Kia Sorento Common Problems in Ireland: Recalls, Checks

The Kia Sorento is a large seven-seat SUV, and the Irish used market runs from older diesels to recent plug-in hybrids, so families can end up comparing cars that are ten years apart. Knowing the recalls for each build period makes that comparison much easier. This guide to Kia Sorento common problems in Ireland lists every recall we found in the official RSA lists from 2023 to 2026, explains which cars are affected, and gives you a checklist to use before you buy. We only include faults recorded by the RSA or stated by Kia.

Quick Summary

The RSA lists six recalls that include the Sorento in its 2023 to 2026 records.

The largest are the gearbox electric oil pump on 509 cars built from 2020 to 2022, the ABS control unit on 488 cars built from 2010 to 2014, and an auxiliary heater connector on 317 cars built from 2012 to 2014.

Fourth-generation cars arrived in Ireland in October 2020 with a 2.2 diesel. A plug-in hybrid followed, and a facelift came in 2024.

Euro NCAP gave the fourth generation five stars in December 2020.

Kia's warranty lasts seven years from first registration or 150,000 km, so many fourth-generation cars may still have cover left. Always check the dates.

Looking for one? Browse used Kia cars for sale on EcoSteer and compare Sorento and other Kia models from sellers around Ireland.

Kia Sorento versions you will find in Ireland

Most Sorentos for sale here fall into three groups, and the recall list lines up with them closely. Check the first registration and the build date on the car, because a car can be built some months before it is registered.

Group	Approximate years	What to know
Second generation	Up to 2014	Two fire-risk recalls cover build dates from 2010 to 2014. Now an older, affordable seven-seater.
Third generation	2015 to 2020	Euro NCAP tested this car in 2014, scoring 90% for adult occupants. One multi-model recall may apply.
Fourth generation	From 2020	2.2 diesel with an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox and a 1.6 turbo plug-in hybrid. Three of the six recalls relate to this period.

The fourth generation launched in Ireland in October 2020 from €49,800, with a 202hp, 440Nm 2.2-litre diesel in K3 and K4 trims. The plug-in hybrid combined a 1.6-litre turbo petrol with an electric motor for 265hp and 350Nm. For the 2024 facelift, Kia Ireland kept the 2.2 diesel and offered a plug-in with a 13.8 kWh battery, a six-speed automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive as standard.

Every Sorento recall in the RSA lists, 2023 to 2026

Date	Issue	Cars in Ireland	Build dates
4 January 2023	The electric oil pump in the eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox may develop an internal fault, causing a loss of drive power.	509	January 2020 to August 2022
22 February 2023	The connector of the auxiliary electric heating element may be damaged, causing an electrical malfunction and a possible fire risk.	317	6 March 2012 to 14 August 2014
21 March 2023	The fuel tank of the plug-in hybrid may have been moulded incorrectly, which can cause a fuel leak.	9	11 April 2022 to 10 May 2022
22 August 2023	A possible production error may cause fuel or oil leaks or engine damage, with a risk of fire. Covers Cerato, Forte, Optima, Sorento and Sportage.	1	11 January 2011 to 13 September 2018
14 September 2023	A software issue may stop the turn indicators from lighting as intended on Sorento and Sorento hybrid models.	149	1 April 2022 to 31 August 2022
19 December 2024	The ABS control unit can stay live with the car switched off. Moisture could cause a short circuit and an engine compartment fire.	488	1 July 2010 to 21 August 2014

What these recalls mean in practice

Gearbox oil pump, 2020 to 2022 cars

This is the recall that matters most if you are looking at an early fourth-generation diesel. The RSA says the electric oil pump in the dual-clutch gearbox may develop an internal fault, which can cause a loss of drive power and increase the risk of a crash. With 509 cars affected, it is a real issue to check on any 2020 to 2022 Sorento. On your test drive, watch for warning lights and any loss of drive, but do not treat a good drive as proof that the work was done. Only the dealer's record can confirm that.

ABS control unit, 2010 to 2014 cars

The control unit that runs the anti-lock brakes, stability control and traction control can stay live when the car is switched off. If moisture gets in, the RSA says a short circuit could cause an engine compartment fire. This matters on older cars, which may have changed hands since the recall was announced. If a 2010 to 2014 car has no record of this work, get it checked before you pay.

Auxiliary heater connector, 2012 to 2014 cars

Many of the same older cars were also covered by the auxiliary heater recall. Damage to the connector of the electric heating element (known as a PTC heater) can cause an electrical malfunction and heat build-up. So a car built between March 2012 and August 2014 may need two separate recalls completed, not one.

