VehicleVerdict

2015 Kia Sorento problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2015 Kia Sorento carries two red flags at once: 955 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA — 2.8× the Sorento norm — and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires). It is one of the Sorento years to avoid. Complainants reported 38 injuries in total across these filings.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 363 reports (38% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

955

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

4

Investigations · 1 open

33

Crash-involved

22

Fires reported

38

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2015 compare to other Sorento years?

See all Sorento years to avoid →

What are the most common 2015 Kia Sorento problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine36338%
Other11312%
Body & Structure9910%
Lighting9110%
Electrical System657%
Transmission424%
Brakes364%
Steering333%
Fuel System313%
Airbags293%
Speed Control202%
Visibility & Wipers101%
Tires & Wheels71%
Seats61%
Suspension40%
Seat Belts30%
Driver Assistance30%

Does the 2015 Kia Sorento have recalls?

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

21V331000BrakesMay 10, 2021 · 440,370 units

Defect

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles previously recalled under recall 20V-519. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.

Consequence

An electrical short in the HECU increases the risk of a fire while parked or driving.

Remedy

Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. Dealers will install a new multi-fuse, and inspect the HECU for leaks, replacing the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 2, 2021. This recall supersedes previous NHTSA recall number 20V-519. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC212.

20V519000BrakesAugust 27, 2020 · 440,370 units

Defect

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.

Consequence

If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.

Remedy

Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the HECU for leaking brake fluid and replace the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. The recall began October 20, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC197.

18V907000EngineDecember 19, 2018 · 71,653 units

Defect

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.

Consequence

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

Remedy

Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.

Open NHTSA investigations

AQ23002

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

SC197 completed 11/06/2020, SC212 completed 07/272021. recently found brake fluid leak results on my garage floor several times, but not after each use of vehicle? Also having to replace brake light bulbs often ,because apparently one will fail and all remaining stay on as if one was riding the…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 29, 2022 · crash

My friend was driving my car this am and an unknown driver ran the stop sign on a side street off from Stuyvesant and hit my vehicle my friend proceeded to get out my vehicle to exchange ins with the other driver as she declined my friend tried contacting me numberous times by FaceTime and phone…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · November 21, 2022 · crash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE STRUCK THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FRONT BUMPER WAS BEING HELD IN PLACE BY WIRE AND HOT GLUE. THE FRONT BUMPER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · March 20, 2015 · crash

SC197 completed 11/06/2020, SC212 completed 07/272021. recently found brake fluid leak results on my garage floor several times, but not after each use of vehicle? Also having to replace brake light bulbs often ,because apparently one will fail and all remaining stay on as if one was riding the…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · August 29, 2022 · crash

I was on the highway with my family, when we started to smell smoke,and the car began to slow down I proceeded to get off the highway to pull over to the side the of the road oil light came on and some more signal came on .so my son told me to open the hood it was dark so I could not find the latch…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 25, 2024 · fire

2015 Kia Sorento — common questions

Is the 2015 Kia Sorento reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 955 complaints put the 2015 model at #7 of 24 Sorento years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Sorento years to avoid.

What are the most common 2015 Sorento problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (363 complaints), other (113 complaints), body & structure (99 complaints).

Does the 2015 Kia Sorento have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2015 Kia Sorento. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2015 Kia Sorento under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — an investigation remains open (Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which Kia Sorento years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sorento years to avoid are 2011, 2016, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2017, 2015, 2019. The cleanest record among Sorento years belongs to 2010.

How safe is the 2015 Kia Sorento?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2015 Kia Sorento earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

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.