Free. Instant. No signup. Pulls recalls and complaints for your exact vehicle.
Couldn't find that VIN. Check the digits and try again.
severe 29 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Of the 29 electrical complaints filed for the 2023 Kia Sorento, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
Electrical accounts for 28% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 6 categories tracked.
A fire increases the risk of injury.
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM SOFTWARE UPDATE USING UPDATE.KIA.COM - This bulletin provides information and service procedures for updating the infotainment systems on applicable Kia vehicles using the Kia Navigation Updater available at update.kia.com. The software update may improve system performance, enhance existing features, and apply the latest operating software for supported vehicles (2021-2026MY All Models).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFOTAINMENT SOFTWARE UPDATE PROCEDURE - This bulletin provides information on the process for downloading infotainment software updates and preparing USB for installation on applicable Kia vehicles. The software downloads and USB preparation process is similar across all supported platforms; however, in‑vehicle installation procedures vary by head unit type.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (WTY042) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage, to all owners, for repairs related to the horn assembly in certain 2021-2025 MY Sorento, 2021-2025 MY Sorento Hybrid (HEV), and 2022-2025 MY Sorento Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) vehicles from 5 years / 60,000 miles to 10 years / 120,000 miles, whichever comes first, starting from the date the vehicle was first put into service. This warranty extension is to address a horn sound malfunction condition free of charge at no cost to the customer.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO (WTY042) - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals advising that Kia is is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage, to all owners, for repairs related to the horn assembly for eligible vehicles, from 5 years / 60,000 miles to 10 years / 120,000 miles, whichever comes first, from the date the vehicle was first put into service. This warranty extension is to address a horn sound malfunction condition on 2021-2025 MY Sorento vehicles manufactured from September 10, 2020, through June 3, 2025, 2021-2025 MY Sorento Hybrid (HEV) vehicles manufactured from September 2, 2020, through January 24, 2025, and 2022-2025 MY
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: DEALER PARTS & SERVICE MANAGER MEMO (WTY042) - This document is the announcement to the dealer Parts and Service managers advising that Kia is is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage, to all owners, for repairs related to the horn assembly for eligible vehicles, from 5 years / 60,000 miles to 10 years / 120,000 miles, whichever comes first, from the date the vehicle was first put into service. This warranty extension is to address a horn sound malfunction condition on 2021-2025 MY Sorento vehicles manufactured from September 10, 2020, through June 3, 2025, 2021-2025 MY Sorento Hybrid (HEV) vehicles manufactured from September 2, 2020, through Janua
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The 2023 Sorento electrical complaints cluster around three major problem zones: HVAC blower motor failures, unexpected engine power loss or shutdown, and broad-spectrum electrical system faults.
Blower motor and relay failures show up repeatedly, often with burning plastic smell and in one case noxious fumes that forced a highway stop and emergency dispatch. One owner's dealer missed the diagnosis entirely—refilled coolant and sent the car back unfixed—and the problem recurred. NHTSA issued Recall SC351 for inadequate HVAC wiring that can cause fire, but as of complaint filing, no remedy was available.
Engine shutdown during driving is the most serious safety pattern. Owners report abrupt power loss with no codes thrown—emergency lights flash, nothing responds to throttle input, driver coasts to shoulder. Dealers hold vehicles for weeks, scan, test-drive 70 miles, and still can't reproduce or identify the problem. One owner described losing brakes and acceleration in traffic. Another experienced the same shutdown at multiple points (month one, month four, months later) with no resolution.
Start/stop system malfunctions cause unexpected stalling and restart failures. One vehicle stalled at a red light, nearly causing a crash.
Dashboard instrumentation blackouts leave speedometer, tachometer, and all exterior lighting dark. Wipers cycle erratically. Warning lights and codes fire without cause, then clear themselves. Module replacement hasn't fixed the issue.
One rear camera mounting bracket broke after the dealer completed Recall SC280 for that exact problem.
Unintended acceleration in one case reached 110 mph; brakes were ineffective. Cruise control malfunction prevented disengagement.
An engine fire with flames under the hood happened during highway driving; dealership had no answers two weeks later.
Same Kia Sorento electrical reports on nearby years: 2020 · 2022 · 2024 · 2025
Motor blower resistor failure and blower motor relay short-circuit causing the HVAC system to malfunction. Owners report burning plastic odor, AC blowing hot air when off, and in one case melted blower casing creating toxic fumes that filled the cabin. One vehicle had white material (believed to be coolant) on engine manifold associated with blower failure.
When: 29,700 miles; another at 48,000 miles; occurrences also reported early in ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Burning plastic odor from HVAC; AC blows hot air even when turned off; Smoke/noxious fumes filling cabin; AC not working; Abnormal burning smell when activating HVAC system
Repairs/costs cited: Blower motor replaced at dealership; blower motor relay replaced by independent mechanic and owner; however, relay failure reoccurred after repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall SC351 (Campaign 25V649000) issued for 2021-2023 Sorento vehicles citing inadequate HVAC blower motor wiring harness that can cause fire. No remedy available as of complaint filing. Dealership initially failed to diagnose, only refilled coolant. One dealership advised remedy not available.
