The Top 7 Most Common Problems with the 2023 Kia Sorento

The 2023 Kia Sorento is a midsize SUV that’s lauded for its roomy interior, seven-seat layout, and quality build. This doesn’t, however, mean that the Sorento is not without its problems. In fact, there is a list of common issues that includes seven primary concerns. If you have doubts about your Kia, don’t wait to discuss the matter with an experienced lemon law attorney. 

What Is the Biggest Problem with the Kia Sorento?

According to Consumer Reports, the 2023 Kia Sorento has been recalled three times, but the most significant problem addressed is a rearview camera that does not display the rear image properly – thus decreasing the driver’s rear view and significantly increasing their crash risk. Almost 145,000 Sorentos have been recalled for these rear visibility concerns.   

Common Problems with the 2023 Kia Sorento

When it comes to the seven most common problems with the 2023 Kia Sorento, Consumer Reports weighs in again, and their reporting is based on owner input.

One: Problems with the Paint and Trim

Owners share that they have experienced significant problems with chalking, cracking, peeling,  and fading paint, including on the rear passenger door handle. Additionally, loose trim or moldings on both the interior and the exterior are a concern. 

Two: Problems with the Body Hardware

The Kia Sorento is also plagued with issues related to all the following forms of body hardware:

• The windows
• The locks
• The latches
• The trunk or hatch
• The doors or sliding doors
• The tailgate
• The mirrors, 
• The seat belts
• The seat controls – both power and manual
• The convertible top and sunroof, including a glass defect

The danger associated with the glass defect in the sunroof can’t be overstated. The issue is the sunroof exploding, which is accompanied by a sound like a shot and leads to glass fragments raining down on the driver and passengers. Some owners who have experienced the phenomenon believe it was brought on by cold weather, but others can’t isolate a relevant variable. The associated risk, however, is all too clear. 

There are also serious concerns about cracked windshields that occur soon after purchase and that sometimes occur when the vehicle is doing nothing more than sitting in the garage. The dangers associated with cracked windshields are well established, and there is a class action lawsuit in the works. The case is bolstered by a letter written by Kia to specific owners offering goodwill coverage of mild chips that quickly lead to expansive cracks and, as a result, can’t be repaired – as reported by Repairer Driven News.  

Three: Major Engine Problems

Too many 2023 Sorento owners have encountered issues that require engine rebuilds or replacement in addition to similar concerns with the following:

• One of the cylinder heads
• One of the head gaskets
• The timing chain or belt
• The turbocharger or supercharger

Four: Problems with Steering and Suspension

The steering and suspension of the Kia Sorento are not without concerns of its own. Owners cite problems with the shocks and struts, the ball joints, the tie rods, the wheel bearings, the alignment, the steering linkage, and the list goes on. 

Five: Problems with Electrical Accessories

The electrical accessories in the 2023 Kia Sorento also give owners trouble. Some of the most cited concerns include:

• The cruise control
• The warning lights
• The keyless entry
• The body control module
• The tire pressure monitor 
• The interior and exterior lights
• The headlights and automatic headlights, 
• The 12V power plug and USB ports
• The automatic wipers

Any one of these can lead to serious concerns. 

Six: Brake Problems

Sorento owners tend to experience premature wear on their brake pads and rotors – in addition to feeling pulsation and vibration with braking. Brake problems don’t, however, end there. Common additional concerns relate to the antilock braking system, to the parking brake, and to regenerative braking. Further, brake failures happen.

Seven: Issues with the Transmission

Finally, the 2023 Sorento also experiences some of the costliest repair needs out there, which are those associated with the transmission. Because the transmission harnesses the engine’s power and directs it where it needs to go, it is a major player in terms of both performance and safety. In response to these transmission problems, rebuilds and replacements are not uncommon. Premature clutch replacements are a related concern. 

How Reliable Is the 2023 Kia Sorento? 

As U.S. News & World Report shares, the 2023 Kia Sorento isn’t perfect, but its mix of value, practicality, and efficiency helps. They give the midsize SUV a rating of 8.1 out of 10 for reliability. Further rankings shared by the news outlet  include the following:

• The 2023 Sorento is ranked #9 for midsize SUVs.
• The 2023 Sorento is ranked #27 for crossover SUVs.
• The 2023 Sorento is ranked #15 for SUVs with three rows of seating.

Consumer Reports ranks the Sorento at about average for reliability.   

Does the 2023 Kia Sorento Have Any Recalls?

Yes, in addition to the recall for the faulty rear camera described above, the 2023 Kia Sorento has recalls related to warning labels and trailer hitches. 

Warning Label Issue

Another issue that Kia has addressed with a recall relates to the airbag warning labels on the front driver and passenger sun visors, which have a tendency to detach. Once the warning label is gone, front occupants are left without adequate warning regarding the risks associated with bag deployment. The bottom line is that this defect fails to comply with the Occupant Crash Protection requirement set by the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard. More than 50,500 vehicles are affected.   

Faulty Trailer Hitches 

Some 2023 Kia Sorentos either come equipped with a tow hitch harness, have it installed as original equipment, or have it purchased as an accessory through the Kia dealer, and it is prone to sparking fires. As more driving leads to more debris and moisture building up on the harness module printed circuit board, electrical shorts that start fires can happen. Owners are advised to park their affected SUVs outside and to have the issue repaired by a dealer as soon as possible. Almost 70,900 vehicles were affected. 

Lemon Laws and Your 2023 Kia Sorento

While lemon laws vary from state to state, it’s a good idea to know the basics in the state your vehicle is registered in. 

In New York

Lemon laws in New York address nonconformities – or problems that affect the safety, use, or value of the vehicle – that the dealer can’t or doesn’t repair within a reasonable number of attempts. In New York, that number is at least three, and if your 2023 Kia Sorento also has fewer than 18,000 miles on it, the state’s lemon laws apply. The time limit for the lemon law in New York is 24 months from the date of purchase, which your vehicle very likely qualifies for. If your Sorento had to spend at least 30 days total in the shop – for the same problem or for any number of different problems – during those 24 months or 18,000 miles – whichever comes first – it’s another qualifying circumstance. 

In Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, the lemon laws are similar, but while the minimum required number of repair attempts is generally three, the time limit is a brief 12 months, and the mileage limit is 12,000, whichever comes first. If your 2023 Sorento is outside this window, there are state fair practice and federal warranty laws that can help. Pennsylvania also has a total limit of 30 days in the shop for a specific problem or for a range of problems during that 12-month period for the lemon law to kick in.

In New Jersey

New Jersey’s lemon laws are a bit more lenient. While they generally employ the same minimum of at least three repair attempts, they afford a 24-month or 24,000-mile limit – whichever comes first. Additionally, they only require a minimum total of 20 days in the shop during those preset parameters for one issue or a series of issues before the lemon law is triggered.    

Don’t Wait to Consult with an Experienced Lemon Law Attorney 

The focused lemon law attorneys at Robison Lemon Law Group – proudly serving New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey – recognize how important your new vehicle is to you, and in response, we harness the full force of our unique experience, perspective, and skill in focused pursuit of your claim’s best possible resolution. To learn more about what we can do to help you, please don’t put off contacting or calling us at 844-386-0831 for a free, no-obligation claim evaluation today.