Kia Sorento Complaints

10,397 consumer complaints on file.

#11493352November 13, 2022
STRUCTURE:BODY
Liftgate fail to open when key fob button pressed or dashboard release button pressed or approach function is turn on. Liftgate trying to open and than right a way closed. I read numerous posts of other owners stating same problem with liftgate. The problem starts once a while but getting worst and worst
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11493372November 13, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, POWER TRAIN
10/25/2022 started the suv at a Wal-Mart parking lot and as I drove out of the parking lot onto a street my suv made a motorcycle sound then it started to loss power with my foot still on the gas pedal. Suv came to a complete stop and was towed home. 11/03/2022 Picked up suv from Kia dealership. Drove 43 minutes home and parked inside garage. An hour later started the suv to go pick up kids from school. The suv wouldn't reverse out of the garage. I restarted the engine 4 times then it finally reverse out of the garage then when I put it on drive. There was no power to drive. I restarted the engine again 2 more times then it finally drive and I parked it back inside the garage. 11-04-2022 I attempted to drive suv to Kia dealership for help. I made it onto the freeway with a speed of 74 mph for about 8 minutes then my suv started to loose power with my foot still on the gas pedal. I almost got rear ended by a big rig before I can even put my hazard light on and pulled safely to the side of the freeway. My suv was towed into Kia dealership that same day. 11-12-2022 Picked up the suv from Kia, drove it 43 minutes then stopped at Chevron to top off gas. When restarted the suv my engine light came on the dash board. I drove it back to my house. I notified Kia asap with a picture of my dash board and it's been in my garage since yesterday. Today is 11/13/2022. All incidents are not able to be duplicated by the dealership's mechanic everytime they had the suv. No actions were taken. I showed them videos and picture of the proof that I do have but because it's not happening for them while they have my suv. They can't fix my suv problem. It's an accident waiting to happen and I already had a near miss on the freeway. An extremely concerned 2021 Kia Seronto owner.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11493322November 12, 2022
WHEELS
I have new brakes put on as well as had my tires balanced and rotated and a wheel alignment. However, my 2018 Kia Sorento SX V6 AWD shakes when I apply pressure to the brakes when I am on the highway. If I get to a certain speed and apply brakes to slow down while approaching traffic, my car shakes terribly. I thought that rotating, getting new brakes and an alignment would help but it did not. This is my second Kia Sorento, and I had the same exact issue with the previous one.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11493012November 10, 2022
ENGINE
The engine has been consuming a lot of oil for some time. Kia did an oil consumption test 12/1/2020 and at that time was using 1.5qt per 1000 miles. They said was OK and acknowledged that a service bulletin was coming out in several weeks that would address the issue (See Receipt). That service bulletin was never issued from Kia. The oil consumption has increased to 330 miles per quart in September of 2022. Now the engine began to miss-fire on 10/27/2022 and consuming more than 200 miles per quart of oil. I believe the engine is now irreversibly damaged and they will not honor the warranty. The car is still within the warranty terms.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11493040November 10, 2022
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made abnormal sounds with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, and the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was out of warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11492896November 9, 2022
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the engine made abnormal knocking sounds before the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was unable to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine rod bearing had failed. The dealer and the manufacturer informed the contact that they could not assist as the original owner failed to complete an unknown software update on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11492965November 9, 2022
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
While headlights are set to "Auto" mode, they will automatically shut off wile driving on multiple occasions. Also, while on "Auto" mode, parked, and vehicle turned off, head lights will turn on. This is a safety issue as driving without headlights is illegal and can cause an accident. Also, if vehicle has headlights on while vehicle is parked and turned off, this can cause the battery to drain and vehicle will not turn on. Enabling it driveable. This is a failure within Kia's electrical system/wiring, and needs to be brought to their attention.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11492831November 8, 2022
ENGINE
I own a 2016 Kia Sorento. When the incident happened I was far away from home on a way to a weekend conference. I was driving in the left lane on a very busy 3-lane highway at high speed while the engine suddenly lost power, slowed down and started shaking. There were no warning lights beforehand until after the failure. The check engine turned on at the time when the failure occurred. The oil pressure light did not came on. Oil was checked prior to the trip because the car had been using excessive oil for the past several months. I had to refill the oil every week. I had the Knock Sensor Detection Software installed a few months before and I had the engine oil pressure switch/sensor replaced as well but it didn’t fix the oil consumption issue. The incident on the highway put myself and others at risk as I had to cross three lanes to the right shoulder (there was no left shoulder) while others (including large tractor trailers) were passing me at a very high speed; I was moving slowly at 30/35 MPH because the car lost power and didn’t accelerate. It became a traffic hazard. It was a very frightening experience as I could have caused an accident and get myself and others injured. The car eventually stalled. It was a Friday evening – I contacted a local Kia dealership but they said that they were closing for the day and couldn’t help me. They said that they were backed up and weren’t sure if they could look into the car the next day either, even if I left it there. I had the car towed to a mechanic and then to another KIA dealer closer to my home. I waited for nearly two weeks to get an appointment at the dealership to have the car diagnosed. I have been told that the car needs an engine replacement at my cost (approximately $10,000). This was my only "reliable" vehicle used for a daily commute and longer travel until the engine failure incident. The car has been at a dealership for weeks waiting to be repaired.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11492674November 7, 2022
