Kia Sorento Complaints

10,397 consumer complaints on file.

#11681546August 19, 2025
ENGINE
Engine seized Kia denied warranty extension b/c of maintenance records changed oil myself had 3 years of receipts for oil and filters
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11681568August 19, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle jerked with an abnormal rattling coming from the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, and the vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that there were metal shavings found inside the engine. The dealer requested that the contact provide the history of maintenance on the vehicle. The contact provided documents; however, the dealer refused to perform the recall repair due to a lack of maintenance on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed back to the residence. The failure persisted, and the vehicle remained at the residence unrepaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 11,877.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11681577August 19, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY
manufacture paint peeling all over my car
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11681664August 19, 2025
ENGINE
I was driving and the vehicle shut off. All electric still on lights, radio, dash, etc. No issues or noises indicating that the engine was having faliure. Did not overheat, had oil and gas. Just bought car used 6 months ago with 140k miles. Had it towed to Mechanic and was told the engine was locked. Engine repair is my only option that is going to cost 5-8k. Vehicle has been maintained regularly with only one previous owner and no major repairs ever needed to be done.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11681718August 19, 2025
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Dad, driving back with Daughter, noticed a brief and unusual delay between shifts, but was able to make it home fine. A few minutes later, Mom left for picking up Son after school. On the way there, she noticed sluggish acceleration, louder engine sounds/effort on acceleration and mild slopes, and there was a lag in acceleration response. After powering off the vehicle and sit in idle to recharge battery, restarted trip home and was unable to get acceleration response up the hills, doing only 20 MPH. Engine was struggling and not getting any acceleration response. No check engine lights were generated as usual. Dad called Service Manager at Kia Temecula and he said to call Kia Roadside Assistance to come tow the car to them. He also said that likely we'll be out of pocket to do any car rentals until they have a car to loan to us.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11681282August 18, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY
Paint on our Pearl White 2016 Sorento is beginning to delaminate on the front of hood and the two pillar posts. It began as a small bubble and continues to spread and chip off. Several quarter-sized spots now and two hand-sized places.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11681432August 18, 2025
ENGINE
I don’t understand how my 2017 Kia sorento doesn’t have a recall on its engine. I bought the car in cash and 1 month the car doesn’t want to start.. I don’t understand I wasted money… I need engine replaced and don’t have $10000
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11681436August 18, 2025
ENGINE
I was driving and out of no where the battery light pop up and than car turns off on in the middle of traffic.. surprisingly there was no accident it was scary I had my two babies in the car with me. There’s no recall it’s a safety hazard ..
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11681447August 18, 2025
STEERING
Driving on the freeway going 75-80 mph and my steering wheel locked up. When this happens I am unable to turn my steering wheel. Have to let my foot of the gas and try with all my muscle to get the car to go to the side of the road to put the car in park. Turn it off and turn it back on. This exact incident has happened to me 3 times in a row on the freeway on [XXX]. Once while the road had a curve. 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
#11681464August 18, 2025
ENGINE
My motor is knocking and losing compression
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11681242August 18, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I saw the KIA Sorento safety recall #24V-220 for the defective high pressure fuel pump. When I look up my VIN on your site, it doesn't show this affecting my vehicle. Although my vehicle does this exact same thing. It will randomly go into limp mode and not accelerate when pulling into traffic. I took it to the Kia dealer and they said it is the Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor and would be $1266 to replace. I believe this is an Increased Crash Risk due to the loss on acceleration when the vehicle converts to limp mode and should be added to the recall you issued under #24V-220.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11681221August 18, 2025
SEAT BELTS
On August 6, 2025, I discovered that both the driver and passenger front seat belts in my 2024 Kia Sorento were installed backwards from the factory, with the buckle facing inward instead of outward. This defect has been present since the vehicle was purchased brand new, but it was only discovered and documented on this date. The issue was confirmed by an authorized Kia dealership in an official service report and in a video recorded by the service technician. I also have photos and videos taken before the dealership visit showing the same defect. This is a manufacturing defect and poses a serious safety risk to occupants in the event of a collision, as the seat belts may not function as intended. Supporting documentation is available upon request.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11681134August 17, 2025
