Kia Sorento: Over-The-Air (OTA) software update

The vehicle automatically checks the battery and system status.

• To conserve vehicle battery life during longer procedures, the display screen powers down automatically after 3 minutes of inactivity. You can easily check the ongoing update progress at any time by pressing the ENGINE START/STOP button.

• You are free to exit and lock your Kia Sorento safely after the automated update process has officially initiated.

• The Over-The-Air (OTA) software update functionality is exclusively available for active Kia Connect service subscribers.

• Specific update contents, visual layouts, and patch notes may vary depending on the previously installed software version on your Kia Sorento.

• Should an unexpected interruption cause the update to fail, the onboard system will automatically initiate a safe recovery sequence. If you wish to retry the installation following a successful recovery, simply press the Start button on the screen to let your Kia Sorento resume the process automatically.

  If both the automated update and subsequent recovery attempts fail, please reach out to an authorized Kia dealer for professional assistance.

• Once the update is successfully finalized, a summary message will appear on your display. Press Details or scan the provided QR code using your mobile device to view complete update information.

• Please observe and maintain the following operational restrictions throughout the entire software update procedure:

  • You cannot drive or operate the vehicle while an update is underway. Ensure you have allotted sufficient time and have safely parked your Kia Sorento before launching the installation process.

  • Remote control features, including remote engine start, are temporarily disabled during the update cycle.

  • You cannot plug in or charge the vehicle during the installation. Always perform high-voltage charging either before or after completing the software update.

  • The Rear Occupant Alert system may be temporarily inactive. Always perform a quick visual inspection of the rear seats after the update begins.

  • If the digital key feature is included in the package release notes, door locking and unlocking functions via your digital key or smartphone fingerprint authentication might be temporarily unresponsive. Review the update notes beforehand, and if updated, rely on your physical smart key buttons.

• The installation will cancel itself automatically if any mandatory vehicle preconditions change before the update officially begins.

• You cannot cancel or abort the software update procedure once it has started.

• The OTA update feature cannot be utilized if any unauthorized modifications or custom replacements have been applied to the vehicle software.

• Never open the engine hood or tamper with the vehicle battery during an active software update, as doing so will cause an immediate installation failure.

• The high-voltage power module responsible for maintaining and charging the auxiliary 12V battery may engage automatically during the update.

• If any diagnostic tool, scanner, or external dongle remains plugged into the On-board Diagnostic (OBD) port, the software update will be blocked. Simply unplug the diagnostic device from the OBD terminal and restart your Kia Sorento to proceed.

• Sufficient cellular network reception must be verified to safely download and apply any system software package.

• Cellular signal strength must remain stable and strong (exceeding -82 dBm) to guarantee safe and secure software delivery to your Kia Sorento.