VehicleVerdict

2023 Kia Sorento Phev problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 14 complaints on file for the 2023 Kia Sorento Phev — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

14

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2023 compare to other Sorento Phev years?

Sorento Phev NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 highlighted36 complaints2022: 36 complaints2023: 14 complaints2024: 4 complaints2025: 6 complaints2026: 0 complaints
Sorento Phev NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sorento Phev years to avoid →

What are the most common 2023 Kia Sorento Phev problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other321%
Engine321%
Electrical System321%
Steering17%
Tires & Wheels17%
Transmission17%
Fuel System17%
Speed Control17%

Does the 2023 Kia Sorento Phev 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.

“When trying to accelerate from a standing stop, there is a one or two second delay, once the accelerator pedal is depressed, before the car moves. Extremely dangerous when pulling out into traffic. I had it back to the dealership to address this problem but they found nothing wrong. I guarantee you…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 21, 2024

“While driving my 2023 Sorento plug-in hybrid a msg appeared that Charging Stopped Check Cable. When you stop the car and try to drive it will not go into any gear, msg says Shifting Conditions Not Met and Unplug Vehicle to Start and the wheels are locked up (E-brake) and needs a tow truck with…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 26, 2025

“I was sold a new car with open recall. The recall was announced on September 21, 2022 and the vehicle was sold to me as new on October 12, 2022 without any disclosure regarding the recall. Vehicle sold as new not used.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · October 12, 2022

“The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was an abnormal squeaking sound coming from the steering column. Additionally, the steering wheel felt tight while turning in either direction. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · February 5, 2024

“The wheels provided with the new vehicle are not the correct wheels for the car. On page 639 of the owners manual: "2023 Sorento PHEV OM 10.pdf" Section 9 "Specifications, Consumer information and Reporting safety defects", page 6. The paragraph with title Tires and Wheels, has two tables; "For…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · June 24, 2024

2023 Kia Sorento Phev — common questions

Is the 2023 Kia Sorento Phev reliable?

The record is thin — 14 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2023 Sorento Phev problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (3 complaints), engine (3 complaints), other (3 complaints).

Does the 2023 Kia Sorento Phev have recalls?

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

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.