2022 Kia Sorento: what breaks, and at what mileage
What breaks on the 2022 Kia Sorento
On the 2022 Kia Sorento, the failure owners report most often is other powertrain problem, with 33 reports on file. Across every failure mode on this year, half the dated reports were filed before 27,500 miles. Overall it scores 78 out of 100, severe risk for a 2022.
Severe risk for a 2022 — 72nd riskiest of the 243 2022 vehicles we can rate. 287 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork.
What breaks on the 2022 Kia Sorento
Owners have reported 48 named failure modes on the 2022 Kia Sorento, and the three most-reported carry 30% of everything filed, which is an unusually even spread for one model year.
Other powertrain problem leads with 33 reports and about 1.4 per 1,000 vehicles.
Other engine problem follows with 31 reports, median 30,000 miles.
Other electrical problem follows with 22 reports, median 15,000 miles. 1 of those report mention a fire.
By system, the reports fall mostly into engine (55), transmission (42) and electrical (26).
At what mileage it happens
30 of the reports on the 2022 Kia Sorento came with an odometer reading, and half of those were filed before 27,500 miles.
Cumulatively, 60% by 50,000 miles and 90% by 100,000 miles of the dated reports had been filed.
The busiest stretch is between 20,000 and 30,000 miles, which alone holds 23% of the dated reports.
57% of the dated reports were filed below 36,000 miles, which is early enough that a fair number of these cars were still under a factory warranty when the owner complained.
Tick median reported mileage Solid middle half of reports Faint 10th to 90th percentile Colour how bad the failure is when it happens
Showing the 12 most-reported failure modes of 48. The full list is in the table below.
How reports accumulate
Every report with an odometer reading, cumulative, from 0 to 200,000 miles. A curve that climbs early is a car with early problems, whatever its total.
- Line share of reports filed by that mileage
- Dashed the median reported mileage
What happens when these parts fail
Across the named modes, 3 mention a crash, 1 a fire and 5 an injury. Those are the words owners used in their own complaints, and NHTSA does not verify them, but they are the closest thing in this data to a measure of what a failure actually did.
The average severity weight across every report on this year is 3.79, where a stalled engine or a failed airbag weighs many times more than a rattling trim panel, and a figure this high means the reports are dominated by failures with safety consequences rather than annoyances. The weighting is set out in full on the methodology page.
What the top failures cost to put right, as editorial estimates for an independent US shop rather than figures from NHTSA: other powertrain problem at $400–$4,500, other engine problem at $300–$4,000, other electrical problem at $250–$2,000 and other brake problem at $300–$1,800. Dealer labour, a seized bolt or a part that is no longer made can push any of these past the top of its range.
37% of the reports on this year sit in the engine, transmission, drivetrain or cooling systems — the four where a repair bill is usually four figures.
Every reported failure mode
| Failure mode | System | Reports | With reading | 25th | Median | 75th | Per 1,000 | Typical repair | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other powertrain problem | transmission | 33 | 3 | — | 20k | — | 1.4 | $400–$4,500 | High |
| Other engine problem | engine | 31 | 4 | — | 28k | — | 1.3 | $300–$4,000 | High |
| Other electrical problem | electrical | 22 | 1 | — | 15k | — | 0.9 | $250–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Other brake problem | brakes | 12 | 2 | — | 74k | — | 0.5 | $300–$1,800 | High |
| Misfire or rough idle | engine | 11 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.5 | $250–$1,600 | Moderate |
| Sunroof failure or glass breakage | body | 11 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.5 | $700–$4,500 | High |
| Other body or interior problem | body | 11 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.5 | $200–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Lane keep or steering assist fault | adas | 10 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.4 | $200–$1,600 | High |
| Complete transmission failure | transmission | 9 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.4 | $2,800–$8,000 | Critical |
| Other fuel system problem | fuel | 9 | 1 | — | 28 | — | 0.4 | $300–$2,200 | High |
| Other steering problem | steering | 8 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.3 | $350–$2,400 | High |
| Other driver assistance problem | adas | 8 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.3 | $250–$1,800 | High |
| Other speed control problem | adas | 7 | 1 | — | 15k | — | 0.3 | $250–$2,000 | Critical |
| Software fault or failed update | software | 6 | 4 | — | 7k | — | 0.2 | $0–$600 | Moderate |
| Fuel leak or fuel odor | fuel | 5 | 1 | — | 130k | — | 0.2 | $300–$2,500 | Critical |
| Backup camera failure | infotainment | 5 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.2 | $250–$1,200 | Moderate |
| Head gasket failure | engine | 4 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.2 | $1,400–$4,000 | Critical |
| Fuel pump failure | fuel | 4 | 1 | — | 70k | — | 0.2 | $600–$2,600 | High |
| Seat belt or retractor failure | airbag | 4 | 3 | — | 29k | — | 0.2 | $200–$900 | High |
| Other visibility problem | glass | 4 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.2 | $150–$1,400 | Moderate |
| Overheating | cooling | 3 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $400–$3,500 | High |
| Differential or transfer case failure | drivetrain | 3 | 1 | — | 80k | — | 0.1 | $900–$4,200 | High |
| Instrument cluster or gauge failure | infotainment | 3 | 1 | — | 110k | — | 0.1 | $350–$1,400 | Moderate |
| Parking brake failure | brakes | 3 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $250–$1,300 | Moderate |
