NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Kia Sorento Safety Ratings
The 2023 Kia Sorento scores 84 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 104 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Kia Sorento HEV SUV AWD achieved a Safety Index of 84/100, a strong showing for its class. This represents a meaningful 14-point climb from the 2022 model year. While three active recalls temper the overall assessment, the vehicle's crash and avoidance profile demonstrates genuine solidity.
The 2023 Kia Sorento HEV SUV AWD holds a 4-out-of-5 overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 84 out of 100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 139 SUVs from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Kia Sorento ranks 86 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 84 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.9% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 104 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 86 of 139 SUVs tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Kia Sorento?
The 2023 Kia Sorento HEV AWD represents a clear inflection point in the model's recent safety record. Its NHTSA Safety Index jumped 14 points to 84/100, moving from the Average band in 2022 to the Strong band in 2023. The crash-protection sub-score of 61 out of 70 anchors that improvement, supported by a flawless avoidance-tech score of 10 out of 10, reflecting standard fitment of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control across the trim. The 5-star side result is the single most impressive data point this year, while the 4-star frontal and 4-star rollover scores round out a well-balanced profile. The defect record sub-score of 13.25 out of 20 is the one drag on an otherwise strong index, driven by three active recalls. The HVAC wiring recall spans the broadest population (2021-2023 vehicles), the backup camera clip recall covers hybrid variants specifically, and the air bag label recall is exclusive to 2023 model year units, making it a year-specific concern buyers should resolve before purchase. The 104 unverified complaints, particularly the 32 alleged electrical-system reports, align with the wiring recall and warrant attention.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Kia Sorento perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Kia Sorento HEV AWD achieved a 4 out of 5 star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Its side impact protection was a highlight, earning a perfect 5-star rating. Both frontal crash protection and the rollover assessment received 4 stars. The rollover risk was measured at 16 percent, and the vehicle showed no tip in the dynamic test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18808
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Kia Sorento have any recalls?
Three recall campaigns cover this model year. One addresses HVAC blower motor wiring and fuses across 2021-2023 Sorento vehicles. A second targets a faulty backup camera mounting clip on 2022-2023 Sorento, Sorento Hybrid, and PHEV models. A third is limited to 2023 Sorento units and concerns incorrect air bag warning labels on sun visors. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the supplied data, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN.
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
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS23V579000
Risk: A detached air bag warning label will not warn occupants about the risks of air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the driver and front passenger sun visors, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 10, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC277.
Reported 2023-08-15
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Kia Sorento?
NHTSA has logged 104 unverified owner complaints for this model year, including alleged reports of 2 crashes, 2 fires, and 3 injuries. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Electrical System (32 reports), Unknown or Other (30), and Engine (26), followed by Power Train, Forward Collision Avoidance, and Vehicle Speed Control.
104 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Kia Sorento?
Three recall campaigns impact the 2023 Kia Sorento, and any prospective owner should ensure all remedies have been completed before purchase. The most notable of these addresses an incorrect air bag warning label, a campaign unique to the 2023 model year. This is one of three recalls on record for the Sorento, alongside a transmission oil pump issue and absent or detached impact sensors. Each of these campaigns requires verification of completion.
- The 2023 model year Safety Index of 84/100 (Strong) is a 14-point gain over the 2022 model year score of 70/100 (Average), the largest single-year movement visible in this vehicle's recent index history.
- A side-crash rating of 5 out of 5 stars is the top result in the 2023 NHTSA test suite for this vehicle, distinguishing this year's performance from a uniformly 4-star sweep in the other rated categories.
- The air bag warning label recall is exclusive to 2023 Sorento vehicles and does not extend to adjacent model years, making VIN verification a year-specific priority for used-market shoppers.
- Unverified NHTSA complaints include 12 alleged Forward Collision Avoidance reports and 11 alleged Vehicle Speed Control reports, categories that overlap with the standard crash-avoidance tech this year scores a perfect 10 out of 10 for fitment, suggesting that presence of the technology and its alleged field behavior are separate considerations.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Kia Sorento places
The 2023 Kia Sorento qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Kia Sorento safety questions
Was the 2023 Kia Sorento crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Kia Sorento, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 84 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2023 Kia Sorento crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 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 2023 Kia Sorento have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Kia Sorento. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Kia Sorento?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 104 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 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 (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Tesla Model X Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2023 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 18808), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia Sorento 2023.
- 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 86 of 139 in the SUV class for 2023.
- 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.