If you are considering buying a used Kia Sorento, there are several major reliability issues worth knowing about first. Our garage database tracks 3 known faults for this model, 3 of them rated high severity. Every one below is a repair bill a seller has good reason not to mention.
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Generation 1 of 13 known faults · 18 owner reports · 6 good notes
Kia Sorento 2010-2018 Models (2010 to 2018) problems
Engine/EmissionsHigh severity🏛️ Official recall
Manufacturing debris in crankshaft oil passages causing rod bearing failure, engine seizure, and fire risk
Rough guide
£3000-6000
Typical symptoms
cyclic engine knocking noise that rises with RPM
sudden engine stall while driving
flashing check engine light (limp mode)
Affected vehicles
Engines:
2.0 & 2.4 Petrol (Theta II)
Typical mileage:
60000-120000 miles
🔍 We have a specific pre-purchase check for this faultCheck an advert →
Engine/EmissionsHigh severity📝 Editorial
Timing chain tensioner failure causing the chain to jump teeth and damage the engine
Rough guide
£800-2000
Typical symptoms
rattling noise on cold start
engine management light
loss of power and misfires
Affected vehicles
Engines:
1.6 GDi Petrol
Typical mileage:
60000-100000 miles
🔍 We have a specific pre-purchase check for this faultCheck an advert →
Engine/EmissionsHigh severity📝 Editorial
Turbocharger failure caused by blocked oil feed pipes/strainers due to carbon buildup from infrequent oil changes
Rough guide
£800-1500
Typical symptoms
loud whining or 'siren' noise from turbo
loss of power
blue smoke from exhaust
Affected vehicles
Engines:
1.6 & 1.7 CRDi Diesel
Typical mileage:
70000-120000 miles
🔍 We have a specific pre-purchase check for this faultCheck an advert →
What owners report on the 2010-2018 Models
18 single reports, unconfirmed
One owner each, in their own words rewritten as a line, and not counted in our risk scoring. A fault joins the list above once a second report or an editorial source backs it.
Gearbox and clutch · November 2019An automatic 2013 Sorento with 50,000 miles developed grumbling noises from its transmission in first gear, especially when towing.
Bodywork · October 2019A 2016 Sorento developed surface corrosion on its wheels, and its sunroof began opening slowly due to detritus and moisture.
Engine · September 2019A 2013 Sorento experienced a lack of power, eventually diagnosed by a UK dealer as a faulty throttle sensor valve.
Engine · May 2019A 2012 Santa Fe with the same 2.2 CRDi R-Type engine as the Sorento had its timing chain jump at 75,000 miles.
Gearbox and clutch · April 2019A 2.2 R-Type Sorento experienced a torque converter failure at 210,000km and a rear differential clutch actuator pump motor failure at 160,000km.
Gearbox and clutch · April 2019The clutch of an April 2017 Sorento failed after six months, was replaced under warranty, then failed again, costing £2,900 for replacement.
Electrics · February 2019Remote keys for a 2014 Sorento repeatedly failed despite battery replacements, indicating an ongoing electrical issue.
Suspension and steering · June 2018A 2012 Sorento at 70mph began shaking and shuddering with a loud roaring noise, becoming difficult to steer.
Suspension and steering · May 2018A 2011 Sorento 2.2 CRDi had its centre propshaft bearing fail at 78,000 miles, replaced under warranty, and also needed lower arm replacement.
Gearbox and clutch · February 2018A manual Sorento KX1 used for towing a horsebox produced a strong clutch smell when manoeuvring or reversing up slopes.
Suspension and steering · September 2017A 2011 Sorento 2.2 R-Type was reported to be an unstable towcar due to the absence of self-levelling suspension in 2010-2012 models.
Gearbox and clutch · July 2017Second gear failed on a 2011 Sorento with 42,000 miles; the warranty claim was denied due to reported wear and tear from abuse.
Gearbox and clutch · June 2017A used 2014 Sorento manual experienced clutch problems, possibly exacerbated by reversing up a steep hill for parking.
Engine · February 2017A 2011 Santa Fe with the same 2.2 R-Type engine as the Sorento had engine block and head failure at 94,000 miles, then an oil cooler failure at 125,000 miles.
Gearbox and clutch · September 2016A 2012 Sorento automatic had its transfer case splines destroyed after replacing only two front tyres, causing a disparity that engaged four-wheel drive.
Electrics · March 2015The accessory power and USB socket assembly of a 2014 Sorento became loose, with a dealer quoting £261 for replacement.
Suspension and steering · May 2014Nexen tyres on a two-year-old 2012 Sorento KX3 were reported to be cracking and breaking apart.
Electrics · March 2012Problems with the cruise control system can occur in this model of Sorento.
What owners like about the 2010-2018 Models
6 notes
The Sorento achieved a 5-Star NCAP Crash Safety score, with strong ratings for adult and child protection.
This Sorento model comes with seven seats as a standard feature, offering good passenger capacity.
This Sorento model comes with a comprehensive range of features included as standard, enhancing its overall appeal.
This Sorento model is noted for being easy to drive, providing a straightforward and pleasant driving experience.
