Kia Sorento Complaints
10,397 consumer complaints on file.
- #11581113April 4, 2024ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Preventative complaint. I received a recall notice on November 14, 2023 regarding recall of my 2011 KIA Sorento. Recall #23V652000. Manufacturer's recall #SC284XM. I have contacted my dealer, Danbury CT KIA to find out when they can repair the recall. They just keep stating that they don't have the parts. The recall is not done in a timely fashion and I am greatly concerned that my only car could catch fire at any time. This should be repaired immediately if such a great hazard is possible. Lives could be in jeopardy since I seldom have my grandchildren in my car. Please provide Danbury Connecticut KIA the necessary parts to address the recall.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11581146April 4, 2024ENGINE, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, STEERING
Me and my wife were traveling north on [XXX], left lane, 18 wheeler in right lane, cars directly behind us, 70 mph, when there was an abrupt thud, and slight skid, then lost all power from the engine. There were no warning indicators at the time. When the engine failed, we almost hit the tractor next to us. Looking in the mirror to try to determine what to do, as steering was hard to perform, there was a large cloud of black and blue smoke, the car behind us being covered in smoke and most likely oil too. The car behind us aggressively braked and ducked in behind the 18 wheeler just before a rear impact would have occurred. We finally got to safety on the side of the road as the traffic stacked up behind us was able to reduce speed in time. I had my car towed to the KIA dealership in Springfield, MO. One interesting point, the wrecker operator said that unfortunately a big part of his business was hauling KIAs. We almost died. Upon review of social media, I see there are literally thousands of KIAs placing families in danger. Why hasn’t Mr. Budegedge acted on it. After experiencing this, it’s likely there will be deaths. My car had 120,000 miles on the engine. KIA said it was my problem as they met their warranty obligation at 100,000 miles. There are so many incidents, even with 6 cyl engines. Customers need to be warned. At least they can be prepared for the failure when it happens. 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
- #11581159April 4, 2024SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 134,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11581163April 4, 2024SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11580852April 3, 2024SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11580853April 3, 2024SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11580973April 3, 2024SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal rubber-burning odor detected. The traction control warning lights were illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11580622April 2, 2024SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Days prior to routine scheduled maintenance, several warning lights came on. There was a display of Front Collision Warning. Service department could not replicate the warning lights. Days later, the warning and lights came on more frequently. Took car into dealership and they confirmed a problem. Service department replaced: BR001 HECU 26238 C and 58910-C9600 Hydraulic Unit Assy. As I understand this motor is the main component in having the anti-lock braking system functioning normally. The service department told me to keep the receipt, since it wasn't under warranty, in the event there was a product recall. My concern: Even though there were warning lights the warning wasn't significant enough to indicate that there was a potential safety hazard with a malfunctioning brake system. I submit this in the event there are other incidents of this nature that could possibly warrant a recall.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11580720April 2, 2024ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling in a drive-thru line, the engine temperature gauge increased to the "high" position and the engine overheated causing engine coolant to leak from the engine compartment with white smoke coming from the exhaust system. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the head gasket was blown. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact was informed that the replacement engine was on backorder. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 99,820.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11580766April 2, 2024SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed with the cruise control activated, the ABS, ESC, Check Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist System, and Auto Hold warning lights illuminated. The cruise control was then inadvertently deactivated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11580372April 1, 2024SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled and lost motive power. The contact stated that numerous warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the power steering and brakes had ceased normal functionality. The contact was able to stop the vehicle but was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that she smelled a burning odor and observed that smoke was coming from under the hood. The contact exited the vehicle. The contact had the vehicle towed to the residence. The vehicle had not been taken to a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11580444April 1, 2024SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11580461April 1, 2024ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