| Wiper or washer failure | glass | 3 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $120–$800 | Moderate |
| Complete engine failure or seizure | engine | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $4,500–$12,000 | Critical |
| No-start or intermittent start failure | engine | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $200–$1,800 | Moderate |
| Turbocharger or supercharger failure | engine | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $1,500–$4,500 | High |
| Radiator or coolant leak | cooling | 2 | 1 | — | 51k | — | 0.1 | $350–$1,900 | High |
| Fuel tank, filler or EVAP failure | fuel | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $250–$1,800 | Moderate |
| Wiring harness or short circuit | electrical | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $400–$3,500 | High |
| Control module (ECM/PCM/BCM) failure | electrical | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $700–$3,000 | High |
| Infotainment screen failure | infotainment | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $400–$2,600 | Low |
| Strut, shock or spring failure | suspension | 2 | 1 | — | 21k | — | 0.1 | $500–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Windshield cracking | glass | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $300–$1,600 | Moderate |
| Other suspension problem | suspension | 2 | 1 | — | 78k | — | 0.1 | $350–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Engine bay fire | engine | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $4,000–$20,000 | Critical |
| Excessive oil consumption | engine | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $900–$6,500 | High |
| Oil leak | engine | 1 | 1 | — | 50k | — | 0.0 | $250–$2,200 | Moderate |
| CV axle or driveshaft failure | drivetrain | 1 | 1 | — | 21k | — | 0.0 | $450–$2,200 | High |
| Fuel injector failure | fuel | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $450–$2,800 | Moderate |
| Audio or connectivity failure | infotainment | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $150–$900 | Low |
| Master cylinder or brake booster failure | brakes | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $450–$2,200 | Critical |
| Cruise control failure | adas | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $200–$1,400 | High |
| Steering column or shaft failure | steering | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $600–$2,500 | Critical |
| Control arm, ball joint or bushing failure | suspension | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $400–$2,200 | High |
| Air conditioning failure | hvac | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $400–$2,800 | Moderate |
| Other wheel or tire problem | wheels | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $200–$1,500 | High |
| Unclassified problem | other | 24 | 2 | — | 75k | — | 1.0 | — | Moderate |
Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound. Repair costs are typical independent-shop ranges for the failure, not figures from these reports.
How often, against how many were built
Scaled by an estimate of how many of these cars exist, the 2022 Kia Sorento draws about 12 per 1,000 vehicles, which puts it in the 92nd percentile of complaint rates among 2022 vehicles we can rate.
That denominator is the weakest number on the page and it is fair to say so plainly. Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound.
The working figure is 24,163 vehicles. If the true number is twice that, every rate on this page is half what it says; the ranking against other 2022 vehicles, which is what the risk score uses, is far more robust than the rate itself.
Recalls on the 2022 model year
NHTSA has issued 6 recall campaigns covering the 2022 Kia Sorento, affecting an estimated 55,116 vehicles. A recall is a different kind of evidence from a complaint: it is the regulator and the manufacturer agreeing that something has to be fixed, and the fix is free for as long as the car exists.
The campaigns cover electrical system:wiring:fuses and circuit breakers, back over prevention: sensing system: camera, power train:automatic transmission and trailer hitches. Whether the work was actually done on the car in front of you is a question only the VIN can answer, and the manufacturer or NHTSA will answer it free.
One caution about reading these together: a recall usually raises the complaint count for the same part, because owners who read about it go and file. The mileages stay informative; the counts get noisy.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
39,536 vehicles 2025-09-25- Defect
- Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Sorento vehicles. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) blower motor wiring harness may be inadequate, which can result in a fire.
- Consequence
- A fire increases the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the wiring harness and blower motor resistor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2026. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC351. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 9, 2025.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
144,979 vehicles 2023-08-31- Defect
- Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Sorento, Sorento Hybrid, and Sorento Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) vehicles. The mounting clips for the rearview camera may break, which can cause the rearview camera image not to appear properly on the display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Consequence
- A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera housing, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC280.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
69,038 vehicles 2022-10-11- Defect
- Kia Motors, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Sorento and 2021-2023 K5 vehicles. The vehicle's "fail-safe" limited-mobility drive mode may be impaired, when prompted by a transmission oil pump malfunction, which can result in a complete loss of drive power.
