Kia Sorento Complaints

10,397 consumer complaints on file.

#11725815March 20, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
My vehicle completely shut off while I was driving with my children in the car. The dealership replaced the battery but never identified the root cause. Since then my car has been experiencing RPM surging while in Park — the engine revs up and down repeatedly on its own. The vehicle also feels sluggish and does not want to accelerate properly while driving. Additionally since taking ownership of the vehicle my window has squealed every time it rains and I roll down the window. The dealership has replaced the seals, lubricated and cleaned the window multiple times and the problem persists. The defective window seal also caused a gash in my window tint requiring replacement. I have taken my car to my Kia dealership multiple times and they have been unable to fully resolve these issues. My car is currently at the dealership right now and they still cannot find the problem. I contacted Kia Corporate on March 20, 2026 and opened a formal case. These defects have put my children in danger and I am requesting a formal federal investigation.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11725737March 20, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When I turned my car on and started to drive, an orange a popped up and started blinking. It looked like the automatic stop and start light. My car would not shift and I could not go above 60 mph. I had to turn my car off and turn it back on for it to stop doing what it was doing.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11725179March 18, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
I own a 2017 Kia Sorento SX 3.3L V6 FWD with 68,000 miles and full documented service history. The HECU (Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit) failed, disabling the ABS and electronic stability control system. This is a known defect covered under Kia's settlement for some Sorento vehicles with identical HECU components. Despite the same defect occurring on my 2017 model, it was excluded from the settlement without justification. I paid out of pocket for the HECU replacement which cost $2645. This is a serious safety defect affecting the braking system. I am requesting NHTSA investigate whether the some additional 2017 Sorento models should be included in the existing settlement or subject to a separate recall given the identical nature of the defect across model years.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11725332March 18, 2026
ENGINE
Was driving vehicle and it began to run hot, check engine light came on then started to make a knocking sound when getting to 30-35 mph. Was inspected by a service center. There it was confirmed an issue with the motor/head gasket
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11725363March 18, 2026
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while his wife was driving, the battery, check engine, and oil warning lights were simultaneously illuminated. The driver reported hearing a low rattling sound and observed smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the dealer declined to service the vehicle because the knock sensor was not installed by the previous owner. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a connecting rod bearing failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11725220March 18, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
February 23 2026: Discoverd the rear window had imploded on its own overnight. investigated with the neighbor's Ring camera to see if there was suspicious activity overnight and found there was none. I had the glass replaced. I thought this was bizarre to have a window implode but didn't think anything else. March 17, 2026: Driving home from an errand the rear window imploded again with the most impressive sound-like a gunshot- and the window bits sprayed inside the vehicle. The sound was so loud my ears rang for approx 2 hours afterwards. I have the repair people coming out again, but am working with the local Kia Dealership to source the reason for the issue. This is no longer a one-off problem, but a particular car defect. There have been no warnings or extreme weather temperature changes that could factor into the problem. The incidents are sudden and without warning or reason. I have photographs from both incidents.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11725094March 17, 2026
ENGINE
Eccessive oil consumpion. I related it to the dealir who did not want yo do anything about it. I present this problem yo the dealr beginning of 2024 and sid not wanted to do anything but instructed me yo gather my receipt and come back. By yhe time i pulle all my record 10 yaer of car maintenanxe iy took me yime and i was necer told yhat after 10 yers yhw warrant will expire and thw miles qhere noy valid anymore. I went by the miles knowing that i could do somwnthing about unyil 100,000 miles. When i went back to my dealer, the dealwr had cl9sed down so i yook yhe cae yo anoyher dealer and was yold couldnt do noti g and i should i called costumere caee. I have been calling molyiple yime but no cooperarion on their hand. Knowing yhat i went thwr early yo rwport thw issue thwy are srill noy taking reapo sability. I am reaxhing out for hwl as the car consume an eccessive amount it keep smelling brurning smell and oild needs to be added ever 1000 mile. Please guide me o. How to proceed 8184724019 if u need to reach me. Thanks for ur help in this matter.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11725121March 17, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
