Dealer visit checklist
2022 Kia Sorento checklist
Print it or keep it on your phone. Tick each item as you go so nothing gets missed.
This is a year to avoid
- • 2.3x more owner complaints than nearby model years
Inspect the car
- Check every panel gap and look for mismatched paint (signs of past accident repair)
- Look at the tires: even wear, matching brands, at least 4/32" tread
- Check under the car and engine bay for oil, coolant or other leaks
- Start the engine cold; listen for knocks, ticks or squeals and watch for smoke
- Test every window, lock, seat, light, the A/C, heat and infotainment
- Test drive on city streets and highway: straight braking, smooth shifts, no pulling
- Ask for the service records and a vehicle history report
- Have an independent mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection (about $100–$200)
Known 2022 Kia Sorento problems to check
- Occasional infotainment system freezes or Bluetooth connectivity dropouts reported on early 2022 builds — a software update typically resolves this
- Some owners report a clunky or hesitant shift feel from the 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) at low speeds, particularly in stop-and-go traffic
- Panoramic sunroof wind noise or rattle at highway speeds has been noted in a subset of owner reviews
- The turbocharged 2.5L four-cylinder can show slightly higher oil consumption than expected — checking levels every 5,000 miles is recommended
- A small number of reports cite squeaky brake noise, especially in colder climates, though this is often cosmetic and not a safety concern
Ask: have these recalls been fixed?
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER: Kia Motor America (Kia) is recalling certain 2022 Sorento vehicles.
- TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2022 Sorento and Telluride vehicles.
- TRAILER HITCHES: Kia America, Inc.
- POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: Kia Motors, Inc.
- BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA: Kia America, Inc.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS: Kia America, Inc.
Negotiate the price
- Know the typical price: about $26,000 for this model year
- Negotiate the out-the-door price, not the monthly payment
- Get the full price with every fee listed in writing before you sign
- Bring your own loan pre-approval so the dealer has a rate to beat
- Say no to add-ons you didn't ask for (paint protection, VIN etching, nitrogen tires)
- Negotiate your trade-in separately, after the car's price is agreed
- Be ready to walk away; another listing is usually a click away