Vehicle loses all electrical power or engine shuts down suddenly while driving, forcing driver to coast to shoulder or neutral. Occurs sporadically and unpredictably, sometimes every 300–500 miles. Emergency lights flash, warning lights illuminate, and vehicle becomes unresponsive to acceleration. Restart typically restores function. Dealers unable to reproduce or identify root cause despite multiple visits and code scans.
When: Within 1–2 months of purchase; recurring at 60,000+ miles; ranges from 2,000 miles to multiple years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of power while driving; Engine shuts off at traffic lights or while coasting; Loss of acceleration; Loss of braking capability; Emergency lights flash; Multiple warning lights illuminate; All warning lights come on; sporadic loss of power on highway every 300–500 miles; Dashboard displays 'limit' warning with half-circle emblem; Battery warning light illuminated with message 'Shift to Park to Start Vehicle'; Vehicle enters limp mode (reduced power mode) with no diagnostic codes
Codes mentioned: Malfunction of engine (code not specified), Multiple codes (exact codes not identified)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers cleared codes but were unable to identify cause or duplicate problem even during extended test drives (70 miles, 2-week hold); vehicle was not repaired
Engine auto-start/stop feature causes unexpected stalling or unresponsive restart. In one case, vehicle stalled at traffic light nearly causing crash. Engine turns off by itself without driver command, sometimes repeatedly, forcing driver to manually shift to park or neutral and restart. Owners report dangerous situations where they cannot predict when vehicle will shut off.
When: As early as 1,200 miles in one case; recurring intermittently throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle turns off by itself randomly; Engine stalls while auto-stop feature engaged; Engine will not restart or takes multiple restart attempts; Vehicle behaves like it is struggling for fuel before shutting off; Intermittent stalling with need to shift to park and use start button
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to duplicate failure; no repairs performed
Instrument cluster and electrical system failures causing multiple dashboard warning lights and messages to illuminate unprompted, sometimes all at once. Instrument cluster goes completely black, rendering speedometer and tachometer inoperative. Wipers, lights, and turn signals become inoperative during blackout episodes. Gauge cluster does not show speed. These failures occur without visible damage or accident.
When: Starting July 2023 on a vehicle purchased February 2023; early in ownership; sporadic, cycling on and off for hours or returning to normal
Symptoms owners cite: Flashing warning lights on dashboard; Multiple error messages on infotainment system; Instrument cluster goes black; Speedometer and tachometer inoperative; Exterior lights and turn signals inoperative; Windshield wipers cycling erratically; Rear defrost not working; Check engine light on; Forward safety system, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, speed limit system, and cross traffic alert lights cycling repeatedly
Codes mentioned: HVAC issue code
Repairs/costs cited: One dealer estimated front sensor replacement at $1,700; replacement part installed but problem persisted; another vehicle had module replaced but same issue recurred within 2 days
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership noted 35 other vehicles faced similar AC/electrical problems, suggesting manufacturing issue. One vehicle received notification of NHTSA Campaign 25V649000 (Electrical System, Visibility) related to failures. One owner asked if issue should be warranty-covered due to electronic nature.
AC system fails to cool or blows hot air despite being turned on, or continues blowing hot air even when AC is turned off. One owner reported something burned up inside the AC system. Another reported AC failed completely during hot weather and dealership refused to perform timely inspection despite owner's prior complaints of burning smell.
When: July 2023 on vehicle purchased February 2023; occurs during warm months; as early as within months of purchase
Symptoms owners cite: AC blows hot air; AC continues blowing hot air when turned off; AC stops working entirely; Something burned up inside AC system
Repairs/costs cited: Front sensor diagnosed as damaged with $1,700 repair estimate; dealership stated owner should go elsewhere when refusing to service quickly; independent shop later diagnosed burned-out component in AC system
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership noted 35 other owners reported similar AC issues, suggesting possible manufacturing problem
Complete starter failure caused engine to shut off at traffic light with no ability to restart. Vehicle was stuck in intersection, electrical lights came on but engine would not turn over. Jump-start attempt failed. Failure occurred just past 60,000-mile warranty threshold.
When: Approximately 60,000 miles; vehicle purchased May 15, 2023; failure January 19, 2026
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shuts off at red light; Engine will not turn over; Electrical lights illuminated but no engine engagement; Jump-start does not restore function
Repairs/costs cited: Starter completely failed; replaced at cost of approximately $500 out of pocket; tow cost $290
Rearview camera mounting bracket breaks, causing camera to fall out of housing and hang by its wires. This occurred despite recall SC280 being completed in February 2024 for mounting clip replacement. Replacement clips appear to have also failed or recall work was not completed properly.
When: After recall repair completed 2/16/24; recent failure after recall completion
Symptoms owners cite: Rearview camera falls out of housing; Camera hangs by wires; Mounting clips broken; Camera unusable
Repairs/costs cited: Camera currently taped to prevent swinging on wires; dealership uncertain if warranty covers
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall SC280 completed on 2/16/24 for mounting clip replacement, but failure recurred; VIN not showing any active recalls; dealership uncertain if issue covered under warranty
Vehicle accelerates without driver pressing gas pedal, or accelerates excessively even when foot is not on pedal. In one severe case, cruise control could not be turned off and vehicle accelerated to 110 mph, resulting in collision with bus. Vehicle also jerks unexpectedly.
