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Kia · Mid-Size SUV · 2015–2020

Kia Sorento UM

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 2 engine variants

Generations

Engine Overview

The Kia Sorento UM is available with 2 engine variants — from 136 to 201 hp.

2.0 CRDi AWD · Diesel· 150 PS
2015 2020
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2.2 CRDi AWD · Diesel· 197–201 PS
2015 2020
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The Kia 2.0 CRDi AWD (Diesel, 150 PS) has the D4HA (2.0L CRDi (R)) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.

The Kia 2.2 CRDi AWD (Diesel, 197–201 PS) has the D4HB (2.2L CRDi (R)) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
✖Recall: electric heating element overheating — fire risk

The PTC heating element can overheat due to a faulty connector and cause a fire. Recall for model years 2015–2016 with replacement of the PTC unit.

Symptoms: No obvious prior warning; possible smoke development from the dashboard area.
Ad Kia Sorento recall
 Low
!Recall: daytime running lights and brake lights inoperative

Recall for model years 2015–2017: a control software fault causes daytime running lights and brake lights to fail. Kia installed a free software update.

Symptoms: Daytime running lights don't illuminate, brake light fails — increased accident risk.
Ad Kia Sorento recall
 Low
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below Average
3,471 complaints · 2015–2020
Engine
1683 ⚠ 15
Other
530 ⚠ 11
Electrical
358 ⚠ 6
Lighting
347 ⚠ 3
Body Structure
282 ⚠ 9

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Engine (1683 complaints)
⚠ Other (530 complaints)
⚠ Electrical (358 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 15 weaknesses have been documented for the Kia Sorento UM (2015–2020) — 12 engine-related and 3 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Other, Electronics.

Sorento (D4HA, 2015–2020) — Be Careful: Crankshaft damper pulley disintegrates, EGR valve and cooler blocked by soot, DPF blockage in frequent urban use. Power: 150 PS.

Sorento (D4HB, 2015–2020) — Be Careful: Variable-geometry turbocharger (VGT) boost loss or turbo failure, Timing chain stretches at high mileage, Injector leaks and blow-by damage. Power: 197–201 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

What problems and weaknesses does the Kia Sorento UM have? +
The Kia Sorento UM has 12 known engine weaknesses and 3 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Kia Sorento UM? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: D4HA (2.0L CRDi (R)), D4HB (2.2L CRDi (R)). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the D4HB (2.2L CRDi (R)).
Which Kia Sorento UM engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Kia Sorento UM — rated: "Decent". {description} 200 hp diesel in the modern Sorento UM offers genuine touring capability. Muscular shove, refined delivery — family diesel at a high level.
Is the Kia Sorento UM worth buying used? +
The Kia Sorento UM requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Kia Sorento UM? +
The Kia Sorento UM is available with engine variants from 136 to 201 hp. Diesel: D4HA (2.0L CRDi (R)), D4HB (2.2L CRDi (R)).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee