The Kia Sorento has established a commendable reputation for its reliability these days. Nonetheless, like other automotive brands, some of its models do not live up to expected standards. Dive into this article to discover what year Kia Sorento to avoid and why. You can also find common reliability issues to consider before making a purchase.
In This Article:
Kia Sorento Reliability By Year: 7 Models To Avoid
Despite their generally strong reputation for reliability, specific Kia Sorento model years have encountered notable performance issues. In particular, the 2004, 2006, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2016 models have been flagged as potential problem areas.
2004 Kia Sorento
We invested a small fortune in a brand new 2004 Kia Sorento when it first came out. Regrettably, this purchase turned out to be fraught with persistent issues. Just 1 year after it got home, the first problem surfaced: the heater only worked on the driver’s side.
The electrical system suffered from more severe complications over the following years. The lights failed one by one, including the headlights, taillights, and trailer brake lights. We replaced these components approximately six times during our three-year ownership period.
Additional challenges with the 2004 Sorento involved cracked head gaskets and rod knock. While early detection prevented major setbacks, these problems notably impacted our driving experience. The compromised engine power reduced performance, affecting both acceleration and maneuverability.
Obviously, the 2004 model is not a good choice for those with limited maintenance budgets. After five years of ownership, we sold our car, which had just operated for 100,000 miles, due to ongoing concerns.
2006 Kia Sorento
Launched two years after the problematic 2004 versions, the 2006 Sorento entered the market with similar shortcomings to its predecessor. Owners frequently share similar tales on automotive forums, citing concerns regarding unreliable transmissions and engines.
The manufacturer fails to address faulty wiring systems, which causes numerous inconveniences for drivers. The introduction of poor body construction adds to the frustration, compromising passenger safety.
These persistent problems underscore why the 2006 rendition may not be a wise investment for the average consumer. If you are still willing to take the risk, the 2.5-liter diesel engine variant performs better.
2011 Kia Sorento
Within the second generation of the Sorento (2011-2013), the 2011 models stand out as the worst to steer clear of with 8 recalls. Though the vehicle body was redesigned from a body-on-frame, the build quality did not meet the expectations. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 278 out of 1,470 complaints are associated with this problem.
However, it is not the most serious issue. A whopping 340 drivers reported engine failures, especially in the 2.4L variants. Symptoms often began with noticeable ticking or stuttering noises. Without timely treatment, the engine likely stalled at the 77,000-mile milestone, resulting in costly repairs of about $4,600.
The NHTSA report goes on with other drawbacks, including the airbag light staying on, the driver’s door not opening, and subpar paint quality. Additionally, user feedback echoed problems like jerky gear shifts and electrical system malfunctions.
2012 Kia Sorento
The 2012 Sorento carries forward the lineage of its precursor burdened with significant engine challenges, receiving 700 complaints from NHTSA. Kia has taken action by conducting four recalls to tackle these issues, yet the narrative persists.
Most reviews underline that the engine exhibits overheating issues at 80,000 miles and ceases function after 124,000 miles. Localized concerns like jerking or misfiring have also been documented, posing substantial safety hazards for drivers and passengers. Consequently, drivers are more and more cautious when considering aging models.
Electrical glitches and airbag light errors remain a pet peeve, especially after 82,000 miles. Furthermore, owners are disappointed with the comfort level. The driver’s seat lacks the necessary settings for extended journeys. Additionally, faulty fuel gauges impede accurate fuel monitoring, adding to the poor reliability of the 2012 Sorento.
2013 Kia Sorento
The 2013 Sorento models have the worst engine experience. Mechanical problems, including noise, overheating, and oil leaks, commonly rise after reaching 83,000 miles. Several drivers have even reported that their components smoke – worse, uncontrolled acceleration further compounds safety concerns.
Moreover, this edition has received frequent complaints regarding frequent failures in exterior lighting. Potential buyers should also remain wary of other issues, including the constant illumination of the airbag light, peeling paint, or unstable Bluetooth connection.
