VehicleVerdict

2025 Kia Sorento Phev problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 6 complaints on file for the 2025 Kia Sorento Phev — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

6

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2025 compare to other Sorento Phev years?

Sorento Phev NHTSA complaints by model year, 2025 highlighted36 complaints2022: 36 complaints2023: 14 complaints2024: 4 complaints2025: 6 complaints2026: 0 complaints
Sorento Phev NHTSA complaints by model year, 2025 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sorento Phev years to avoid →

What are the most common 2025 Kia Sorento Phev problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Driver Assistance233%
Other233%
Electrical System117%
Transmission117%

Does the 2025 Kia Sorento Phev have recalls?

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

26V046000Electrical SystemJanuary 26, 2026 · 42,677 units

Defect

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 Kia K4, 2025-2026 Sorento, Sorento Hybrid, Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV), 2026 Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, Sportage PHEV, K5, EV9, Carnival, and Carnival Hybrid vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 101, "Controls and Displays" and 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring System."

Consequence

An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer, tire pressure, or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

The instrument panel display software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 26, 2026. Owners may contact Kia Customer Service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC361. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 9, 2026.

25V006000Electrical SystemJanuary 13, 2025 · 74,469 units

Defect

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Sorento, 2025 Sorento Hybrid, and 2025 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. A software error in the Body Domain Control Unit (BDC) may cause a loss of low beam headlights and taillights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence

A loss of headlights and taillights can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the BDC software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 21, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC331.

24V920000Fuel SystemDecember 10, 2024 · 1,385 units

Defect

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. During a crash, the steering rack may damage the fuel line, 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

Dealers will install a cover around the fuel line, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC328.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“On March 13, 2026, Friday, at about 3:00 pm, was driving XXX on US XXX toward the XXX stop and go traffic backup for several miles. Sun was behind direction of traffic flow. Temperature was low-mid 50s and road was dry and no rain or snow. Winds were 10-15 mph with gusts to 25 mph. Road was 3 lanes…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · March 13, 2026 · crash

“The contact owns a 2025 Kia Sorento. The contact stated the messages "Take A Coffee Break" and "Hands on Steering Wheel" consistently illuminated while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who stated that there was no issue with the vehicle. While driving approximately 60 - 70 MPH, the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · November 21, 2024

“The contact owns a 2025 Kia Sorento. The contact stated the messages "Take A Coffee Break" and "Hands on Steering Wheel" consistently illuminated while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who stated that there was no issue with the vehicle. While driving approximately 60 - 70 MPH, the…”

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

“On March 13, 2026, Friday, at about 3:00 pm, was driving XXX on US XXX toward the XXX stop and go traffic backup for several miles. Sun was behind direction of traffic flow. Temperature was low-mid 50s and road was dry and no rain or snow. Winds were 10-15 mph with gusts to 25 mph. Road was 3 lanes…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 13, 2026 · crash

2025 Kia Sorento Phev — common questions

Is the 2025 Kia Sorento Phev reliable?

The record is thin — 6 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2025 Kia Sorento Phev have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2025 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.