What reliability score does the Kia Sorento get?

4.1 out of 10, scored from the 8 faults we document for this model and how severe each one is.

Is the 2016–2020 Kia Sorento reliable?

Scored from 8 documented faults · reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team

Quick answer

4.1/ 10

Buy with caution

On our documented-fault scoring the Kia Sorento rates 4.1 out of 10 · buy with caution. We hold 8 known faults for it and 1 of them are rated critical and 2 high, so a bad example can be expensive. The weak points cluster around engine, electrical and transmission. A well-serviced example with evidence for the big-ticket items is usually a safe buy; the score describes the model, not the specific car in front of you.

Verdict · Walk unless the history is spotless

What the score is built from

Critical: 1
High: 2
Medium: 2
Low: 3

Weak points cluster around engine, electrical, transmission, hvac.

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The faults that decide it

EngineCritical

Theta II 2.4L/2.0T engine failure and oil consumption (recall/warranty history matters).

Typically appears: 60,000+ miles
What to inspect: Listen for knock; confirm knock-sensor recall and any engine work; check oil level.
Typical repair: Oil leak trace & seal / gasket · £180–£700

DrivetrainHigh

Binding at low speeds, scrubbing noises from the rear axle, or an illuminated 4WD warning lamp due to Dynamax AWD coupling pump failure.

Typically appears: 50,000-80,000 miles
What to inspect: Perform a tight figure-of-eight manoeuvre at low speed on the forecourt. Listen for drivetrain binding or juddering from the rear, and check the instrument cluster for AWD error lights.
Typical repair: Lighting unit replacement · £120–£900

SuspensionHigh

Rear end sagging or excessive bouncing over bumps. High-specification UK models feature self-levelling rear shock absorbers which are prone to leaking and are costly to replace.

Typically appears: 60,000-90,000 miles
What to inspect: Visually assess the rear ride height for sagging. Shine a torch behind the rear wheels to inspect the damper bodies for heavy fluid misting or active oil leaks.
Typical repair: Oil leak trace & seal / gasket · £180–£700

Body / ExteriorMedium

Panoramic sunroof rattles over uneven surfaces, binds during operation, or gets stuck off its tracks due to degraded guides and lack of lubrication.

Typically appears: 40,000-70,000 miles
What to inspect: Fully open and close the panoramic sunroof twice. Observe for jerky, uneven movement, listen for grinding noises, and check the rubber weather seals for tearing.
Typical repair: EGR valve / cooler replacement · £300–£900

Electrical / BodyMedium

Smart power tailgate fails to open fully, drops back down unexpectedly, or emits a loud grinding noise due to internal failure of the spindle drive struts.

Typically appears: 50,000-70,000 miles
What to inspect: Operate the power tailgate using both the key fob and the boot lid button. Ensure it opens fully without manual assistance, holds its maximum height, and closes smoothly.
Typical repair: Suspension refresh (per axle) · £250–£1,100

Costs are indicative UK independent-garage bands for budgeting and negotiation · never a quote.

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What the score is built from

The faults that decide it

Inspecting a Kia Sorento?

Reliability of other Kia models