MODEL
Kia Sorento Plug-In Safety
NHTSA safety across every Kia Sorento Plug-In model year we cover.
Across the 3 model years of the Kia Sorento Plug-In we cover (2022 to 2025), no year has an NHTSA crash-test score on record. 11 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid is a three-row family SUV competing in one of the most crowded segments in the American market. Aimed at eco-conscious families who want electrified efficiency without fully committing to a pure EV, it blends a practical crossover package with a rechargeable powertrain. Shoppers cross-shopping the Sorento PHEV are typically weighing it against rivals like the Ford Explorer Hybrid and Toyota RAV4 Prime.
The 2022-2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In has not undergone federal crash testing, leaving a notable gap in its safety profile. NHTSA has published no star ratings for this specific plug-in variant across any of the model years, a significant omission for safety-conscious buyers. While other Sorento models may have been evaluated, the PHEV's performance in government crash standards remains unverified. The recall record for the Sorento Plug-In is extensive, with 11 recalls issued for the 2022-2025 models. One of these is a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign, indicating a defect severe enough to warrant keeping the vehicle out of enclosed spaces until repaired. Prospective owners should use NHTSA's VIN lookup tool to check for any outstanding recalls. Owners have filed 283 complaints for these model years. This total includes 13 reported crashes, 2 allegations of fire, and 11 injury claims. While these are unverified allegations, the fire reports are particularly relevant given the vehicle's high-voltage battery system. No fatalities have been reported in this dataset. The lack of NHTSA crash-test data, a double-digit recall count, and a park-outside advisory suggest that the 2022-2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In requires careful consideration by consumers prioritizing safety.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally find the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid to be a well-rounded family hauler with a composed ride, a cabin that leans toward premium refinement in its materials and layout, and driving dynamics that feel more polished than the segment average. The electrified powertrain earns praise for its smooth delivery, though some reviewers note the third-row space is tight for adults on longer trips.
- NHTSA has not crash-tested the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid for any model year from 2022 to 2025, so there are no federal star ratings available to evaluate structural or occupant-protection performance for this specific variant.
- The model carries 11 recalls across the 2022-2025 window, including at least one park-outside or do-not-drive campaign - a severity level that indicates a risk serious enough to warrant keeping the vehicle out of enclosed spaces. Always run the VIN through NHTSA's recall database before buying.
- Owner complaint data includes 2 fire-related allegations out of 283 total complaints. While these are unverified, the presence of fire reports on a plug-in hybrid with a high-voltage battery pack is a detail safety-focused shoppers should not dismiss without investigation.
- With 13 reported crashes and 11 injury claims embedded in the complaint data, the Sorento PHEV has a non-trivial incident footprint for a model in this segment. Cross-reference any prospective used example against NHTSA's VIN-level recall and complaint history before finalizing a purchase.
Most-recalled year on record: 2022 Kia Sorento Plug-In with 6 recalls.