There was a recall listed online 9/2023 for HEUC hydraulic electronic control unit. [XXX]. I called Kia in September the day I saw and they said a letter would come out and part would be available for the recall soon. I waited. I called again in November 2023. Still no fix or letter. I called again in January then 4/2024 still no letter or part to remedy the problem. I'm tired of waiting and very scared to drive my car. I’m hearing now that the part might not be available until July 2024??!? This is completely unacceptable. That is 11 months driving a car that could catch on fire??!? And obviously it was a problem long before the recall actually happened or else there wouldn’t have been a recall needed. A serious recall and no remedy?!? How many people have to die to make them fix the problem??!! I’m scared to drive my car. Scared to park it because a fire could happen even if you are not driving the car?! No one wants to buy my car since there is a recall and I couldn’t get what it is worth to me either now. This is a serious problem. Now I hear that fixing the fuse is only a bandaid that the real problem is being disguised because it is a more costly repair vs just a fuse. Brake fluid could leak and cause engine fire?! Even an O-ring could leak and cause fire. O-rings can rot over time anyway. I can’t believe Kia has gotten away with this and for this length of time! Unbelievably scary. They said wait until you smell smoke or some light will come on? Well my son has no sense of smell so I have to trust that some light will come on and give him enough time to get out in time? That is the remedy of this serious problem??? Or go outside and find the car had caught on fire in my yard and then catches the house and all the neighbors houses on fire! How many lawsuits are just waiting??? Is this just a numbers game to them??? How many cars have to blow up? How many lives lost?? How many houses catch on fire?!?? Geez Kia! Fix this problem and don’t just bandaid it! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFOR
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11580466April 1, 2024SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11580542April 1, 2024SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11580549April 1, 2024ENGINE
The knock sensor/glow circuit relay failed The car stopped accelerating on the freeway with me and my family in the car. The car was serviced at a Kia dealership and they confirmed that it was the knock sensor which is on recall just not for my cars year. There was no symptoms or warning signs or problems prior to the failure. It happened on the spot.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11580220March 30, 2024ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Doors cannot be locked and is very dangerous when driving with my family on the highway
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11580246March 30, 2024ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Door Locks/Hatch Lock won’t unlock 95% off the time, using fob OR interior switch. Also won’t unlock automatically when vehicle is put into park. Mechanic looked it and after research, determined there’s a probable faulty/stuck Relay on the BCM. Not replaceable without removing the BCM and desoldering components or replacing the whole BCM. It’s unsafe as I’m unable to unlock the doors should I need to remove/evacuate someone or my pet, from the vehicle, in an emergency. Also unable to access back hatch area to retrieve anything for roadside concern (flares/cones, spare, tire iron, etc), leaving me potentially stranded on the dangerous roadside. I first noticed this concern about 2 months ago and there were no warning lights.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11580029March 29, 2024ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The engine (I think engine) stalls out, and several times the engine has completely died. Almost causing me and the other car involved a very serious accident. The vehicle stalls when sitting at the traffic light and I go to turn to accelerate and it stalls and after pushing/tapping the gas pedal repeatedly it will eventually stop and I'm able to then drive on. Also the car does not shift properly at all, it winds up and seems the get stuck and have to try accelerate before it shift. I keep getting errors on my dash saying "possible engine condition, please press schedule service" and then I run the diagnostic report and this is what it says CATEGORY (2) PowerTrain P0456 Evaporative Emission System - Leak Detected (Very Small Leak) Possible condition(s) with your Engine Control System has been detected. KlA recommends a full system check when convenient. To schedule an appointment with a KIA dealer, select Schedule Service on the screen. P0303 Cylinder 3 - Misfire Detected Possible condition(s) with your Engine Control System has been detected. KIA recommends a full system check soon. To schedule an appointment with a KIA dealer, select Schedule Service on the screen. Request Appointment I have taken my vehicle in the KIA Service Center twice and have given them the errors and described the issues I am having along with several other issues. The Kia service department has failed to provide me with a resolution to the problem stated above or any other issues I reported. They didn't even check oil as I requested. They advised me the oil levels were "fine" but once I checked it myself it was actually low, proofing they did not do any type inspection on the vehicle as requested. The advised me that there was nothing they could do about the stalling of the vehicle or the engine shutting down because they couldn't duplicate it. I'm not sure exactly what they are meaning by the statement. I then called KIA corporate number and the representative submitted a case onveh
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11580043March 29, 2024SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0