1/24/26 -- While driving ~25-30mph (~2 miles from start of trip) car produced “Engine Management System error” and within a minute or so “Check Hybrid System. Stop Safely” warning and went into electric only mode, limp mode. Turning off the car and turning back on temporarily enabled the gas engine to run. Dealer reviewed fault codes and stated vehicle was now running correctly. ~800 miles and less than 30days later the same problem occurred again. 2/17 – While driving ~30mph (~1mile from start of trip) the car produced a “Engine Management System error”. At this point I was approaching a traffic light and stopped at the red light. Decided to return home and attempted to turn right on red at the light. When I hit the gas to turn, the gas engine did not engage, the car limped forward a few feet in electric mode, and the car started beeping with the “Check Hybrid System. Stop Safely” warning. If I had less less space when turning right, or the car would have a moved a few feet farther, I would have been hit in the intersection by an oncoming car. Thankfully I had left a lot of space and my car did not pull that far into the intersection. I turned the car off, when I turned the car on again, the gas engine engaged, and I was able to slowly drive the 1 mile home. Car was then towed to the dealer 2/18 for repair. As of 3/17 dealer still has the vehicle (so do not have a second repair invoice) and waiting on an Customer Care escalation from KIA as dealer recalibrated the Hybrid module but can't recreate the issue after driving 400miles. This issue leaves the car in a limp mode with a significant chance of causing a accident, I was almost hit, when there is loss of ability to accelerate at any meaningful rate or drive any sustained distance.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724830March 17, 2026
ENGINE
Office of Defects Investigation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE Washington, DC 20590 Subject: Safety Complaint – Premature Engine Failure Risk Due to Excessive Oil Consumption and Confirmed Cylinder Scoring – 2020 Kia Sorento Dear Sir or Madam, I am submitting a formal safety complaint regarding a 2020 Kia Sorento that is experiencing severe and abnormal engine oil consumption along with confirmed cylinder wall scoring. These conditions indicate progressive internal engine damage and present a significant risk of premature engine failure. The vehicle has been regularly maintained in accordance with manufacturer service recommendations. Despite proper maintenance, the engine began consuming excessive amounts of oil between normal service intervals. During inspection by the servicing dealership, visible cylinder wall scoring was identified within the engine. Cylinder scoring is a clear indication of internal engine wear and deterioration and can lead to rapid progression toward engine failure. Despite the confirmed presence of internal engine damage, the manufacturer has refused to authorize an engine replacement under the extended warranty program unless the engine experiences complete mechanical failure. The dealership has indicated that the vehicle must continue to be operated and monitored until catastrophic breakdown occurs before replacement will be approved. Requiring the continued operation of a vehicle with confirmed cylinder wall damage and abnormal oil consumption raises serious safety concerns. Progressive internal engine damage can lead to sudden engine seizure, stalling, or loss of power while driving, which creates a potential hazard for the driver, passengers, and surrounding traffic. Given the confirmed cylinder scoring and ongoing excessive oil consumption, I respectfully request that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigate.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724659March 16, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
The issue appears to involve the electric oil pump and related components. My 2021 Kia Sorento had a recall for the electric oil pump that was marked “completed” in January 2023; however, the dealership only performed a software update and did not replace any mechanical components because no fault code was present at that time. Beginning around October 2025, the vehicle started experiencing drivability issues including hesitation and bogging down when accelerating from a stop. A dealership representative later stated the electric oil pump and housing likely need replacement and that the transmission may also be affected. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This issue creates a safety risk because the vehicle frequently hesitates or bogs down when attempting to accelerate, especially when pulling into highway traffic. When pressing the accelerator, the vehicle sometimes struggles to engage and move forward, which increases the risk of a collision. I brought the vehicle to Kia of RBC and spoke with Service Advisor Justin Hawkins. At the time of inspection, the check engine light had turned off and I was told they could not diagnose or repair the issue unless the warning light was active. I was instructed to continue driving the vehicle until the light returns. During a later conversation, dealership staff indicated the electric oil pump and housing likely need replacement and that the transmission may also require replacement, but they could not confirm this without the warning light being present.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724465March 15, 2026
ENGINE
Oil is leaking from my car. The dealership said I would need to replace the engine. The car is only 6 years old.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724500March 15, 2026
ENGINE
Dealer driving car 35mph. Check engine light started flashing. Burning plastic smell from under hood. Car cut off. Did not restart. Towed to mechanic, was told engine locked up.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724512March 15, 2026
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING, BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
All sensors and alarms glitching.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724298March 14, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I’m tired of replacing my headlight bulbs every month!!! Both high and low beam go out all the time! It’s expensive. Also it is a safety concern. The low beams are dim to begin with and having one go out I have to drive with high beams on due to inability to see. I even upgraded bulbs in hopes of brightening but they also go out all the time.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11723974March 12, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
