2023 model year · 0+ owner reports · Updated April 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 0+ owner reports, the 2023 Kia Sorento has 3 documented known issues. No issues are rated critical, indicating generally reliable ownership. Across all issues, repair costs range from $50 to $2,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 2016-2023 Kia Sorento, the rear A/C evaporator in Sorentos with dual-zone or tri-zone climate control develops refrigerant leaks due to corrosion of the aluminum evaporator core. The rear evaporator is located under the second-row seats or in the rear quarter panel, making it expensive to access. The leak results in the entire A/C system losing refrigerant, affecting both front and rear cooling. R-1234yf refrigerant used in newer models adds to repair cost.
Diagnose with UV dye and electronic leak detector to confirm rear evaporator as the leak source. Replace the rear evaporator core — this requires removal of interior trim panels and sometimes the second-row seats. Replace the receiver/drier and expansion valve at the same time. Evacuate and recharge the system. Some owners opt to bypass the rear evaporator loop if they do not need rear A/C, which is a less expensive fix.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2015-2023 Kia Sorento 3.3L Lambda II V6, the 3.3L Lambda II V6 engine in the Sorento develops oil pan gasket leaks, typically after 60,000-80,000 miles. The gasket material hardens and shrinks over time due to heat cycling, allowing oil to seep from the oil pan-to-block mating surface. The leak is slow initially but worsens over time. Oil drips onto the exhaust crossover pipe below the engine, creating a burning oil smell and potential fire risk.
Remove the oil pan, clean both mating surfaces thoroughly, and install a new oil pan gasket with Kia-specified RTV sealant at the corners. Some mechanics prefer to use all-RTV (no gasket) for a more durable seal. The job requires supporting the engine and lowering the front subframe on some model years for clearance. Retorque oil pan bolts to spec in the correct sequence.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2016-2025 Kia Sorento, the panoramic sunroof on 2016+ Sorentos develops a persistent rattling noise, especially at highway speeds or on rough roads. The sunroof glass panel vibrates against its frame due to deteriorating seal material and insufficient dampening. Wind noise also increases as the seals lose their compression over time. In some cases, the sunroof drain tubes clog, leading to water leaks into the headliner.
Clean and lubricate the sunroof tracks and seals with silicone-based lubricant. Apply foam dampening tape to the sunroof frame contact points to eliminate rattle. Clear the sunroof drain tubes by passing a flexible wire or compressed air through the four corner drains. If seals are cracked or compressed, replace the sunroof weatherstrip. Severe cases may require sunroof frame adjustment at the dealer.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Sorento, 2025 Sorento Hybrid, and 2025 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. A software error in the Body Domain Control Unit (BDC) may cause a loss of low beam headlights and taillights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:CRITICAL FASTENERS
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 K4 and Sorento vehicles. The connecting rod bolts in the engine may have been improperly tightened, which can cause a loss of drive power.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 Kia K4, 2025-2026 Sorento, Sorento Hybrid, Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV), 2026 Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, Sportage PHEV, K5, EV9, Carnival, and Carnival Hybrid vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 101, "Controls and Displays" and 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring System."
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Sorento vehicles. The air bag warning labels on the driver and front passenger sun visors may detach. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Sorento, Sorento Hybrid, and Sorento Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) vehicles. The mounting clips for the rearview camera may break, which can cause the rearview camera image not to appear properly on the display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
+ 7 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov
Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.
Don't see your problem? Describe your symptoms to get a diagnosis, or get a full repair guide.
According to Au7o's analysis of 0+ owner reports, the 2023-2023 Kia Sorento has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Rear A/C Evaporator Refrigerant Leak, Oil Pan Gasket Leak (3.3L V6), Panoramic Sunroof Rattle and Wind Noise. None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.
The 2023-2023 Kia Sorento has 3 known issues documented across 0+ owner reports. No issues are rated critical, suggesting generally good reliability. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Kia Sorento issues range from $50 to $2,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
The rear A/C evaporator in Sorentos with dual-zone or tri-zone climate control develops refrigerant leaks due to corrosion of the aluminum evaporator core. The rear evaporator is located under the second-row seats or in the rear quarter panel, making it expensive to access. The l… Repairs typically run $800-$2,000. Severity: medium.
The 3.3L Lambda II V6 engine in the Sorento develops oil pan gasket leaks, typically after 60,000-80,000 miles. The gasket material hardens and shrinks over time due to heat cycling, allowing oil to seep from the oil pan-to-block mating surface. The leak is slow initially but wor… Repairs typically run $300-$800. Severity: medium.
The panoramic sunroof on 2016+ Sorentos develops a persistent rattling noise, especially at highway speeds or on rough roads. The sunroof glass panel vibrates against its frame due to deteriorating seal material and insufficient dampening. Wind noise also increases as the seals l… Repairs typically run $50-$800. Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
