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Buying guide

Kia Sorento UM (2014 to 2020): buying guide, problems and NZ numbers

The Kia Sorento UM was built from 2014 to 2020 as an SUV, with a manual or automatic gearbox, front wheel drive or all wheel drive and petrol or diesel power. Chassis code: UM. Redline has a curated guide to its 6 most reported weak points, from owner club and specialist sources.

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Key facts

Years
2014 to 2020
Chassis codes
UM
Body types
SUV
Gearboxes
Manual, Automatic
Drive
FWD (front wheel drive), AWD (all wheel drive)
Fuel
Petrol, Diesel

On NZ roads

Counting every one on the NZ register. The first look can take up to 15 seconds.

Known weak points

Curated by Redline from owner club and specialist sources Commonly reported by owners and specialists for the Kia Sorento UM (2015 to 2020). Not every car has these; check this one.

  1. Transmission surging

    Surging when accelerating after a long period of slow driving is reported, put down to sensor issues with no sure fix.

    Where to look
    The automatic gearbox, felt from the driver seat
    How to test
    Drive slowly in traffic for a while, then accelerate and feel for a surge.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost diagnosis and repair

    Sources: carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  2. Transmission shudder

    Shudder and reluctance to upshift at low speed are reported, and changing the fluid every 50,000 km is suggested.

    Where to look
    The automatic gearbox and its fluid records
    How to test
    Feel for shudder or hesitation as it changes up at low speed, and ask when the fluid was changed.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost fluid service or gearbox repair

    Sources: carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  3. Electrical and electronic faults

    Electrical and electronic failures affect recent versions.

    Where to look
    The cabin controls and the central screen
    How to test
    Work through every control and screen function and note anything that does not respond.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost electrical diagnosis

    Sources: carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  4. Underbody damage on AWD models

    Underbody damage on AWD versions can cause mechanical problems and rust where the structure has been scraped.

    Where to look
    The underbody, sills and exhaust
    How to test
    Look underneath with a torch for scrapes, dents and rust.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost depends on what is damaged

    Sources: carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  5. 3.3 V6 oil consumption

    The 3.3 V6 in some overseas models uses about 1 to 2 litres of oil between services.

    Where to look
    The dipstick on the 3.3 V6
    How to test
    Check the oil level and ask how much it uses between services.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost engine work if it is heavy

    Sources: carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  6. Gear selector recall

    A recall covered a gear selector fault that could let the car roll away.

    Where to look
    The gear selector, and the recall record for the VIN
    How to test
    Check the car holds in Park on a slope and ask a Kia dealer to confirm the recall is done.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost recall work is free at a Kia dealer

    Sources: carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab)

General guidance from owner and specialist sources. Check the specific car with an independent inspection. Researched 4 November 2026.

What the cost bands mean
  • Low: a small job. Typically a few hundred dollars or less at an NZ workshop, often a DIY fix.
  • Medium: a proper workshop job. Typically several hundred to a couple of thousand dollars.
  • High: a major job. Typically several thousand dollars or more, enough to change what the car is worth.

Service items

Questions to ask the seller

  • Is it the 3.5 V6 petrol or 2.2 diesel, and 2WD or AWD?
  • Has the gear selector recall been done?
  • When was the transmission fluid last changed?
  • Does it surge or shudder in slow traffic?

US recalls

Looking up US recall data.

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