Known Faults Database

Kia Sorento problems, reliability and years to avoid

If you are considering buying a used Kia Sorento, these are the common problems worth knowing about first. Our garage database tracks 4 known faults for this model, 2 of them rated high severity. Every one below is a repair bill a seller has good reason not to mention.

Free advert check

Found a Kia Sorento for sale?

Paste the advert and we read it against its known faults, its MOT history and the DVLA record, and tell you what the seller has not. Free, about a minute, no card.

Check a Kia Sorento advert (free) →

Works with any listing: paste the text from AutoTrader, Gumtree, eBay, Facebook Marketplace or a dealer’s own site.

Is the Kia Sorento reliable?

The Kia Sorento has 4 known faults in our database across 3 generations, 2 of them rated high severity. The most serious are gearbox (four-wheel-drive driveline damage, mostly linked to mismatched tyres) and fuel system (the fuel tank's internal lining can come away and be carried through the fuel system). None of them makes the car a bad buy on its own; the risk is a seller who knows and says nothing.

That is a count of the faults we hold, not a reliability score. Popular cars get written about more, and a newer generation has had less time to show its faults.

Which Kia Sorento years should you avoid?

No year is a write-off on its own. What matters is which serious faults a given year and engine can have, and whether the car in front of you has had them fixed.

BL, 2003 to 20091 high severity

2 known faults, the serious ones in the fuel system

XM, 2010 to 20151 high severity

1 known fault, the serious ones in the gearbox

UM, 2015 to 2020

1 known fault, none rated high severity

Years and engines with a serious known fault

2010 to 2015, 4WD models: four-wheel-drive driveline damage, mostly linked to mismatched tyres
2003 to 2009, 2.5 CRDi diesel (D4CB): the fuel tank's internal lining can come away

Each one is set out in full below, with the symptoms, the typical mileage and a rough repair cost.

Generation 1 of 32 known faults · 8 owner reports · 2 good notes

Kia Sorento BL (2003 to 2009) problems

Fuel SystemHigh severity💬 2 owner reports, 2008 to 2017

The fuel tank's internal lining can come away and be carried through the fuel system. A 2005 2.5 CRDi automatic cut out repeatedly over four months: it was first diagnosed as a faulty fuel filter, then as three faulty injectors, before Kia found the tank lining detaching and authorised a new tank, sender and filter. It cut out again the following month with fault code P1188. A second first-generation owner reported tank delamination in 2017. By January 2011 the problem was reported to be more widespread; Kia paid for the tank but not the labour, and by June 2011 had stopped paying on six-year-old cars.

Typical symptoms

Engine cutting out while driving
Repeated fuel filter changes that do not cure it
Injector faults diagnosed without a lasting fix

Affected vehicles

Engines:: 2.5 CRDi diesel (D4CB)
Typical mileage:: Unknown miles

🔍 We have a specific pre-purchase check for this faultCheck an advert →

Transmission/ClutchMedium severity📝 Editorial

Two separate transmission problems on manual first-generation Sorentos. Dual-mass flywheel and clutch failures were reported as rising markedly by 2009. Separately, manual gearbox problems were reported as increasingly common after about four years and 80,000 miles, particularly on cars used for towing.

Typical symptoms

Rattle or knock at idle that stops when the clutch is pressed (DMF)
Clutch slip or judder when pulling away, worst when towing
Whining gearbox or difficulty selecting gears

Affected vehicles

Engines:: Manual gearbox (the reports do not name the engine)
Typical mileage:: 80000 (gearbox) miles

🔍 We have a specific pre-purchase check for this faultCheck an advert →

What owners report on the BL

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 about the BL

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.

