Kia Sorento Complaints

10,397 consumer complaints on file.

#11705499December 17, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
On December 16, 2025 at approximately 0830 hrs. EST my wife attempted to start the above vehicle. There was an "odd" odor in the garage by the vehicle at the time. She was unable to start the vehicle, there were not functional lights and no other accessories were functional. I perfomed a test on the battery later in the afternoon using a battery testing probe, it indicated the battery was non-functional. At approximately 1515 hrs. EST I replaced the battery in the above vehicle. Upon replacement of the battery the vehicle was started and run for approximately 3 minutes to ensure all systems checked alright and there was no damage from the loss of the. I then was standing at the back of the vehicle and noted smoke coming from the tail lights and from under the liftgate. I opened the rear liftgate and felt heat and saw smoke. As I was removing the trim from around the vehicle to access the area of origin for the smoke, the rear bumper cover melted and flames were visible where the bumper cover had melted. I used a fire extinguisher to extinguish the visible fire then accessed the area under the bumper to ensure the fire had been fully extinguished. Visible under the bumper was the tow wiring whch was visibly damaged by fire. I reported the fire to Kia of Muncie from where the vehicle was purchased new in December 2018 and to the Kia Care Line. Pictures of the damage were sent to both. The vehicle had been checked and cleared of all recalls associated with the tow wiring recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11705354December 16, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY
Purchased the car in 2020 paint above windshield was beginning to peel, within months the a-pillars were peeling off, the hood is peeling off and now the section above the windshield is beginning to rust due to the peeling. Additional Cases Snow White Pearl paint! Complaint #11700960, 11663682, 11636915, 11630983, 11521467, 11498038.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11705235December 16, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My vehicle has a recall that says potential fire could occur yet there’s no solution for the recall. I think that is something that should be replaced immediately considering it’s 15 degrees outside and I have to run my heat in my vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11705005December 15, 2025
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Headlights burn out within weeks to months after replacing them, overheat, flicker when driving. Has been a recurring problem since being bought in 2019.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11705180December 15, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I am submitting a formal written complaint to supplement my existing NHTSA Safety Report ID 11702339 regarding a serious fuel system defect on my 2013 Kia Sorento. My car began experiencing sluggish starting, sputtering during acceleration, stalling at stop signs and traffic lights, and a strong fuel odor. A check engine light subsequently illuminated, and due to safety concerns, the vehicle was towed to a Kia dealership for diagnosis. The dealership confirmed and documented fuel leakage from the high-pressure fuel pressure regulator and fuel contamination in the engine oil. This defect presents a serious safety risks: increased risk of engine fire due to fuel leakage, unexpected loss of power while stopped or in traffic, and increased likelihood of a collision due to engine stalling. This vehicle previously had its engine replaced under a Kia recall in 2020, making this failure particularly concerning. Fuel system failures and post-recall engine-related defects have been the subject of multiple Kia recalls, service campaigns, and NHTSA investigations involving engine fires and fuel leaks. Despite the dealership's documented diagnosis and clear safety implications, Kia Consumer Affairs denied recall coverage and refused to assist with repair costs, stating this is not a recall-related issue. The estimated repair cost exceeds $1,700, and the vehicle remains unsafe and undrivable. Given the confirmed fuel leakage, fuel contamination of engine oil, prior recall engine replacement, repeated stalling events, and Kia's refusal to acknowledge responsibility, I respectfully request that NHTSA review this case as part of a potential defect trend, particularly involving high-pressure fuel system components on Kia Sorento vehicles with prior recall engine replacements. I am submitting this complaint to ensure this safety issue is formally documented, investigated, and considered for further action to protect consumers. Thank you for your attention to this serious safety matter
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11705186December 15, 2025
ENGINE
Engine suddenly started making a lot of clattering noise. Oil consumption has been extremely high! Mechanic stated engine needs replaced.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11705120December 15, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Today is 12/15/2025 About a month or 2 ago i was on the highway coming from South Carolina to North Carolina when the engine revved up unexpectedly without input. It has HDA2 and that was doing most of the work. The vehicle started to speed up beyond the set limit and once i hit the brakes and manually shifted i was able to regain control. Last week the vehicle made a small noise that I wasn’t sure about. I called the dealership thinking that it could be a transmission problem. When i called they didn’t seem concerned and asked me to bring it in Monday (today). I had no lights or error codes (and still don’t) on the dash and they did not recommend that I don’t drive it so i continued using the car. Last night it made a horrendous noise started revving on its own and shifting very hard ans if something was coming apart. This morning on my way to the dealership the car completely seized up at an intersection. The car has 47900 miles on it. It’s a 2025 and the transmission seems to have completely blown. Ive read online several complaints about the transmission on these vehicles and think that they may be a major concern. For a new car to have this type of issue locking up while on public roads and smoking is absolutely a hazard. My only saving grace is that it happened at an intersection and not on the highway where an accident would have been inevitable. Please look into the DCT transmission on Kia Sorentos. Particularly X-Line SX prestige models. It is a highly unsafe vehicle. Another issue that the car is having is a clicking noise on the steering column that seems to be getting much worse over time and im afraid will result in loss of steering. Im having them check it out as well. The vehicle never showed a malfunction and I’ve attached a screenshot of the app showing it in perfect health despite being undrivable. I still have no invoice and no police report was made.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11705034December 15, 2025
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
While driving from Phoenix to Tucson in midday traffic, the vehicle displayed a "Check Transmission" error message. Immediately following this warning, the vehicle experienced a significant loss of motive power while navigating a busy intersection. The car would not shift gears appropriately to maintain speed or move out of the path of traffic, which created an immediate risk of a collision. I was able to avoid an accident, but the vehicle's inability to accelerate or change gears left me stranded in a hazardous location. Component Failed: Transmission/Transmission Control Module. Safety Risk: The sudden loss of power in an intersection put me and other drivers at risk of a high-speed side-impact or rear-end collision. Warning Symptoms: The "Check Transmission" message appeared moments before the failure. Inspection Status: We have had the recall taken care of on January 25 , 2023 with 8810 miles at Peoria KIA initially. The incident happened on December 6, 2025 and the vehicle was taken to Royal KIA on December 6, 2025 for inspection.".
