Kia Sorento FWD
Kia · Cars · 2023
Kia Sorento FWD (2023)
77
56 complaints
status.label
status.safe
status.safe_sub
product.status_safe_minor
product.specifications
specs.g_fuel_economy
specs.city_mpg22
specs.highway_mpg29
specs.combined_mpg25
specs.annual_fuel_cost$2700
specs.ghg_score5 / 10
specs.g_engine_drivetrain
specs.engine_size2.5 L
specs.cylinders4
specs.fuel_typeRegular
specs.transmissionAutomatic (AM-S8)
specs.drivetrainFront-Wheel Drive
CO₂360 g/mi
specs.g_classification

specs.data_sourced_from FuelEconomy.gov (specs.energy_dept)

product.complaints_section56 total
KIA SORENTO 2023 VISIBILITY/WIPER
high
While traveling on a freeway, the front sliding portion of our sunroof exploded outward and upward. Sunroof was closed at the time with no impact present to cause the event. A very expensive repair for something that is clearly a defect of some sort. KIA was contacted and not willing to warranty or help cover.
NHTSAUSJul 2026Source →
KIA SORENTO 2023 VISIBILITY/WIPER
medium
The panoramic sunroof on my 2023 Kia Sorento intermittently fails to close. When commanded to close, the glass travels most of the way, then stops or reverses before reaching the fully closed position. It frequently takes many repeated attempts. In some cases the panel will not seat at all until the vehicle is driven over rough pavement, and the resulting vibration allows it to complete closure. The malfunction is accompanied by a loud grinding or scraping noise from the roof assembly during travel. This condition has been present since I purchased the vehicle new. The sunroof has seen very limited use. Safety risk: the glass panel cannot be reliably secured. An open or unseated panoramic panel at highway speed presents a risk of water intrusion, wind loading on an unsecured glass panel, and loss of roof structure integrity. Repeatedly operating the switch and monitoring the panel while driving is a significant distraction from the driving task, and driving specifically to induce vibration in order to force closure is itself an unsafe workaround. Dealer history: I have reported this to a Kia dealership on multiple occasions. I was told there is no defect and that the cause is debris, which is inconsistent with a vehicle purchased new with minimal sunroof use. On one visit the dealer cleaned the assembly as a goodwill gesture. This did not correct the noise or the closure failure. The vehicle was returned to me as repaired while the noise and the failure to close were both still present. Kia issued Technical Service Bulletin BOD125 (Rev 1, 02/27/2017) describing a slow-to-close condition and abnormal closing noise on the prior-generation Sorento (UMa), remedied by cleaning and lubricating the rear guide rails and replacing the rear tilt levers. My vehicle exhibits the same failure mode described in that bulletin. The component is available for inspection on request. No warning lamps or messages preceded or accompanied the failure.
NHTSAUSJul 2026Source →
KIA SORENTO 2023 UNKNOWN OR OTHER
high
Vehicle Component Affected: Electrical System / HVAC / Blower Motor Resistor Incident Description: While operating my 2023 Kia Sorento, the HVAC system suddenly suffered a complete failure, causing all airflow to cease instantly. A subsequent professional diagnostic inspection by an authorized Kia dealership revealed that the contacts at the blower motor resistor were severely burnt, causing the blower motor relay to burn out. This failure presents two critical safety and fire hazards: Fire Risk: The physical burning and overheating of electrical components and wiring within the dashboard assembly create an active fire hazard in the passenger cabin. Loss of Visibility: The sudden, complete loss of the climate control system severely compromises passenger safety by preventing the vehicle from defogging or defrosting the windshield during inclement weather, presenting an immediate crash hazard. This exact failure mechanism matches the description of Kia Safety Recall SC351 (NHTSA Campaign 25V649) word-for-word. However, Kia has stated that my specific VIN is excluded from the current recall population. Because this identical safety defect is actively manifesting outside of Kia's restricted recall range, I am requesting that the NHTSA investigate an expansion of SC351 to include all affected 2023 Kia Sorento vehicles to mitigate the risk of electrical fires and sudden visibility loss. 06/29/26 Experienced symptoms Inspected and diagnosed on 07/01/26 at JT Kia (Killian Road) Columbia, South Carolina
NHTSAUSJun 2026Source →
KIA SORENTO 2023 UNKNOWN OR OTHER
high
Driving down the road and the left rear passenger window exploded. Shatters went everywhere all over the passenger in the back. I went online and looked and this is a hugh issue evidently with some Kias. To me this is really serious issues that Kia is completely ignoring. Someone will eventually get seriously injured bi the glass exploding like it does.
NHTSAUSJun 2026Source →
KIA SORENTO 2023 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
low
All lights came on the dashboard including the check engine light and I could not accelerate. I had to pull over and turn car off and on to get it to accelerate. It poses a very serious threat as you can not accelerate at all and can be rearended. Kia has fixed the throttle twice and have told me 2 other times they can not replicate the issue. It clears out by the time I am able to bring it to the dealership. This issues has happened 4 times starting at 9,000 miles and most recently at 21,000 miles.
NHTSAUSMay 2026Source →
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product.status_history
status.certifiedstatus.safe1 Jun 2026
Lemon Score: 89. 14 data points. v3 scoring.
status.uncertainstatus.certified27 May 2026
Lemon Score: 100. 0 data points. v3 scoring.
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