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, STEERING, ENGINE
While driving out of state, my 2016 Sorento, the steering wheel totally stopped working .Terrifying experience! When we returned from trip I took it to a mechanic who told me the electric steering column was bad and had to be replaced. That was over 2,000.00. Then thought I had oil leak but was told this GDI engine burns oil fast & I have to add a quart every wk so it won’t run out. Kia needs to recall! Not fair to put our lives in jeopardy
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11492678November 7, 2022
SEATS
Currently The KIA described above has a right rear seat that is not safely usable. The seat back does not smoothly unlatch from the upright position. When jiggling succeeds in unlatching the seat back allowing the seat back to go to the fold down position the latch jambs in that position. This jamming prevents rear seat passengers from safely riding in this seat or making use of the seat back to secure a child care seat. A Technical Service Bulletin issued by KIA describes the safety issue. I quote the bulletin. "The bulletin provides information related to some 2011-2013MY Sorento (XMa) vehicles, produced from October 26, 2009 to November 5, 2012, which may exhibit a concern related to the second row seats being inoperative or difficult to release. It is important to note that some amount effort is required to fold the 2nd row seats. To correct this condition, follow the service procedures outlined in this TSB 093( Rev 1, 08/22/2013). I refer to the table below for detailed information on each concern and the associated service procedure". To date I have approached my area Kia dealership and contacted Kia's Customer service 800 number but my concerns have fallen on deaf ears. It appears to me that lives and health could best be protected by considering this unsafe and common condition for a recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11492482November 6, 2022
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Upon searching for recalls it seems as though I’m experiencing a significant issue with the fuel/propulsion system. Engine sputters frequently and has turned off while driving multiple times at different speeds (including most recently at a stoplight) , and will not turn on after driving on several occasions. Vehicle will only start again when put in neutral after a couple attempts, followed by the check engine light illuminating and the RPM gauge not functioning until the next time it is turned off and restarted. The vehicle shows no signs of the issue until out of nowhere it turns off or will not restart after being driven. The vehicle is not driven more than 20 miles at a time, and is currently not taken on highways due to fear of the engine going out while driving. 60 mph is the most this vehicle has hit in the past 6 months because of this ongoing issue. Vehicle has been taken to an independent service center for this issue and the mechanics were unable to find an issue as the problem was not occurring while in their shop.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11492502November 6, 2022
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Transmission will not shift or rev to high for next gear then will drop back to correct rpm an shift. Car will stall out or not shift.Problem has been duplicated at dealer. Was at dealership with no correction available at time KIA Engr. advised no call back. Engine light stayed on would not reset at all dealer plus was told transmission replacements is only correction .Car had10K on it less then year.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11492487November 6, 2022
POWER TRAIN, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
On Aug. 24, 2022 I was out shopping at a few different places. My car at this point had never given me any issues, still practically brand new with barely a little over 10000 miles on it. I got in it and started it up. I go to put it into gear and it would not go. I tried again and again then noticed a check engine light on. I turned it off then started vehicle again. I tried putting in reverse, it would not move, drive, it would not move. I called dealership and they sent over service tech along with wrecker driver. The service tech duplicated the same issue I had. He drove me back to dealership to put me in a loaner. Next day he said the wrecker driver said it started and drove just fine however the check engine light was still on so service tech said they were going to look into it. Finally by Sept. 1, 2022 I was told it was ready to be picked up. Was told that the engine computer needed a software update for transmission and it cleared out the light. I picked up vehicle on Sept. 2 and along the way home all of a sudden my car went from 70 mph to a sudden halt! I managed to move off the freeway after almost being rear ended and stopped the car. Frantically I called dealership but they were already closed for the day. Once my fiancé showed up he was able to get it to go into drive but the max speed was around 15 mph which he drove to our house which was about another 7-8 miles as I followed in his vehicle. Had car towed to dealership next day on Sept. 3. Finally on 16th of Sept. I was told a new transmission was needed, which was going to be on back order. Now, as of Nov. 6, 2022 I am still waiting for my car to be fixed and returned to me. So in summary, my 2021 Kia Sorento which is barely a yr old and a little over 10,000 miles is waiting to have the transmission replaced. I was told it would have to be a re-built one, not even a brand new one, go figure!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11492390November 5, 2022
STRUCTURE:BODY
