Kia Sorento Complaints

10,397 consumer complaints on file.

#11770979October 13, 2026
POWER TRAIN, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE
XXX - 9:35am EST: Lost acceleration power while driving on interstate, hybrid battery rapidly depleted forcing gas engine to engage at high RPMs in effort to maintain speed and charge hybrid battery. Decelerated from 65mph to roughly 40 mph within 1 mile of traveling distance, resulting in maneuvering of car over to right hand shoulder to park in the middle of [XXX] between [XXX] and [XXX]. Called [XXX] dispatch to request unit to park behind vehicle with emergency lights on to make other drivers aware while tow truck was called. While having the engine on and awaiting tow truck, vehicle dashboard displayed 'Check Hybrid System' warning message and began idling at lower RPMs than usual while gas engine was running. Vehicle towed XXX at 10:40am to local Kia dealership for serving, as vehicle was under full warranty. As of XXX, dealership has yet to conduct diagnostics, noting during drop off of keys that only (1) technician certified to work on BEVs and HEVs was employed full-time by the dealership service department. Dealership has yet to reach out for additional information, option of courtesy vehicle, or to offer assistance with submission of claim for rental car reimbursement to Kia Motors America. Fortunately, I was the only passenger in the car at the time. However, as a seasoned driver who has experienced other significant incidents while driving (e.g., failure of power booster for power steering and power brakes, tire blowout on interstate), navigating four lanes of 65mph+ traffic to safety park vehicle on heavily trafficked bridge was one of the more anxiety and stress inducing experiences to date. Contingent upon dealership service diagnostics and potential corrective service, I am incredibly hesitant (and may refuse) to drive the vehicle again at this point. Such a failure of the drivetrain is, unquestionably, a safety hazard warranting reporting to NHTSA for further review. 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
#11770419October 11, 2026
ENGINE
My car's check engine just started flashing and the ECU has reduced my drivability to limp mode stating that my knock sensors are showing up on scan test and camshaft position exhaust sensor. When I removed the camshaft exhaust vvt sensor it indeed had metal shavings on it. A have a P1326 and a p0014 code which is basically telling me that my engine is having issue within the internal engine and oil consumption.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11770441October 11, 2026
ENGINE
Check engine light flashing going into limp mode
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11770345October 10, 2026
ENGINE
The engin cought on fire while driving. The entire car burnt. The engin burns 1 quart of oil per tank of gass consuming approximately 20 quarts beetween oil changes.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11770369October 10, 2026
ENGINE
On October 3, 2026, at approximately 12:30 p.m., my 2019 Kia Sorento, with fewer than 100,000 miles, experienced an unexpected engine failure while I was driving on the highway in the Chicago, Illinois, area. Component or System Failure: The vehicle's engine failed unexpectedly while the vehicle was being operated on the highway. The exact internal component responsible for the failure is currently UNKNOWN. However, the vehicle has since been inspected by an authorized Kia dealership, and I have been informed that the engine repair was approved. The availability of the failed engine or its components for further inspection is currently UNKNOWN. Safety Risks: What makes this incident particularly alarming is that my daughter was in the vehicle with me when the engine failed. We were traveling on the highway, surrounded by vehicles moving at high speeds, when we experienced this unexpected mechanical failure. This situation placed both my daughter and me in a potentially life-threatening situation. The sudden engine failure could have resulted in a serious collision, catastrophic injuries, or even the loss of both of our lives. As a mother, it is deeply disturbing to know that my daughter and I were exposed to such a dangerous situation while simply traveling in our vehicle. We could have been involved in a devastating accident through no apparent fault of our own. My concern extends beyond the inconvenience and financial burden of having my vehicle break down. This was a serious safety incident that endangered not only my life but also the life of my daughter and potentially other motorists on the highway. Dealer Confirmation: Following the incident, I contacted Kia to arrange an inspection and repair. Unfortunately, the earliest available service appointment was October 8, 2026, five days after the engine failure. An authorized Kia dealership subsequently inspected the vehicle and approved the engine repair. I am requesting the complete diagnostic finding
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11770029October 9, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
