NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2025 Kia Sorento Safety Ratings
The 2025 Kia Sorento scores 80 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 66 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2025 Kia Sorento, with a NHTSA Safety Index of 80 out of 100, falls within the Strong safety band. This rating represents a five-point decrease from the 2024 model year. Three recall campaigns also impact the Sorento's overall safety profile, suggesting that while its crash-test performance is solid, it is not without potential issues for consumers prioritizing safety.
The 2025 Kia Sorento SUV AWD holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 80 out of 100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars, sourced from NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 153 SUVs from 2025 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2025 Kia Sorento ranks 139 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 80 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.9% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 66 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 139 of 153 SUVs tested for 2025 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2025 Kia Sorento?
The 2025 Kia Sorento achieves an overall Safety Index of 80 out of 100. This places it in the Strong band, though it marks a five-point decrease from the 2024 model's 85. The decline is not attributable to crash protection, which remains robust. The Sorento earned a 5-star overall NHTSA rating, with a perfect 5-star score in side impact tests, contributing to a strong 61 out of 70 in the crash-protection category. Instead, the reduced score stems from a defect record sub-score of 13.75 out of 20, reflecting three active recall campaigns. The most significant is the engine connecting rod bolt recall, classified as a critical-fastener issue. This is compounded by a body control module software recall and an instrument cluster recall, both affecting 2024 and 2025 Sorento variants. These recalls paint a broader defect picture than for the previous model year. The avoidance technology sub-score of 5 out of 10 is the system's weakest structural element. While forward collision warning and lane departure warning are standard, the suite does not fully meet all scoring criteria. Sixty-six owner complaints, including eight specifically citing forward collision avoidance issues, suggest this system warrants closer scrutiny.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2025 Kia Sorento perform in crash tests?
The 2025 Kia Sorento SUV AWD achieved a 5 out of 5 star overall safety rating from NHTSA, demonstrating strong performance in federal crash tests. Side protection stands out with a 5-star rating. Frontal and rollover protection each earned 4 out of 5 stars. The measured rollover risk for this model is 16 percent, with the dynamic tip test resulting in "No Tip."
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20728
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2025 Kia Sorento have any recalls?
Yes, three recall campaigns cover this model year. The most serious targets engine connecting rod bolts that may have been improperly tightened, a critical-fastener defect. A second campaign addresses a body control module software error shared with 2024-2025 Sorento variants. A third covers the instrument cluster and panel. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the available data, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL26V046000
Risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer, tire pressure, or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The instrument panel display software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 26, 2026. Owners may contact Kia Customer Service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC361. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 9, 2026.
Reported 2026-01-27
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:CRITICAL FASTENERS25V548000
Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the sub engine assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 12, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC349.
Reported 2025-08-25
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE25V006000
Risk: A loss of headlights and taillights can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the BDC software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 21, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC331.
Reported 2025-01-13
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2025 Kia Sorento?
Sixty-six unverified owner allegations have been reported to NHTSA for this model year. The top categories by alleged component are Unknown or Other and Electrical System at 18 each, Engine and Power Train at 17 each, and Forward Collision Avoidance at 8. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
66 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2025 Kia Sorento?
A critical concern for the 2025 Sorento centers on its three recall campaigns, particularly the engine connecting rod bolt issue. Any prospective owner of this model year must verify the completion of all recall remedies. Before purchase, a thorough VIN check through NHTSA's recall lookup tool is essential to confirm that these repairs are not merely scheduled, but officially closed.
- The 2025 model year Safety Index dropped five points to 80 out of 100 compared to the 2024 Sorento's 85, driven by a weaker defect record sub-score of 13.75 out of 20 tied directly to three active recall campaigns.
- A critical-fastener recall covering engine connecting rod bolts is specific to 2025 K4 and Sorento vehicles and represents the most mechanically significant safety action on this model year.
- NHTSA awarded the 2025 Sorento AWD a 5-star overall rating with a perfect 5-star side score, but frontal and rollover protection each land at 4 stars, and rollover risk is measured at 16 percent.
- Sixty-six unverified NHTSA complaints include eight alleged forward collision avoidance issues, a figure that aligns with the avoidance-tech sub-score of 5 out of 10 and is worth monitoring as the vehicle ages on the used market.
RANKINGSWhere the 2025 Kia Sorento places
The 2025 Kia Sorento qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2025 Kia Sorento safety questions
Was the 2025 Kia Sorento crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2025 Kia Sorento, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 80 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 2025 Kia Sorento crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2025 Kia Sorento earned 5 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 2025 Kia Sorento have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2025 Kia Sorento. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2025 Kia Sorento?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 66 owner complaints are on file for the 2025 Kia Sorento. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Sorento years
Rivals in SUV (2025)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Lexus Rz 300e | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Tesla Model X | 96/100 | not rated | 3 |
| 2025 Acura ADX | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2025 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 20728), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia Sorento 2025.
- 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 139 of 153 in the SUV class for 2025.
- 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.