Kia Sorento Complaints

654 consumer complaints on file.

#11688811September 22, 2025
POWER TRAIN
2022 Kia Sorento LX started off with rpm acceleration randomly. It progress and started happening multiple times during a ride. Took it to Jake Sweeney Kia dealership, they were not able to pick up on any codes. They said they tried a flight recording and couldn’t record data, but not even 15 minutes off the lot the symptoms proceeded. Now the vehicle is trying to shift gears while in drive. I’ve provided videos and the dealership responded back and said, “After speaking with my manager about this situation I can't really do too much until it becomes a constant issue. I know that isn't what you want to hear but at this time without a check engine light or it happening all the time there isn't much I can accomplish for you.” Not only is this a safety hazard for myself and my child this is negligence on Kia and Jake Sweeney Kia Florence.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688125September 18, 2025
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I am filing this complaint regarding a serious transmission defect in my 2022 Kia Sorento. The vehicle frequently hesitates, stalls, and at times fails to accelerate properly, creating a dangerous situation when driving in traffic, merging, or crossing intersections. This poses a direct safety hazard to me, my passengers, and other drivers on the road. I brought the vehicle to Mark Kia Service in Scottsdale, AZ. The dealership acknowledged that the transmission issue is a known defect in this model. However, they refused to repair the problem unless they could “replicate” the malfunction during their testing. Because the issue is intermittent, it does not always occur on demand, leaving me without any repair or resolution despite the safety risk. This policy effectively forces consumers to continue driving unsafe vehicles. I have already experienced several close calls where the vehicle’s hesitation and lack of response nearly caused an accident. The defect is widely reported among other owners of the 2022 Sorento, yet Kia and its dealerships are failing to provide adequate remedies under warranty. I am submitting this complaint to request an investigation into Kia’s handling of this matter. The failure to repair a known transmission defect, despite documented safety risks, places drivers and the public in harm’s way. A recall or mandatory corrective action should be considered to ensure consumer safety.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688056September 18, 2025
POWER TRAIN
2022 Kia sorento under 86,000 miles is jerks intermittently but no codes are being shown. Currently at the dealership and tech suspects transmission, which has been reported by numerous consumers of this issue but the recall was only applied to certain Kia sorentos and it should be broader.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11686778September 12, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
Everytime i put my car in cruise control for 1-2 minutes after i take the cruise control off the breakers are gone and them come back
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11686134September 9, 2025
POWER TRAIN
While driving my 2022 Kia sorento on the interstate a sudden check engine light illuminated and the car totally stalled out with a severe decrease in power causing me to almost be rear ended by interstate traffic before I could get off the road safely. After taking the vehicle to the dealership for diagnostics I was informed there was a P1C2D03 trouble code which is associated with the 8 speed dual clutch transmission indicating an internal fault in the electric oil pump of the TCU. Upon further investigation we find out this code was associated with a safety recall that went out for this particular Kia model and transmission. The original owner took this car in to have the recall repaired back in 2023 without the fault code showing or any issue presenting from the vehicle. They were simply taking it in to clear the recall they were sent. While it was at the dealership they flashed the system like they were supposed to do according to the campaign instruction and sent them on their way. Fast forward to now and I am getting this same fault that the recall was sent out for but I have the code which according to the campaign instructions Kia was supposed to replace the transmission due to a mfg defect. Kia is refusing to replace the transmission now saying the recall can not be reopened and since I am the second owner and my warranty is expired I will have to pay over $5,000 for a replacement.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11685472September 6, 2025
ENGINE
At start up, vehicle’s engine will sometimes have abnormally strong vibrations/shaking, loud noises, and will only produce reduced power (vehicle struggles to accelerate). The check engine light is illuminated when this happens. I am typically able to clear it by shutting off the vehicle one to two times. I have attempted to repair this defect at least 4 times but Kia has been unable to resolve.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11684942September 4, 2025
POWER TRAIN
See attached document for complaint.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11684632September 2, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
The vehicle will sometimes, after shifting from park to drive, roll backwards if on an incline, even while gassing. If not an incline when this occurs, the vehicle will not move forwards. This typically lasts for a few seconds before the transmission engages. This happens intermittently; the first time it happened to my family member, it almost caused an accident. Kia has attempted to repair this defect three times but has been unsuccessful. During the last repair attempt, the Kia tech told me that they’ve seen multiple vehicles with this issue, and that it is “normal” for Kia.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11684003August 29, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, there was an abnormal clunk coming from the transmission while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, turned off, and restarted the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The transmission was replaced; however, the failure reoccurred and became worse. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V760000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 66,658.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11683411August 27, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH or higher, the vehicle was vibrating abnormally. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the brakes seized with an abnormal sound coming from the brakes. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was included in an undisclosed recall related to rotors, and the rotors were replaced under the recall. However, approximately 2 months after the repair, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was returned to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the rotors had failed again and needed to be resurfaced. The dealer started to resurface the rotors, but the contact decided to stop the process. The contact researched and determined that rotors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11683340August 27, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Transmission caught between gears at speeds below 25mph. Engine revs without acceleration: Drivers report pressing the accelerator, and the engine's RPMs increase, but the vehicle does not speed up as expected. Driver returned the vehicle to Dealership and reported the incident. Dealership reported, malfunction could not be replicated. No indicator or warning lights present. The same incident occurred the following day for second time. Both incidents occurred around [XXX].on [XXX] at low operating speeds. Sudden loss of power places you and those around you in harm's Way when traveling at/below posted speed limits. Other Drivers around you don't know that your car is unable to move. This is a safety hazard. Clearly the transmission is failing in malfunctioning. 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
#11683103August 26, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2024 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that during a routine oil change, the mechanic added an unknown oil additive to the vehicle. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle lost motive power and drove sluggishly. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for an oil change, and the mechanic observed metal shavings in the oil. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, but it had not yet been diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11682241August 21, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
August 18, 2025 at 3pm PT; My 2025 Kia Sorento X-Line was parked in my driveway facing the street. I had the engine on, and in Park mode, AC on, back hatch door open. No one was in the vehicle. I was standing behind the vehicle when it then started to go in reverse, then stopped for 2 seconds. It then proceeded to go into reverse again. The garage door was open. The vehicle pushed me into the blades of our lawn mower (it is stored in the garage on its end, so the blades face the garage door), and continued to push me and the lawn mower into our gardening tool supply rack. I did all I could to stop the vehicle with my body and yell for help. I was trapped. The vehicle eventually stopped because the back hatch door was open and caught on the upper part of the garage frame. I got myself unstuck and got out to the right, and went straight to the passenger front door to check out the gear shift. It was still in Park mode. All was captured on our Ring camera. I called Kia corporate customer service and received a case number (25476533) and was told I would hear back in 10 business days. This was after calling the dealership twice directly (Elk Grove Kia) leaving a detailed message with no response.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11681877August 20, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while at a stop light, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle lost motive power, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that there was a misfire in cylinder #4. The vehicle was not repaired, and the mechanic referred the contact to the dealer for additional assistance. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with a fuel injector failure. The contact was informed that the fuel injectors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the parts need to be ordered to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,880.
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
#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
#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
#11680690August 14, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY
The trim on my vehicle will not stay snapped down.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11680646August 14, 2025
AIR BAGS
Airbag light on drivers side lit up, clock spring is defective
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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