.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? —-The radiator How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? ——possible fire and engine damage Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent…
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the "Low Oil" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact immediately pulled over and called for assistance. A service technician arrived at the scene and added engine oil, and th…
Screen not responding properly
I am reporting a vehicle fire that occurred in June 2025 involving my Kia vehicle. On the day of the incident, I started my car and immediately noticed excessive smoke coming out of the air vents, along with a strong burning smell. I drove only a short distance and pulled into a …
I purchased a new 2023 Kia Sorento in February 2023 from Ken Garff Kia Avondale. Since shortly after purchase, the vehicle has experienced repeated electrical and mechanical failures that substantially impair safety. In July 2023, the vehicle began displaying flashing lights, da…
Upon starting the vehicle, it flashed several warning lights that were not on the day before. Including popping codes up on the infotainment system and urging me to schedule a service with KIA. Upon looking up the codes it states HVAC issue, when calling to dealership to schedule…
Was driving on Dallas North Toll way when my vehicle lost acceleration. Had to pull over and engine started smoking and lit a flame under the hood. Car is now at Clay Cooley Kia in Irving, TX. Car has been there for over two weeks and I still have no answers or information regard…
I have been calling the nearest Kia dealership to have this recall fixed since September 2025 and there has been no remedy since. We do not feel safe using the vehicle due to the recall involving a fire hazard due to HVAC wiring. We have a family that needs the vehicle and its be…
Incident #1: [XXX] The vehicle would not accelerate after coming to a stop at an intersection. The vehicle would not exceed 20 MPH with oncoming traffic from both the East and West as I was turning West from a North Bound Road. On coming traffic was traveling between 45 and 50 …
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while attempting to activate the HVAC system, there was an abnormal burning plastic odor inside the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle a…
I was Driving the car and the sunroof exploded out of the blue.
Check engine light on. Rear defrost doesn't work. Auto stop/start not working. Cruise control not working. Vehicle shuts off sometimes at stand still and have to put in neutral or park and push Start button. Engine looses power while driving. Check rear cross traffic, check tire …
Around 35,000 miles the vehicles fuel pump, relay assembly, and smart junction box failed and left my wife stranded. Kia took about 7 days to diagnose and repair.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2023 Kia Sorento.
2023 Kia Sorento Recalls
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2023 Kia Sorento. 3 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.
2023 Kia Sorento Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2023 Kia Sorento reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 91 owner complaints, 2 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2023 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 2023 Kia Sorento?▾
#1: Electrical Faults (29 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (25 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (23 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2023 Kia Sorento?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2023 Kia Sorento?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2023 Kia Sorento, NHTSA complaints include 2 crash-related reports and 2 fire reports out of 91 total complaints. 3 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2023 Kia Sorento have any recalls?▾
Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2023 Kia Sorento. A major recall area is EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS. 3 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 2023 Kia Sorento?▾
The 2023 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 Electrical Faults 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 2023 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.