End of the BL section.Pick another year ↑Check a Kia Sorento advert →

Generation 2 of 31 known fault · 15 owner reports · 1 good note

Kia Sorento XM (2010 to 2015) problems

Transmission/DrivetrainHigh severity💬 3 owner reports, 2016 to 2018

Four-wheel-drive driveline damage, mostly linked to mismatched tyres. A 2012 automatic had two new front tyres fitted at 54,000 miles with part-worn rears; the 4WD system read the difference as slip, engaged it when it was not needed, and the transfer case splines were stripped. Another 2012 car began to shake and roar at 70mph and became very hard to steer, thought likely to be the same tyre mismatch. Separately, a 2011 2.2 CRDi needed a centre propshaft bearing at 78,000 miles (replaced under warranty).

Typical symptoms

Shudder, vibration or roaring from the drivetrain at speed
Clunk or binding on tight turns
Heavy steering or crabbing when the 4WD engages

Affected vehicles

Engines:: 4WD models
Typical mileage:: 54000-78000 miles

🔍 We have a specific pre-purchase check for this faultCheck an advert →

What owners report on the XM

15 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.
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.
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.
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 XM

1 note

The Sorento achieved a 5-Star NCAP Crash Safety score, with strong ratings for adult and child protection.

End of the XM section.Pick another year ↑Check a Kia Sorento advert →

Generation 3 of 31 known fault · 3 owner reports · 5 good notes

Kia Sorento UM (2015 to 2020) problems

Transmission/ClutchMedium severity💬 2 owner reports, 2017 to 2019

Two owners of manual Sorentos reported early clutch trouble. An April 2017 car's clutch failed after six months and was replaced under warranty; it failed again in February 2019 and the clutch and dual-mass flywheel were replaced for £2,900 (later reduced by 10%). A used 2014 KX2 bought at 20,000 miles had clutch problems that the owner linked to reversing up a steep slope to park, though the clutch may have been failing before she bought it.

Rough guide

£2900 (clutch and DMF, one owner's bill, later reduced by 10%)

Typical symptoms

Clutch slipping or smelling hot on hills or when towing
Judder when pulling away
Rattle at idle that stops with the clutch pedal down (DMF)

Affected vehicles

Engines:: Manual gearbox (the reports do not name the engine)
Typical mileage:: Unknown miles

🔍 We have a specific pre-purchase check for this faultCheck an advert →

What owners report on the UM

3 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.

Bodywork · October 2019A 2016 Sorento developed surface corrosion on its wheels, and its sunroof began opening slowly due to detritus and moisture.
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.
Gearbox and clutch · February 2018A manual Sorento KX1 used for towing a horsebox produced a strong clutch smell when manoeuvring or reversing up slopes.

What owners like about the UM

5 notes

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.

End of the UM section.Pick another year ↑Check a Kia Sorento advert →

Sellers rarely admit these faults outright

We track 12 specific phrases sellers use in adverts to soft-pedal these exact issues. Paste any Kia Sorento advert and we check it in seconds.

Check an advert now (free) →

Free report, no credit card required.

Kia Sorento recalls

Recall work is done by the manufacturer, and GOV.UK says you will not usually have to pay for it. These are the 15 DVSA recalls for the Sorento, newest first. They do not tell you whether this particular car has had the work: for that, put the registration into the free GOV.UK MOT history check, which shows a recall status where the manufacturer shares it, or ask a franchised dealer to check the VIN.

🏛️ April 2026Cars built June 2025 to November 2025

Kia Cluster Malfunction Recall

The instrument cluster screen may respond slowly immediately after starting the vehicle. During this condition activating the turn signal can cause the cluster to reset or the Blind View Monitor (BVM) within the cluster to turn green. The malfunction is caused by PMIC noise induced falsely high temperature sensor readings which trigger the chip protection logic above a certain threshold and lead to performance limitation up to reboot or black screen.

Put right by: Over The Air software update or dealer software update

DVSA R/2026/139343 vehicles affected in the UK

🏛️ April 2025Cars built July 2023 to December 2024

Kia Sorento MQ4 PDC Recall

When the turn signal is switched off after operating the turn signal or hazard light more than 5 minutes the upper part of Daytime Running Light (DRL) stays off. The DRL will subsequently not meet the required intensity standard.

Put right by: Kia will issue a software update via OTA (Over the Air) if this fails or a customer refuses the OTA update a Kia dealer will update the software.

