NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2022 Kia Sorento Safety Ratings
The 2022 Kia Sorento scores 70 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 6 recalls, and 181 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid SUV AWD, despite competitive crash-test results, carries a significant recall burden that impacts its overall safety assessment. Six recalls have been issued, including a critical park-outside campaign, contributing to its NHTSA Safety Index of 70/100, which places it in the Average band. The defect record demonstrably pulls the overall safety picture down.
The 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid SUV AWD received a 4-out-of-5 overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 70/100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 135 SUVs from 2022 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2022 Kia Sorento ranks 130 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 70 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.9% |
| Recalls on file | 6 (includes park-outside) |
| Owner complaints | 181 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 130 of 135 SUVs tested for 2022 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2022 Kia Sorento?
The 2022 Sorento Hybrid AWD presents a mixed safety profile, marked by a substantial decline in its Safety Index. Scoring 70 out of 100, this model year falls into the Average band, a 14-point drop from the 2021 Sorento's index of 84. This reduction is primarily attributable to its defect record, which earned a low 7 out of 20 points, reflecting six active recall campaigns. A significant concern is the recall related to the trailer hitch harness, prompting a "park outside" warning due to fire risk. Despite these issues, the vehicle demonstrates strong crash protection. It achieved 61 out of 70 points in this component, supported by a 5-star side-crash rating and a "No Tip" dynamic rollover result. However, the 2022 Sorento Hybrid AWD shows a distinct weakness in crash avoidance technology. It received "No" ratings for both forward collision warning and lane departure warning, yielding only 2 out of 10 possible points in this category. This blend of robust passive safety, limited active safety features, and a notable recall history distinguishes the 2022 Sorento Hybrid AWD within the broader Sorento lineup.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2022 Kia Sorento perform in crash tests?
The 2022 Kia Sorento's side-crash protection earned a full 5 stars in NHTSA testing. Frontal impact and rollover resistance both rated at 4 stars. The Sorento demonstrated a 16 percent rollover risk, with a "No Tip" dynamic assessment. Overall, the vehicle received a 4-out-of-5 star rating.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 17031
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2022 Kia Sorento have any recalls?
Yes, six recalls cover this model year. Campaigns address an HVAC blower motor wiring and fuse issue, a rearview camera mounting clip failure, a powertrain fail-safe transmission mode defect, an incorrect emergency spare tire, and a back-over camera sensing problem. One trailer-hitch recall carries a park-outside designation, meaning owners were directed not to park the vehicle near structures until the remedy was completed.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS25V649000
Risk: A fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the wiring harness and blower motor resistor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2026. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC351. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 9, 2025.
Reported 2025-09-25
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA23V610000
Risk: A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera housing, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC280.
Reported 2023-08-31
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION22V760000
Risk: Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission, as necessary. Dealers will also update the transmission control unit software. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 9, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC250.
Reported 2022-10-11
TRAILER HITCHES22V703000
Risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect the vehicle, and, as necessary, replace the fuse and/or tow hitch harness module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC249.
Reported 2022-09-19
TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE22V509000
Risk: Impaired anti-lock braking or traction control systems can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the spare tire, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC244.
Reported 2022-07-19
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER22V202000
Risk: An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the turbocharger oil supply pipe, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC233.
Reported 2022-03-29
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2022 Kia Sorento?
A total of 181 owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA, including alleged 4 crashes and 4 injuries. These are unverified consumer allegations. The most frequently cited components are Power Train (59 reports), Engine (50), and Electrical System (27), followed by Service Brakes and Vehicle Speed Control.
181 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2022 Kia Sorento?
The 2022 Kia Sorento was subject to six recall campaigns, a notable figure that includes at least one "park outside" directive from the manufacturer. Prospective owners should confirm with a Kia dealer that all recall repairs have been completed and documented for any specific vehicle before purchase.
- The 2022 Sorento's Safety Index dropped 14 points from the 2021 model year, falling from a Strong 84/100 to an Average 70/100, a decline driven by a defect-record component score of only 7 out of 20.
- One of the six 2022 recalls carries a park-outside designation tied to a trailer-hitch defect, a serious designation that indicates an elevated risk requiring immediate attention before the remedy is completed.
- The crash-avoidance technology score of 2 out of 10 reflects the absence of forward collision warning and lane departure warning on this specific Hybrid AWD configuration tested by NHTSA.
- The 181 unverified owner complaints filed with NHTSA show Power Train and Engine as the top two alleged problem areas, with a combined 109 reports between them.
RANKINGSWhere the 2022 Kia Sorento places
The 2022 Kia Sorento qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2022 Kia Sorento safety questions
Was the 2022 Kia Sorento crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2022 Kia Sorento, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 70 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2022 Kia Sorento crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2022 Kia Sorento earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 15.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2022 Kia Sorento have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 6 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2022 Kia Sorento, including a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign, which is the most serious class of recall. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2022 Kia Sorento?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 181 owner complaints are on file for the 2022 Kia Sorento. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Sorento years
Rivals in SUV (2022)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Tesla Model Y 5-Seat | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2022 Infiniti Qx55 | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2022 Buick Encore GX | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2022 Buick Envision | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2022 Nissan Murano | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2022 Buick Enclave | 94/100 | 4 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 17031), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia Sorento 2022.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 130 of 135 in the SUV class for 2022.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.