2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid

The defect

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."

The risk

A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

The remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera housing, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC280.

Kia America, Inc. · up to 144,979 vehicles across all model years covered

towed · 19,700 miles

The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle, but the failure persisted. The contact stated while attempting to drive the vehicle the following day the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where a diagnostic result was undetermined. The dealer stated that while attempting to drive the vehicle, there were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 19,700.

NHTSA complaint 11595544. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

towed · 25,000 miles

The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH on several occasions, the vehicle stalled after the battery became drained. The vehicle was able to restart each time after waiting for the battery to recharge. The vehicle was taken to two different dealers on three occasions. During the first two visits, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. On the third visit, the failure was duplicated, but the dealer was unable to provide a cause for the failure. During a visit to the dealer, the vehicle stalled while a mechanic was driving it, and the vehicle was towed back to the dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The …

NHTSA complaint 11718445, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

The sub roof exploded while on the freeway and all the glass shattered like rain onto the fabric underneath. We pulled over on the side of the freeway and are waiting for a tow. We didn't see any large objects fall or fly towards the car. It sounded like a huge explosion then left a big whole.

NHTSA complaint 11748566. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

While driving hybrid battery depletes and car stops accelerating. With pedal to the floor, it may get to 60 MPH, other times 15 MPH. Car doesn't sound great while this is happening. 3/4 times an error showed up stating "Check Hybrid System-Stop Safely". The 4th time the error didn't appear , but was driving on hilly road where battery charged when it was going down a hill. The problem occurred on back roads and Highways. It is VERY unsafe when you suddenly can't accelerate. The car was towed to a kia dealer twice. 1st time I was told it was "bad gas." $1,500 later, it happened again. The 3rd time I had it again towed to a Kia Dealer. 6 weeks later, I was told they couldn't find anything …

NHTSA complaint 11716868, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

While driving on September 15, 2025, the vehicle displayed a loud beeping and the warning message “Check Hybrid System. Stop Safely.” The vehicle restarted about an hour later, but the combustion engine ran very rough. The Kia dealer inspected it but reported no stored error codes. On September 23, 2025, the vehicle suddenly lost power while driving. It appeared to operate only on electric at low speed, then died completely in the roadway. The vehicle would not power down until the start/stop button was held. It required a tow back to the dealer. Prior to the first incident, a faint electrical smoldering odor was present. The vehicle remains at the Kia dealer for evaluation. This is a …

NHTSA complaint 11689872, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

On passenger side interior between glove box and dashboard, there is a textured, metallic trim plate that during a sunny mid day, casts a reflection on the passenger side window over the top of the where the passenger side rear view mirror is.

NHTSA complaint 11688202. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Vehicle suddenly loses power while driving. Engine does not turn on, vehicle will run on battery until battery is dead, then putting the vehicle in park once stopped. Vehicle will not accelerate normally since the engine does not turn on. Only goes 10-20 mph. Lights on the dash come on, prompting to keep car on to charge the battery. No code is found when the vehicle is scanned. Dealerships can't seem to diagnose the issue. This is a safety concern when driving on busy roads or state highways at higher speeds.

NHTSA complaint 11661044. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.