Kia Sorento Complaints

10,397 consumer complaints on file.

#11670142June 30, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
Have had an issue of losing power while on an interstate traveling back from work twice now. After the second time I reported to my local dealership. While driving home, my vehicle lost power and was extremely slow and unresponsive. Check engine light came on but when checked under the diagnostics of the entertainment system, showed no issues present. Light turn off but still was having issues with responsiveness. When arriving home connected my personal ODB scanner tool to the vehicle and showed 1 code P0301Cylinder 1 Misfire. Had take. Pics of the code and of my OBD tool and cleared the code. Car started functioning correctly again. But still took to dealership for analysis. Dealership could not find any issues or codes, probably cause I cleared the code which allowed the vehicle to run normally again.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11670140June 30, 2025
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
On numerous occasions during extreme ambient hot temperatures, one of the body sensors keeps malfunctioning giving me an error message about the front parking sensor malfunction. I have reported this to my local dealership on a number of occasions, but as soon as I place the vehicle in park the message clears. The error has shown up on a history report with they connect a scanner to the OBD port but have yet to rectify this issue. Started before I hit 15k miles and is randomly generated.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11669861June 27, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My 2021 Kia Sorento lx has been having issues everyday where all of my dash lights come on, my power steering goes out and I can’t shift into or out of any gears. I have taken it to a Kia dealership (towed) twice already and they can’t find out the issue or unwilling to find it out. I have contacted Kia corporate and still no response from them. Kia has also refused to give me a loaner during this issue
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11669708June 27, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My car has turned off completely twice while in reverse.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11669348June 25, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, STRUCTURE:BODY
Pearl White Paint has suddenly begun flaking off from roof of my 2019 SorentoSXL. It is running above the length of the driver side door. Paint should not be doing that. Looks like a factory defect. Noticed many other complaints for the exact same issue. Kia defers to the warranty but Kia should fix this regardless of warranty timeline since this is not as a result of external forces or owner error.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11669361June 25, 2025
ENGINE
he component that failed was the engine. Specifically, the engine block burst while the vehicle was traveling on the highway at over 50 miles per hour. The explosion of the engine block during driving posed a serious risk to my safety and that of other drivers. The sudden failure could have caused a loss of vehicle control, a collision, or even a fire. Fortunately, I was able to stop in the emergency lane in time without causing an accident. The issue was confirmed by an independent mechanic, who verified the structural damage to the engine block and its complete loss of functionality. At no time before the incident did any warning lights—oil or engine—come on. There were no messages on the dashboard indicating a potential imminent failure. The engine is available for inspection if necessary.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11669118June 25, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Pearl white paint peeling off doors, hood, roof…less than 40,000 miles
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11669156June 25, 2025
ENGINE
I'm writing to formally report a serious and potentially dangerous issue with my 2019 Kia Sorento (VIN: [XXX] ), which is experiencing excessive engine oil consumption. This problem began around 55,000 miles and has progressively worsened to the point where I must either frequently top off oil between scheduled changes or get oil changes well ahead of schedule. Despite having two documented dealership oil changes within approximately 2,000 miles and three months, I have received no support from Kia or my extended warranty provider (JM&A). Kia Customer Care has acknowledged the issue, but refuses to inspect, test, or address it unless the KSDS sensor is triggered or the engine seizes — essentially requiring catastrophic engine failure before they will consider any action. JM&A has similarly denied coverage, stating that oil consumption is excluded under their warranty plan. This approach is not only unreasonable — it is dangerous. Running low on oil can lead to sudden engine failure while driving, posing a real risk to both my safety and that of others on the road. I have not been offered any proactive oil consumption test or preventive service by Kia, despite repeated concerns. I am aware that excessive oil consumption is the subject of class action litigation involving Kia vehicles, and that this may reflect a broader pattern of engine-related defects. I believe this situation deserves formal investigation and review, potentially qualifying for recall consideration or an expanded service campaign. I drive daily in the Chicago suburbs with my [XXX] and [XXX] children, which makes the risk of sudden engine failure especially concerning. I am more than willing to provide documentation, including oil consumption logs, service records, and communications with both Kia and JM&A. I respectfully request that NHTSA review this matter for possible investigation into its safety implications and potential systemic nature. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11669259June 25, 2025
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that when starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11669304June 25, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
Thermal Module went out, causing car to not accelerate when pressing on the gas pedal. Mileage at 76,000
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11669000June 24, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the contact was informed of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V760000 (Power Train); which the dealer linked to the failure. The vehicle was repaired under the recall; however, the failure returned soon after leaving the dealer. The vehicle was then taken to Arapahoe Kia (9701 E Arapahoe Rd, Centennial, CO 80112); where the contact was informed that the recall was closed by the previous dealer. The contact believed that the initial dealer never serviced the vehicle under the recall. The contact made several requests to the dealer to provide documentation about the work that was performed for the recall; however, the contact had not yet received the documentation. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number. The contact later received an email from the manufacturer stating that all future repairs would be performed out of pocket. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11668875June 24, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The car is accelerating without anyone pressing down on the gas, not accelerating when our foot is on the gas, jerking unexplainably and the emergency brake warning is coming on when it has not been employed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11668787June 24, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The fuel injectors, it is available for inspection. The vehicle feels like it is going to stop unexpectedly, or will not accelerate when it is suppose to, which leads me to feel unsafe driving it with my children. This is the same exact issue we had previously and it was confirmed and fixed by the dealership. The component was previously inspected and confirmed but since happening again has not been- I called the dealership and told them about the issue and they stated my vehicle was not included and they are on a month wait list. The check engine light is on. My check engine light came on, when accelerating the vehicle seems to "jump" or need a minute to catch up. It also makes a sputtering and a "tink-tink" noise when the vehicle is on. We had this exact issue moths ago and it was the fuel injector- which was replaced by Kia.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11668658June 23, 2025