The all-wheel drive system on this Sorento model performs effectively on poor road surfaces, enhancing traction and stability.
The Sorento achieved a five-star Euro NCAP rating, demonstrating high levels of adult and child protection.
Other years0 known faults · 8 owner reports · 2 good notes
Other Kia Sorento years: owner reports
What owners report
8 single reports, unconfirmed
One owner each, in their own words rewritten as a line, and not counted in our risk scoring. A fault joins the list above once a second report or an editorial source backs it.
Fuel system · June 2017A first-generation Sorento experienced delamination of its fuel tank, indicating a material issue with the tank itself.
Gearbox and clutch · February 2017A 2007 Sorento suffered damage to a differential bearing during an MoT brake test, resulting in a £2,500 repair bill.
Engine · August 2016A 2006 Sorento with 91,000 miles was observed smoking while towing, suggesting a problem with the turbocharger oil seals.
Engine · September 2015The 2.5-litre engine of a 2009 Sorento-engined vehicle failed at 35,000 miles due to a piston through the block, possibly from an oil pump issue.
Engine · May 2015A 2008 Sorento 2.5 automatic, regularly used for towing, experienced a failure of its timing chain.
Suspension and steering · April 2014Self-levelling rear dampers on a 2007 Sorento were found to be leaking fluid, with a replacement cost quoted at £1,000.
Bodywork · June 2013Rear trailing arm brackets on a 2003-2009 Sorento model were reported to be corroding significantly, requiring replacement.
Engine · January 2013The glowplugs on a Kia Sorento broke during removal attempts, necessitating cylinder head removal for replacement.
What owners like
2 notes
The Sorento 2.5 CRDi XE was awarded Caravan Club Towcar of the Year in 2006 and 2008, excelling in its heavyweight category.
The Sorento achieved a high satisfaction score of 84% in the 2005 JD Power/What Car Survey, ranking 7th overall.
Sellers rarely admit these faults outright
We track 8 specific phrases sellers use in adverts to soft-pedal these exact issues. Paste any Kia Sorento advert and we check it in seconds.
Kia Sorento service intervals: cambelt, chain and gearbox oil
An overdue cambelt is the most expensive thing a seller can fail to mention on a used Sorento. These are the figures UK specialists work to.
Timing chainChain
2.0 THETA, 2.4 THETA, 1.6 GDI
No fixed replacement interval
These petrol engines use timing chains. The Theta II is infamous for severe bottom-end bearing failures rather than chain failures, but dirty oil from bearing wear will rapidly degrade the chain guides and tensioners.
Always confirm against the vehicle handbook. Intervals vary by engine, and several manufacturers revised theirs after failures in service.
Repair costs are typical UK ranges, not quotes. Actual cost depends on condition and garage.Data last verified: June 2026
Kia Sorento buying questions
Is a used Kia Sorento reliable?
The Kia Sorento has 3 known faults in our database, 3 of them rated high severity. The most serious are engine (timing chain tensioner failure causing the chain to jump teeth and damage the engine) and engine (turbocharger failure caused by blocked oil feed pipes/strainers due to carbon buildup). None of them makes the car a bad buy on its own; the risk is a seller who knows and says nothing.
What are the most common Kia Sorento problems?
Three stand out. Engine: timing chain tensioner failure causing the chain to jump teeth and damage the engine (typically 60000 to 100000 miles). Engine: turbocharger failure caused by blocked oil feed pipes/strainers due to carbon buildup (typically 70000 to 120000 miles). Engine: manufacturing debris in crankshaft oil passages causing rod bearing failure, engine seizure (typically 60000 to 120000 miles). The full list above is grouped by generation, with typical mileage and a rough repair cost for each.
Which Kia Sorento years should I avoid?
No Kia Sorento year is a write-off, but the 2010-2018 Models (2010 to 2018) carries the most serious faults: engine. Year matters less than whether the specific car has had the known fixes, so check the history for them.
What should I check when viewing a used Kia Sorento?
Ask the seller about the engine faults on this page and whether they have been fixed, with invoices. On the test drive watch for rattling noise on cold start, loud whining or 'siren' noise from turbo and cyclic engine knocking noise that rises with RPM. Read the MOT history for repeat advisories, then paste the advert into the free check, which reads it against all 3 known faults before you travel. Check a Kia Sorento advert →
What is the real MPG of a Kia Sorento?
Owners report 32.3 mpg on average across the Kia Sorento engines with data, about 83% of the official combined figure. The gap between official and real-world economy varies a lot by engine, so the Real MPG page lists every engine and generation separately, from 428 owner submissions. Kia Sorento Real MPG by engine →
If you used to check the Honest John “Good & Bad” section before the site closed in 2026, this page is where that information now lives. We rebuilt the Kia Sorento owner-report history from the archived Honest John dataset, added our own research, specialist and owner-club sources and DVSA recall data, and we keep it free. Each fault above is badged with its source. The same data feeds our free advert check, which reads a listing against every known fault for the exact engine and year.
Knowing what a Kia Sorento goes wrong with is half of it. The rest is reading the advert and checking the car's history before you hand any money over.