traveling on 6 lane divided highway at highway speed no traffic ahead for approximately 10 car lengths collision warnings fcs activated steered/swerved and braked. 2. Returned from KIA Dealership assured it should not happen again, 289 miles later driving 6 lane divided highway clear ahead warnings cuts power. Crash at highway speed. KIA Dealer states "NO problems found" "Functioning as designed". Yes Collision red and orange flashing lights, beeping alerts.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11770257October 9, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The vehicle experienced a sudden transmission malfunction while operation on public roads. The check engine light illuminated on the dashboard, and a diagnostic scan from the app revealed active error code P1C2D03. This specific component failure looks like it relates directly to Kia Safety Recall SC250 (NHTSA Campaign 22V760) regarding the 8-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT). Although my specific vin shows no active recalls. The failure presents an immediate safety risk as it causes an abrupt, unexpected loss of all motive power while driving in traffic.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769847October 8, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Car goes into "limp mode" and functions on only partial power. Warning light reads "Transmission system error! Check transmission oil immediately." Dealership says car shows no codes. My 2022 Kia Sorento SX had a recall because this problem is known. Kia recalled all the 2021 and 22's and fixed the programming to allow for limp mode. This "fix" Kia dealership kept the car and drove it but could not replicate. I took the car back and it happened again. It has happened on July 24th, August 26, September 3, October 7. In between, I've paid for an $800 transmission service and Kia has replaced the "clutch pack for the transmission" (whatever that is). The Car Pros Kia service writers all said that I needed to bring the car back while the warning was on. So when it happened yesterday, 10/7/26, I "limped" it 15 miles with my 4 way flashers on and carefully did NOT turn the car off so that someone could observe the warning. The service writers would not even come out and look at it - AFTER ALL THOSE PREVIOUS DEMANDS THAT I BRING IT IN WITH THE WARNING ON. They just had a flunky drive it to the garage to look at tomorrow. I had a foster child in the car (I am a court appointed special advocate to foster children) on two of these occasions. Since they replaced the clutch pack, my MPG have dropped about 20 - 25%. This is a known problem - Kia campaign SC250. I have tried to only tell you the relevant essentials. If you need more information, please call, text or email.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769894October 8, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The digital instrument cluster intermittently goes completely blank and displays "NO SIGNAL". This issue prevents me from seeing critical safety information and puts not only myself, but other drivers at risk. The vehicle was purchased on 6/6/26 and the first incident happened on 8/8/26. This happened multiple times, including during active drives. I was able to safety capture a video on 8/18/26. The vehicle was dropped at an authorized dealer on 8/24/26, along with my video proof. After one week, the dealer informed me they could not replicate the issue and refused to attempt repairs. I have opened a corporate case with Kia America who have also been very unresponsive. There are open recalls for this exact issue, but my VIN is not included.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769489October 7, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Passenger door failed to open three times since purchase. Tried locking/unlocking door from inside, outside and with key fob. Dealership looked at it in May 2026 and I reported it again because it happened two more times since. They couldn't duplicate it the first time and said it was to intermittent for the service manager to talk to me when I went in for an oil change. The lane keeping feature constantly hunts left ant right going down the road and feels unsafe around curves. The dealership took it on a short drive and said nothing was wrong and said they would not check the calibration. The right side of the driver display that has the map and radio goes out sometimes sitting still and at times driving down the road. Has happened at least 14 times. The screen goes blank and then has to reboot/initialize before it is usable.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769560October 7, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Bought my 2025 Kia Sorento brand new in November of 2025. Summer of 2026 with 30,000 miles on it, all of the dash lights kept flashing at me, including the red brake light, and messages saying CHECK ESC, CHECK ABS, CHECK DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM/ Happened several times but the car would still drive. The morning of August 20, I was going to leave for work and it happened again, but this time it wouldn't let me go in forward or reverse. When i pressed the gas, the engine just revved but it stayed in one spot and kind of jumped. I had it towed to Kia. They came up with 5 codes all having to do with the ABS system, drove it 500 miles, couldn't get it to happen so gave it back to me. Fast forward to Oct 4, the dash lights came on again after 30 min of driving but this time while the car was running and in park-this time let me drive- felt unsafe being everything online says it's a cricical safety issue with your brakes. Contacted Kia- bringing it back in tomorrow (Oct 8) but it then happened again this morning while driving 30 mph. Turned car off and back on and they were gone.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769596October 7, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sorento. While driving approximately 40-50 MPH in fourth gear, the vehicle shuddered and decelerated to 30 MPH, then lost drive power. Additionally, the clutch made a flapping sound while in 1st, 2nd, 6th, and 8th gear. The contact stated that the vehicle rolled while the transmission was shifted in drive(D). The contact pulled over, turned off, and then restarted the vehicle. The failure had occurred approximately five times. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V760000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769649October 7, 2026