DVSA R/2025/1301,366 vehicles affected in the UK

🏛️ September 2023Cars built April 2022 to August 2022

Turn signals may not activate intermittently due to improper switch contact in the multifunction switch

Put right by: Software update for the multifunction switch which increases the acceptable range for the control system

DVSA R/2023/2691,013 vehicles affected in the UK

🏛️ April 2023Cars built April 2022 to May 2022

Poor moulding of the plastic fuel tank by a temporary supplier can lead to a potential fuel leak

Put right by: Replace the fuel tank.

DVSA R/2023/07714 vehicles affected in the UK

🏛️ February 2023Cars built March 2012 to October 2014

The PTC (positive temperature coefficient) heater in some Sorento (XM) models can overheat due to potential damage of the connector terminal. This can lead to a malfunction of the PTC heater and a risk of fire.

The PTC (positive temperature coefficient) heater in some Sorento (XM) diesel models can overheat due to potential damage of the connector terminal. This can lead to a malfunction of the PTC heater and a risk of fire.

Put right by: Replace the PTC relay and move the wiring fixing point. In cases of local thermal damage of PTC replace the PTC core and connector.

DVSA R/2022/3436,377 vehicles affected in the UK

🏛️ January 2023Cars built January 2020 to August 2022

The High Pressure Electric Oil Pump within the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) may experience an internal fault

The High-Pressure Electric Oil Pump within the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) may experience an internal fault.

Put right by: Upgrade the software of the Transmission Control Unit (TCU). In rare cases it may be necessary to also replace the transmission.

DVSA R/2022/363916 vehicles affected in the UK

🏛️ November 2022Cars built April 2015 to July 2015

There is a risk the automatic gear shift lever could be moved out of Park without the foot brake pedal being applied. If this occurs and should the parking brake not be activated a vehicle rollaway could occur.

There is a risk the automatic gear shift lever could be moved out of Park without the foot brake pedal being applied. If this occurs and should the parking brake not be activated a vehicle rollaway could occur.

Put right by: Check operation of the gear shift lock mechanism and if found to be incorrect replace the Gear shift lock lever assembly.

DVSA R/2022/328295 vehicles affected in the UK

🏛️ May 2022Cars built March 2020 to November 2020

A fuel leak can develop on the diesel low pressure fuel line

It has been found that a fuel leak can develop on the diesel low pressure fuel line which is mounted to the engine.

Put right by: Replace the low pressure fuel line module with improved parts.

DVSA R/2022/143326 vehicles affected in the UK

🏛️ May 2022Cars built July 2021 to August 2021

A fault has been identified in the manufacture of the front l/h seat belt pre-tensioner

A fault has been identified in the manufacture of the front L/H seatbelt pre-tensioner.

Put right by: Replace the front L/H seatbelt pre-tensioner.

DVSA R/2022/14749 vehicles affected in the UK

🏛️ May 2022Cars built May 2014 to February 2020

The electrical connector to the PTC heater can overheat

The PTC (positive temperature coefficient) heater in some Sorento diesel models can overheat due to damaged connector terminal.

Put right by: Inspect and if the PTC connector is found damaged replace the PTC and relevant wiring connector. Upgrade the operating logic of the PTC

DVSA R/2022/10415,665 vehicles affected in the UK

🏛️ February 2021Cars built September 2020 to December 2020

If the ecall system is activated the VIN number may not be transmitted

If the eCall system is activated the VIN number may not be transmitted.

Put right by: Reset the eCall system so that the VIN number is transmitted accurately when appropriate.

DVSA R/2021/002965 vehicles affected in the UK

🏛️ July 2020Cars built December 2005 to December 2008

Water or oil may enter the hydraulic electronic control unit

Water or oil may enter the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit over a long period of time causing an electrical short circuit.

Put right by: Install a relay to isolate the HECU when the ignition is switched off.

DVSA R/2020/18715,645 vehicles affected in the UK

🏛️ January 2020Cars built January 2019 to November 2019

In some situations the front collision avoidance system may not recognise pedestrians

The Forward Collision Avoidance Assist system may have problems identifying pedestrians.

