Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 09/08/2026
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
The most-reported problem — Engine (47.9% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.
Engine complaints here are 4.1× the median for that category across the 2584 model-years tracked on this site.
2 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 4 rest on owner reports alone.
| Complaint category | Reports | Official status | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 384 · 47.9% | Recalled | Recall 17V586000 |
| Exterior Lighting | 118 · 14.7% | No official action | — |
| Steering | 97 · 12.1% | No official action | — |
| Electrical System | 92 · 11.5% | No official action | — |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 39 · 4.9% | Recalled | Recall 18V907000 |
| Power Train | 37 · 4.6% | No official action | — |
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 801 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
NHTSA campaign 18V907000 · 2018 · reported 12/19/2018
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 17V586000 · 2017 · reported 09/21/2017
If the crankshaft fails, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash. A failed crankshaft also increases the risk of a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 16V862000 · 2016 · reported 11/30/2016
If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 22V703000 · 2022 · reported 09/19/2022
A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · Park outside · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR FLASHED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE…”NHTSA complaint 11291557 — filed 12/27/2019 · ENGINE
“DECEMBER 19,2019 OUR 2017 KIA SORRENTO WITH 37K MILES ON IT WOULD NOT START. THE TEMPERATURE WAS BELOW ZERO AND THOUGHT THAT HAS SOMETHING TO…”NHTSA complaint 11290899 — filed 12/23/2019 · ENGINE
“8/19/19 I HAD A SCHEDULED OIL / FILTER CHANGE AT DEALERSHIP,MILEAGE 50280. 10/11/19 I CHECKED MY OIL AND THERE WAS NO OIL ON THE OIL…”NHTSA complaint 11287804 — filed 12/08/2019 · ENGINE
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 384 of 801 NHTSA complaints (47.9%), followed by exterior lighting (118), unspecified/other issues (103), steering (97). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
801 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 09/08/2026. Of those, 13 involved a crash, 32 involved a fire, and 17 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Yes — 4 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 18V907000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
2 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
