ElectricalLow
Infotainment/UVO glitches.
Infotainment repair or software fix£120–£1,200
Inspect · Test the screen and connectivity.
2016–2020 Kia Sorento · common fault repair costs
What the known faults on this Kia Sorento typically cost to put right at a UK independent garage · use the figures to price risk before you bid, and to justify a reduction when something shows up on inspection.
Cost at a glance
- Most expensive fault
- £120–£1,200
- Top three risks, from
- £490
- Worst case, everything
- £6,200
The single priciest documented job on the 2016–2020 Kia Sorento is infotainment repair or software fix at £120–£1,200. Few cars need every repair listed here · treat £1,310–£6,200 as the full exposure if one arrived with all of them.
Cost per fault
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.
Suspension refresh (per axle)£250–£1,100
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.
DrivetrainHigh
Binding at low speeds, scrubbing noises from the rear axle, or an illuminated 4WD warning lamp due to Dynamax AWD coupling pump failure.
Lighting unit replacement£120–£900
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.
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.
EGR valve / cooler replacement£300–£900
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.
EngineCritical
Theta II 2.4L/2.0T engine failure and oil consumption (recall/warranty history matters).
Oil leak trace & seal / gasket£180–£700
Inspect · Listen for knock; confirm knock-sensor recall and any engine work; check oil level.
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.
Oil leak trace & seal / gasket£180–£700
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.
TransmissionLow
Harsh shifts on some units.
Minor repair or adjustment£80–£350
Inspect · Test-drive for smooth engagement.
HVACLow
AC performance complaints.
Minor repair or adjustment£80–£350
Inspect · Confirm cold AC.
Ranges are indicative parts-and-labour costs at a UK independent garage, inclusive of VAT. Franchised dealers typically sit 40–80% higher, and prestige or electrified variants sit at the top of each band. Always get a written quote before committing.
Inspecting a Kia Sorento this week?
Build a tickable checklist for the exact car in front of you, record faults with photos, and hand the buyer a report.