Kia Sorento Complaints (2017)

808 consumer complaints on file.

#11675404July 22, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that there was oil intrusion that caused the engine to fail. The contact was told that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact was informed that documents of past maintenance records were incomplete, and the warranty had expired. The contact stated that in the past, the vehicle consumed an excessive amount of oil. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11675061July 21, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 65 MPH, the contact heard a thumping sound coming from the engine. No warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired; however, the engine had been replaced one time before. The contact related the failure NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000( ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING ); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by the AG Office. The manufacturer denied the claim and refused to repair the vehicle. The failure mileage was 243,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11674277July 17, 2025
ENGINE
My 2017 Kia Sorento is not included in the engine safety recall regarding the crankshaft failure in the engine. But I am experiencing the exact same problem so I do not see how it is not included in the recall. I am requesting the recall be expanded to include more vehicles because it is not safe to drive and is currently being held hostage by the dealer who wants $10,500 to repair my engine. I refuse to pay for negligence on the part of the manufacturer. Kia corporate has been very dismissive and not helpful. Please advise
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11671662July 7, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
For several months, there has been a noticeable smell of gas fumes coming from my 2017 Kia Sorrento EX. Recently, smell has been getting much stronger and cause for concern. I have discovered a visible gas leak dripping from the gas tank area. This could likely or possibly be related to a recall engine replacement last year. The website mentions issues with the fuel pump, which is a The website mentions issues with the fuel pump, which is very concerning. I am attaching photos and video. Please advise.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11670181June 30, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the check engine and low oil pressure warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where an oil change was performed; however, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the nearest dealer for an unknown recall repair, and the contact was informed that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the maintenance records needed to be reviewed to repair the vehicle under recall. The contact provided the maintenance records that the dealer sent to the manufacturer. The manufacturer later informed the dealer that the vehicle was not eligible for an engine replacement based on the maintenance records. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called the manufacturer and was informed that the engineers had determined that the vehicle was not eligible for engine replacement and no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11670184June 30, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
To whom this may concern, I'm having to replace an upper module fuel pump that goes into the top of the tank. This part is being recalled on several other Kia vehicles but not mine. The car was stalling and had a heavy smell of gasoline. I was told by my repair shop not to drive this car until repaired due to gasoline fumes having the potential to be ignited and cause a fire. I was told by Kia customer care (Sandra) on 6-30-25 @ 655am MST that my Vin number was not a part of this recall. I explained my car was experiencing the same issue and required the same repair as other recalls for Kia and I was directed to file a formal complaint with nhtsa for assistance. Can you please assist with a formal recall. This is a very dangerous situation with flammable fumes escaping. Sincerely, [XXX] [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
#11667513June 17, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Paint peeling on hood and roof
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11666832June 13, 2025
ENGINE
Engine failure. Hyundai and Kia Theta Engine Class Action Settlement 2017 Kia sorento 2.0 vin [XXX] . vehicle has the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Update which extends engine coverage to 10 years/150k miles for rod bearing failure. the vehicle has 118k miles and is at a kia dealership. They denied coverage due to no present codes related to the knock sensor and being that it has low compression on one cylinder. My 2017 Kia Sorento experienced a serious engine failure related to rod bearing wear, a known issue in the Theta II 2.4L GDI engine. The engine began making a loud knocking noise, which is a classic sign of rod bearing failure. They just so happened to left that out of their diagnosis that it has rod bearing noise and are using only the fact that low compression and no code related to the bearings to deny the coverage. When rod bearings wear out, they allow excessive play in the connecting rods, leading to unstable piston movement. In interference engines like this one, that instability can cause the piston to travel too far upward and strike open valves during operation. This can result in bent valves, valve seat damage, low cylinder compression, and repeated misfires. In my case, the engine was diagnosed with low compression and misfires consistent with this kind of internal damage. This isn’t just a wear-and-tear issue. it’s a known design flaw that leads to catastrophic engine failure and a serious safety risk. Kia denied coverage, despite this exact failure being covered under a class action settlement and extended warranty program, and despite my vehicle showing textbook symptoms of the defect. I am requesting a full investigation into Kia's handling of these claims and the lack of proper recall enforcement. My name is [XXX] with 1A auto mart inc. I am handling this case for my customer who is the registered owner of the vehicle [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
#11666860June 13, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
while traveling about 30 miles per hour a car in front stopped. When I applied the brakes the abs locked up and caused my car to skid in to car in front. I had plenty of room to stop but as the policy report shows there was kid marks and car did not stop .
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11666256June 11, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Upper fuel pump module is defected and will malfunction. This leads to a fuel leak inside the vehicle. You will be able to see the leak if you remove the back seat and you will be able to smell the fumes of the fuel inside and outside the vehicle. This has occurred twice to our vehicle. First time, the vehicle had 72000 miles and the 2nd time is 130 000. The kia dealership repaired it the first time and has acknowledged the leak both times. This is dangerous as the vehicle can burst into flames by a spark or flame. We did not receive any warning lights regarding the fuel leak. The leak was determined by the smell and the reduced miles per gallon.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11666083June 10, 2025
