Used Kia Sorento, Sportage and Soul: the recall years and the good years after them

Kia's record on this site has two halves. The first, roughly 2011 to 2017, is dominated by the Theta II engine failures it shares with Hyundai and by a second, smaller engine problem of its own. The second, from 2018, is one of the cleanest runs of any mainstream brand. A buyer who knows where the line falls can buy a Kia with confidence; a buyer who does not can buy an engine.

Sorento and Sportage: the Theta II years

The Sorento of 2011 to 2019 and the Sportage of 2011 to 2019 carry the 2.4-litre and 2.0-litre turbo Theta II engines that were recalled for connecting-rod bearing failure, and the pattern in their records matches the Optima's. The Sorento's worst years are 2011 (1,517 complaints, score 50) and 2016 (1,245, score 44); the years between are moderate, and from 2018 the scores climb — 84, 81, 91 for 2018 to 2020. The Sportage's counts are lower throughout because its volume is lower, but the shape is the same. The engine-recall guide on this site explains the campaign, the knock-sensor software and how to tell a replaced engine from an inspected one; everything in it applies here.

Soul: the Gamma and Nu engines

The second-generation Soul (2014 to 2019) uses smaller engines — the 1.6-litre Gamma and the 2.0-litre Nu — that were not in the original Theta recall but were caught by a later one. On these engines a failing catalytic converter can break up and its debris damage the pistons, leading to a knock, loss of power and, in some cases, a fire; Kia recalled 2012 to 2016 Souls in 2019 and 2020 and extended the same knock-sensor software and engine warranty. The 2014 to 2016 Souls carry between 800 and 900 complaints a year and score around 40; the 2017 to 2019 cars score between 81 and 89. The third generation from 2020 has a small bump in its first year and then scores in the 80s and 90s.

The good years

From 2018 onward Kia's record is strong across the range. The 2018 to 2020 Optima scores between 86 and 92; the 2020 Sorento 91; the 2020 to 2025 Sportage in the 80s; the Telluride, launched for 2020, has one of the better launch-year records on the site and scores well since. The fourth-generation Sorento from 2021 introduced a 2.5-litre turbo with a dual-clutch transmission that attracts some hesitation complaints, but the counts are low. The reasons are the same as Hyundai's: reworked engines, a corrected manufacturing process, and a fleet that has been through the recall campaigns.

What to check

Any 2011 to 2019 Sorento or Sportage with a 2.0 turbo or 2.4-litre engine, and any 2014 to 2016 Soul: the recall status by VIN, the knock-sensor campaign, and whether the engine has been replaced. Listen to the engine cold; check the oil level; if the car is in reduced-power mode with a warning light, it is the knock sensor speaking. Any Kia: confirm the remaining engine warranty with a dealer by VIN, because the extended coverage is generous but its terms vary by campaign and ownership.

Summary

Buy: Sorento 2018 onward, Sportage 2018 onward, Soul 2017 onward, Telluride any year. Avoid, or buy with a replaced engine documented: Sorento 2011 and 2016, Sportage 2011 to 2017, Soul 2014 to 2016.