MODEL
Kia Sorento
NHTSA safety across every Kia Sorento model year we cover.
Across the 8 model years of the Kia Sorento we cover (2019 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2024 at 85 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2022 at 70. 23 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Kia Sorento is a three-row capable midsize SUV that has built a loyal following among growing families and value-conscious buyers who want practical versatility without sacrificing style. Competing squarely against the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander, the Sorento positions itself as a sensible, well-rounded choice. From the 2019 redesign through the current 2025 model, its safety story is worth examining closely before you sign anything.
The Kia Sorento earns its best NHTSA Safety Index score of 85 out of 100 in the 2024 model year, which lands it in the Strong band and represents a genuine high point across the 2019 to 2025 window we track. Crash-test geometry tells a mixed story: the side-impact rating reaches a clean 5 out of 5 stars, which is reassuring for a family hauler where door-zone protection matters most. Frontal and rollover ratings both sit at 4 out of 5, meaning there is measurable room for improvement in the two scenarios that statistically claim the most lives. Those numbers are competitive but not class-leading. The recall picture deserves serious attention. Across these seven model years, the Sorento has accumulated 21 recalls, and 4 of those carry the most severe designation, either a park-outside or do-not-drive directive. That kind of elevated action from NHTSA signals that engineers identified risks serious enough to restrict normal use. Shoppers should verify their specific VIN is clear of open recalls before purchase. Owner complaints total 929 across the covered years, with 34 reported crashes, 33 fire allegations, 50 injury claims, and 1 death allegation logged. These are unverified by NHTSA, but the fire-related complaint volume is a thread worth monitoring. The Sorento is a capable family SUV with genuine safety strengths, but its recall depth and complaint volume keep it from earning an unqualified endorsement here.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Sorento as a strong value in the midsize SUV segment, praising its interior quality, available third-row seating, and feature content relative to its price point. Most consider it a competitive family vehicle with a polished driving character, though some note that rivals offer more refinement or cargo efficiency at comparable trim levels.
- Four of the Sorento's 21 recalls across 2019 to 2025 carried park-outside or do-not-drive directives, the most serious level of safety action NHTSA issues. Always run your VIN through NHTSA's recall database before buying new or used.
- Side-impact protection is the Sorento's strongest crash-test result at 5 out of 5 stars, but frontal and rollover ratings both land at 4 out of 5, so the vehicle is not a perfect scorer in any covered year.
- Owner-reported fire allegations number 33 across the covered years. These complaints are unverified, but the volume is notable for a single model family and warrants attention to any fire-related recall or technical service bulletin on your specific model year.
- The 2024 model year represents the safety high point in our coverage window with an 85 out of 100 NHTSA Safety Index in the Strong band. If safety performance is your priority, newer model years in this generation show measurable improvement over earlier ones.
Most-recalled year on record: 2022 Kia Sorento with 6 recalls.