Kia Sorento Complaints

10,397 consumer complaints on file.

#11772844October 21, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Only 13,245 miles on vehicle warning dash light EBS came on, after Hilltop Ford/ KIA dealer inspection $279.00 recommended fix is replacing “Distance Sensor/Cruise Control Unit” cost for part $4,808.59.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11772419October 20, 2026
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, there was an abnormally strong fuel odor inside the vehicle. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for a scheduled service, the contact requested that the dealer inspect the issue. The vehicle was diagnosed with a low-pressure fuel pump failure. The contact was informed that the low-pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11772433October 20, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that there was coolant intrusion into the engine. The failure was associated with Technical Service Bulletin: 253 (Rev 1, WTY035 - Warranty Extension Program). The contact stated that the issue was caused by a failure of the iron screws on the engine. The dealer was contacted and stated that the oil change records were needed before replacing the engine. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 148,764.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11772503October 20, 2026
ENGINE
I am the original owner of a 2016 Kia Sorento and have lived at my original registration address since purchasing the vehicle. The engine suddenly and catastrophically failed/seized due to internal rod bearing failure. The local Kia dealership is denying the recall engine replacement because the KSDS (Knock Sensor Detection System) software update was not performed. However, Kia America failed to mail me a statutory recall notice to my verified address. The dealership is weaponizing Kia's own notification failure to deny coverage for an acknowledged safety defect."
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11772086October 19, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On XXX, my father was driving his Kia on the [XXX] when the vehicle unexpectedly stopped operating. The specific mechanical or electrical component responsible for the failure is currently UNKNOWN. The sudden failure occurred while the vehicle was being driven on a major highway, creating a potentially dangerous situation for my father and surrounding motorists. An unexpected loss of vehicle operation in highway traffic can significantly increase the risk of a collision or serious injury. Following the incident, the vehicle was towed to our family's independent mechanic. The mechanic advised that they could not diagnose the problem because specialized Kia diagnostic access was required. The vehicle was subsequently transported to Pride Kia of [XXX], where it has remained without a diagnosis or repair. We have been informed that Pride Kia has experienced significant staffing shortages and has been unable to perform the necessary diagnostic evaluation. As of XXX, the vehicle has been out of service for approximately two months, and neither the dealership nor Kia America has identified the cause of the failure. The vehicle is currently available for inspection at Pride Kia of Lynn, [XXX]. The malfunction has not been reproduced or confirmed through a completed diagnostic inspection. Kia America Consumer Affairs has been contacted, but the manufacturer has not provided a confirmed diagnosis or explanation of the failure. Whether any warning lights, dashboard messages, unusual noises, or other symptoms occurred before the vehicle stopped operating is currently UNKNOWN. I am submitting this complaint because the vehicle unexpectedly became inoperable while being driven on a highway, presenting a potential safety hazard. I am requesting that NHTSA document and evaluate this incident for any possible vehicle safety defect or related pattern of failures. 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
#11772250October 19, 2026
ENGINE
The car is running rough, losing power and knocking. Unable to drive it safely. The more you accelerate the less power it has. It has been sitting ever since the incident.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11772270October 19, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
Faulty cameras to allow the AEB and LDWS to work accordingly. Warning lights are on due to faulty system
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771909October 18, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Zubie plug-in obd device for gps tracking and health monitoring of cars. It was triggering an airbag light on the dash which meant in the event of a crash the airbags would not be deployed. My local Kia dealer investigated and found the plug in zubie device was triggering the airbag light in the dash. I contacted zubie and they said they knew about this. This is a huge safety concern for a simple gps obd plugin to be affecting safety systems of cars.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771928October 18, 2026
STEERING
On Saturday, October 10, 2026, the electric power steering (EPS) failed while driving and the EPS warning light came on. The steering became very heavy and hard to turn, and the vehicle shook during the failures. It happened 4 separate times within an hour, including right after starting the vehicle and shifting into gear, and after the vehicle restarted at a light at a busy intersection. My family was in the car, and losing steering in traffic was very unsafe. After the second failure, we drove to the dealership. The vehicle is still there; the dealer confirmed the error codes but has not reproduced the issue. The failed part and the cause are UNKNOWN. The vehicle is available for inspection. No police or insurance inspection has been done. The EPS warning light was the only warning, and it appeared at the time of each failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771956October 18, 2026
ENGINE
My 2023 Kia Sorento has experienced continuous mechanical failures, including a serious engine fire in December 2025 while I was driving on the [XXX], which put my life at risk. Following that incident, my vehicle remained in the shop for nearly three months while the engine and related components were replaced, only to experience another failure in March 2026 requiring a transmission replacement, followed by electrical issues in April requiring a wiring harness replacement. In June 2026, my vehicle broke down again and required yet another transmission replacement, leaving me without my vehicle for several additional months. [XXX], my vehicle failed AGAIN while I was in Houston and had to be towed, proving that nearly a year of extensive repairs has failed to resolve these ongoing mechanical issues. This vehicle is a serious safety concern, and I have completely lost confidence in its reliability, especially after experiencing an engine fire, repeated breakdowns, and dangerous acceleration issues. I have continued making monthly payments on a vehicle that has spent more time in the repair shop than in my possession, causing significant financial strain, stress, and inconvenience. After nearly a year of unsuccessful repair attempts, I am demanding an immediate and permanent resolution, including a vehicle buyback or replacement, as I should not be expected to continue driving a vehicle that repeatedly jeopardizes my safety. 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
#11771803October 17, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
