Kia Sorento Common Problems

The Kia Sorento is a seven-seat SUV. Most used examples are the MQ4, launched here in 2020, with the UM (2015 to 2020) and the older XM (2009 to 2014) still common. The XM ran a 2.4-litre Theta II petrol, a 3.5 V6 and a 2.2 R-series diesel. The UM used a 3.3 V6 with a six-speed auto, swapped for a 3.5 V6 and an eight-speed in the late 2017 update, alongside the 2.2 CRDi diesel (D4HB) with AWD. The MQ4 has a 3.5 V6 with an eight-speed auto and front-wheel drive, a 2.2 Smartstream diesel with an eight-speed wet dual-clutch and AWD, a plug-in hybrid from 2021 and a 1.6 turbo hybrid from 2022. Reliability is generally good; recalls and the diesel's dual-clutch are the main things to check.

Dual-clutch lurching at low speed (2.2 diesel eight-speed DCT, 2020 to 2025)

The MQ4 diesel pairs its engine with an eight-speed wet-clutch dual-clutch gearbox. It is smoother than older dry dual-clutch units, but one review noted it can get caught between first and second, and can lurch when reversing up a sloping driveway before the clutch bites. Some owners report hesitation from a standstill. Some complaints have been put down to software and fixed with updates. Most of these cars are still inside Kia's seven-year warranty, which matters because clutch or gearbox control repairs outside it can cost several thousand dollars.

Fuel leaks at the fuel rail or supply pipe (MQ4, 2020 to 2021)

Early MQ4s were recalled more than once over fuel leaks. One recall covered a low-pressure fuel line hose clamp that could leak, fixed by replacing the fuel rail. Another covered a fuel supply pipe damaged during manufacture. Both carry an engine bay fire risk. Owner reviews mostly mention diesels, and at least one owner describes the leak coming back after the recall repair. A fuel smell around the bonnet or a wet, stained fuel line is a reason to go straight back to a Kia dealer, where the work is free.

Light, indicator and screen software faults (MQ4, 2020 to 2025)

The MQ4 has had several software recalls. On 2022 cars, including the plug-in hybrid, the indicators might not light as intended. On 2023 and 2024 facelift cars, the indicators and upper daytime running lights could fail, fixed at a dealer or over the air. Some 2025-built cars had instrument cluster screens that could go blank or respond slowly. Some owners also report faulty sensors, intrusive driver-assist alerts and door or tailgate electronics playing up. Most are fixed with updates under warranty, so check that the software is current.

Power loss and DPF problems (2.2 diesel, 2015 to 2025)

Some MQ4 diesel owners report sudden loss of power or stalling on the road. The causes are not confirmed: possible culprits include the fuel system faults covered by the recalls above, sensor faults and a blocked diesel particulate filter. The DPF needs regular highway running to burn off soot, so a Sorento diesel used only for school runs can clog it and drop into limp mode. A workshop forced regeneration usually costs a few hundred dollars; a new filter can cost several thousand.

Oil use and bearing failure (2.4 Theta II petrol, XM 2009 to 2014)

The XM 2.4 petrol shares the Theta II engine problems seen in other Kias and Hyundais of the era. Cylinder bore scoring can cause heavy oil use and a cold-start knock. On 2013 cars, a recall covered connecting rod bearings that could wear early because of machining errors, with a cyclic knock and warning lights before possible failure. A later recall covered XM engines that may make an abnormal noise and seize. Class actions over certain Hyundai and Kia petrol engines were filed in the Federal Court in 2023; check whether they cover the Sorento and their current status. A replacement engine outside warranty can cost roughly $5,000 to $9,000 fitted.

Front strut creak when steering (XM, 2009 to 2013 builds)

A Kia bulletin covers a creak from the front end when turning the wheel quickly at low speed. The cause is corroded front strut top bearings, and the fix is upgraded bearings. It is mostly an annoyance, and fitting a new pair costs roughly a few hundred dollars.

Recalls and safety

Beyond the fuel and software campaigns above, some 2020 to 2022 MQ4s were recalled because the circuit board in the transmission's electric oil pump could crack and cause loss of drive, fixed with a software update. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid MQ4s from 2020 to 2022 were recalled over seatbelt pretensioners that could throw metal fragments on deployment. UM cars were recalled for heater software that could overheat the heater element and start a fire, for a 2019 emergency braking software fault, and on some 2015 cars for a shift lock that could let the selector leave Park without the brake. XM cars were recalled for an ABS module that could short and catch fire when parked, and a class action filed in the Supreme Court of Victoria alleges that defect; check its current status. Have a Kia dealer check the VIN for open recalls, and see our recalls page.

Buying a used Kia Sorento? What to check

• Recall record: Ask for proof the fuel rail, fuel pipe and transmission software recalls were done, and have a dealer confirm none are still open.
• Dual-clutch test: On a diesel, creep in traffic, pull away on a hill and reverse up a driveway. Harsh lurching, flaring revs or a warning light needs a dealer check.
• Fuel smell: With the engine warm, open the bonnet and smell for fuel. Look for wet or stained fuel lines.
• Lights and screens: Check both indicators, the daytime running lights, the instrument cluster and every camera and sensor warning.
• Diesel use: Ask how the car is driven, and test for strong, even power on the highway with no DPF light.
• XM petrol engine: Check the dipstick, listen for knocking from cold and ask whether the engine has been replaced.
• Hybrid systems: On a hybrid or plug-in hybrid, confirm it drives on electric power at low speed, charges from the cable and has a firm brake pedal.
• Logbook and warranty: Kia's seven-year warranty transfers if servicing is on time, so check every stamp and the first registration date.

Before you pay, run a Carify PPSR check for finance and write-off history, and take our Kia Sorento buying checklist to the inspection.

The verdict

The simplest buy is an MQ4 with the 3.5 V6 and conventional eight-speed auto, as long as the fuel and software recalls are done. An MQ4 diesel suits towing and long trips, but drive it in traffic and on a slope first to judge the dual-clutch. The hybrids are newer and have few reported faults so far beyond recalls. A UM diesel with a full logbook is good value. Treat an XM 2.4 petrol with caution unless there is proof of a replacement engine and normal oil use.