Short answer: The biggest problems with the 2022 Kia Sorento are transmission issues, engine problems, and electrical system issues.
Transmission issues are the most common while engine problems and electrical system issues aren’t as common. Some of these problems have even resulted in recalls: Kia has issued six for this vehicle.
The Kia Sorento is a midsize SUV designed for families, offering a balance of performance, comfort, and technology.
While many owners enjoy the vehicle, some have reported recurring issues that affect drivability and safety. In this article, we examine the most reported problems with the 2022 Kia Sorento.
Having Vehicle Problems?
Submit the form below to see if your vehicle qualifies for a lemon law claim.
Common 2022 Kia Sorento Problems
2022 Kia Sorento Transmission Problems
Many Sorento owners reported problems involving hesitation, slipping, or complete transmission failure.
Transmission Failure or Slipping
- Severity: Moderate to severe; transmission failure can result in loss of drive power and create hazardous driving conditions.
- Manufacturer’s Response: Kia issued NHTSA Recall #22V-760 for certain 2021–2022 Sorento vehicles due to a defect in the transmission oil pump that can cause a loss of drive power. This is the most directly relevant recall tied to these complaints.
- Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission or transmission components as necessary, free of charge.
2022 Kia Sorento Engine Issues
Some owners reported hesitation or stalling, though these complaints are less frequent and often overlap with transmission-related drivability issues.
Engine Hesitation or Stalling
- Severity: Moderate to severe; engine stalling can leave drivers without power and increase the risk of accidents.
- Manufacturer’s Response: Kia has not issued a recall or TSB for this issue, aside from the transmission recall above.
- Fix: Dealers should diagnose the issue, which may involve scanning for fault codes, inspecting fuel and ignition systems, and applying software updates or repairs as needed.
2022 Kia Sorento Electrical System Problems
Some Sorento vehicles have been affected by wiring-related defects that may pose a fire risk.
Wiring Defects
- Severity: Severe; a defective wiring harness can overheat and increase the risk of a vehicle fire.
- Manufacturer’s Response: Kia issued NHTSA Recall #25V-649 for certain Sorento vehicles due to a faulty tow hitch wiring harness module that may short circuit and catch fire, even when the vehicle is parked.
- Fix: Kia issued NHTSA Recall #25V-649 for certain Sorento vehicles due to a faulty tow hitch wiring harness module that may short circuit and catch fire, even when the vehicle is parked.
What Sorento Owners Say
“Vehicle lost power and transmission failed. Vehicle only has 36,000 miles. Dealer is denying recall from manufacturer.”
“2022 Kia sorento under 86,000 miles is jerks intermittently but no codes are being shown. Currently at the dealership and tech suspects transmission, which has been reported by numerous consumers of this issue but the recall was only applied to certain Kia sorentos and it should be broader.”
“The car just randomly turns off mid drive, several times a week. Even in drive the engine turns off and says I need to put it in park and return on the whole car, very unsafe.”
Understanding the Lemon Law Process
Lemon laws protect consumers when a vehicle develops defects during the warranty period that are not resolved after a reasonable number of repair attempts or if the vehicle is under repair for 30 cumulative days.
If a vehicle continues to experience issues affecting safety, reliability, or value, the manufacturer may be required to provide compensation, a replacement, or a refund.
| Affected Model | Average Lemon Law Settlement |
| 2022 Kia Sorento | $60,707 |
*Please note, the figures presented in the chart are approximations based on past case results and should not be interpreted as a prediction or guarantee. Each case is unique and requires personalized legal guidance.
Act Now and Get the Help You Deserve
Repeated repairs and unresolved defects can indicate that a vehicle qualifies for lemon law protection. If your vehicle continues to experience issues, bringing a lemon law claim can get you compensation. The attorneys with the Lemon Law Experts would be happy to assist you.
Call today at (877) 885-5366 or fill out a contact form on our website.
