Kia Sorento Complaints

10,397 consumer complaints on file.

#11517460April 17, 2023
ENGINE
It’s burning oil engine
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11517281April 16, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1.Kia installed Trailer hitch. 2. Fire hazard. 3.Dealer says they do not have a repair for it. 4. No warnings, or symptoms, NO FIRE YET. I parked my car outside ALL WINTER.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11516941April 13, 2023
ENGINE
My car is excessively burning oil. I have Had oil consumption tests done and it has come back excessive. I got the recommended engine cleaning done. They said this fixed the problem. Here I am Less than 3000 miles later and my oil is dry again. I only drive to and from work (5ish miles a day) and longer spouts on the weekends. Kia does not want to honor this and fix it. They know it’s a problem and everyone at the service will tell me they know but corporate won’t make it right.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11516618April 12, 2023
POWER TRAIN
Car will not drive, sputters and will not accelerate at all. Car shakes and then loses power.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11516726April 12, 2023
ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, a clicking noise was heard coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the crankshaft and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained with the independent mechanic awaiting the repair. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V586000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11516732April 12, 2023
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle started to lose motive power. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal, but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact coasted off the roadway, stopped the vehicle, and shifted to park(P). The contact turned off the vehicle and waited for five minutes before restarting the vehicle and continued driving. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to Manufacturer Communication: SC106 (Engine Control Module). The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11516814April 12, 2023
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Hi my vehicle is very dangerous and unsafe when driving at night. I can't see at all when I drive at night. The factory headlight bulbs has not burn out but they was so dim. I replaced them with new ones and still could not see. I WANT AND GOT THE BRIGHTESS headlight bulb for my car and still are dim. I clean the headlight and still did not fix the problem. I drive at night with my high beams on and i still can barley see I and thousands of others have the same problem with a kia sorento and ask the dealership for help and nothing hibings nothing was done I'm afraid to drive my car when the sun goes down I cannot see at all I can't even see when I have my bright lights on I looked online and I see there's thousands of people complaining about this issue and nothing has been done. I AM SCARED TO DRIVE MY CAR at night I am a single parent kia is putting my life my family and others in danger because they don't want to fix the problem but they know they have one but don't care please help me and others kia sorento is a very popular car and the more on the road with dim headlights the more people or at risk
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11516612April 11, 2023
ENGINE
On June 20, 2022 my KIA Sorento with 137,170 miles stopped suddenly in traffic on the interstate during morning rushhour. I had no engine light warning. The vehicle would not restart. I inspected under and behind the vehicle for any issues and found none. I motor was locked up and upon checking the oil, the stick was dry. I had the vehicle towed to the KIA dealership that has serviced the vehicle since it was purchased. I was present when they put the vehicle on the lift and found no fluids on the underbody. I had them drain any remaining oil. 1.5 qts were left. Upon additional inspection the passenger side of the engine had some oil residue near the pressure sensor. The vehicle was due for an oil change within 2k miles. One month prior I checked the oil and the level was fine. The vehicle had never used oil before. Dealership wanted to charge $12k for a motor that had 165,000 miles on it. I was able to replace motor with another that had 64K miles for $8,500 at my personal mechanic. I've notified KIA numerous times and they deny any issues with the motor. I received a letter from KIA six months prior to the motor locking explaining there might be an issue with the Oil Pressure switch and sudden loss of oil, It stated they would cover any chages. I'm still fighting with KIA. I've owned five KIA's, this is my last one.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11516245April 10, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While traveling on the interstate, the vehicle caught fire with no warning.We were heading out on vacation, so we had lots of things packed in the car. The fire started in the rear of the vehicle, and was extinguished by a passer by with a fire extinguisher, but re-ignited. it burned VERY fast. Unknown at this time what caused the fire. It is currently in the hands of my car insurance company, so it may be available for inspection. There were NO indications of a problem prior to large flames erupting form the read of the vehicle. In the car was myself, my two adult daughters and 6 year old grandson. He was seated in the 3rd row seat. One daughter in the second row, and myself and daughter up front. Once we realized we were on fire, we attempted to get the back doors open, but child locks were engaged. The key fob would NOT work, and my daughter and grandson were trapped in the burning car. we attempted to break the windows to get them out, but that was not successful. My daughter climbed back in the burning car and somehow got a back door open and they were able to get out and run. Within a few seconds, the windows blew and the flames shot even higher. We will NEVER EVER use child locks again. The problem had not been confirmed or reproduced to my knowledge. I believe my insurance company may be looking into it. I had to have a fuel system regulator and sensor replaced on this vehicle approx two weeks before this event. I had an oil change the day before. Police and fire department were present at the scene. There were NO warnings, lights, messages etc prior to eruption of flames.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11516272April 10, 2023
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
Most recently the engine burned up the oil prior to my next service date. After oil was added and the engine drove fine. The next day the engine ran fine and after driving through an intersection 1/2 mile from my house the car died. It lost complete power, putting myself and my family in danger. (Thank God we were able to get off to the side of the busy roadway safely). At that moment, a battery light came on first, then an oil and engine light illuminated at the same time. The car wouldn’t start and had to be towed off the side of the road. The mechanic that looked at it said it needed an engine. Due to lack of maintenance records, the extended warranty company chose to deny my claim. The dealer has my car and will do a diagnostic test. About a year ago I had the transmission looked at for hard shifting into first and the dealer said it needed a flush. The problem continued not too long after they flushed it. It only happens if you release the brake and push to start too quickly and put in gear too quickly. No recalls I’m being told for that issue as well. ZERO indicators on dash prior to any issues happening that would have given me the opportunity to maintenance/service my vehicle before resulting in engine failure and potentially costing my thousands I don’t have. I love my Kia and want my baby back in great working order but I’m afraid I won’t be able to have her back if the repairs are more expensive than the cars worth. I’m still financing this vehicle as well. Please KIA/Hyundai I need your grace and good faith to repair my vehicle under warranty.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11516307April 10, 2023