Indicators and PHEV fuel tank, 2022 cars

The turn indicator recall is a software fix for 149 cars built between April and August 2022. The plug-in hybrid fuel tank recall covered only nine cars built within a few weeks in spring 2022, but it is worth asking about if you are buying a 2022 PHEV.

Kia Sorento front seats, steering wheel, dashboard and centre console in a right-hand-drive car — Photo: Kia press image

Quick check by build date

Built 2010 to 2011: ask about the ABS control unit recall.
Built March 2012 to August 2014: ask about both the ABS control unit and the auxiliary heater recalls.
Built January 2011 to September 2018: ask whether the August 2023 production error recall applies. Only one car in Ireland was listed.
Built January 2020 to August 2022: ask about the gearbox oil pump recall.
Built April to August 2022: also ask about the turn indicator software and, on a PHEV, the fuel tank recall.

Used Kia Sorento checklist

The list below is general advice for inspecting this type of car. It is not a list of known Sorento faults.

Recall record: give the VIN to a Kia dealer and ask which campaigns apply and whether they are closed. Ask for a printout.
Warranty: Kia's cover runs for seven years or 150,000 km from first registration. For example, a car first registered in January 2021 would reach seven years in January 2028, unless it passes 150,000 km first. Confirm what is left and what the conditions require.
Service history: look for regular dated stamps or invoices. On dual-clutch cars, ask what gearbox work has been done.
NCT and VRC: check the NCT certificate and that the VRC matches the engine, fuel type and seat count.
Test drive: drive from a standstill, at low speed and on a hill. Gear changes should be clean and no warning lights should appear.
Seven seats: raise and fold the third row, and check that every seat belt works.
Electrics: test the indicators, the heater, the screens, the parking cameras and the phone connection.
Plug-in hybrids: confirm the cable is included, test that the car charges, and check that it can run on battery.
Imports: if the car came from the UK, confirm VRT has been paid and check the history.

Before any purchase, read our guide on how to pass the NCT first time. Comparing Kia SUVs? See Kia Sportage common problems in Ireland and our Kia Sportage model guide. If you are open to other brands, read our list of 7 seater cars for sale in Ireland.

Are there other Sorento recalls?

Possibly. This guide covers the RSA's published lists for 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026. Older campaigns may exist, so a VIN check with a Kia dealer is more reliable than any article. The RSA also publishes contact details for each manufacturer in its recall lists, so use those if you need to raise a query. If you have a problem with a car you bought from a dealer, the CCPC explains your consumer rights.

Is a used Sorento right for you?

The Sorento suits families who need seven real seats, and it has a five-star safety rating and a long warranty on newer cars. A later fourth-generation car with recall work on record is the safest choice, while an older car can be good value if its fire-risk recalls are closed. Compare prices and browse all used Kia cars on EcoSteer before you decide.

Frequently asked questions

What are the common problems with the Kia Sorento in Ireland?

The RSA lists six recalls that include the Sorento from 2023 to 2026. They cover the electric oil pump in the dual-clutch gearbox, the ABS control unit, an auxiliary heater connector, turn indicator software, the PHEV fuel tank and a production error covering several Kia models.

Has the Kia Sorento been recalled in Ireland?

Yes. The largest recent campaigns are 509 cars built from January 2020 to August 2022 for the gearbox oil pump, and 488 cars built from July 2010 to August 2014 for the ABS control unit. Ask a Kia dealer to check the VIN.

Is the Kia Sorento dual-clutch gearbox a problem?

Kia registered one recall for it in January 2023. The electric oil pump in the eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox may develop an internal fault that can cause a loss of drive power. Check that the work was done on any 2020 to 2022 car.

Does the Kia warranty transfer on a used Sorento?

Kia's warranty runs for seven years from first registration or 150,000 km, whichever comes first. Check the first registration date, the mileage and the warranty conditions with a Kia dealer before you rely on it.

Is the Kia Sorento safe?

Euro NCAP gave the fourth-generation Sorento five stars in December 2020, with 82% for adult occupants, 85% for child occupants, 63% for pedestrians and 87% for safety assist. The rating covers the whole range, including the plug-in hybrid.

Kia Sorento Common Problems in Ireland: Recalls and What to Check

Kia Sorento versions you will find in Ireland

Every Sorento recall in the RSA lists, 2023 to 2026