In April, 2025, my vehicle's engine power was significantly reduced while on the highway. I could not keep pace with traffic. My mechanic said there were recalls for the turbo engine but my car was not included. I paid forbthe part and repair. Less than a year later and the car began burning a lot of oil very fast. I add oil weekly. The car has again been losing power and there is still no recall for my car's engine. There is burning and smoke coming from the engine because of an engine oil leak Jiffy Lube detected yesterday, Mar h 11, 2026. The problem began at around 65k miles and now has 88k miles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11723839March 12, 2026
ENGINE
On December 21, 2025, my vehicle experienced abnormal knocking/ticking sounds coming from the engine while driving on the interstate (60 mph), and it was difficult going up hills. The check engine light was intermittingly blinking, and there was a strong burning smell. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone and the code displayed P0304 indicating a cylinder 4 misfire. The spark plugs were replaced. However, the knocking sounds, blinking check engine light, and smell of burning happened again, and I took it PepBoys on December 26, 2025. After testing, they indicated that the fuel injector was cracked and fuel was found in the engine oil. I had AAA tow the vehicle to Cochran Kia [XXX] ). The dealership indicated that they would not be able to look at the vehicle until December 29, 2025. The dealership verified that the check engine light was still on and the motor was misfiring badly. They then checked cylinder #4 with a borescope and found that the valve had a crack in it and that the engine would need to be replaced. There was also damage/scoring to the piston and cylinder wall. The dealership corresponded with Kia (Case #25769914), Kia however indicated that there was no powertrain warranty and that this would not be covered under PI1803 and indicated that only applies to bearing failure, and that dealership should provide me with cost estimate to replace the engine. My vehicle has been properly maintained, and I provided the dealership with the additional requested maintenance records on February 14, 2026. I reached out to Kia Customer Care and they indicated to get the engine replaced under the warranty from the settlement, I had to work with the dealership. I contacted the dealership again on 3/12/26 and they said they can't do a warranty replacement because the warranty only covered if it was the rod bearing. 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
#11723989March 12, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Driving 40 mph coming around a bend. There was a car stopped about to rear off to the left and when coming up around the turn I saw and tried to stop. I was about two car lengths behind the car when I pressed the brake down and I pushed it all the way down and nothing happened. It was grinding and shaky when pressing it down. Not tight or anything. I feel like I normally would have that tension right away to be able to stop. There was no warning or anything and the car always has warnings when something is close.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11723548March 11, 2026
POWER TRAIN, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ENGINE
The drive train and motor slow to a near stop in traffic when trying to clear a lane and makes it very dangerouos for other traffic to have to wait for me to clear a lane. There is something wrong and we complained about this before the warranty ran out, but they could not find anything. The car stops in traffic unexpectedly. I am not sure if sensors are causing this or what, but it has put me in danger of collision many times. We have to plan an exceedingly long time to pull into traffic so we don't get run over. Anti slip also doesn't turn off even though it says it is off. The car will slip a little bit and then shut the motor down to a crawl making it very dangerous in traffic. The 4x4 doesn't seem to work as we turn it on to try to eleminate slipping. The slipping mostly occurs because of the motor becoming doggedly slow and then decides to speed up. The 4x4 on and the turning of the anti-slip do not work because it still slips and shuts down. The other tires don't seem to slip or do anything. Please help!!!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11723570March 11, 2026
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started shaking and making a rough sound. The vehicle hesitated while accelerating and lost motive power. A piston failed, causing oil to spray out with enough force to damage the catalytic converter. The vehicle was driven to the dealer for an unknown recall repair, but found to have issues with the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11723639March 11, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
The vehicle just had an oil change. It was driven after that approximately 25 miles when there was a loud noise and the wheels locked up. The vehicle was shifted into neutral and coasted to the end of a dirt road. Could smell oil burning. Upon inspection of the underside there was oil blown onto the exhaust and down the underside of the vehicle. After looking further, I noticed a semi rectangular hole in the narrow end of the oil pan just above the exhaust pipe. Some oil had drained out but the dip stick was reading full. This incident could have resulted in losing control of the vehicle when the tires locked up or caused a fire when the oil hit the exhaust. It could have cause an accident if another vehicle was following. No lights were on until after the incident when the check engine and oil light came on. It still has not been diagnosed by the dealer because they are all backed up until May. Have to rent a vehicle due now and probably look for an independent garage.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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