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The engine was going through over 5 quarts of oil about once a month. There were no visible leaks. For months, there was no check engine light illuminated so the dealership couldn't help determine and fix the problem without charging over $10,000 to open the engine, which I couldn't afford. A Service Advisor, in their words, told me to, "Run it until it dies," so that they can start using the warranty. This to me was very unsafe, especially for my infant who was there when she said this. Months later, the car started shaking intensely and the check engine light finally came on. The car stopped working in the middle of the freeway but I was able to exit and take it to the nearest dealership. They were able to run a diagnosis and said it was an engine misfire and they replaced it (I was able to use my warranty for some of the repairs but still had to pay about $4000). It didn't take long for the car to stop working again. They then said there was a problem with the fuel pump so I had them replace it. I had barely just left the dealership when the car stopped working again. They replaced the catalytic converter, which was a part of a voluntary recall. For months after, they've been trying to figure out the issue with no success. It has been sitting at their service center since November 2022 with no solution.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11516379April 10, 2023
POWER TRAIN
My gear shift locks in place unless the shift lock release is pressed. Multiple other vehicles of this same Make and Model have a recall for this same issue but my car isn't on the list for it's vin number so the dealer wants to charge $950 for the BCM to be replaced first before then moving to the shifter and components which will total almost another $600. My sister's 2016 Kia Sorento is also experiencing the same issue. I don't understand how my vehicle has the same issue but they want to charge me to correct an issue that manufacturing causes in so many of this Make and Model. Side note: after recall for anti theft system was "fixed" my steering wheel controls for menu settings and stereo no longer work.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11516399April 10, 2023
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle overheated. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer and was informed that there was no failure with the engine. The contact stated that the failure was ongoing. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed and determined that the thermostat needed to be replaced. The water pump and engine were pressure tested. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure had reoccurred. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11516413April 10, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
First issue: Computer fails to throw codes for issues like low oil or engine overheating because of a cracked radiator that was bone dry when the mechanic looked at it. At the time of the incident with the cracked radiator, mechanic checked fuses and system but could not find any issues. However, they agreed that check engine light should have come on. But it did not. Second issue: Oil some how magically disappears out of the engine, and because of this, I'm now stuck, with a worthless car that I'm going to have to abandon about 900 miles from my home because it'll cost too much to replace an engine. Even the mechanic that looked at it said it wasn't worth spending the money on replacing the engine. Think about the level of absurdity because that's a big amount of labor for them and they recommended against spending money on the Sorento.. I'm now car less and fucked because of Kia's shitty defects.. I'm sorry for the profanity but I'm lost.. I'm lost.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11516423April 10, 2023
AIR BAGS, STRUCTURE:BODY
I have not had my car a year and the seatbelt light came on 2 days ago. I am keeping the services up and all of these things were supposedly passed during the inspection before I purchased my car. Also, the paint is peeling off the car. There are so many cars that has peeling paint when passing. Paint should not peel like that. I've never had this problem with any car I have purchased.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11516311April 10, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vehicle jumps when put in reverse and sometimes turns off when put in parked.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11516191April 9, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION:SUMP/TANK:DRAIN PLUG
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The engine seized due to a missing oil plug How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The car shut down on the highway with no indication/dash warning lights that there was an issue prior Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Dealership informed me that the oil plug was missing and could not explain why the oil indicator light never illuminated Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes, dealership denies fault Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? NONEE
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11516071April 8, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES, ENGINE
car parked automatically while in drive. won't allow car to shift to drive or reverse due to "driving conditions not met". hybrid system light also randomly comes on.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11516072April 8, 2023
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, SUSPENSION
Hello my name is [XXX] . Approximately [XXX] my 2015 Kia Sorento practically stopped performing on [XXX] highway nearly having to dodge an accident. At first, I noticed a burning scent which I thought was just in the air until my car started to slow down by itself followed by coming to a complete stop amid 70 miles per hour traffic. I had my car towed in to the nearest Kia dealership which was located in Meridian Mississippi. Upon my arrival I was told by Service department manager Monty that my 2015 Kia Sorento had engine and transmission recalls. However since this date I have continued to have issues with the ABS transmission system and engine. I took my car back to Kia dealership in Meridian Mississippi and was told that they were no longer responsible for the recall issues. I paid out over a thousand dollars again on approximately February 9th, 2022 for repair work that should have been covered by warranty... only to have the same issues to reoccur this year. I have grown infuriated with this service department at this Meridian Mississippi Kia dealership!!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11516088April 8, 2023
STRUCTURE:BODY
I own a 2014 Kia Sorento that the peeling is rapidly peeling off ( or what the body shops call Delamination ) . My paint began peeling in a tiny spot I thought was a chip from a rock but rapidly began peeling all over. The vehicle is hand wash and the peeling continues, any water pressure continues to peel the paint including natural weather rain conditions. Mileage of vehicle is 113,000. This is very upsetting as you can wash the vehicle weekly or as needed as it would in race the delamination.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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