The 2022 Sorento PHEV combines a 1.6L turbo four-cylinder with electric drive through a 6-speed automatic. Still relatively new to market, but early patterns show powertrain integration issues and cooling system vulnerabilities that can lead to catastrophic engine damage if ignored.
Engine Knock / Bearing Failure Leading to Complete Engine Replacement
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 30,000-60,000 mi
Symptoms: Metallic knocking or ticking from engine bay, especially cold start, Low oil pressure warning despite proper oil level, Metal shavings in oil during changes, Sudden loss of power or engine seizure in severe cases
Fix: Complete engine replacement typically required once bearings fail. Rod bearings on these 1.6T engines are undersized for the turbo boost levels. Involves R&R of engine assembly, transfer all accessories, reprogram hybrid system. 18-24 labor hours.
Estimated cost: $8,500-12,000
Transmission Oil Cooler Failure / Contamination
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 40,000-70,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission slipping or harsh shifts, Milky or discolored transmission fluid, Check engine light with transmission temp codes, Coolant in transmission pan or transmission fluid in coolant reservoir
Fix: Oil cooler integrated into radiator assembly fails internally, cross-contaminating coolant and ATF. Requires radiator replacement, complete transmission flush or rebuild if contamination was severe, new fluid and filter. Often caught too late, necessitating transmission rebuild. 12-16 hours for cooler + flush; add 20-25 hours if transmission rebuild needed.
Estimated cost: $2,800-4,200 cooler/flush; $5,500-7,500 if rebuild required
High-Voltage Battery Cooling System Leaks
Occasional · high severity
Symptoms: EV mode unavailable or limited range, Battery overheat warnings, Coolant loss with no visible external leak, Sweet smell in cabin or under vehicle, Reduced charging speed
Fix: PHEV battery pack has dedicated cooling loop with electric pump and hoses routed under body. Hose connections and pump seals leak, causing battery to overheat and shut down electric assist. Requires partial battery pack removal to access cooling components. 8-12 labor hours depending on leak location.
Estimated cost: $1,800-3,200
Transmission Mount Failure
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 50,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking when shifting from Park to Drive, Excessive vibration at idle, especially with AC on, Visible engine/transmission movement when accelerating hard, Steering wheel shudder during acceleration
Fix: Hydraulic transmission mount fails prematurely due to weight of hybrid drivetrain and torque delivery characteristics. Mount separates internally or leaks fluid. Replacement straightforward but requires supporting powertrain. 2.5-3.5 labor hours.
Estimated cost: $450-750
Fuel System Evaporative Leak / Purge Valve Failure
Common · low severity
Symptoms: Check engine light with P0442, P0456 evap codes, Fuel smell near rear of vehicle or in cabin, Difficulty fueling / pump clicks off repeatedly, Failed emissions testing
Fix: EVAP purge valve and canister vent valve fail frequently, also gasket issues at fuel tank seal points. PHEVs stress fuel system differently due to infrequent engine running. Diagnosis with smoke test required to pinpoint. 1.5-3 hours depending on component location.
Estimated cost: $350-800
12V Battery Drain / Hybrid System No-Start
Occasional · medium severity
Symptoms: Vehicle won't enter Ready mode despite charged HV battery, 12V battery dead after sitting 3-5 days, Cluster displays 'Check Hybrid System' message, Auxiliary battery warning light
Fix: 12V auxiliary battery undersized and frequently depleted by parasitic draws from hybrid control modules that never fully sleep. Kia issued software updates but many still see premature 12V battery failure. Battery replacement plus module updates. Check for TSBs. 1-1.5 labor hours.
Estimated cost: $300-500
Owner tips
Change transmission fluid every 30,000 miles religiously — contamination from cooler failure is a time bomb
Monitor oil consumption closely; these 1.6T engines can burn oil and starve bearings before warning lights appear
Keep 12V auxiliary battery on tender if vehicle sits more than a week
Inspect battery cooling system hoses during every service — catching leaks early prevents $15k battery pack damage
Get software updates from dealer even if no codes present; Kia has released multiple hybrid system calibrations
Wait another model year or two — too many early teething issues with powertrain integration, and catastrophic failures are expensive even under warranty hassles. If buying used, get extended warranty covering hybrid components and transmission.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Be the first to unlock repairs for the 2022 Kia Sorento PHEV
Procedures haven't been generated for this vehicle yet. Become the founding sponsor and we'll generate expert-grade, step-by-step repair walkthroughs for every common job on it — free for every mechanic and DIYer who looks it up after, forever.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS · 25V649000
2025-09-25
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Sorento vehicles. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) blower motor wiring harness may be inadequate, which can result in a fire.
Consequence: A fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the wiring harness and blower motor resistor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2026. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC351. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 9, 2025.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA · 23V610000
2023-08-31
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Sorento, Sorento Hybrid, and Sorento Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) vehicles. The mounting clips for the rearview camera may break, which can cause the rearview camera image not to appear properly on the display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence: A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera housing, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC280.
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2022 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) vehicles. The fuel tank may have been improperly molded, which can result in a fuel leak.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Deales will inspect and replace the fuel tank, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 22, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC261.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION · 22V760000
2022-10-11
Kia Motors, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Sorento and 2021-2023 K5 vehicles. The vehicle's "fail-safe" limited-mobility drive mode may be impaired, when prompted by a transmission oil pump malfunction, which can result in a complete loss of drive power.
Consequence: Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission, as necessary. Dealers will also update the transmission control unit software. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 9, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC250.
TRAILER HITCHES · 22V703000
2022-09-19
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
Consequence: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect the vehicle, and, as necessary, replace the fuse and/or tow hitch harness module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC249.
TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE · 22V509000
2022-07-19
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2022 Sorento and Telluride vehicles. The vehicles may be equipped with an incorrect spare tire which, when installed, can impair the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and the traction control system (TCS). As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Consequence: Impaired anti-lock braking or traction control systems can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the spare tire, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC244.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT · 22V447000
2022-06-23
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid and 2022 Sorento Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. In the event of a crash, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioner(s) may explode upon deployment.
Consequence: An exploding seat belt pretensioner can project metal fragments into the vehicle, striking vehicle occupants and resulting in injury.
Remedy: Dealers will secure the seat belt pretensioners with a cap, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 17, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC241. This recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall number 22V-127. Vehicles already repaired under the previous recall will need to have the new remedy completed.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER · 22V202000
2022-03-29
Kia Motor America (Kia) is recalling certain 2022 Sorento vehicles. The oil supply pipe to the turbocharger may crack, which could result in an oil leak in the engine compartment.
Consequence: An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the turbocharger oil supply pipe, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC233.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT · 22V127000
2022-03-04
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2022 Sorento Hybrid and Sorento Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. In the event of a crash, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioner(s) may explode upon deployment.
Consequence: An exploding seat belt pretensioner can project metal fragments into the vehicle, striking vehicle occupants and resulting in injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seatbelt pretensioner(s), free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 3, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC231. This recall is replaced by NHTSA recall number 22V-447. Vehicles already repaired under this recall will need to have the new remedy completed.
Performance
Horsepower
261hp
Torque
258lb-ft
0–60 mph
7.1sec
Quarter mile
15.4sec
Top speed
119mph
Capability & size
Towing capacity
3,500lb
Payload
1,190lb
Curb weight
4,717lb
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2022 Kia Sorento PHEV 1.6L Turbo I4 PHEV and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.