Kia

Sorento UM inspection checklist

2015-2020 · 7 things to check before you buy, taken from this car's known problems.

All engines

highGearshift cable / park recall (roll-away risk)

Look for: A recall covered a gear-selector/shift-cable concern that could allow the vehicle to be shifted out of Park or roll away. A defective shift cable can mean the indicated gear does not match the actual transmission position.

If you find it: Check the VIN against Kia/PMVA recall lists and have any outstanding shift-cable/park recall completed free of charge.

Any · Recall (free if outstanding)

mediumInfotainment / electrical gremlins

Look for: Owners report head-unit/touchscreen freezes and reboots, Bluetooth dropouts, reversing-camera glitches and assorted electrical faults, more common on facelift cars with the larger screen.

If you find it: Software updates at the dealer; reseat/replace the head unit if faulty. Test every electronic function thoroughly pre-purchase.

Any · ~$200-1500

2.2L R-series CRDi diesel (AWD)

highHigh-pressure fuel pump failure (debris through fuel system)

Look for: An HP fuel-pump failure can send metal debris through the common-rail and injectors, contaminating the entire fuel system. Rare, but documented AU cases have run into many thousands of dollars and even full engine replacement; often covered by the 7-year warranty when in period.

If you find it: Use quality fuel and change fuel filters on schedule. If it occurs, full fuel-system flush plus pump and injector replacement by a diesel specialist; check warranty eligibility.

Any (rare but documented) · ~$3000-8000 (up to engine replacement)

mediumDPF clogging from short-trip / urban driving

Look for: The close-coupled DPF needs regular sustained driving to passively/actively regenerate. Stop-start city-only use leads to incomplete regens, soot loading, oil dilution and eventually a blocked filter or forced limp mode.

If you find it: Regular highway runs to allow regen; forced/manual regen at a dealer; clean or replace the DPF if heavily loaded. Avoid as a pure short-trip school car.

Any (urban use) · ~$300-2500

mediumInjector wear / EGR carbon

Look for: Piezo injectors wear and can cause rough running, smoke and hard starting; EGR and intake soot build up over time as on any modern common-rail diesel.

If you find it: Injector test and replacement by a diesel specialist; EGR and intake clean. Quality fuel and filtration extend life.

From 150k+ km · ~$1500-3500

mediumLow-speed transmission shudder / surge

Look for: Some owners report a shudder on low-speed upshifts or a surge when accelerating after prolonged slow driving, attributed to torque-converter/sensor behaviour and ageing fluid.

If you find it: Transmission fluid service (some recommend ~50,000km intervals); ECU/TCU update where available; specialist diagnosis if persistent.

Any · ~$300-1500

3.3L Lambda II V6 petrol (FWD)

mediumCooling-system attention (Lambda II caution)

Look for: The Lambda II V6 family has overseas reports of cooling/head-related issues (notably on GDI versions). Keep the cooling system healthy - water pump, coolant condition and any overheating must be addressed promptly.

If you find it: Maintain coolant and water pump; investigate any temperature rise or coolant loss immediately rather than running it hot.

From 120k+ km · ~$300-2000

6 minor things (low severity)

lowUnderbody scrape rust (AWD off the bitumen)

Look for: It is a soft-roader, not a 4WD - the low monocoque underbody is easily scraped on rough tracks, and the damage can start surface rust on subframe/underbody components.

If you find it: Inspect the underbody; touch up scrapes; keep it to formed roads and gravel, not serious off-road work.

Any · Varies

lowFront brake wear (heavy 7-seater)

Look for: A heavy 7-seat SUV, especially when towing or fully loaded, wears front pads and rotors faster than a lighter car.

If you find it: Quality pads/rotors; check rotor thickness at each pad change.

From 50k+ km · ~$400-900

lowSuspension bushes and links at higher km

Look for: Control-arm bushes, sway-bar links and shocks wear with age and our rough roads, causing clunks and vague handling.

If you find it: Replace worn bushes/links and tired dampers as needed during routine servicing.

From 120k+ km · ~$300-1000

lowFuel thirst / running cost

Look for: Real-world 12-14 L/100km, more when loaded with seven people; not a fault but the main reason buyers chose the diesel.

If you find it: Accept it, or buy the diesel if economy matters.

Any · Running cost

lowIgnition coils / spark plugs at higher km

Look for: Standard V6 ignition maintenance - coil packs and plugs eventually need replacing, causing misfires if neglected.

If you find it: Replace plugs on schedule; replace failed coil packs.

From 100k+ km · ~$300-900

lowCooling-system maintenance

Look for: As with any V6, keep the water pump and coolant healthy; address any overheating promptly.

If you find it: Maintain coolant/water pump; investigate temperature rises early.

From 120k+ km · ~$300-1200

From FlamingCars' Kia Sorento guide. It's a checklist of known problems, not a replacement for a professional pre-purchase inspection. Your ticks are kept in this browser only.