2025 Kia Sorento: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2025 Kia Sorento? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 59 complaints, with Transmission / Drivetrain as the top reported area.
2025 Kia Sorento Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 6 2025 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.
2025 Kia Sorento Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2025 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 2025 Kia Sorento has 59 owner complaints, 4 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Transmission / Drivetrain. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Kia
- Model
- Sorento
- Model year
- 2025
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 59
- Crash-related complaints
- 4
- Safety recall campaigns
- 3
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 26
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 23 / 31
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 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 2025 Kia Sorento Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Electrical Faults
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Electrical Faults, 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 2025 Kia Sorento?
The 2025 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 2025 Kia Sorento
Inspection Focus
- Inspect transmission/drivetrain performance during test drive.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, electrical, and engine repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect transmission/drivetrain performance during test drive.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, electrical, and engine repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2025 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 2025 Kia Sorento are concentrated in the transmission/drivetrain and electrical systems, with engine and uncategorized issues also prominent. Crash-related complaints are few, but unintended acceleration and forward collision avoidance issues appear. The data is limited to a single model year and consumer-submitted reports.
- Transmission/drivetrain complaints are the most reported component.
- Electrical faults and engine problems each account for a significant share of complaints.
- Forward collision avoidance and unintended acceleration each have 6 complaints.
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Electrical Faults
- Engine Problems
All 2025 Kia Sorento Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2025 Kia Sorento. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 17 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 16 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 16 | 1 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 16 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 6 | 3 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 5 | 2 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 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 2025 Kia Sorento. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
I am submitting this revised complaint to correct a prior report that was not accurately documented during a phone submission. Vehicle: 2025 Kia Sorento (259 miles at purchase) Within approximately two months of ownership (~3,000 miles), the vehicle began experiencing serious saf…
The contact owns a 2025 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the braking system became inoperable and failed to function properly. Additionally…
Sunroof exploded when driving sounded like a shotgun. This is a known issue by kia.the glass blow upward.
In December I submitted a complaint about the powertrain not knowing the extent of the problem. My 2025 Kia Sorento X-Line SX prestige with shy of 48000 miles had a catastrophic and potentially life threatening malfunction with the powertrain. The technicians revealed that the t…
I have a 2025 KIA Sorento Hybrid and several months a go Car play stoped working correctly If car developers like to replace the car stereo with Car Play or a new Tecnology they better make shore that the Tecnology is working correctly before they Install it in people vehicle don…
Driving 40 mph coming around a bend. There was a car stopped about to rear off to the left and when coming up around the turn I saw and tried to stop. I was about two car lengths behind the car when I pressed the brake down and I pushed it all the way down and nothing happened. I…
I am reporting a loss of propulsion event in a 2025 Kia Sorento S AWD. The vehicle experienced a sudden loss of drive power when pressing the accelerator. The engine did not respond normally and the vehicle entered a reduced power (limp mode) condition. Stopping in the middle of …
This is the 4th time car is unable to start after being parked for one day and it had to be jump starting. At first I thought it was some accessory, specifically a dashcam and aftermarket ambient lights, so I disconnected both and I even turned off the wireless charging pad and d…
The Kia Connect fuse was confirmed by Gerald Kia of Naperville to cause a parasitic draw that cannot be fixed. The dealership had to remove the fuse after stating that no software update is yet available, and that numerous owners have had the issue. My car has died 7x with less t…
The sunroof spontaneously shattered while I was driving in the highway. No one was injured but glass did fly off of the vehicle and luckily the cover inside was closed so no glass got in the vehicle. There was no warning just an explosion sound. The sunroof glass was blowing outw…
While driving on a freeway I hear a crashing sound of glass and heard loose glass above me. When I pulled over I looked to see that my sunroof shattered. There was nothing above me for something to fall from and hit my car. There was also nothing found that would have struck the …
While driving the engine stops running and only runs on battery power. The only remedy that is partially successful is to stop and restart the vehicle. Problem often repeats itself and makes driving unsafe as the battery cannot fully power the engine. Upon restart the check …
Was merging onto the San Tan L202 Freeway from the SR24 On Ramp. While accelerating to up to roughly 65mph, what sounded like a gunshot went off and it became very loud in the cabin of my car. I then noticed glass flying around the outside of my car, so I immediately pulled over …
My wife was slowly pulling into a parking spot at kohls and the car lunged like the gas pedal was pressed all the way down and hit parking pole in spot . I googled to see if this was an issue reports and found information on this not actual recall but reports on this issue . Kia …
Vehicle only has 5839 miles and this is the 2nd time the battery has been dead. First time was Dec 18th 2025. Vehicle purchased 7/5/25. 2nd time 2/5/26. First time the outside lights flickered for a long time before finally going off. 2nd time the outside lights didnt flicker and…
Driver attention warning light coming on frequently for no reason, is distracting for driver and will cause and accident, today we almost hit a horse and buggy
The DCT transmission causes significant hesitation at slow speeds or starting from a stop. This often leaves the driver and it’s occupants in a vulnerable position if the car hesitates when trying to navigate through traffic. I have taken it to the dealership and they stated that…
Hit a deer going 80, airbags did not deploy and car did not attempt to brake
This incident started within the first 100 miles of ownership. The dealership hasn’t been able to recreate the incident. I put my 2025 Kia Sorento in the “automatic” drive position. I start driving and my transmission won’t shift gears. I looked down at my dashboard and it shows …
Instrument gauge cluster freezes while driving. Cannot view current speed, blinker status, cruise control settings, tachometer information, fuel status, or ADAAS items. Also gear select indicator light freezes and does not show correct gear/park. Can only be reset by disconnectin…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2025 Kia Sorento.
2025 Kia Sorento Recalls
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2025 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.
2025 Kia Sorento Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2025 Kia Sorento reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 59 owner complaints, 4 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2025 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 2025 Kia Sorento?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (17 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (16 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (16 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2025 Kia Sorento?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2025 Kia Sorento?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2025 Kia Sorento, NHTSA complaints include 4 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 59 total complaints. 2 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2025 Kia Sorento have any recalls?▾
Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2025 Kia Sorento. A major recall area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE. 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 2025 Kia Sorento?▾
The 2025 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 2025 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.