Kia Sorento XM
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
193–201 PS
2.2L CRDi (R) Diesel
Big diesel for big tasks
Decent174 PS
2.4L GDi (Theta II) Benzin
4 weaknesses
Stay Away!Generations
Engine Overview
The Kia Sorento XM is available with 4 engine variants — from 136 to 201 hp.
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, 197–200 PS) has the D4HB (2.2L CRDi (R)) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.
The Kia 2.2 CRDi AWD Auto (Diesel, 197–200 PS) has the D4HB (2.2L CRDi (R)) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.
The Kia 2.4 GDi AWD (Benziner, 174 PS) has the G4KE (2.4L GDi (Theta II)) — rated: "Stay Away!", 4 known weaknesses.
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Excessive front tyre wear (pre-facelift) Before the 2012 facelift, the Sorento XM shows increased uneven front tyre wear. The cause is the suspension geometry of the first production series. Regular wheel alignment and early tyre rotation reduce wear. Symptoms: Uneven front tyre wear (more on inside or outside), vehicle pulls to one side, tyres reach minimum tread depth unevenly earlier. from 60,000 km | Low | |
| Faulty anti-roll bars and suspension components Anti-roll bar bushings and drop links wear above average on the heavy Sorento XM. Steering joints and ball joints are further critical points at MOT. Oil loss from engine and gearbox exceeds the class average. Symptoms: Thudding and banging when driving over uneven surfaces, steering wheel vibrates at certain speeds, unstable cornering. from 80,000 km | Low |
Top Reported Issues
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Known Problems and Issues
A total of 21 weaknesses have been documented for the Kia Sorento XM (2009–2014) — 16 engine-related and 5 vehicle-related. One problem engine: G4KE (2.4L GDi (Theta II)). Typical issues affect Suspension, Rust, Other, Electronics.
Sorento (D4HA, 2009–2014) — Be Careful: Crankshaft damper pulley disintegrates, EGR valve and cooler blocked by soot, DPF blockage in frequent urban use. Power: 150 PS.
Sorento (D4HB, 2009–2014) — Be Careful: Variable-geometry turbocharger (VGT) boost loss or turbo failure, Timing chain stretches at high mileage, Injector leaks and blow-by damage. Power: 197–200 PS.
Sorento (G4KE, 2009–2014) — Stay Away!: Recall: connecting rod bearing failure and fire risk (Theta II), Recall: premature connecting rod bearing wear (KBA 013054), Oil consumption from piston rings and bearing issues. Power: 174 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 XM have? +
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee