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2023 Kia Sorento Report

Known issues, recalls, running costs, and what to check before you buy.

Updated Jun 10, 2026·Daniel Wilson
2023 Kia Sorento Report

Overall Score

7.3/ 10
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution

Key Takeaways

  • Prioritize confirming the HVAC blower motor wiring harness recall (SC351) has been completed by a dealer.
  • The Sorento achieves a respectable 24 MPG combined, contributing to manageable fuel costs.
  • A 4-star overall NHTSA safety rating, with a perfect 5-star score in side crash tests, provides confidence.
  • The All-Wheel Drive system enhances traction in various weather conditions.
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OverviewWho This Car Is ForReliability & ProblemsVehicle SpecsUnlock Full ReportFAQ
Overview

2023 Kia Sorento

The 2023 Kia Sorento presents itself as a versatile family SUV, offering a comfortable ride and a decent feature set for the used market. Its All-Wheel Drive system and 2.5L four-cylinder engine provide a balanced approach to daily driving and occasional adventures. While it boasts strong safety ratings, including a 5-star side crash rating, potential buyers must be aware of its recall history. The vehicle has a notable recall for a potential fire risk linked to the HVAC blower motor wiring harness, which requires careful verification of remedy completion. Despite a lack of consumer complaints logged with NHTSA, this specific recall elevates the ownership risk profile.

Critical Failure Risk

A recall (SC351) addresses a potential fire risk due to an inadequate HVAC blower motor wiring harness. The remedy involves replacing the wiring harness and blower motor resistor.

Early detection can help you avoid a repair of about $0.

Open Maintenance Analysis →

Safety & Bulletins

Open Recalls6
Service Bulletins0
Full Recall History →

Owner Complaints

0

No primary complaint themes found.

Detailed Issue Breakdown →

Performance & Efficiency

Fuel Efficiency
Combined
24
MPG
City
23
MPG
Highway
25
MPG
Full Vehicle Specifications ↓

Reliability

8.5/ 10

Practicality

4.9/ 10

The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption.

Buyer Fit

Who This Car Is For

Best for

Families seeking a practical and safe three-row SUV with good fuel economy.

+2 more buyer-fit notes in the full report

Avoid if

Buyers who want a completely worry-free ownership experience with no significant recall concerns.

+2 more buyer-fit warnings in the full report

2023 Kia Sorento Reliability Analysis

Explore comprehensive reliability data including official safety recalls, consumer complaints, and common mechanical failures for the 2023 Kia Sorento.

  • Recall TimelineOfficial safety notices
  • Owner ComplaintsReal driver reports
  • Failure AnalysisKnown part defects
Specs

Vehicle Specs

Fuel Type
Regular
Seating Capacity
6
Transmission
Automatic
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Body Style
Suv
EPA Combined MPG
24

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Most Common Issues

1. HVAC Blower Motor Wiring Harness Fire Risk

Most reported

Usage data observed

2. Rear Camera Malfunction

Usage data observed

See all common issues in the maintenance guide

First Service Interval

- Oil Change (5W-30 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation - Inspect Brake System - Inspect Exhaust System - Inspect Suspension Components

Est. shop cost: $150 - $250

7,500 mi

Unlock the full maintenance guide for every scheduled service interval and cost forecast.

Full pre-purchase inspection checklist
Complete maintenance schedule (4 service intervals)
Repair forecasts with mileage and cost context
Full buyer-fit guidance and who should avoid it
Full specs and trim-level context
6 recall campaign details & remedy notes
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FAQ

FAQ

Is the 2023 Kia Sorento reliable?▾

The CarFocal Reliability Score for the 2023 Kia Sorento is 8.5/10. Reliability score is 8.5/10. NHTSA recalls: 6. Owner complaints: 0.

How practical is the 2023 Kia Sorento for daily use?▾

Practicality score is 4.9/10. The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption. EPA combined economy is 24 MPG. Seating capacity is 6.

What is the overall score for the 2023 Kia Sorento?▾

The CarFocal Overall Score for the 2023 Kia Sorento is 7.3/10. Overall score is 7.3/10 (Good). Confidence 85%. Maintenance 8.3/10. Practicality 4.9/10.

What does it cost to own and maintain a 2023 Kia Sorento?▾

Based on Carfocal's data, First listed service: - Oil Change (5W-30 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation - Inspect Brake System - Inspect Exhaust System - Inspect Suspension Components at 7,500 miles. Estimated first-year maintenance: $500 - $800. Repair prediction highlight: HVAC Blower Motor Wiring Harness (typical at 30,000 miles, estimated cost Min: $0 (Recall)).

What engine is in the 2023 Kia Sorento?▾

Engine specs list 4 • 2.5.

What transmission does the 2023 Kia Sorento use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2023 Kia Sorento, transmission is Automatic. The paired drivetrain is All-Wheel Drive.

What is the combined EPA MPG for the 2023 Kia Sorento?▾

EPA combined estimate is 24 MPG.

What kind of powertrain does the 2023 Kia Sorento use?▾

Powertrain classification is Hybrid (HEV).

What driver assistance and safety features are available on the 2023 Kia Sorento?▾

16 standard and 1 optional driver assistance features. Key features include Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control.

How many people fit in a 2023 Kia Sorento?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2023 Kia Sorento, seating capacity is 6.

What body style is the 2023 Kia Sorento?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2023 Kia Sorento, body style is suv.

What drivetrain does the 2023 Kia Sorento use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2023 Kia Sorento, drivetrain is All-Wheel Drive. Transmission is Automatic.

What are the NHTSA safety ratings for the 2023 Kia Sorento?▾

NHTSA ratings: Overall 4/5 • Frontal 4/5 • Side 5/5 • Rollover 4/5.

Are there open safety recalls on the 2023 Kia Sorento?▾

This model year has 6 official safety campaigns listed.

Start Here

Maintenance guide

Costs + intervals

Recall report

Campaigns + remedy notes

Owner complaints

Issue volume + categories

In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Who This Car Is For
  3. 03Reliability & Problems
  4. 04Vehicle Specs
  5. 05Unlock Full Report
  6. 06FAQ

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