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11704854December 13, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE
2019 with 56,000 miles and the oil pressure sensor AND the fuel pump need replacing. Both items should be considered part of the powertrain but of course they’re not. Called corporate but got the “there is no recall” monologue from their representatives. Needless to say, I won’t make the same mistake with my next purchase.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11704881December 13, 2025
ENGINE
My vehicle is a sorento 2019 model, April 2018 production, and is experiencing oil pressure switch failure that requires $1500 of repair, there is a recall/warranty extension WTY026 for the same model but only up-to March 2018 production, kia claimed that they modified the sensor to eliminate the problem in 2919 models, but unfortunately many of the 2019 model year owners are still experiencing the same problem as the previous year. Please extend this recall to cover 2919-2020 productions as well
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11704792December 12, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I have been calling the nearest Kia dealership to have this recall fixed since September 2025 and there has been no remedy since. We do not feel safe using the vehicle due to the recall involving a fire hazard due to HVAC wiring. We have a family that needs the vehicle and its been 3 months with no remedy and no estimated date of when remedy will be available, so remedy for recall is indefinite. We would like Kia to repurchase the vehicle or assist in auto monthly payments, as we are paying for a vehicle that we cannot use. We have kids and do not feel comfortable driving in this vehicle. We use this vehicle to help work and recall has impacted us financially. Below are details of the recall as we are trying to get Kia to help with: Manufacturer Recall Number SC351 There is no remedy for this safety recall ***REMEDY IS NOT AVAILABLE YET*** KIA AMERICA, INC. IS RECALLING CERTAIN 2021-2023 SORENTO VEHICLES. THE HEATING, VENTILATION, AND AIR CONDITIONING (HVAC) BLOWER MOTOR WIRING HARNESS MAY BE INADEQUATE, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A FIRE. Safety Risk A FIRE INCREASES THE RISK OF INJURY.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11704560December 11, 2025
POWER TRAIN, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE
On 3 separate occasions, while idling, the engine will sputter as if it’s about to cut off. The RPM will rise and fall and the engine will rev up and down and finally it will quiet down. Once the light is green, It is able to drive as normal. At the next light the same thing happens and the engine revs up and down sounds like it’s about to die. At a certain point the car will lose propulsion,(hard to notice at first when it’s stop and go traffic) even with the pedal all the way down, making it difficult to drive at a safe speed. The car will operate this way in a very limited capacity w stuttered propulsion for a minute or two then a warning symbol and alarm sounds letting me know there is a safety issue with the hybrid system and to stop safely. The car then becomes completely unresponsive and you must stop immediately and shut the car off. Once restarted the car jolts back up and operates somewhat normally.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11704410December 11, 2025
ENGINE
Engine is burning oil at a rate of almost one quart per week. The engine can be felt shaking when driving. The engine light came on and states there is a P0303 Cylinder 3 misfired detected.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11704479December 11, 2025
ENGINE, STEERING
I was driving our 2017 Kia Sorento 2.4 liter, on I-94 in Detroit, MI when suddenly, the vehicle would not go over 50 mph when the engine suddenly lost power on Friday 11/28/2025 ..We towed the vehicle to the Auto Repair Shop a few days later. On Tuesday 12/9/2025 the Auto Repair shop contacted us and said that their was plenty of oil in the vehicle but Cylinder 3 misfired and there is a loss of engine compression. Auto shop says cylinder 3 failed and now only 3 cylinders are now working on the 2017 Kia Sorento now mileage is now 94, 971 miles. I have not taken it to the dealer yet because even though there was a class action lawsuit, the Auto Repair shop has informed us, as well as other information online, that the dealer will sometimes try to avoid replacing the engine. I did contact the dealer on 12/10/2025 and informed that we do have maintenance records and have the vehicle towed there this weekend, however, my initial conversation with the Service rep did not sound promising to date.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11704271December 10, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Road debris under normal driving conditions caused a puncture of the inverter radiator resulting in a total loss of coolant in the inverter and battery system. Inspection of the system at a Kia dealer confirmed the problem. The first sign of concern was an error displayed on the driver screen stating, "Check drive motor cooling system". There is no mention of this error in the owner's manual for the vehicle, though I did find several online discussions surrounding similar issues and warnings. I was driving on the highway at the time, and outside temperature was just under 40 degrees F. The car continued to drive normally for roughly 15 miles while utilizing the gas engine on the highway but eventually began struggling to accelerate or brake when switching to the electrical system after moving to residential streets. There is not a means of turning off the hybrid system. I received further warnings for several various driver assist functions becoming unavailable and the car became difficult to steer. I parked in a parking lot until the car could be towed for evaluation.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11703966December 9, 2025
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Panoramic sunroof panel spontaneously exploded at highway speed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11703758December 8, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Vehicle: 2016 Kia Sorento, VIN [XXX] Incident Date: November 13, 2025 Incident Location: Durham, NC (3828 Guess Rd) Cause of Loss: Engine Fire, confirmed by Durham Fire Department Report (Incident #253663) as "originated from under the hood." TECHNICAL NARRATIVE & SYMPTOMS (CRITICAL FOR LIABILITY): I am filing this complaint to report a catastrophic vehicle fire that I believe is directly linked to multiple acknowledged manufacturing defects that create a fire risk in Kia vehicles. ABS/Traction Control Light Warning (Direct Fire Risk Symptom): Immediately prior to the loss, the ABS and Traction Control warning lights were constantly illuminated. This is a known precursor symptom for the defective Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) or ABS Module short-circuit, which has been cited in numerous Kia fire recalls (e.g., NHTSA 20V019, 20V519). The fire's origin under the hood is consistent with this component failure. Prior Engine Failures (Systemic Defect History): This vehicle has a history of catastrophic manufacturing defects: The engine assembly was replaced in 2023 due to the known Theta II Rod Bearing Failure. The knock sensor was replaced in September 2025 as part of the KSDS Product Improvement Campaign, demonstrating the vehicle was still under active service for critical engine monitoring defects just weeks before the fire. Potential Tow Hitch Wiring Fire Risk: The vehicle was fully engulfed, but the fire may also be linked to the defect cited in NHTSA Recall 22V703 (tow hitch wiring harness short circuit, which also poses a fire risk). I require a full investigation into this defect leading to compensation for the total loss of the vehicle and consequential damages. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11703833December 8, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The safety hazard began with a pattern of ignored warnings by the authorized dealer network. On Aug 15, 2025, I brought the vehicle to Luther Kia of Bloomington for a Check Engine Light. The dealer simply cleared the code without diagnosis, failing to catch early signs of engine trouble. On Sept 22, 2025, the engine failed again. I drove the vehicle in unsafe "limp mode" to Luther Nissan Kia [XXX] ). They found the engine was "4 quarts low on oil" (severe starvation just 37 days after a dealer oil change). Despite this catastrophic finding, they failed to diagnose the root cause and released the unsafe vehicle to me after selling only a spark plug replacement. On Sept 26, when I attempted to pick up the vehicle, the Check Engine Light was flashing immediately at handover. I refused to take the unsafe vehicle. The dealer then replaced an Oil Control Valve (OCV) and released the vehicle to me again later that day. After this second "repair," I drove the vehicle for only a few miles before the engine failed again with a Check Engine Light. The dealer has since admitted in writing (BBB complaint #XXX) that the engine was "deprived of lubrication" due to the initial low oil condition. By ignoring early warnings and releasing a vehicle with a dying engine twice, the dealer put me and other motorists at risk of a sudden loss of power at highway speeds. 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
#11703858December 8, 2025
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
For about 23,000 miles our mechanic has mentioned that the engine is burning oil. The exhaust pipe is covered in black soot. I monitor the oil level and it is always low even after oil changes with no oil leak. This has been provided to Kia with no remedy. Recently our Sorento was in a busy highway and the check engine, oil and battery lights came on and the car went into limp mode. We had the vehicle towed to Kia Chula Vista and the engine will be replaced by them. My concern is that the catalytic converter will soon fail and the engine issues need to be addressed for all of these makes/models before someone gets seriously hurt or killed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11703497December 7, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The top padded dash of the instrument panel and the lower crash panel of the instrument panel, which the mechanic identified, have been developing cracks since the car was three years old. I made 3 calls to corporate customer service after the dealership said that the warranty had expired. I was told by the manufacturer that as long as I did not get hurt or cause an accident that they could not do anything about replacing the parts. Since then, numerous additional cracks have developed in the padding, showing deep cracks through the padding to the surface below. The airbags are in the area of the damage. I tried many times to submit photos and a statement from the mechanic who was assigned to my car at the dealership, but each time it failed to load the 8 pictures on this form. If you would like, I could mail them to you if you give me the mailing information. I feel that in time, the pieces will become loose while driving the car and cause a distraction, or the airbags could fail. Thank You, [XXX] 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

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