VehicleVerdict

2022 Kia Sorento Phev problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 36 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 6.0 times the median Sorento Phev year — the 2022 model ranks #1 of 5 Sorento Phev years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Transmission leads the complaint categories with 9 reports (25% of the total).

36

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

2

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2022 compare to other Sorento Phev years?

Sorento Phev NHTSA complaints by model year, 2022 highlighted36 complaints2022: 36 complaints2023: 14 complaints2024: 4 complaints2025: 6 complaints2026: 0 complaints
Sorento Phev NHTSA complaints by model year, 2022 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sorento Phev years to avoid →

What are the most common 2022 Kia Sorento Phev problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission925%
Electrical System617%
Engine514%
Driver Assistance411%
Brakes38%
Seat Belts26%
Fuel System26%
Trailer Hitch26%
Visibility & Wipers13%
Speed Control13%
Body & Structure13%

Does the 2022 Kia Sorento Phev have recalls?

5 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.

23V027000Fuel SystemJanuary 25, 2023 · 34 units

Defect

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2022 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) vehicles. The fuel tank may have been improperly molded, which can result in a fuel leak.

Consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Deales will inspect and replace the fuel tank, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 22, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC261.

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.

22V447000Seat BeltsJune 23, 2022 · 17,199 units

Defect

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid and 2022 Sorento Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. In the event of a crash, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioner(s) may explode upon deployment.

Consequence

An exploding seat belt pretensioner can project metal fragments into the vehicle, striking vehicle occupants and resulting in injury.

Remedy

Dealers will secure the seat belt pretensioners with a cap, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 17, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC241. This recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall number 22V-127. Vehicles already repaired under the previous recall will need to have the new remedy completed.

22V127000Seat BeltsMarch 4, 2022 · 213 units

Defect

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2022 Sorento Hybrid and Sorento Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. In the event of a crash, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioner(s) may explode upon deployment.

Consequence

An exploding seat belt pretensioner can project metal fragments into the vehicle, striking vehicle occupants and resulting in injury.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the seatbelt pretensioner(s), free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 3, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC231. This recall is replaced by NHTSA recall number 22V-447. Vehicles already repaired under this recall will need to have the new remedy completed.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

When accelerating to pull out of driveway and enter traffic, while struggles to find correct gear causing tires to spin and loud clunking noise. Forward collision detects objects that are not there causing vehicle emergency breaking to engage

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 13, 2024

While driving down the highway the EV side of my PHEV wouldn't switch to gas. The car wouldn't accelerate past 40-50 mph and drained the remaining battery till my car shut off and forced me to the side of the road. Been to the dealer multiple times (over 4) for the same issue. They claim they…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 21, 2024

While driving down the highway the EV side of my PHEV wouldn't switch to gas. The car wouldn't accelerate past 40-50 mph and drained the remaining battery till my car shut off and forced me to the side of the road. Been to the dealer multiple times (over 4) for the same issue. They claim they…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 21, 2024

The contact owns a 2022 Kia Sorento PHEV. The contact stated that while reversing the vehicle, the rearview camera failed to display a clear image, and the grid lines were not properly aligned. The contact crashed the vehicle into his mailbox. There were no injuries sustained and no police report…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · January 11, 2025 · crash

Breaks failed to engage while driving on the highway, which almost caused us to have an accident. The car was leased a few months ago so very concerned and will be taking it to the dealership. The autonomous emergency breaking system engaged and prevented the accident.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · May 31, 2022

2022 Kia Sorento Phev — common questions

Is the 2022 Kia Sorento Phev reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 36 complaints put the 2022 model at #1 of 5 Sorento Phev years. It is one of the Sorento Phev years to avoid.

What are the most common 2022 Sorento Phev problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (9 complaints), electrical system (6 complaints), engine (5 complaints).

Does the 2022 Kia Sorento Phev have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2022 Kia Sorento Phev. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2022 Kia Sorento Phev under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Kia Sorento Phev years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sorento Phev years to avoid are 2022. The cleanest record among Sorento Phev 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.