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The had the same oil leakage recall fixed two times by a dealership which it is still leaking BAD! That was said to be an oil pressure switch. My trunk also will not open.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11681150August 17, 2025
EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Headlights turn off at night when set in the auto position and turn on when the car is off
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11681166August 17, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
Purchased this vehicle in June 17 2025 from a used car dealer, as i was driving from time to time, i noticed that the vehecle would hesatate, and at times would stall, i had the spark plugs and coild replaced along with a new high pressure fuel pump, it still hesatates when pulling out into traffic, from a stop, this places the vehicle in a very dangerous position in that it can be broadsided, or another form of collision with on comming traffic, I looked on line on various sites and there are quite a number of kias with this issue, some contacted the mfg and were told that it is withing the 8 speed transmission, something about the servers inside it, this appears to be an issue with several year models, and the mfg does not repair or replace the defective part, so i am quite sure they are awar of it, i am not aware of any loss of life for this priblem, i have also seen that by placing the selective system out of eco, economy or comfort mode into ( sport ) mode that it does not do it as often, but at time does, this mode also has a determental effect on millage. i am sure that many KIS SORENTO owners have the same issue and shoudl be fixed under a nationwide recall, ASAP before anyone is hurt or killed like stalling out when pulling out into highway traffic.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11681208August 17, 2025
ENGINE
I had catastrophic engine failure while driving with no warning lights indicating my engine was losing oil, the engine and power shut off at 55 miles and hour causing me to lose power steering and power assisted breaking.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11681130August 17, 2025
POWER TRAIN, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE
NHTSA Complaint – Kia Sorento Vehicle: 2025 Kia Sorento Component/System: Engine, Fuel/Propulsion System, Power Train Date of Incident: [XXX] Location: [XXX] , southbound Description of the Problem: While driving my 2025 Kia Sorento southbound on [XXX] , the accelerator did not respond properly both on a flat road and while going uphill. The engine failed to provide adequate power, creating a serious safety risk on the highway. The vehicle is currently at the dealer for inspection, which will take place on Monday. However, I am extremely frustrated that I have not been provided a loaner or rental vehicle, even though I need transportation immediately. Additionally, as a U.S. citizen, I feel I am being treated unfairly and receiving discriminatory service compared to others in similar situations. No warning lights or messages appeared before the incident. The dealer has not confirmed or fixed the issue yet. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. I am reporting this issue to document the safety risk, service denial, and potential discrimination, and to seek proper investigation. Inspection Availability: UNKNOWN – vehicle can be inspected upon request. 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
#11680885August 15, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Driving on highway car would suddenly lose power.it has happened 7 times. 4 times the car told you to get off road pull to sideband leave engine running to have battery recharge.after doing this sometimes it would allow you to continue.not always sometimes would continue to have no power. car has been to 2 dealerships nothing resolved yet. they tell me to wait.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11680806August 15, 2025
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Lights shut off by themselves at night in auto mode in dark environments!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11680817August 15, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
On [XXX], while driving home at highway speeds, I attempted to accelerate and the vehicle bucked and sputtered violently. The check engine light came on, and my OBD scanner showed multiple misfires in Cylinder 1. I have also experienced suspected transmission slipping from a full stop and during highway driving—RPMs will spike (up to ~5,500) with little or no increase in speed, sometimes after releasing the accelerator. These issues have occurred multiple times prior to [XXX]. On [XXX], while traveling 80–85 mph, I released the accelerator and the RPMs again spiked to ~5,500 while the vehicle rapidly lost speed and barely moved. Starting mileage at first occurrence is unknown, but Kia should have this documented from a prior service visit. The condition is ongoing and worsening, creating a serious safety risk by causing loss of acceleration and unpredictable power surges while in traffic. 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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