Kia Sorento Complaints

10,397 consumer complaints on file.

#11597803June 30, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was driving on the freeway at approx. 65mph and my panoramic glass roof exploded. It was so loud and very frightening. I pulled over at first exit and the glass had exploded from the inside and had major cracks completely down both sides as attached photo shows. This had to be a result of a defective glass roof as nothing flew into my car or hit the glass from the exterior. The glass continued to fall out as I drove. This could have been such a hazard for myself as well as other drivers as I thought someone had shot at my car! Luckily the "headliner" under the glass was closed or I would have been cut by the shattered glass. There were no warning signs of a problem, nor had I ever been contacted by KIA of this potential hazard that others, I now have learned, have reported as well. I drove the car to Shottenkirk Fort Bend KIA, where I had purchased the car new, for help. They have advised me that glass is not covered under my warranty. Nor will they cover my rental car charges as I need a car for work.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11597828June 30, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The Hydraulic Electronic control unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short , whioch can result in an engine compartment fire while paked or driving the car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11597722June 29, 2024
STRUCTURE:BODY
My vehicle's SNOW PEARL WHITE paint is flaking off in large chunks on the windshield pillars (both sides), as well as chipping all over the body. The chipping began in 2018 (2 years after purchase) and the large chunks began in 2022. Paint chunks have flown off my car while driving on the highway. Missing paint is now leading to the body of the car rusting. My car is available for inspection. The dealership has inspected the problem and informed me I am not the first person they have encountered with this same problem. It is specifically common with SNOW PEARL WHITE PAINT. Bubbles are forming under the paint in other spots now, and I am worried about the possibility of it coming off in larger chucks on the hood- which could possibly create a projectile/vision obstruction. I have provided photos to the manufacturer in 2022 and started a case number. I have not heard back since.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11597763June 29, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I have a 2017 Kia Sorento and I have been having problems with the turbo, in the 7 years I have had it they have replaced the turbo twice and now this would be the third time. Every job done has been at the Kia agency I bought it which means this is definitely a manufactured problem. At the dealership the three times I have taken it they have told me the turbo fell off and it damaged other things, including the engine. My safety was at risk because my car broke down in the middle of driving it started to slow down and would not go up hills which could have caused an accident. The problem has been confirmed with the dealership service center all 3 times and they offered to replace it at no cost the first two times and now they are requesting I pay for it. The vehicle has not been inspected by the police or insurance, all 3 times I have taken it for service has been at the Kia dealership where I bought it from. There was no warnings no lights nothing, it just started doing a weird sound like it was being forced too much and it started slowing down.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11597689June 29, 2024
SEATS
THIS IS THE SECOND REPORT I AM MAKING. As in my last report this involves the driver’s seat and changing profiles on the infotainment system. - The driver’s seat/profile will keep my settings for a few weeks or months and then it randomly forgets and resets to the factory settings. - On June 18, 2024 the infotainment profile was set for my husband. I switched to my profile and was backing out of my garage and the seat switched to factory settings while the car was actively in reverse. I am short and could not reach the break or gas pedal! - The dealer has not had any other complaints like this.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11597539June 28, 2024
STRUCTURE:BODY
I have a 2014 Pearl White Sorento SX. After washing my car recently, two area showed up that have started to delaminate. I talked with my insurance company who came out and told me there are known problems with especially the Pearl White on Kia Sorento so they wouldn't cover anything. Unfortunately those two areas are spreading and three new areas are cropping up. Based on what I've learned since the insurance company informed me of the problem, other Pearl White Sorento owners (2014 and other years) are experiencing continuing delamination. It seems highly likely the delamination will only continue to get worse which will severely impacts the value of the car. I spent several thousand getting an extended warranty that is still good through 125000 miles, with the thought that, in addition to providing protection from a significant problem with the car (e.g., engine, transmission, etc.) it would also increase the value when I decide to sell. The warranty does not cover paint (I don't believe any extended warranties do). I am sure that I've now lost 25-50% of the value of the car which is very, very upsetting. I haven't contacted the dealer I had been going to because they let me drive my car off the lot after servicing it and they forgot to put oil in. Thank god I had an inspection appointment the next with a local shop who showed me the problem. The paint problem is obviously a latent defect. I believe Kia should take responsibility for the problem, but I am fairly sure they won't unless there is a recall. So I am hoping that with enough complaints a recall will be issued. Thank you for your time taking my complaint.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11597574June 28, 2024
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
This is the third time my car has had code p0171 and p0191 pop into the system of the car. I just picked up my car on [XXX] and after I left the parking lot it didn't feel right. I had to press the gas pedal a lot harder to get it to move. This is after they replaced the high pressure fuel pump twice within a week and I believe under 200 miles of driving the car. Luckily Florida is a pretty flat state so the hill I have between my work and home isn't very steep but I go from 40 mphs down to 30 once I reach the top of it. I'm supposed to be going from Florida to North Carolina and I don't know how it's supposed to climb the mountains. The first time my car had this problem was [XXX] the second time [XXX] and the third time was [XXX] and the last issue was [XXX]. The first 3 times it went into limp mode where it won't run the components completely. The last time I had to press the gas pedal all the way so I wouldn't be hit by other vehicles. I only had warning lights the one time but error codes on 3 of the 4 times with last time barely leaving the dealership so I wasn't able to check. It's a safety issue when you have to pray that it gets enough to merge into traffic or to stay ahead of cars where it cause cars to slow down or possibly hit me if they think I would be going faster. 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
#11597298June 27, 2024
ENGINE
The engine seized while driving. No check engine light turned on or oil pressure light illuminated prior to seizure. This happened on 5/11/2023. I had the oil changed on 4/20/2023 and regularly checked the oil levels because of previous oil consumption issues. Previously, I completed oil changed on 6/17/22, 7/27/22, and brought it to a KIA dealership on 8/1/22 for oil consumption issues. They completed a valve gasket cover replacement at that time which I paid out of pocket. The vehicle continued to have oil consumption issues after that repair and which eventually lead to the engine failure. Kia refused to replace the engine under warranty or recall and it cost me $7,494 to replace the engine at the dealership.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11597299June 27, 2024
AIR BAGS, SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Every light is on in the dash compartment. Power steering goes in and out. Brake lights not working even after being replaced. Car stuck in park unable to put into reverse. ABS/ Airbag light showing- ABS Sensor replaced and still not working Recall in 2022. Kia repaired vehicle and now that same issues are occurring Kia refuses to even look at vehicle without payment of 180.00 to just LOOK!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11597316June 27, 2024
ENGINE
The component That failed. Was the engine the engine blew at 120ish thousand miles. The problem has been taken to a dealer as well as an independent service station. Both confirmed that the engine blew because one of the Pistons exploded. Both confirmed that there is no reason for this. Other than it seems the oil thing did not ever tell anyone that the oil was running. There was no warning. No systems that came up nothing. We were driving and it lost power. I have spoken to Kia. I have spoken to the dealership I bought it from. Both have confirmed that Kia is known to have these issues with their engine but they are not doing a recall because it would be too expensive. When I spoke to Kia they told me that because my Kia specifically wasn't in the engine recall, I was out of luck. I still have it and they are welcome to inspect it. I have been holding out Hope that there is a recall because I spent my livelihood on this to give my kids a car. I had it for 2 years. It was maintained like a baby but because it's over 120,000 MI they will not do anything. I do have some paperwork I can send later if you'd like? It will take a bit to pull it out
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11597360June 27, 2024
ENGINE
Engine failed due to apparent head gasket leak. Incident happened on [XXX] near Richmond, Kentucky. Failure of engine caused loss of speed and power. Fortunately, an exit was available to get the car off the road quickly. We had to tow the car home and replace the engine at a cost of $8,000. Kia has had to recall 4 cylinder engines for this year. They should be recalling the 6 cylinder engine as well. 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
#11596877June 26, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
12/30/23 our home burned down, and our children were almost killed by a fire. It started from my KIA Sorento, starting on fire at random. Several hours after it was parked in our garage. Looking at security camera it started in rear of vehicle. Upon further investigation finding out that we were was supposed to have been sent a notice warning us of the recall for the trailer hitch. Never received notice. I have been the only owner of that vehicle. In dec of 2023 our local dealership (where I purchased) called and inform me know of the recall. To date no resolution has been made.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11596079June 24, 2024
ENGINE
I change my oil regularly and driving my car started knocking and I let a mechanic checked it and he said the engine was blown and I didn't understand why that happened. it was not out of oil and I still don't know why it happened
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11596088June 24, 2024
STEERING