- Consequence
- Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission, as necessary. Dealers will also update the transmission control unit software. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 9, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC250.
TRAILER HITCHES
70,887 vehicles 2022-09-19- Defect
- Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
- Consequence
- A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect the vehicle, and, as necessary, replace the fuse and/or tow hitch harness module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC249.
TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE
8 vehicles 2022-07-19- Defect
- Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2022 Sorento and Telluride vehicles. The vehicles may be equipped with an incorrect spare tire which, when installed, can impair the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and the traction control system (TCS). As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
- Consequence
- Impaired anti-lock braking or traction control systems can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the spare tire, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC244.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION:PIPES, HOSES, AND FITTINGS
26 vehicles 2022-03-29- Defect
- Kia Motor America (Kia) is recalling certain 2022 Sorento vehicles. The oil supply pipe to the turbocharger may crack, which could result in an oil leak in the engine compartment.
- Consequence
- An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the turbocharger oil supply pipe, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC233.
Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the car's age. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before assuming it was done.
How it ranks in the 2022 field
The score at the top of the page, placed among its peers. The zones are the same thresholds the scorer applies, read out of the scorer itself, so the picture and the band word cannot disagree.
Scores are ranked within the model year, never across years, because an older car has had longer to accumulate reports.
- Left fewer and less serious reports
- Right more, or worse
- Marker this vehicle
Better and worse years of the same car
Severe risk for a 2022 — 72nd riskiest of the 243 2022 vehicles we can rate. Every score on this site is a rank inside its own model year, which is what makes a 2004 and a 2019 comparable at all.
Across the 22 model years of this car that carry enough reports to score, 2024 comes out best at 65 and 2016 worst at 80, with 2022 itself at 78.
If the model year is negotiable, 2024, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2015, 2007, 2023, 2008, 2014, 2003, 2019, 2013 and 2012 score lower than 2022 by a margin worth acting on. Same body, same engines, different luck — usually a supplier change or a mid-cycle fix, which the complaint data can show but never explain.
Within the 2019–2026 generation specifically, 2024 is the strongest year at 65 and 2020 the weakest at 80.
Scores compare each year against other cars of the same model year, so a low number on an older car is a real result and not an artefact of age.
Shorter is better. Years with too few reports to score are shown without a bar rather than as a zero, because no data is not good news.
Within the 2019-2026 generation, 2024 Kia Sorento scores best at 65 and 2020 Kia Sorento worst at 80.
What this page cannot tell you
287 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork. Every count on this page is therefore a floor: it is the number of owners who went to the trouble of filing with a federal agency, which is a small and self-selected fraction of the owners who had the fault.
Of those 287 reports, 30 carried an odometer reading, so the mileages here describe 10% of the sample rather than all of it. Owners also round: readings pile up on multiples of ten thousand, which is why this site publishes "about 90,000 miles" and not "91,438".
The failure modes are assigned by software reading the owner's own words, which is accurate in bulk and wrong in individual cases. A mode with a handful of reports may contain a misfiled one.
And nothing here predicts what one car will do. These are other people's complaints, filed years apart, on cars maintained by strangers. Read the page as a map of where this model year has previously gone wrong, then have the specific car in front of you inspected.
Questions this page answers
What are the most common problems with the 2022 Kia Sorento?
The most-reported failures are other powertrain problem (33 reports, median 20,000 miles), other engine problem (31 reports, median 30,000 miles) and other electrical problem (22 reports, median 15,000 miles). Counts come from owner complaints filed with NHTSA, which are voluntary, so they show what owners bothered to report rather than every fault that occurred.
Is the 2022 Kia Sorento reliable?
It scores 78 out of 100 on our risk index, which is severe — 72nd riskiest of the 243 2022 vehicles we can rate. The score is a comparison against other 2022 vehicles, not a prediction about any individual car, and it is built from complaint rates, severity and how early failures appear.
Which year of the Kia Sorento is best?
Within the 2019–2026 generation, 2024 scores best at 65 out of 100 and 2020 worst at 80. Same body, same engines, different luck.
Where this comes from. Every figure above is computed from NHTSA owner complaints and recall records for this exact make, model and year. Complaints are voluntary and self-selected, so treat counts as a floor. The methodology page writes out each formula, and the same numbers are available as JSON.
What breaks at my mileage Compare with another car
Source Owner complaints and recall records published by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, model years 1996–2027 Figures rebuilt Published by AtWhatMileage How every figure is computed