VehicleVerdict

2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 52 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.2 times the median Sorento Hybrid year — the 2023 model ranks #2 of 6 Sorento Hybrid years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (12), fuel system (10), and electrical system (7), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

52

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2023 compare to other Sorento Hybrid years?

Sorento Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 highlighted62 complaints2021: 29 complaints2022: 19 complaints2023: 52 complaints2024: 8 complaints2025: 62 complaints2026: 0 complaints
Sorento Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sorento Hybrid years to avoid →

What are the most common 2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1223%
Fuel System1019%
Electrical System713%
Transmission510%
Driver Assistance48%
Visibility & Wipers48%
Other24%
Brakes24%
Body & Structure24%
Steering12%
Lighting12%
Seat Belts12%
Speed Control12%

Does the 2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V610000Driver AssistanceAugust 31, 2023 · 144,979 units

Defect

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Sorento, Sorento Hybrid, and Sorento Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) vehicles. The mounting clips for the rearview camera may break, which can cause the rearview camera image not to appear properly on the display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence

A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera housing, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC280.

22V703000Trailer HitchSeptember 19, 2022 · 70,887 units

Defect

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.

Consequence

A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect the vehicle, and, as necessary, replace the fuse and/or tow hitch harness module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC249.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“My vehicle died inThe middle of an extremely busy four lane road. A light came on That said to turn the car off immediately. The engine light and battery light flashed on. It sounds like the engine recall for the 22 and 21 hybrid sorento’s. I had to have the vehicle towed to the dealership, it is…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 14, 2024

“While I am driving and try to give the car gas to speed up quickly it loses all power and won’t go faster, to speed up I would have to slow down and slowly gain up to the desired speed. It gave me a warning message that I need to park and charge the battery. I don’t have a spot to charge the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · February 1, 2025

“My vehicle died inThe middle of an extremely busy four lane road. A light came on That said to turn the car off immediately. The engine light and battery light flashed on. It sounds like the engine recall for the 22 and 21 hybrid sorento’s. I had to have the vehicle towed to the dealership, it is…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 14, 2024

“Vehicle suddenly loses power while driving. Engine does not turn on, vehicle will run on battery until battery is dead, then putting the vehicle in park once stopped. Vehicle will not accelerate normally since the engine does not turn on. Only goes 10-20 mph. Lights on the dash come on, prompting…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 17, 2025

“The forward collision warning system and emergency braking were engaged when no forward object was present. Amount of times 2 Driver side rear quarter panel falsely detected a car swerving into my lane and engaged an emergency maneuver to avoid collision even though there was no car there. Amount…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · May 1, 2024

2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid — common questions

Is the 2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 52 complaints put the 2023 model at #2 of 6 Sorento Hybrid years. It is one of the Sorento Hybrid years to avoid.

What are the most common 2023 Sorento Hybrid problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (12 complaints), fuel system (10 complaints), electrical system (7 complaints).

Does the 2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Kia Sorento Hybrid years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sorento Hybrid years to avoid are 2025, 2023. The cleanest record among Sorento Hybrid years belongs to 2026.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.