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
UNKNOWN. Car all of a sudden wouldn’t accelerate while driving on the road. It was hesitating while pressing the gas pedal.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769662October 7, 2026
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving, there was an abnormal banging sound coming from under the hood of the vehicle and the vehicle shuddered abnormally. The contact stated that the Forward Collision Avoidance warning light was temporarily illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769753October 7, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Transmission has failed and dealership scanner did not read code P1C2D03, the diagnostic has confirmed a severe, structural failure of the transmission: the internal fluid barrier seal has worn through, causing total cross-contamination of the DCT gear oil and control fluid. This physical fluid mixing is actively starving the electric oil pump and throwing codes P086800 and P193B79. This creates the exact safety hazard described in Safety Recall SC250. Kia informed me that since I didn't have a direct P1C2D03 code it would not fall under the recall and they would not be replacing the transmission. I was told by another tech that the two codes are related to P1C2D03. To me a barrier failure is a mechanical failure that should be covered under the recall. my vehicle has 133,000 miles on it so it isn't covered under warranty.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769341October 6, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped and idling, the engine oil warning light illuminated, and the Apple CarPlay, radio, and HVAC system became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the oil pressure switch was replaced under warranty. The dealer determined that the electrical system had failed due to the oil pressure switch leaking oil onto the wiring harness, and that the wiring harness needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 131,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769430October 6, 2026
AIR BAGS
Dear Kia America Customer Care Team, Thank you for your response regarding Case Number While I understand that my vehicle is technically outside the standard factory warranty period, I am formally requesting a managerial review of this decision. This is not a request for a cosmetic repair, but a critical safety concern regarding a life-saving component. The dashboard material directly above the passenger airbag is cracking. As you are aware, the structural integrity of the airbag cover is essential for its correct deployment. My primary concern is that during a collision, these cracks could cause the airbag to deploy incorrectly, or worse, turn fragments of the brittle dashboard into dangerous projectiles aimed directly at the front passenger. A vehicle’s airbag system should not degrade into a safety hazard under normal operating conditions, regardless of warranty mileage. This structural degradation points to a potential material defect rather than standard wear and tear. Before I take further action, I request that Kia America reviews this case under a goodwill consideration (Goodwill Policy), as it directly impacts the crashworthiness and occupant safety of the vehicle. For your records, I am also documenting this issue with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to ensure it is registered as a potential safety risk for this model line. I look forward to your reconsidered response and hope we can resolve this matter safely and professionally. Sincerely Dear Thank you for contacting Kia America, Inc. We appreciate your feedback and the opportunity to address your concerns. We have concluded the research regarding your request for assistance. Your vehicle is out of warranty as outlined in your Warranty and Consumer Information Manual and the
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769456October 6, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The vehicle experienced a sudden loss of motive power on the highway due to the failure of the transmission electric oil pump, matching NHTSA Campaign 22V760000. The vehicle previously received only the TCU software update remedy. The software update failed to prevent the underlying physical defect from occurring, and the vehicle is now dangerously disabled. The local dealership is refusing to perform the physical transmission replacement mandated by the recall remedy, falsely claiming the recall is permanently closed because of the prior software patch.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769459October 6, 2026
ENGINE
My 2018 Sorento is consuming oil excessively. I’m having to add oil between changes, and I’m now experiencing reduced acceleration under load. I have been told by a few different parties that this has become a common problem with Kia’s. I want an oil-consumption test performed and I want the VIN checked for all engine campaigns, warranty extensions, KSDS coverage, and open recalls
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768997October 5, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Delayed Shifting: Noticeable delay when shifting from park to drive or reverse. Slipping Gears: Slipping out of gear unexpectedly. Rough Shifting: A rough or jerky shifting Warning Lights: The check engine light or transmission warning light may illuminate on the dashboard.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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