When: While on cruise control at highway speeds (67 mph in collision case); sporadic occurrence
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates without gas pedal input; Cruise control cannot be turned off when activated; Vehicle continues to speed up uncontrollably; Brake pedal ineffective (4–5 stomps had no effect in collision case); Vehicle jerks unexpectedly; Does not accelerate when foot is on gas pedal (inconsistent response)
Engine loses power or enters limp mode (reduced power state) while driving. Vehicle cannot accelerate above 20 mph, loses throttle power, or enters speed-limited mode. Occurs on hills and during normal driving. Restarting vehicle restores normal operation temporarily. No diagnostic codes are generated.
When: Recurring at various mileages; sporadic throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Engine loses power while driving; Cannot accelerate above 20 mph; Throttle does not respond; Vehicle enters limp mode without explanation; 'Auto-Off' light flashing on driver display; No diagnostic codes thrown
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple dealership visits; no codes to diagnose; issue unresolved
Cruise control either does not function or becomes uncontrollable. One reported case involved cruise control that could not be disengaged and led to unintended acceleration to 110 mph. Another case involved cruise control simply not working.
When: Highway driving; at various points in ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Cruise control not working; Cruise control cannot be turned off when activated; Vehicle continues to accelerate after cruise control engagement
Engine compartment fire or severe overheating with flames under hood during normal driving. Vehicle lost power on highway, engine began smoking and flames appeared under hood. Another case involved melted interior dash and glove box trim of unknown origin, possibly electrical or combustion-related, occurring after vehicle impact but potentially fire-hazard-related.
When: During highway driving; days after front-right fender impact in another case (with interior temperature above 80°F)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine compartment smoke; Flames under hood; Melted interior trim (dash and glove box); Loss of vehicle power preceding fire
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to dealership; over two weeks with no diagnosis or repair plan
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall SC351 (Campaign 25V649000) issued for inadequate HVAC wiring harness that can cause fire
USB ports disconnect intermittently, causing connected devices (maps, phone) to disconnect temporarily. Sometimes ports do not reconnect until vehicle is powered off and restarted.
When: Intermittent throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: USB ports disconnect intermittently; Maps disconnects; Phone calls disconnect; Ports may not reconnect until vehicle restart
Multiple safety systems malfunction or are disabled, including lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, forward safety system, emergency braking system, and SRS (airbag) system. Lane departure system pulls wheel while driving without cause. Emergency braking engages unexpectedly. SRS light turns on.
When: Sporadic throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Lane departure system pulls wheel without cause; Lane departure warning light cycling; Lane keeping assist malfunction; Forward safety system malfunction; Emergency braking engages without being employed; Emergency brake warning illuminates unprompted; SRS light on; All safety features disabled
Synthesized from 29 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
I have been calling the nearest Kia dealership to have this recall fixed since September 2025 and there has been no remedy since. We do not feel safe using the vehicle due to the recall involving a fire hazard due to HVAC wiring. We have a family that needs the vehicle and its been 3 months with no remedy and no estimated date of when remedy will be available, so remedy for recall is indefinite.…
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? I was driving and the car completely shut down- I could not use my brakes or accelerate. I had to pull along the road in ongoing traffic to coast to a stop. I lost all control. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I was in traffic and the cars behind me had to slow down…
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while attempting to activate the HVAC system, there was an abnormal burning plastic odor inside the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the blower motor relay had short circuited and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired;…
Check engine light on. Rear defrost doesn't work. Auto stop/start not working. Cruise control not working. Vehicle shuts off sometimes at stand still and have to put in neutral or park and push Start button. Engine looses power while driving. Check rear cross traffic, check tire pressure monitoring system, check lane departure warning system, check speed limit system, check lane keeping assist,…
On 8 occasions, while driving on a highway, the emergency lights started to flash out of no where and the driver could not accelerate. The driver had to find a way to pull over and turn the car off and then restart the car. The car was taken in 3 times and checks were run but no codes showed up. The third time the car was brought in, the mechanic agreed to drive it until the problem could be…
1. I have been complaining about the vehicle turning off by itself. No one is listening to me or telling me what is causing the problem. I have numerous witnesses when the car turns off by itself. It isn’t safe. It could cause a deadly accident. No it’s not the auto shut off either. I have to put the car in park and hope it restarts each time. 2. When auto shut off is in use the vehicle stalls…
While driving vehicle looses throttle power, goes into limb mode. Does not throw any codes. Turn the car off then back on and drives fine for a little bit. Has happened numerous times. Multiple trips to the dealership but since no codes pop up nothing can be fixed. Major safety issue!!!!
It's a meaningful issue. 29 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
Based on the 29 complaints filed, electrical issues most often appear around 17,067 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover electrical issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.