Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/14/2026
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
The most-reported problem — Engine (39.3% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.
Engine complaints here are 3.1× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
2 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 4 rest on owner reports alone.
| Complaint category | Reports | Official status | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 384 · 39.3% | Recalled | Recall 17V224000 |
| Structure:body | 153 · 15.6% | No official action | — |
| Electrical System | 142 · 14.5% | Investigation closed | PE19004 → recall 20V088000 · PE19004 → recall 20V100000 · PE19004 → recall 20V101000 · PE19004 → recall 20V518000 · PE19004 → recall 20V519000 · PE19004 → recall 20V750000 · PE19004 → recall 21V331000 · PE19004 → recall 21V844000 · DP18003 → recall 18V907000 · DP18003 → recall 18V934000 · DP18003 → recall 19V120000 · DP18003 → recall 19V204000 |
| Exterior Lighting | 79 · 8.1% | Investigation closed | PE19004 → recall 20V088000 · PE19004 → recall 20V100000 · PE19004 → recall 20V101000 · PE19004 → recall 20V518000 · PE19004 → recall 20V519000 · PE19004 → recall 20V750000 · PE19004 → recall 21V331000 · PE19004 → recall 21V844000 · DP18003 → recall 18V907000 · DP18003 → recall 18V934000 · DP18003 → recall 19V120000 · DP18003 → recall 19V204000 |
| Power Train | 65 · 6.6% | Recalled | Recall 13V356000 |
| Air Bags | 51 · 5.2% | No official action | — |
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 978 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
NHTSA campaign 18V907000 · 2018 · reported 12/19/2018
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 20V519000 · 2020 · reported 08/27/2020
If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · Park outside · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 21V331000 · 2021 · reported 05/10/2021
An electrical short in the HECU increases the risk of a fire while parked or driving. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · Park outside · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 17V224000 · 2017 · reported 03/31/2017
Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 13V356000 · 2013 · reported 08/13/2013
A fractured front axle may result in a loss of power to the wheels. Additionally, if the vehicle is parked without the parking brake applied, it may roll away. Either condition increases the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 23V652000 · 2023 · reported 09/25/2023
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · Park outside · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
“KIA SORENTO OWNER FOLLOW-UP LETTER ON SAFETY RECALL. UPDATED 09/26/2017”NHTSA complaint 11024368 — filed 09/14/2017 · ENGINE
“VEHICLE FREQUENTLY WILL NOT START AND A MESSAGE POPS UP SAYING: " BATTERY DISCHARGE WARNING" "PLEASE USE THE SYSTEM WHEN THE IGNITION IS ON". IT…”NHTSA complaint 11019189 — filed 08/23/2017 · ENGINE
“MY CAR STARTING TO BEGIN TO SHOW LACK OF POWER AT FIRST, WHICH I HAD MENTIONED IN ADVANCE IN SERVICE APPOINTMENTS. TWO DAYS BEFORE MY…”NHTSA complaint 11018645 — filed 08/21/2017 · ENGINE
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 384 of 978 NHTSA complaints (39.3%), followed by structure:body (153), unspecified/other issues (144), electrical system (142). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
978 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 23 involved a crash, 45 involved a fire, and 24 reported injuries. 1 deaths were reported.
Yes — 6 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 18V907000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
2 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