Put right by: Upgrade the software for the Multi-Function Camera system.

DVSA R/2019/455579 vehicles affected in the UK

🏛️ November 2017Cars built September 2011 to October 2011

Rubber diesel fuel feed pipe may harden or crack

The diesel fuel feed pipe that supplies fuel to the high pressure pump may deteriorate prematurely. The customer may initially notice the smell of diesel fuel leaking onto the engine. If the concern is not resolved the rubber hose may harden and crack due to fatigue. This in turn could allow the pipe to leak diesel fuel onto the engine. As with all fuel leaks there is a risk of catching fire.

Put right by: Recall the 24 vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the fuel feed hose.

DVSA R/2017/28024 vehicles affected in the UK

🏛️ June 2013Cars built May 2007 to April 2011

Brake lights may malfunction

The vehicles brake lights may intermittently malfunction due to carbonisation of the contacts within the brake light switch. This can also affect other systems on the vehicle including: ESC cruise control gear selection (autoboxes) engine check lamp.

Put right by: Recall vehicles likely to be affected to replace the brake light switch.

DVSA R/2013/05581,538 vehicles affected in the UK

Recall data published by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency under the Open Government Licence v3.0. A recall listed here may not apply to every car of this model: the build dates and the registration check are what decide it.

Kia Sorento timing chain, and service intervals

A timing chain has no change interval, which is not the same as lasting for ever. Listen for it on a used Sorento, and check the oil has been changed on time. 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 drive the camshafts by chain, with no scheduled replacement. Some Theta II engines suffered connecting rod bearing wear, which led to large recall programmes in the United States; in the UK, DVSA recall R/2023/266 covers early rod bearing wear on 610 Optimas built from December 2015 to September 2018. Worn bearings put metal into the oil, and old or overdue oil wears the chain guides and tensioners, so an unbroken record of oil changes matters more than the chain itself.

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: September 2026

Kia Sorento buying questions

What are the most common Kia Sorento problems?

Three stand out. Gearbox: four-wheel-drive driveline damage, mostly linked to mismatched tyres (typically 54000 to 78000 miles). Fuel system: the fuel tank's internal lining can come away and be carried through the fuel system. Gearbox: two owners of manual Sorentos reported early clutch trouble. 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 XM (2010 to 2015) carries the most serious faults: gearbox. The BL (2003 to 2009) has high-severity faults on record too. The UM (2015 to 2020) has none rated high severity. 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 gearbox and fuel system faults on this page and whether they have been fixed, with invoices. On the test drive watch for shudder, vibration or roaring from the drivetrain at speed, engine cutting out while driving and clutch slipping or smelling hot on hills or when towing. Read the MOT history for repeat advisories, then paste the advert into the free check, which reads it against all 4 known faults before you travel. Check a Kia Sorento advert →

Are there any recalls on the Kia Sorento?

The DVSA lists 15 safety recalls for the Kia Sorento issued between 2013 and 2026. The most recent, from April 2026, is "Kia Cluster Malfunction Recall". Recall work is done by the manufacturer, and GOV.UK says you will not usually have to pay for it. This list is by model, so it cannot tell you whether one particular car has had the work: the free GOV.UK MOT history check shows a recall status from the registration where the manufacturer shares it, and a franchised dealer can check the VIN.

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 →

Looking at a Kia Sorento right now? Check the advert before you go and see it.

Where this Kia Sorento fault data comes from

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.

CarAdCheck is not affiliated with Honest John or Volkswagen Financial Services. What happened to Honest John, and where each feature lives now.

Before you go and see it

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.

How to haggle for a used car: negotiate the price with what its records show13 min read HPI check vs carVertical: which is better, and our pick for a UK car9 min read MOT advisories explained: how to check them, and which ones should worry you12 min read

All buyer's guides →

Other Kia models

Picanto4 known faults Ceed3 known faults Sportage3 known faults Optima2 known faults