Paint chipping Delamination On the pillar of the suv! I painted once on the driver side now the passenger side is peeling. Defective
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11492432November 5, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I have a pearl white 2013 kia sorento and the paint is just peeling and falling off. I was informed there was a recall on this particular paint
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11492228November 4, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was driving down the highway at 8:00 AM. The weather conditions were foggy. The air temperature was 43 degrees and I had the heat on in the vehicle. I experienced a sudden loud BANG, followed by a shower of shattered glass. The front panel of my panoramic sunroof exploded, sending glass into the vehicle. There were no other cars around, I did not hit a bump in the road, I did not see any evidence of debris hitting or falling onto the vehicle, and I was not driving under any bridges or trees where something could have dislodged and fallen onto it. It was just a weird spontaneous explosion without reason. When I inspected the glass, it was clear that the stress around the edges where glass was still present was directed from inside the vehicle to outside, (or down to up), as the glass was bowed upward, perhaps indicating unusual torque around the edge of the glass panel. The entire panel was compromised except for about 6" of glass extending inward around the perimeter of the panel housing. I was hit by some falling glass, but was uninjured. Glass also showered down into the middle row seats, where my children would have been sitting if they had they been along with me.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11492241November 4, 2022
POWER TRAIN, SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
I got a Kia Sorento 2022 in May of 2022. I was very happy with the car but I noticed an issue with brakes within a few weeks. The brakes would feel as if it grind on the road when pushed down on a sudden stop. A little over 5 months and I was due for an oil change, I was informed there was a recall on the transmission system and it just needed to be updated, I was shocked I was not informed, nor did I see a recall online. I figured I would mention the brake issue. Upon getting the car back I was told the brake issue was due to "debris or pebbles found." I was told to change the rotators/pads if it continued (the car was only 5 months old?) NOW the car drives strange. When shifting gears the car makes a loud clicking sound. When braking the car lunges forward and the car jerks. I do not feel safe in the car. It only has under 4000 miles. It is currently at the dealership for Transmission Diagnosis(NotShiftingProperly,Leaks,Other).
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11492086November 3, 2022
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel expired much quicker than should be, and burned on to the dip stick before oil was due to be changed. Then the engine failed while driving, causing my vehicle to lose power on a left turn on a 55 mph road, nearly causing my children and I to be hit by another vehicle. I could not accelerate, but still had power to steer and brake. After having the gas pedal fully extended, I resumed power to 30 mph (this was described as engine knock sensor decreased power). We are hearing that 14 million Kia vehicles are experiencing this. There are 46 cars ahead of mine to be repaired for the failed engine and oil problem at that dealership as of today. They are not offering loaner vehicles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11492167November 3, 2022
ENGINE
While driving my 2016 Kia Sorrento northbound on I25, I was accelerating up a small incline on the highway, going 76 miles an hour, and all the sudden my car lost power and was not gaining speed. I was in the left lane, with cars behind me and on the right of me and my engine seemed to die out. I lost power and was unable to proceed, putting me in a seriously dangerous and potentially fatal position. No engine lights came on, no warning of anything wrong with the engine, the oil, nothing. I made my way to the shoulder of the highway and called for assistance. I turned off the car as it seemed to be overheating. Two days before my trip I had just changed my oil and had an all points inspection on the car. I restarted the car after a few minutes but was unable to gain any power. After several hours, I was able to get a tow to the nearest town. The mechanic shop, Leesbergs in Socorro, New Mexico, had my car for two weeks. They recreated my situation and also did not get any warning notifications in the car. In short, I was told I needed a new engine and that there was nothing they could do to repair the car. Now I am told that a new engine, for a six-year-old car, is going to cost me almost $6,000, while I still over $10,000 on this car. I maintain my automobiles religiously, and repair anything that needs to be repaired. I am at a huge loss on this lemon! I am financially unable to take this car to anyone else to work on and cannot afford a new engine. I am at a loss and still have to pay my monthly payments. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. The car is available for inspection at any time. It is in Santa Fe, NM. I may be reached at 505-670-3505. Thank you. Valerie Anaya-CdeBaca
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11492172November 3, 2022
ENGINE
The contact's significant other owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the engine was making abnormal rattling and knocking sounds. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure would occur upon starting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the timing belt had failed and advised the contact to not drive the vehicle. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to another independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rod bearings had failed and had released metal shavings in the engine oil, which caused the engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with Kia Independent Recall Campaign Number: SC147. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as his significant other had failed to complete a Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software update; however, a notification was never received regarding the software update. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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