2014 Kia Sorento
The 2014 Sorento caught our eye when shopping for a new car, but it failed to impress us during the drive test. We were extremely disappointed that the manufacturer had not addressed the issues that had been arising since our first Sorento purchase. We looked for a used vehicle that had only accumulated about 80,000 miles, but the problems remained evident.
First, the engine struggled to maintain optimal performance, and it growled like a tired old beast. The fuel system exhibited inefficiencies, leading to occasional engine stalling while driving. The previous owner was frustrated about the headlights and door latches. He offered us a significant discount to make up for the severe paint peeling issues.
However, after browsing online forums, we realized these concerns were not isolated incidents but widespread among the 2014 models. Some drivers complained about the air conditioning system not working properly and accelerated wear and tear on components. The AC heater was prone to failures after 67,000 miles, while gasket problems arose when the odometer read 74,000 miles.
We did not put any money into this unreliable vehicle for all these reasons.
2016 Kia Sorento
Despite receiving a facelift, the 2016 Sorento has not escaped its notorious reputation. Several owners continue to lament engine failures occurring around the 84,000-mile mark. However, the biggest technical problem stems from the reduced fuel efficiency emerging around 68,000 miles.
A knocking sound often accompanies this issue when accelerating. This signals gasoline misfires that hasten engine deterioration. Additionally, ongoing complaints persist regarding recurrent issues inherited from prior models, including dimming headlights, peeling paint, and ABS malfunctions, contributing to the enduring unreliability of the 2016 models.
Consider Kia Sorento Problems Before Buying
Certain models mentioned above suffer from specific technical issues that make it a poor investment. However, you should still consider the prevalent problems that plague various models to make a well-informed decision:
Engine malfunction
There is a great chance that Sorento drivers will face engine failures when they opt for the 2.4-liter and 3.3-liter V6 engines. This malfunction is more likely to occur with the 2011, 2016, and 2017 models.
A damaged cylinder head gasket is a primary culprit, leading to coolant leakage into the combustion chamber. Worse, the coolant sometimes mixes with the engine oil, causing irreversible harm. This problem is evident in our 2017 LX 4DR model.
While replacing the combustion chamber, we discovered a damaged line bearing colliding with the piston. Due to the delay in treatment, the piston exploded within the cylinder head. Akin to the initial complication, there was no viable replacement. We ended up spending a substantial cost on an extensive engine overhaul.
Transmission problems
Certain models, notably those built in 2011, exhibit transmission problems. The driveshaft tends to wear out quickly, signaled by unusual humming noises. Over time, the transmission performance degrades. Expert mechanics typically recommend replacing the output gears to address these woes.
Electrical errors
The poor electrical systems of the Kia Sorento from 2009 to 2011 caused much trouble. Potential failures include faulty door handles, ineffective child lock features, or premature burnouts of headlight bulbs. Some feedback on auto forums even mentions the melting of specific headlight components, costing owners between $100 and $600.
Bad ignition coil
High-mileage Sorentos exceeding 100,000 miles or more are prone to faulty ignition coils. Improper ignition results in sluggish or stalled engines. Fortunately, replacements are relatively affordable, ranging from $20 to $140.
FAQs
Is The Kia Sorento A Good Car?
While Kia has launched some models with less-than-stellar reputations, some are a safe bet worth your investment. With serious consideration when buying, the Kia Sorento is still a great vehicle to purchase. All you need to do is avoid subpar models, make a good purchase, and stick to scheduled maintenance.
Which Kia Sorento Year Is Good To Purchase?
If you’re thinking about bringing home a Kia Sorento, consider the 2005, 2007, 2010, and 2018 – present models.
How Can I Check The Reliability Of The Kia Sorento?
There are plenty of reliable sources to check the reliability of your model before plunking down your cash. Here are a few methods you can try:
- Read authentic owner reviews
- Rely on JD Power ratings, Consumer Reports, and check for recalls
- Consult with a qualified mechanic
- Conduct a test drive to gauge the driving experience
See more:
Conclusion
Some Kia Sorento model years inevitably exhibit certain issues that may influence longevity. However, you can avoid risky purchases by carefully considering the potential problems associated with these vehicles and conducting thorough research.
Remember that maintenance history plays a key role in the extended lifespan of any model.