ENGINE
Engine oil is always law. Engine eats lots of oil.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11668693June 23, 2025
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
I pulled out of my subdivision and immediately received an error check engine light warning and initially didn't think much of it. As I pressed the accelerator I noticed there was no engine power at all just electric (this is a Sorento Hybrid SX Prestige) so I immediately pulled over and turned the car off for two minutes. Upon turning it back on the engine did rengage so i decided to proceed. About a mile further the same check engine error occurred with the engine not responsive at all and only electric power available so I made a u-turn and proceed back to my house. Prior to arriving at my house another warning error appeared warning me the electric battery was dangerously low and to stop the vehicle immediately. I believe the error was a Hybrid system error with code P112000. Once again I turned the vehicle off and waited 2 minutes with the engine reengaging. I had the car towed to the dealer where it sat for 3 weeks. Their response was they couldn't reproduce the error so had no idea how to proceed to fix the issue. That is unacceptable to me since Kia programmed the car in the first place they should be very aware. I have had two cases open with Kia where they are refusing a solution and my request to buy back the vehicle. I have had another case with KBB Auto and they likewise refer to the WI state lemon law. I have clearly communicted to them that I don't feel safe driving this vehicle any longer and they need to take action for all consumers but that is falling flat. My safety and that of others is being put at major risk here as if this error occurs in situations such as pulling into heavy free flowing traffic or on a busy freeway where the engine doesn't engage many lives are at risk. There was no attempt to fix the vehicle at all. Just reset the error and told me to come get it. Let me make it clear here...the vehicle is working but hidden somewhere in the software is a major programming glitch. Please help!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11668617June 23, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
On March 19 I completed my 8,000 mile oil change and then drove to Florida. I had a warning light to change my oil since the company did not reset it. Unsure of the other warning lights. As I was driving in Florida on the interstate the car started having issues. It was making a noise, then started smoking and by the time I got off the exit and got out the front right of the car was in flames. I was transported to the ER with smoke inhalation. The car in still in Clermont, FL with no resolution. The car has been inspected by the insurance and a third party inspector. The last I was told the inspection report is with the Kia engineers. I am unaware at this point what the failure was that led to the fire. No response from Kia for over a month.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11668487June 22, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The car is not able to shift out of park unless the shift interlock release button is depressed. This issue has occurred intermittently in the last year but has been consistent in the past few weeks of the submission of the complaint.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11668489June 22, 2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
An intermittent error occurs where these services stop working. It was last for a day or two and then the error will clear. I am not able to be alerted to passing cars or cars in my blind spot when changing lanes. And if there is a situation to suddenly stop the emergency automatic braking system will not be engaged.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11668040June 20, 2025
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was driving my Sorento SXL on a highway, at approximately 50 mph. With no warning, the engine began to run rough. The check engine light immediately began flashing. I was able to drive the car approximately three more miles to an auto service center. The engine ran very rough the entire time, wanting to stall when slowing down. The mechanic determined that my car’s oil reservoir was 4 quarts low, yet no engine oil light ever illuminated on the dashboard. It holds 6.2 quarts, and had only 2.2 quarts in it. Again, there was no illuminated light whatsoever telling me my car was dangerously low on oil. Because of this low oil condition, one of my timing chains skipped, and the cam rotated approximately 62° out of center. That’s what caused it to run rough. It appears my only options now are to have the engine apart, and hope no real damage was done, or replace it entirely. The engine for my car has been discontinued, with seemingly no suitable replacement from Kia. This could have been completely avoided if my car had alerted me to a low oil condition sometime before. This is very dangerous and it seems it is a common ailment among some Kia cars like mine. A low oil light would have informed me immediately that my car was in need of oil, a critical fluid for proper and safe operation. If I were towing a trailer when this happened, or on a winding stretch of road in snow or ice, this could have been catastrophic.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11667990June 19, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
I have had nothing but issues with my Kia since I purchased it May 30th, 2023. It's continually stalling, completely looses power, sometimes won't operate at all. My Kia is very unsafe and completely unreliable. I had to have it towed to the dealership before my first payment was even due. My Kia has has to be taken to the dealership a total of 5 times and still nothing has been resolved, other than oil change, diagnostic testing, spark plugs replacement, "fuel system service", HECU fuse installed. As of today's date (June 19th, 2025) I still owe close to $12,000 on it. This is utterly ridiculous and needs to be resolved asap. It has been continual issues from May 30th, 2023 through current date (June 19th, 2025). In 15 months I have only been able to drive it 4,876 miles. That's how unreliable it is. I need help getting these issues resolved asap.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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