Kia Sorento Years to Avoid – The Kia Sorento is a mid-size SUV that has been in production since 2002. As with any vehicle, certain model years may have issues that could impact its reliability, safety, and overall performance.
It’s essential to choose the right year when buying a Kia Sorento to ensure that you get a vehicle that meets your needs and is reliable for the long haul. In this article, we will discuss the Kia Sorento years to avoid and why, as well as provide recommendations for years that may be a better fit.
Reasons to Avoid Certain Years of Kia Sorento
When considering a used Kia Sorento, there are several reasons why you may want to avoid certain model years.
These include poor reliability ratings, safety issues, performance problems, and the cost of ownership. Let’s dive deeper into each of these reasons.
1. Poor Reliability Ratings
Reliability is an essential factor to consider when buying any vehicle. Unfortunately, certain Kia Sorento model years have been known to have reliability issues, which could cause significant problems for owners down the road.
According to Consumer Reports, the 2011 and 2012 model years have the worst reliability ratings, with an overall score of 1 out of 5.
This low score indicates that owners of these vehicles are likely to experience a high number of problems and repairs.
2. Safety Issues
Another reason to avoid certain Kia Sorento model years is due to safety issues. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued recalls for various model years, including the 2011, 2012, and 2013 Sorento.
These recalls were due to issues such as faulty airbags, defective steering components, and brake fluid leaks.
These safety issues can lead to accidents and injuries, making it essential to choose a model year with a good safety record.
3. Performance Problems
The Kia Sorento is designed to be a reliable and capable SUV that can handle a variety of driving conditions.
However, some model years have had performance problems that could impact your driving experience. For example, the 2011 Sorento had issues with its engine that could cause it to stall or shut off while driving.
This issue can be dangerous and could result in an accident.
The 2012 Sorento had similar issues with its engine, as well as problems with its transmission, drivetrain, and fuel system.
4. Cost of Ownership
The cost of ownership is another essential factor to consider when buying a used Kia Sorento. Certain model years may have higher maintenance and repair costs, which could impact your budget over time.
According to RepairPal, the 2011 and 2012 Kia Sorento have above-average maintenance and repair costs, with an average cost of $542 and $498 per year, respectively.
These costs can add up over time, making it essential to choose a model year with lower maintenance and repair costs.
List of Kia Sorento Years to Avoid
Now that we’ve discussed the reasons to avoid certain Kia Sorento model years let’s take a closer look at specific years that you may want to avoid.
2011 Kia Sorento
The 2011 Kia Sorento is a model year that you should avoid due to its poor reliability ratings and various issues.
According to Consumer Reports, the 2011 Sorento has a reliability score of 1 out of 5, with owners reporting issues such as engine failure, transmission problems, and electrical issues.
In addition, the NHTSA issued a recall for the 2011 Sorento due to issues with its airbags.
These issues can be costly and time-consuming to repair, making it essential to choose a different model year.
2012 Kia Sorento
The 2012 Kia Sorento is another model year to avoid due to its poor reliability ratings and various issues.
Consumer Reports gave 2012 Sorento a Reliability score of 1 out of 5, with owners reporting issues such as engine failure, transmission problems, and electrical issues.
In addition, the NHTSA issued a recall for the 2012 Sorento due to issues with its airbags and defective steering components.
These issues can be expensive to repair and could impact your safety while driving, making it a model year to avoid.
2013 Kia Sorento
While the 2013 Kia Sorento has better reliability ratings than the 2011 and 2012 models, it still has some issues that could impact your driving experience.
Consumer Reports gave 2013 Sorento a Reliability score of 2 out of 5, with owners reporting issues such as engine failure, transmission problems, and issues with the air conditioning system.
In addition, the NHTSA issued a recall for the 2013 Sorento due to issues with its brake fluid level indicator.
While not as severe as some of the issues with the previous model years, these problems should be taken into consideration when choosing a Kia Sorento.
Kia Sorento Recommended Model Years
While some Kia Sorento model years have issues that should be avoided, there are also several model years that are reliable and offer a great driving experience. Here are some recommended Kia Sorento model years to consider:
2017 Kia Sorento
The 2017 Kia Sorento is a reliable and well-regarded model year. According to Consumer Reports, it has a reliability score of 4 out of 5, with owners reporting few issues.
The 2017 Sorento also received high safety ratings from the NHTSA and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Additionally, it has a spacious and comfortable interior, making it a great choice for families.
2018 Kia Sorento
The 2018 Kia Sorento is another reliable model year to consider. It has a reliability score of 4 out of 5 from Consumer Reports, with owners reporting few issues.
The 2018 Sorento also received high safety ratings from the NHTSA and the IIHS.
It comes with a variety of advanced safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring and forward-collision warning, making it a great choice for safety-conscious buyers.
2019 Kia Sorento
The 2019 Kia Sorento is a well-regarded model year that offers great value for the price. It has a reliability score of 4 out of 5 from Consumer Reports, with owners reporting few issues.
The 2019 Sorento also received high safety ratings from the NHTSA and the IIHS. It comes with a variety of standard features, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it a great choice for tech-savvy buyers.
What is the best model of a Kia Sorento?
There are several great model years for the Kia Sorento, but 2017, 2018, and 2019 models are often regarded as the best due to their reliability ratings, safety features, and overall value.
Is Sorento a reliable car?
The reliability of the Kia Sorento can vary depending on the model year. Some model years, such as 2011 and 2012, have poor reliability ratings and various issues, while others, such as 2017, 2018, and 2019, have high-reliability ratings and few reported problems.
Does Kia Sorentos hold its value?
Kia Sorento tends to hold its value relatively well compared to other midsize SUVs. According to Kelley Blue Book, the 2020 Kia Sorento has a 5-year cost-to-own estimate of $42,231, which is competitive in its class.
Is Kia Sorento good for long drives?
Yes, the Kia Sorento is a comfortable and spacious midsize SUV that is well-suited for long drives. It has a smooth ride, plenty of legroom, and a variety of advanced comfort features, such as heated and ventilated seats and a panoramic sunroof.
Which is better Kia or Toyota?
Both Kia and Toyota are reputable brands that offer reliable and high-quality vehicles. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific needs.
Kia often offers more value and features for the price, while Toyota is known for its durability and resale value.
Is Kia as good as Nissan?
Kia and Nissan are both reputable brands that offer reliable and high-quality vehicles. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific needs.
Kia often offers more value and features for the price, while Nissan is known for its innovation and sporty performance.
Is A Kia better than a Lexus?
Kia and Lexus are two different brands with different price points and target markets. While Lexus is a luxury brand that offers high-end features and amenities, Kia is a mainstream brand that offers reliable and high-quality vehicles at a more affordable price point.
The choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific needs.
Conclusion
When buying a used Kia Sorento, it’s essential to choose the right model year to ensure that you get a reliable and safe vehicle.
Certain model years, such as 2011 and 2012, have poor reliability ratings, safety issues, and performance problems, making them years to avoid. There are also several recommended model years, such as 2017, 2018, and 2019 Kia Sorento, that offer great value and reliability.
By doing your research and taking the time to choose the right model year, you can find a Kia Sorento that meets your needs and provides reliable transportation for years to come.