Kia · Sorento · 2015
2015 Kia Sorento
3
Recalls
737
Complaints
5/5
Safety Rating
The 2015 Kia Sorento has 3 recalls and 737 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Most reported issue: engine (268 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 28, 2026
Research Context
The 2015 Kia Sorento page works best as a research starting point. Complaint totals show how much owner-reported activity exists, while recalls and investigations help show whether any of that activity turned into formal safety action.
Because this is a newer-era vehicle page, it usually helps to compare this year against nearby model years before deciding whether a complaint pattern looks isolated or persistent. On this page, the most prominent complaint area is engine with 268 reported complaints.
Best Research Moves
- Use the complaint log to see whether the 2015 Kia Sorento reports cluster around one repeated symptom or spread across multiple systems.
- Review the recall section even if the total is smaller, because a limited number of recalls can still point to meaningful safety actions.
- This page is primarily a complaints-and-recalls research surface, so compare nearby model years before treating the complaint total as a standalone verdict.
Key Takeaways
- The 2015 Kia Sorento currently shows 3 NHTSA recalls listed on this page and 737 owner-reported complaints.
- This page currently shows no linked NHTSA investigations.
- This page reflects complaint volume, recall history, and NHTSA test data, but it does not diagnose causes or rank reliability by itself.
- Safety data currently shows 5/5 overall NHTSA safety rating.
- The most frequently reported complaint categories on this page are engine (268), structure (77), unknown or other (68).
- Vehicle
- 2015 Kia Sorento
- Recalls
- 3
- Complaints
- 737
- Safety Rating
- 5/5
How to Interpret This Page
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
If you are researching a used vehicle, start with the complaint categories, compare them against the recall list, and then check nearby model years to see whether the same issue profile repeats. That usually produces a better buying or research signal than treating the raw complaint total as a standalone safety ranking.
NHTSA Crash Test Performance
Frontal Crash Test
Side Crash Test
Overall Frontal Rating
Driver and Passenger Assessment
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Overall Side Rating
Side Barrier and Side Pole Tests
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Rollover Resistance
16.4% rollover risk in single-vehicle crash
Safety Features
ESC: StandardForward Collision Warning: NoLane Departure Warning: No
Recall Notices
NHTSANHTSA ID: 21V331000May 10, 2021
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles previously recalled under recall 20V-519. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
Remedy Status
Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. Dealers will install a new multi-fuse, and inspect the HECU for leaks, replacing the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 2, 2021. This recall supersedes previous NHTSA recall number 20V-519. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC212.
NHTSA ID: 20V519000August 27, 2020
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
Remedy Status
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the HECU for leaking brake fluid and replace the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. The recall began October 20, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC197.
NHTSA ID: 18V907000December 19, 2018
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
Remedy Status
Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
Owner Complaints
737 totalUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Mar 31, 2026
Shift arm gear stuck- unable to shift from park to drive to neutral, reverse, etc.
ENGINE
Mar 17, 2026
Was driving vehicle and it began to run hot, check engine light came on then started to make a knocking sound when getting to 30-35 mph. Was inspected by a service center. There it was confirmed an issue with the motor/head gasket
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
Feb 18, 2026
I was driving with my son when my 2015 Kia Sorento stopped in traffic. I remember warning lights coming on my dash including the engine light, oil light and battery light. However, I was more concerned about getting my hazards on so we would not be hit by another car. Traffic was...
Preview excerpt
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Feb 4, 2026
Formal Complaint on Seized Headlight Sockets and Kia’s Obstruction of Essential Safety Maintenance 1. Incident & Discovery of Defect: I am the owner of a 2015 Kia Sorento. Recently, one of my headlights failed. Upon attempting a routine bulb replacement, I discovered a critical...
Preview excerpt
ENGINE
Feb 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40-45 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle, but the engine made ...
Preview excerpt
ENGINE
Jan 30, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. There was a knocking sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was towed the local dealer and was diagnosed wit...
Preview excerpt
TIRES
Jan 23, 2026
- I was driving down 55 mph. on dark, busy highway in Sarasota, Florida (Fruitville Rd.) at approximately 6:15 a.m. on Friday, January 23, 2025. - Suddenly, without warning, the sidewall of the rear passenger side tire completely blew out in a perfect circle around the entire ou...
Preview excerpt
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 22, 2026
The low beam headlights do not illuminate the highway sufficiently to drive safely. I lowered the aim of my high beam to be able to drive at night and not blind approaching drivers. This is unacceptable for a modern vehicle to be permitted to be sold in this condition.
ENGINE
Jan 15, 2026
Dealer driving car 35mph. Check engine light started flashing. Burning plastic smell from under hood. Car cut off. Did not restart. Towed to mechanic, was told engine locked up.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
Jan 13, 2026
I was driving down a very busy road and with no warning my car lost power. It would turn over but not start back up. I was stuck in the middle of a busy road way causing traffic’s to back up. I had to call the police to sit behind me so I wouldn’t get hit from behind.
Showing 10 recent complaints from 737 total
View Full Complaint LogCompare Related Vehicles
Why Compare These Pages
The strongest comparison flow is usually: exact vehicle-year page, then nearby years of the same model, then other 2015 Kia models. That sequence helps separate one-off year spikes from broader make-wide patterns.
More Kia Sorento Years
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many recalls does the 2015 Kia Sorento have?
The 2015 Kia Sorento has 3 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
How many complaints have been filed for the 2015 Kia Sorento?
NHTSA has received 737 owner-reported complaints for the 2015 Kia Sorento.
What is the NHTSA safety rating for the 2015 Kia Sorento?
The 2015 Kia Sorento received an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA.
What are the most common problems with the 2015 Kia Sorento?
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2015 Kia Sorento are engine (268 reports), structure (77 reports), unknown or other (68 reports).
Does the 2015 Kia Sorento have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA has 3 recalls on record for the 2015 Kia Sorento. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.