Kia Sorento MQ4
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
Generations
Engine Overview
The Kia Sorento MQ4 is available with 3 engine variants — from 177 to 201 hp.
The Kia 2.2 CRDi AWD (Diesel, 193–201 PS) has the D4HB (2.2L CRDi (R)) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.
The Kia 1.6 T-GDi HEV AWD (Benziner Hybrid, 230 PS) has the G4NN (1.6L T-GDi Hybrid (Smartstream NQ5)) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.
The Kia 1.6 T-GDi PHEV AWD (Benziner Plug-in-Hybrid, 265 PS) has the G4NN (1.6L T-GDi Hybrid (Smartstream NQ5)) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| 8-speed DCT — recall for loss of drive A fault in the electric high-pressure oil pump of the 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox can lead to sudden loss of drive. Recall (action code 221135) for approx. 3,519 vehicles in Germany. Software update takes approx. 30 minutes. Symptoms: Sudden loss of thrust or drive while driving, gearbox stops shifting. | Low | |
| 2.2 CRDi — DCT damage with grinding noises Owners of the Sorento MQ4 2.2 diesel report severe DCT gearbox damage from around 70,000–80,000 km. Grinding noises while driving and incorrect gear changes indicate clutch mechanism defects. Symptoms: Grinding or milling noise while driving; jerky gear changes especially between lower gears; RPM dip on upshifts. from 75,000 km | High | |
| DCT judder on 1-2 gear change Even after the official software recall, drivers report judder when shifting between first and second gear. RPM dip and brief torque interruption when accelerating gently. Symptoms: Noticeable jerk when upshifting 1→2, RPM briefly drops, particularly noticeable in city traffic. from 40,000 km | High |
Top Reported Issues
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Known Problems and Issues
A total of 15 weaknesses have been documented for the Kia Sorento MQ4 (2020–2024) — 10 engine-related and 5 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Gearbox, Other, Electronics.
Sorento (D4HB, 2020–2024) — Be Careful: Variable-geometry turbocharger (VGT) boost loss or turbo failure, Timing chain stretches at high mileage, Injector leaks and blow-by damage. Power: 193–201 PS.
Sorento (G4NN, 2020–2024) — Be Careful: Recall: short circuit in clutch actuator (KBA 14641R), Intake valve carbon build-up from GDi technology, 12V starter battery drains during extended parking. Power: 179 PS.
Sorento (G4NN, 2020–2024) — Be Careful: Recall: short circuit in clutch actuator (KBA 14641R), Intake valve carbon build-up from GDi technology, 12V starter battery drains during extended parking. Power: 179 PS.
What to watch out for with the Kia Sorento? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee