Kia Sorento Complaints

10,397 consumer complaints on file.

#11594845June 17, 2024
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle was making an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the sound was louder whenever the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced due to bearing wear. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11594864June 17, 2024
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I own a 2014 KIA Sorento 2.4L LX FWD. I have been experiencing a problem with my car for about two years. This usually occurs when driving up a hill and the transmission downshifts and I experience a jerk, either from the transmission or engine and the rpm drops to zero. The transmission will not shift from the last shift point. Most times it will be in the drive for final gear. You can increase the vehicle speed by pushing the accelerator all the way down. We were coming back on vacation two years ago and was driving in the left lane on an interstate. I experienced the symptoms and the rpm dropped to zero. No downshift or up shift. I managed ti find an opening in traffic to get over in the right hand lane and exit. Once I came to a stop, I tried to accelerate but engine struggled. I turned off the engine and was able to restart the engine and it operated properly. Had rom, transmission shifted properly. This was an unnerving situation. I felt very fortunate that I did not have to evade a dangerous situation on the interstate since the transmission would not shift and I could press the accelerator to the floor to gain a little extra speed. Any help will be appreciated. Thank you.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11594602June 16, 2024
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE
I was driving home from work when I felt my car was in a limp like a previous problem I had except this time I had a check engine light come on. I was almost home and I had a check hybrid system pop up on my dash and the car basically stopped driving. Luckily I was on a side street. I had a p0171 code on both of my issues . I had it fixed about a month and half ago the first time but couldn't say what caused the issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11594655June 16, 2024
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Engine overheating, no warning lights. Changed thermostat, no change, new radiator- some improvement but still getting hot. Oil and coolant levels were fine. Got it tested and they told us we needed a new engine. We just had purchased the car and we just barely missed it being covered under warranty. This leading us to search forums for others that have had this issue with Kia Sorento 3.3 engine. Turns out there are quite a a few due to the head bolts coming loose, leaking head gasket, and ultimately ruining the engine. We are paying for a vehicle that is not drivable due to faulty parts by design. We were not made aware of this issue or that it may need to be repaired otherwise we would have steered clear of KIA. Will not be buying a KIA ever again. So many issues and no accountability for their mistakes.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11594410June 14, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11594437June 14, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The Snow White Pearl paint is coming off of the vehicle due to issue of the paint is not adhering to the sealant coat on the car. This is causing big chunks of paint being removed when it rains heavily. KIA knows about this issue, when I talked to a manager at their body shop he informed me that this is a ongoing issue with this paint color. KIA doesn't want to take ownership of the problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11594481June 14, 2024
STEERING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ENGINE
Shortly after purchasing the vehicle in February of this year, we started to notice that oil was burning off quickly. We took it to be looked at and was notified that there was no signs of a leak. After that incident all of the warning lights came on on the dashboard. We took it again to be seen where we were told that it was burning oil again and that the oil was low. We had the oil refilled and on our way home the car completely seats and shut down loosing all power on the highway. We lost all control of the power steering, braking system, and the power to the whole car shut off. We had the car towed to a repairman who looked over the car and said that the engine is completely seized with no notable signs of damage but that it would require an entire engine replacement. We notified Kia about the problem and that it was something that was known to happen with the engine and they refused to cover it or do any type of repair. The car is now non-functionable with a complete seizure of the engine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11594171June 13, 2024
ENGINE
Ongoing issue with coolant mixing in the oil causing overheating in the engine. I believe this a safety risk as driving the vehicle for longer than 30 minutes causes the engine temperature to rise dramatically and risks complete engine failure, potentially when driving at speed. Vehicle has not been examined by a dealer. We've just become aware this is apparently due to Kia's known soft block issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11593856June 12, 2024
ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the engine overheated, and the temperature gauge became elevated. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the head gasket was blown and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11594050June 12, 2024
AIR BAGS, STEERING
The clock spring went bad with no warning
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11593729June 11, 2024
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, LANE DEPARTURE: SENSING SYSTEM: SONAR/ULTRASONIC
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while approaching a stop, the brake pedal was depressed, and the driver noticed that the check Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) System and Check Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on three occasions, where it was diagnosed that the sensors needed to be replaced and the system cleared. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for the A/C recharge and the contact was informed about unknown codes that were retrieved. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11593737June 11, 2024
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Sorento PHEV. The contact stated the upon starting the vehicle, an abnormally loud revving sound was coming from the engine while the vehicle was idling. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle hesitated upon the depression of the accelerator pedal while traveling at various speeds. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was initially taken to Seelye Kia of Battle Creek (791 W Dickman Rd, Battle Creek, MI 49037) where the contact was informed that the acceleration issue was normal vehicle operation due to the Hybrid feature. The vehicle was then taken to another dealer where the contact was provided the same issue as the dealer. The contact stated that the hesitation had worsened and had become more frequent. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11593756June 11, 2024
ENGINE
The engine seized without any warning. There was no sounds no smoke no anything that would indicate a issue with the engine. After engine failure come to find out that there is a little over three quarts of oil missing with no leak and no warning light came up on the dash, which if it had it would have saved me from having this happened where they now want me to replace the engine. There are many different recalls and complaints about this same problem with the 3.3 l V6 and I don't think owners should have to take on the large cost of repairs due to a manufacturer's defect. We tried to get to a mechanic shop fast enough where they stated that the car was missing that much oil and we tried adding the oil back but it was already too late. The car is currently at a Kia dealership with a seized motor.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11593440June 10, 2024
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact owned a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while depressing the accelerator pedal to drive inside the garage, the vehicle accelerated to the highest speed unintendedly. The contact depressed the brake pedal continuously, but the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle pushed a table of home items through the rear wall of the garage, hit several gas pipes, and then landed approximately 6 ft. downhill in the backyard, where it continued to accelerate. The contact then noticed steam coming out from underneath the hood and the vehicle stopped. The air bags did not deploy. The contact was able to drive up the backyard hill and enter the residence. The contact did not sustain any injuries. The vehicle was towed and totaled. A police report was not filed. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,042.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11593488June 10, 2024
ENGINE
My engine made a loud knocking sound and started shaking I tried to start after car was cut off but noise was worse. I then called for roadside assistance from my insurance policy. My 100,00 mile warranty is not in effect. My car was towed to my home at an out of pocket cost of$269.07 on May 20, 2024 I have not driven the car since and have been carless. I have spent approximately $1200 dollars on car rentals. I had a mechanic come by my house and he said it sounded like I would need a new engine. I checked on the price and it is out of my reach. I am retired senior citizen and really don't have $2000-$3000 to purchase an engine. I have done all recalls as, my car does not have a trailer hitch. What can be done to help.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11593520June 10, 2024
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1) The headlights will turn off while driving when the headlight switch is "automatic." 2) The headlights and taillights will illuminate after leaving and locking the vehicle leading to a completely drained battery.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11593512June 10, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Windows and door locks will intermittently stop operating. When doors will not unlock the rear doors will not open. Turning vehicle off and restarting 1-6 times will usually make the problem stop for a short time.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11593266June 9, 2024
ENGINE, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I was driving to work going about 40 and out of nowhere my 2016 Kia Sorento started slowing down. I could not accelerate and no warning lights came on. There was a sudden loss of power.The car slowed to a stop near a busy intersection. I was in the road and almost hit by multiple cars. I could not start it again. I noticed white smoke coming out from under the hood. There was an awful smell to it. It would not start back up. It was eventually towed to a dealership and they said the engine was locked up and the starter was burned. The engine is a 2.0L Turbo GDI engine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11593293June 9, 2024
ENGINE
For a few days ( especially if is a HOT day (over 80F) ) my 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid with 15,421 miles on it displays a "Refill Inverter Coolant" message. I checked the coolant level and is OK. After my research, it seems that the factory put the wrong Blue inverter coolant instead Red (all other KIA hybrid cars have Red coolant) . I found out that there is a KIA Technical Service Bulletin SA515 that addresses this issue. Called a few dealers in GA and I have been told that they need the cars for 7-10 days for investigation. Why???? when there is a Service Bulletin.. On top of this, I have been told that I need to rent a car at my expense and fight with KIA Corp to be reimbursed. This is Outrageous!!!!!! Other dealers do not have the required Vaccum Pump to flush the system or they can schedule me after 25 days. A safety Recall shall be issued and put pressure on KIA to address this issues before a catastrophic inverter fault occurs
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11593190June 8, 2024
STRUCTURE:BODY
2016 Kia Sorento with 80,000 snow white pedal paint peeling at a rapid paste. Factory defect
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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