What's Wrong with the 1st Generation (2003–2010) Sorento?

Sorento owners have made 170 complaints about the 2003–2010 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 34th out of 42 Kia generations in overall reliability, with real engine and electrical concerns.

Compare With Other Sorento Generations

What Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

1st Generation (2003–2010) Sorento Key Numbers

  1. 8 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  2. 170 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  3. 34th in reliability

    Overall reliability rank out of 42 eligible generations.

Recent 1st Generation (2003–2010) Sorento News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  1. Owners worried about a defectively designed crankshaft in the first-generation Sorento have a reason to celebrate.

    The plaintiffs claim Kia knew about the problems but concealed that knowledge from consumers and refused to cover repair costs under warranty … Kia says it agreed to settle the class-action lawsuit to save on the expense of additional legal costs. However, the automaker has not admitted any wrongdoing concerning the bolts.

    Admission of fault or not, this settlement could mean up to $4,900 for owners of the 3.5L Sorentos manufactured between March 1, 2002 to June 12, 2006. All claims for benefits under this settlement must be postmarked or submitted by May 17, 2017.

    keep reading article "Crankshaft Pulley Bolt Lawsuit Settled by Kia"