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a strong gasoline odor inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the gasoline odor had become stronger. The contact stated that upon removing the rear seats, the contact became aware there was gasoline continuously leaking into the vehicle while the vehicle was started. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where an unknown repair was performed; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the upper fuel pump module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to TSB Number: WTY033. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the repair could not be covered because the vehicle was out warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11665722June 9, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. The mechanic replaced the air filter, brake fluid, serpentine belt, accessory belt, performed tire rotation, replaced the power steering fluid, and performed an oil change. The check engine warning light illuminated again. The vehicle was returned to the mechanic who replaced the ignition coil and spark plugs. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who confirmed the diagnosis. The dealer replaced the valve cover gasket, fuel pump gasket, and coolant, performed a 3-point GGI induction service, refilled the brake fluid, and replaced a carbon air filter. The failure persisted and the vehicle was returned to the dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that piston #3 had failed, and a spark plug was burned and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. While the contact’s husband was driving approximately 65 - 70 MPH, the vehicle began to shake aggressively, and the engine had seized. There was no warning light during the failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The driver had coasted to the side of the road where the vehicle was towed home with open fuel injectors and piston failure. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer informed the contact that the spark plugs needed to be replaced again. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11665616June 8, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Strong smell of gas while driving and under the hood of car with no visible leaks.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11665670June 8, 2025
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
When I drive at night with the headlights on, sometimes the headlights will all go off until I click the button a couple of times then they will come back on, and this scares me because it can cause a wreck when I can’t see
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11664850June 4, 2025
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The car is a 2017 Kia Sorento with approximately 73,000 miles. We have always had the oil changed at the Kia dealership. A month after the last time I had it changed (1/2025) we were going on a trip so my dad checked the oil. There was no oil in it. Since then we have been having to put oil in it about once a month or so because it runs out. It is not leaking anywhere and no oil light comes on when it does run out. The oil is disappearing. The oil is burning internally. I am having difficulties with the dealership in addressing the oil consumption issue, even when it's a known problem. This last time I spoke with Robert at Kia Ramada in Shelby NC. They want me to pay for them to look at it and then said they would write up a report to see if corporate would cover it. I feel like since this is a known issue I shouldn’t have to pay for them to look at or diagnose it. He said it would not be covered unless the engine locked up. Well if I keep driving it and don’t keep putting oil in it, it will lock up. I’d rather you fix the issue than have to put in a whole new motor. Please get in touch with me asap so I know what further actions that I will need to take to resolve this matter.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11661880May 19, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am unsure what component system failed or malfunctioned. The car is in the toe place. It's a total loss burned from front to back my safety was put at risk by no indication of any lights coming on my dashboard. By the time I stopped the whole front into my car was on fire. It burned from from 2 back within 8 minutes. It has not been inspected by insurance. The police were there when the fire was put out along with the fire department. There were no warning lights or lamps of any indication of a problem. I was driving down the road and I seemed small but I had no lights on my dashboard. Indicating anything was wrong? So I drove as soon as I started to slow down at the stoplight. Flames started coming out of the driver's side of the hook. But I turned the corner and stopped the car and the whole front end.By the time I stopped was on fire.I contacted the fire department and within 8 minutes.The car was a total loss
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11660411May 12, 2025
ENGINE
In April 2025 the check engine light came on. The engine had been replaced in February 2025 so I immediately took the vehicle to Safford Kia Dealership in Fredericksburg, VA. (NOTE: The engine was replaced at Jacksonville Kia, Jacksonville, NC as the issue with the engine happened while I was away working at that location.) A few days after dropping the vehicle off I was notified by the service writer there that the catalytic converter had gone bad which was a common issue after problems with the engine. Specifically, I was told the engine dumps oil into the catalytic converter therefore ruining it. The new engine has been driven about a 1000 miles (give or take) as the vehicle was picked up from the dealership in Jacksonville, NC and driven to Fredericksburg, VA on 1 March 2025 with minimal normal driving before the check engine light came on.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11658702May 3, 2025
STEERING
Sticking steering wheel at speeds around 60 mph on slight turns been happening over a year took it to dealer said they couldn’t get it to do it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11655762April 21, 2025
STEERING
The steering is sticky. When on the highway you have to keep correcting the steering because the wheel seems to be sticking then moving. As a result you can not just go straight down the road but have to keep putting in steering corrections!!!!! This needs to be addressed! This is an ongoing problem , not just on one date.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11655450April 18, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY
Above the windshield on the driver's side, paint is progressively peeling away with regular operation of my pearl-white 2017 Kia Sorento. What began as a very small and barely noticeable chip in the paint has progressed to a large paint-less spot. On the hood and surrounding areas, paint chips are appearing as well. According to the auto body repair shop I received an estimate from, this is referred to as "delamination" and is a result of poor quality paint or craftsmanship in the manufacturing process. The auto body shop said this is a recurring issue in WHITE Kia Sorentos specifically. Many other owners of white Kia Sorentos have reported this same issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

← Back to Kia Sorento