This incident occurred on 10/03/26 at approx. 11:45 AM. Location: Squankum-Yellowbrook Rd. (524A) Howell NJ. Temp: 73 F. Road condition: 2 lane rural clear and dry. Description of incident: While driving @ approx. 40 MPH with no on-coming or traffic ahead or behind, the entire right rear passenger window spontaneously imploded, explosively showering the entire rear seat with glass shards. Upon immediately pulling off the road and upon my own examination (and shortly thereafter by responding police) no impact object that could have caused the glass breakage was found. Had there been rear seat passenger(s) at that time undoubtedly that person(s) would have sustained head/face or eye injuries.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771485October 15, 2026
SEATS
left side of driver's seat isn't locking in place. A 2016 model year was recalled for a seat weld break, but appears 2011 is a problem as well.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771008October 14, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Turned car on and no air blowing from any vents on any setting.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771076October 14, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Summer 2024: The paint began peeling significantly off the hood. When I contacted Kia Support, I was told the vehicle was out of warranty. Subsequent Repairs: Expecting a minor issue, I paid $412 out-of-pocket to repaint the hood. Shortly after, the new paint failed to adhere due to the defect and I attempted minor touch-ups myself. Current Status: The paint on the roof has now begun chipping off. A recent follow-up with Kia Customer Service resulted in the same script regarding warranty limits.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771163October 14, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while accelerating between 10 MPH and 15 MPH, the vehicle vibrated and jerked, similar to an attempted gear shift, before returning to normal operation. Additionally, the vehicle experienced a loss of motive power, particularly while traveling down a decline. The failure was a recurring issue. The dealer was contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 76,500.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771181October 14, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The back camera has fallen out and it appears the clips are broken off that was holding camera inside of car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771271October 14, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Subject: Safety Complaint – Intermittent Infotainment Screen and Backup Camera Failure – 2026 Kia Sorento Hybrid I am experiencing an ongoing issue with my 2026 Kia Sorento Hybrid X-Line SX Prestige AWD. Almost every time I start my vehicle, the entire right-hand infotainment display remains completely black for approximately five minutes before suddenly turning on and functioning normally. During this time, the audio system continues playing music, and the instrument cluster, including the speedometer and gauges, functions normally. However, the infotainment screen remains completely black, even when the vehicle is shifted into Reverse. As a result, I have no access to the rearview camera display. This has created a serious safety concern. On one occasion, I nearly backed into another vehicle because I could not see it behind me. Fortunately, my vehicle's automatic emergency braking system activated and prevented a collision. This issue now occurs almost daily and is not an isolated incident. I am concerned that the malfunction could eventually result in a collision, particularly if the automatic braking system fails to intervene. I am requesting that Kia investigate this recurring defect, determine whether other vehicles are affected, and provide a permanent repair under warranty. Given that the malfunction disables an important safety feature, I believe this issue deserves immediate attention.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11770758October 13, 2026
POWER TRAIN, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2022 Kia Sorento, VIN [XXX], subject to Recall 22V760 (Kia SC250, 8-speed DCT electric oil pump). The recall was performed with a software update only; the transmission and original pump were not replaced. On XXX at 116,273 miles, while driving, the dash displayed “Transmission system error! Check transmission oil immediately” and the vehicle entered limp mode. My scan tool read P193B79 (high-pressure electric oil pump performance) and P0868 (transmission fluid pressure low). The message cleared on its own. I later cleared the codes with my scan tool; P0868 returned and P193B79 has not as of XXX. No fluid leaks. Transmission gear oil was serviced at a Kia dealer about 13,900 miles earlier. Kia’s recall report says this pump defect can cause complete loss of motive power. I believe the software-only remedy left the defective pump in the vehicle and may be inadequate. I am limiting use of the vehicle. Kia America case #XXX. A dealer has not yet diagnosed the vehicle. That is the next step. 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
#11770780October 13, 2026
ENGINE
The contact rented a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the headlights and tail lights intermittently failed to illuminate or shorted out, and the check engine warning light illuminated. While driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle suddenly seized in the middle of an intersection, and the contact was unable to move the gear shifter out of gear. The local police department arrived on the scene and assisted the contact by disassembling components around the gear shifter in order to shift the transmission into neutral (N). The vehicle was then towed back to the rental business. The failure mileage was approximately 207,000. The VIN was not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11770915October 13, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I am submitting this complaint to report two separate incidents involving a sudden and significant loss of acceleration in my vehicle while merging onto the freeway. These incidents created dangerous driving conditions and placed both myself and my children at risk. First Incident – July 2026 In July 2026, my vehicle experienced a sudden loss of acceleration while I was merging onto the freeway. I was traveling uphill in a single-lane merge area with no shoulder available to pull over safely. During this incident, the vehicle would not accelerate beyond approximately 40 mph, and I was forced to maintain that speed for several miles. I had both of my children in the vehicle at the time. After merging onto the far-left lane of the freeway, I needed to cross four lanes of traffic to reach my exit. The vehicle's inability to accelerate normally created a significant safety hazard, as I had limited ability to keep pace with surrounding traffic or maneuver safely. Second Incident – October 2026 In October 2026, the issue occurred again while I was merging onto the freeway. I was unable to accelerate beyond approximately 69 mph. When I released the gas pedal, the vehicle rapidly decelerated to a dangerously low speed, forcing me to pull onto the freeway shoulder. After waiting approximately 10 minutes, I attempted to drive again. The vehicle would not accelerate beyond approximately 40 mph, and a dashboard message appeared stating, "Park with engine On to charge battery." I was forced to travel along the freeway shoulder for several miles until I could reach the next exit. I then parked in an empty parking lot and waited approximately 20 minutes before attempting to drive again. When I tried to accelerate to merge back into traffic, the vehicle continued to feel sluggish and unresponsive. Unfortunately the dealership were unable to duplicate the issue after the first occurrence and no repairs were done. The car is at the same dealership and I am waiting to hear back.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

← Back to Kia Sorento