GradeKia Sorento Reliability Grade
Poor reliability
Grade a specific Kia Sorento
Reliability changes from year to year. Pick a model year to see its grade, then add mileage and price to get a deal score and estimated miles remaining.
The Kia Sorento earns a D overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a D for its engine and a C- for its transmission. It ranks 19th of 23 midsize SUVs we grade. The engine (D) is the weaker of its two major components, so ask for oil-change records and have a mechanic check for leaks and oil consumption. Grades are based on 6,019 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2023 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.
Kia Sorento reliability by year
Overall grade for each model year, from owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Tap a year to see its full grade.
Best years: 2007 and 2009
Years to avoid: 2011 (transmission slipping / rough shifting), 2012–2013 (stalling / loss of power), 2014 (engine failure / knocking), 2016–2017 (engine failure / knocking), 2019 (engine failure / knocking) and 2022 (transmission slipping / rough shifting)
Faded years are recent, so fewer complaints have come in. Their grades may change.
How long does the Kia Sorento last?
A rough estimate for the model across all years, not measured for each model year.
Kia Sorento vs. other midsize SUVs
| Model | Engine | Trans. | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Murano | A | A | A |
| Toyota 4Runner | A | A | A |
| Buick Enclave | A- | B+ | A- |
| Toyota Highlander | A- | B- | B+ |
| Mazda CX-9 | B- | B+ | B+ |
| Subaru Outback | B+ | B | B |
| Chevrolet Traverse | B | C+ | B- |
| GMC Acadia | B | C | B- |
| Dodge Journey | B- | B- | B- |
| Honda Pilot | C | C+ | C+ |
| Nissan Pathfinder | B- | C | C+ |
| Subaru Ascent | B | C- | C+ |
| Chevrolet Blazer | C+ | C- | C+ |
| Dodge Durango | B- | C+ | C+ |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | C | C- | C |
| Volkswagen Atlas | C- | B | C |
| Ford Explorer | C+ | C | C- |
| Honda Passport | C | C | C- |
| Hyundai Santa Fe | D | C- | D |
| Kia Sorento | D | C- | D |
| Ford Edge | C | D | D |
| Hyundai Palisade | D | D | F |
| Kia Telluride | D | D | F |
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Rate your SorentoKia Sorento reliability FAQ
Is the Kia Sorento reliable?
Poor reliability. The Kia Sorento earns a D overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a D for its engine and a C- for its transmission. It ranks 19th of 23 midsize SUVs we grade. The engine (D) is the weaker of its two major components, so ask for oil-change records and have a mechanic check for leaks and oil consumption. Grades are based on 6,019 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2023 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.
How many miles will a Kia Sorento last?
We estimate a well-maintained Kia Sorento lasts around 170,000 miles. That's a rough figure for the model across all years, not measured for each model year, so check the grade for the year you're looking at.
What are the best years for the Kia Sorento?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most reliable Kia Sorento model years are 2007 and 2009.
What Kia Sorento years should I avoid?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the Kia Sorento years to be most careful with are 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2022. The 2011 grades an F overall (engine D, transmission F), and its top engine/transmission problem is transmission slipping / rough shifting, which a recall covers. The 2014 grades an F overall (engine F, transmission D), and its top engine/transmission problem is engine failure / knocking, which a recall covers.
Is the Kia Sorento transmission reliable?
GradeMyCar grades the Kia Sorento transmission a C- (below-average reliability). Reliability varies by model year, so grade the specific year you're looking at.
Is the Kia Sorento engine reliable?
GradeMyCar grades the Kia Sorento engine a D (poor reliability).