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Kia Sorento reliability

The Kia Sorento fails its MOT about as often as most cars 6 to 10 years old: 24.8% of 15,448 tests failed in 2023, against 24.4% on average.

Up to 5 years old
15.6% failed their MOT
About average
From 6,062 MOT tests of Kia Sorentos this age.
Where it does worse than other cars this age
Fails 67% more oftenMechanical brake components3% vs 1.8%
Fails 8× as oftenShock absorbers1.6% vs 0.2%Fix about £200
Advised 42% more oftenMechanical brake components17.2% vs 12.1%
6 to 10 years old
24.8% failed their MOT
About average
From 15,448 MOT tests of Kia Sorentos this age.
Where it does worse than other cars this age
Fails 4× as oftenSteering linkage components4.3% vs 1.1%
Fails 50% more oftenMechanical brake components4.2% vs 2.8%
Fails 35% more oftenSuspension arms3.1% vs 2.3%
Fails 60% more oftenAnti-roll bars1.6% vs 1%
Advised 32% more oftenSuspension arms7% vs 5.3%
Over 10 years old
44.2% failed their MOT
About average
From 14,597 MOT tests of Kia Sorentos this age.
Where it does worse than other cars this age
Fails 2× as oftenBrake performance12% vs 5.8%
Fails 45% more oftenSuspension arms7.4% vs 5.1%
Fails 30% more oftenPosition lamps6.9% vs 5.3%Fix about £30
Fails 60% more oftenAnti-roll bars6.7% vs 4.2%
Advised 2× as oftenRigid brake pipes16.8% vs 8.3%Fix about £120
Advised 87% more oftenAnti-roll bars11.2% vs 6%
Advised 38% more oftenRegistration plate lamp(s)7.2% vs 5.2%Fix about £30
Advised 89% more oftenSteering linkage components5.3% vs 2.8%
Safety recalls

22 DVSA recalls for the Kia Sorento

Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.

R/2026/13924 Apr 2026Built 2025Kia 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.

Fix: Over The Air software update or dealer software update

Recalled models: SORENTO MQ4 · 343 vehicles

R/2025/1303 Apr 2025Built 2023–2024Kia 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.

Fix: 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.

Recalled models: SORENTO MQ4 · 340 vehicles

R/2024/4655 Dec 2024Built 2010–2014Kia HECU Fuse Replacement

The HECU hydraulic electronic control unit of affected vehicles equipped with Anti-lock Brake Systems ABS and Electronic Stability Control ESC could leak internally and cause an electrical short over time. In extreme cases the HECU could overheat with a possible risk of an under bonnet fire.

Fix: The recall will replace the fuses in the junction box with a lower rated version.

Recalled models: Sorento XM · 11,036 vehicles

R/2023/26918 Sept 2023Built 2022Turn signals may not activate intermittently due to improper switch contact in the multifunction switch

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

Fix: Software update for the multifunction switch which increases the acceptable range for the control system

Recalled models: SORENTO MQ4 · 1,013 vehicles

R/2023/07724 Apr 2023Built 2022Poor moulding of the plastic fuel tank by a temporary supplier can lead to a potential fuel leak

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

Fix: Replace the fuel tank.

Recalled models: SORENTO · 14 vehicles

R/2022/3436 Feb 2023Built 2012–2014The 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.

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

Recalled models: SORENTO · 6,377 vehicles

R/2022/3639 Jan 2023Built 2020–2022The 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.

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

Recalled models: SORENTO · 916 vehicles

R/2022/32830 Nov 2022Built 2015There 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.

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

Recalled models: SORENTO · 295 vehicles

R/2022/14324 May 2022Built 2020A 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.

Fix: Replace the low pressure fuel line module with improved parts.

Recalled models: SORENTO · 326 vehicles

R/2022/14720 May 2022Built 2021A 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.

Fix: Replace the front L/H seatbelt pre-tensioner.

Recalled models: SORENTO · 49 vehicles

R/2022/1043 May 2022Built 2014–2020The 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.

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

Recalled models: SORENTO · 15,665 vehicles

R/2021/0021 Feb 2021Built 2020If 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.

Fix: Reset the eCall system so that the VIN number is transmitted accurately when appropriate.

Recalled models: SORENTO MQ4 HEV · 965 vehicles

R/2020/18720 Jul 2020Built 2005–2008Water 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.

Fix: Install a relay to isolate the HECU when the ignition is switched off.

Recalled models: SORENTO · 15,645 vehicles

R/2019/45513 Jan 2020Built 2019In some situations the front collision avoidance system may not recognise pedestrians

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

Fix: Upgrade the software for the Multi-Function Camera system.

Recalled models: SORENTO · 579 vehicles

R/2017/28023 Nov 2017Built 2011Rubber 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.

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

Recalled models: SORENTO · 24 vehicles

R/2013/0551 Jun 2013Built 2007–2011Brake 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.

Fix: Recall vehicles likely to be affected to replace the brake light switch.

Recalled models: SORENTO · 40,769 vehicles

R/2010/1297 Sept 2010Built 2009–2010Risk of fire

The wiring to the mood lighting in the doors may overheat in use and if ignored there is a potential risk of fire.

Fix: Recalled vehicles to have the wiring to the mood lights replaced.

Recalled models: SORENTO · 549 vehicles

R/2009/0929 Nov 2009Built 2009–2006Brake light may not operate

It has been identified that due to a faulty switch the brake lights may not operate when the brake pedal is depressed

Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the brake light switch replaced.

Recalled models: SORENTO · 1,816 vehicles

R/2007/07714 May 2007Built 2006–2007Curtain airbags may deploy incorrectly

It has been identified that some of the wires to the airbag control unit are not in the correct order. In consequence an incorrect side curtain airbag could deploy in the event of a collision.

Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the pins on the connector to the control unit refitted in the correct order.

Recalled models: SORENTO · 1,864 vehicles

R/2004/1598 Nov 2004Built 2003–2004Snap ring retainer within the gearbox may detach

The snap ring which retains the reverse gear may break which may result in poor power transfer. Should this occur the vehicle may roll forward whilst in reverse gear.

Fix: Recall likely to be affected vehicles and fit a modified transmission unit.

Recalled models: SORENTO · 1,148 vehicles

R/2004/1588 Nov 2004Built 2002–2004Alternator pulley may seize

The alternator pulley may seize resulting in the loss of the drive belt. This in turn can result in an increased physical effort requirement for both the steering and brake pedal

Fix: Affected vehicles will be recalled at which time the pulley will be replaced with a modified item.

Recalled models: SORENTO · 3,517 vehicles

R/2004/0775 Jul 2004Built 2002–2004Possible interference between power steering hose and brake pipe

It is possible that the power steering hose could come in contact with the metal brake pipe. If unchecked there is potential for the metal brake pipe to chafe which could result in fluid loss.

Fix: Return the vehicle to the dealers to check and adjust the gap between the power steering hose and metal brake pipe. And if required replace the metal brake pipe.

Recalled models: SORENTO · 4,427 vehicles

DVSA vehicle safety recalls (Crown copyright, Open Government Licence).

Checking a Kia Sorento before you buy

Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.

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Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2023 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Failure rates compare this model with all cars in the same age band. Fix prices are typical independent-garage estimates.
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