Here Are The 5 Kia Sorento Years to Avoid

By Nick Marchenko, PhD

Updated: May 10, 2023

Are you considering purchasing a Kia Sorento? Before you do, it's important to know which years to avoid due to a variety of issues. From air bag malfunctions to engine problems, this post will cover the main concerns with the 2003, 2008, 2009, 2011, and 2012 models. Don't make a costly mistake - read on to find out more.

Worst Years of Kia Sorento by Complaints, Severity of Issues Reported, and Recalls

2011 1075 2012 500 2013 490 2003 303 2005 295

What are the Biggest Problems with Kia Sorento?

2011 Kia Sorento

BODY > STRUCTURE 178 POWER TRAIN 175 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 156 UNKNOWN OR OTHER 149 ENGINE 141

The Kia Sorento has been plagued with a number of issues, according to complaints from real owners and official recall statistics. One of the most significant problems is related to the body structure, which has been known to rust and corrode prematurely. Additionally, the powertrain has been known to experience issues with the transmission, resulting in poor shifting and even complete failure. The electrical system has also been problematic, with issues related to the wiring and battery. Finally, there have been reports of engine problems, including stalling and loss of power. Overall, these issues can be frustrating and costly for Sorento owners.

2009 Kia Sorento

AIR BAGS 13 ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL 8 POWER TRAIN 6 FRONTAL > AIR BAGS 5 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 4

In my opinion, the 2009 Kia Sorento has had some serious issues with its air bags, electronic stability control, power train, frontal air bags, and vehicle speed control. The air bags have been known to fail to deploy during crashes, which is a major safety concern. The electronic stability control has also been problematic, causing the vehicle to suddenly lose control and potentially cause an accident. The power train has had issues with the transmission slipping and failing, which can be a costly repair. The frontal air bags have been known to deploy randomly, which can be startling and dangerous for the driver. Lastly, the vehicle speed control has had issues with sudden acceleration or deceleration, which can also be a safety concern. Overall, these problems with the 2009 Kia Sorento are concerning and should be taken seriously by anyone considering purchasing this vehicle.

2012 Kia Sorento

ENGINE 273 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 71 AIR BAGS 50 POWER TRAIN 43 UNKNOWN OR OTHER 38

Well, let me tell you folks, when it comes to the Kia Sorento 2012, there are a few components that can really give you a headache. First off, the engine. If you're not careful with your maintenance, you could be looking at some serious issues down the road. And let's not forget about the electrical system - one little glitch and you could be stranded on the side of the road. Oh, and don't even get me started on the air bags. You want those babies working properly in case of an accident. And lastly, there's the mysterious "unknown or other" category. Who knows what kind of surprises that could bring?

2008 Kia Sorento

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL 42 AIR BAGS 35 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 26 ENGINE 25 POWER TRAIN 19

Now, this 2008 Kia Sorento has a few issues that you need to be aware of. Its electronic stability control can be a bit finicky at times, and the air bags have been known to malfunction. The vehicle speed control and power train can also give you some trouble. But, on the bright side, this SUV does have a spacious interior and a reliable engine. So, if you're willing to overlook its weak points, it could be a decent choice for your next ride.

2003 Kia Sorento

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 46 ENGINE 42 FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 34 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 33 STEERING 24

Now we're talking about the 2003 Kia Sorento, a budget-friendly SUV that's been around for quite some time. While it has its fair share of issues, such as engine and fuel system problems, it still manages to offer a comfortable ride and decent handling. However, the steering can be a bit loose and unresponsive at times, so keep that in mind if you're in the market for one.

Common Issues with Kia Sorento

ENGINE 1226 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 574 POWER TRAIN 453 AIR BAGS 423 UNKNOWN OR OTHER 374 EXTERIOR LIGHTING 345 STEERING 282 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 210 SERVICE BRAKES 182 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 156

Source

Conclusion

If you're considering purchasing a Kia Sorento, it's important to be aware of the common problems reported by owners. According to complaints and official recalls statistics, across multiple years, the Sorento has experienced issues with its body structure, power train, electrical system, air bags, electronic stability control, vehicle speed control, engine, fuel/propulsion system, fuel system (gasoline), and steering. It's important to thoroughly research any potential car purchase and consider these factors before making a decision.