At driving speeds steering catches with no control for a few seconds during slight turns. Has happened multiple times. Took to mechanic and was told there was an overheat code showing that could only be resolved through Kia software.Took to Kia dealership in St. Cloud, Minnesota, and was told it would resolve by putting in an actual Kia battery, $500+. Had no issues for 2 months Then happened twice. Took Back to the same dealership and was told needed new steering column $1,000+. As of today, my Sorrento is at the dealership in St. Cloud, Minnesota Waiting for part. 6/24/2024
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11596166June 24, 2024
AIR BAGS
I have been Trying to set up a appointment with Citrus Motors Kia, Ontario California.1350 S Woodruff Way Ontario California 91761. And they are giving me the rounds. Seen last week I have been texting them and calling. And no answer.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11596208June 24, 2024
WHEELS
The wheels provided with the new vehicle are not the correct wheels for the car. On page 639 of the owners manual: "2023 Sorento PHEV OM 10.pdf" Section 9 "Specifications, Consumer information and Reporting safety defects", page 6. The paragraph with title Tires and Wheels, has two tables; "For hybrid vehicle" and "For plug-in hybrid vehicle". The new vehicle was delivered with tires: P235 55R19 101H (listed in the table for hybrid vehicle) The manufacturer specifies P235/55R19 105V for the PHEV. On this same page there is a CAUTION paragraph: "when replacing tires, use the same size originally supplied with the vehicle. Using tires of a different size can damage the related parts of make it work irregullarly." I asked the dealer, Grand Kia of Thornton Colorado, about this. They said that these are the correct tires. I talked to the salesman, who said he called several dealers who agree that the hybrid tires are the same for the PHEV. I opened a case with Kia Care (Case # XXX) who sent me to the dealer to inspect and document the tires. Peak Kia of Colorado Springs points to a section of the manual "Tires and Wheels"; where there is an example of how to read a tire, using P235/55R19 101H as the example. They said this is the evidence that I have the correct tire! Kia said the dealer determines if action is required. the dealer ignores the "Specifications" part of the Owners Manual, which I referred and sent copies to them. I am concerned that the vehicle may have adverse results from the lower load rating and speed rating, which could be a danger to occupants and other cars, in an emergency maneuver or when fully loaded. 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
#11596215June 24, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owned a 2022 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked overnight and the following morning it was driven a short distance to pick up their children, upon arrival the vehicle was parked in the garage and all the occupants exited, it caught on fire. No injuries were sustained. There was no property damage to the residence. No warning light had previously been illuminated. The contact stated a few weeks prior that the vehicle had new parts installed for routine maintenance. The local fire department arrived at the scene and extinguished the fire. The contact was advised by the fire department and insurance provider that the fire origin was related to the wiring behind the odometer. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was later taken to the insurance provider. The failure was being investigated by the manufacturer and insurance provider. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 42,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11596218June 24, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES
After having the recent recall completed at the dealer, shortly thereafter I noticed that the ABS warning light, traction control warning light, and the downhill assist warning light all came on and stayed on while driving. The service department at the dealership says that these events are not related to the recent recall. I checked online and the problem seems to be a faulty speed sensor in the hub is to blame. There are NUMEROUS complaints from KIA and Hyundai owners that all point to this part having failed. The 2011 to 2015 KIA Sorento (like mine), seems to be especially problematic. I feel this is a safety related issue that should be remedied by the dealer and the expense for this often-failed part should not be borne by the owners. My car has less than 40K miles and is not cruddy or rusty underneath. If this is not addressed, several safety features will not function and the drivers of these cars, as well as others on the road will be in peril. MANY owners are just driving with the warning lights on due to the complexity and high cost of this repair. I feel KIA should address this so as to save lives and show their customers some respect. Thanks! PS: I had the vehicle plugged into a code reader at a local well-known auto parts store and they confirmed that it was a wheel speed sensor.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11596263June 24, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
While waiting for notification that the remedy part was available for this car, it caught on fire. It caught on fire on 6/20/2024. The car is a total loss and it was a very dangerous situation.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11596299June 24, 2024
EXTERIOR LIGHTING, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On multiple occasions our headlights will turn on by themselves without the car being on: for example while we are sleeping in the middle of the night we get a call from our neighbor that our car lights are on. Also while driving at night they will turn off by themselves. On all occasions the light are in AUTO mode, meaning the lights should turn on/off themselves when necessary but only when the key is in the car and the car is on
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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