Kia Sorento Complaints (2016)

1,262 consumer complaints on file.

#11503012January 22, 2023
ENGINE
I had no warning lights come on all of a sudden steam and anti freeze blew from outside hood luckily I was right near home pulled in popped hood all Xtra antifreeze gone from back up container .had triple A tow to a mechanic as thought it was a hole in radiator or hose fell off.He got back to me and said there are exhausted gases in antifreeze and my head gasket is blown !Nothing ever gave me a clue just happened.He suggested towing to kia as only 70.000 miles and he said there is a leak either from head gasket bolt .but somehow this is a reason for kia as he has read many complaints the same as mine.not the knock sensor issue this is a whole new problem with v6 engine .so I owe 15,000.00 for a car that does no longer run kia will do nothing as had towed to dealership.what do I do? I can not find anyone to do engine cause there are none there are no recalls on this issue!Kia needs to be held accountable for all there issues !As my car is still there cause have no idea what to do !so now still paying payments with no help from them!please look on kia complaint you will see so many others with same issue! https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/cars/news-blog/hyundai-and-kia-s-decade-of-very-troublesome-engines-continues-44497118
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11502774January 20, 2023
ENGINE
Was driving my car and the engine began to knock and then died. Looked at the oil and there was no oil on the dip stick. No warning light ever came on that the oil was low! Had to have it towed to a mechanic that said I now have to replace the engine!!!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11502543January 19, 2023
ENGINE
Engine block threads stripped causing head gasket to blow. This vehicle has 108,000 miles and now needs a new engine. Very common issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11502481January 18, 2023
TRAILER HITCHES
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V703000 (Trailer Hitches) 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. Parts distribution disconnect. The contact has tried contacting the manufacturer several times but they claim that there isn't a solution to the problem. The contact also states that Uhaul could fix it with third-party harnesses and that Kia should be responsible for the cost of that repair.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11502175January 17, 2023
ENGINE
Purchased vehicle April 2019 and properly maintained it with no major issues until September 2022 when the alternator went and was replaced with a new alternator but the car was no longer reliable at that point as it spent several trips to the shop (where it resides currently). The catalytic converter was throwing a code but the car was running okay so we were told to see what happens The smell of antifreeze was strong and the engine overheated despite our best efforts (from mechanics with various backgrounds and experience levels). We were told post diagnostic test days before Christmas that the engine block was “walking” and a new engine would be the only true and effective repair for it. In disbelief and penniless at this point we got a second and third opinion from other reputable mechanics. The last shop actually tore the engine apart and was able to confirm that the cylinders were so badly warped that a machine shop wouldn’t be able to make them usable. The mechanic commented about how awful the cylinders looked, and that putting the engine back together would be a complete waste of time because the engine would surely throw codes, it was just a matter of when. He also urged us to replace the engine. At this point we have reached out to the administrator for our gap optional warranty we purchased and despite the contract clearly stating there is ample engine coverage, he refuses to cover labor and/or parts. This was my first Kia and will without a doubt be my last. With days before my senior semester of nursing school starting my car sat at a shop (where it still sits) and the customer service, or lack thereof I have received has been nothing short of appalling. School is stressful enough and with no reliable transportation it’s really been a treat. Also worth mentioning the fact the car was running so terribly it put quite the damper on mine and my kids holidays.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11502208January 17, 2023
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
Car started to make a knocking noise especially when accelerating , however no lights on dash indicated anything was wrong. Car started fluttering and engine died. Started the car again, more knocking and fluttering before the engine died. Pulled over and checked oil. It was low so had someone bring me oil. Put in 3.5 quarts and got the car started again. The car was still making the knocking sound but was able to drive .5 mile to the closest mechanic. They said it is a serious engine problem from the sounds of it and instructed me not to drive it but to get it towed to the dealer.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11502211January 17, 2023
ENGINE, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
More often than not I’m finding I have to add oil to the car. It gives no warning the oil is low, no light, no smoke. The car starts to run a little hard so we check the oil. Each time we check the oil is low and needs more. We have gotten oil changes on the recommended schedule. Yet the problem still persists. Also I notice at times when pushing the gas to accelerate it almost seems hard to do.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11501559January 13, 2023
ENGINE
The vehicle had 87000 miles. On two occasions the engine overheated , requiring a tow. After the 1st incident a local mechanic ran tests and thought the radiator cap needed replacing. It ran fine until a few weeks driving up a mt. pass it overheated again, leaving me stranded on a two lane hwy in 20 degree temps with no cell service. Had it towed to Reno ,nv kia dealership they said it had blown a head gasket and then a few weeks later said the entire engine would have to be replaced ( the threads to the cylinder were stripped). The original mechanic and lia dealership are the only ones to have looked at or inspected the vehicle. As soon as I noticed the temperature gauge at an elevated level, I immediately pulled over and turned off the motor.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11501565January 13, 2023
POWER TRAIN
Car started to make a knocking noise, however no lights on dash indicated anything was wrong. Checked oil and the oil was low, had to add 4 quarts of oil, checked for leaks and nothing was leaking. Two weeks later noticed the car was driving a little different, checked oil and had to add two more quarts of oil.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11501449January 12, 2023
TRAILER HITCHES
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V703000 (Trailer Hitches) 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. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11501461January 12, 2023
EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the exterior lights failed to operate as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the headlamps and brake light bulbs had been changed approximately 2 - 3 times per year. Additionally, the horn failed to sound off while being depressed. The contact stated that the oil pressure warning light failed to illuminate to notify the contact that the oil level was low. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was jump started. The vehicle was started and there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that there was no oil in the engine. The mechanic performed an oil change on the vehicle. The cause of the failure with the exterior lighting was not yet determined. The contact stated that the bulbs were replaced at Walmart. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11501552January 12, 2023
ENGINE
My engine failed while driving at 65 mph. There were no warning signs: no check engine light, no low oil pressure, and the temperature gauge prior to failure looked normal. My car had been well-maintained with regular oil changes within the recommended intervals with synthetic oil. The engine failed at approximately 103k miles; there were no known issues prior to failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11501083January 10, 2023
STEERING
My steering becomes "sticky" at highway speeds. It causes you to constantly correct your steering. This started as a subtle thing. Gradually I noticed it is more and more difficult to keep my vehicle between the lines and it feels dangerous. Now, the problem is also occurring at lower speeds. In February 2022, I took it to the KIA dealer and had them check it out. They said everything was normal and the alignment checked out OK. I think there should be a recall for this issue. 2016 Sorento EX AWD, Current mileage is 61,000. Problem first noticed at 40,000 miles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11500694January 8, 2023
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
Twice now my 2016 Kia GDI has had the same problem as many others. I had my oil changes made and they said there was no oil in the car. the oil light never came on. I am afraid to drive my car. Has there been a recall on this. or for a engine recall. My car is under warranty. Is
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11500699January 8, 2023
ENGINE
The transmission of the 2016 Kia Sorento is now disabled. The car is currently undergoing repair at a Kia Dealership and Service Center. Kia has inspected the vehicle, and it has been determined that the engine needs replacing. Leading up to the engine failing, there were no signs of a repair needed. No check engine lights, oil light, etc. Nothing. The car seemed to be running just fine. Driving on the highway going about 65mph, the car began to shake violently and eventually slowed down. Only at that point did the oil and check engine light appear.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11500326January 5, 2023
ENGINE
This is the 2nd time. First time back in May 2022. Engine quite , no oil showing on stick while on the interstate. Had a mechanic look at it, usable to gind an oil leak, and replaced the fuel injection system. Told to only use mid grade which I have. Then my 2016 Kia Sorento's engine just quit again while driving down the interstate. With no warnings light or notification alerts the vehicle started loosing power, a loud clicking noise in the engine then it just stopped, cut off. I was able to roll off a ramp to stop. Checked the oil with nothing showing on the stick and had recently just had oil changed with 5 quarts put in.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11500346January 5, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My vehicle broke down on 12/23/2022, it seemed engine failure. It happened while I was arriving to my job in the evening. I parked my car on parking lot and did not move it. Due to Christmas holiday, I was unable to tow the vehicle to my closest KIA Dealership (Owings Mills, MD) until 12/27/2022. Once my vehicle was towed, the KIA Dealership informed me that my vehicle had a total of four (4) Recalls, but one of the recalls expired. I informed the KIA Dealership that I never received Recall Notifications from any KIA department regarding my vehicle. Kia Dealership referred me to contact KIA Corporation at 1-800-333-4542, because they were not able to assist me with any vehicle repairs and it seemed this was an engine issue related to a recall. On 12/27/2022, with the help of a family member I contacted KIA Corp. and confirmed they did not have my personal information on their records in relation to my vehicle. I was advised they only had information about my vehicle's prior owner. I provided all my information: name, address, phone number, email address. I inquired about the recall notification issue and they stated it was my responsibility to look for recalls on my vehicle. However, KIA Corp. acknowledged they sent notices to prior owner on 12/7/2018 and 6/12/2019. I have escalated this matter to KIA Corp and received no help. They failed to send me recall notices, and as I understand is their responsibility to confirm ownership information through MVA and to send recalls to the current owner of the car. Please understand, I financed this vehicle through a KIA Dealership and still owe money for this vehicle. KIA even offered extended warranty, which I added when I financed this vehicle, but they refused to fix my car due to recall issue. I need your help to get this situation resolve, because the dealership now says it will cost me over $7000 to get this fix and this is not my fault. KIA Corp and Dealership have failed me. Thanks.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11499917January 3, 2023
ENGINE
Car started to overheat, high temp alert, heater would not warm. Repair shop did high pressure test for head gasket leak, no problems found- Car continues to use Antifreeze (no drips found on cardboard placed under car in garage), car runs well, but a/c, heater do not perform well. spending time at money at repair shop, no answers-
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11500021January 3, 2023
STRUCTURE:BODY
Paint peeling in large flakes from front hood area of vehicle. Dealer documented paint issue on Jan 2, 2023
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11500024January 3, 2023
ENGINE
While on a road trip my car started making a clicking sound when I would push the gas pedal to accelerate and the check engine light came on. I was going to have it checked out when I got to my destination as I was driving with my two children. As we neared our location, and I was driving up a hill, when I pressed the gas it would not accelerate. I was able to get it to an auto repair shop. They diagnosed it with needing new spark plugs and coils. I agreed to the repairs. When the mechanic when to start the work, he noticed that the engine was in bad shape and that he recommended it be towed to a dealership as there have been multiple issues with Kias and having engine issues. I had it towed and opened a case with Kia. I learned about the class action lawsuit. In reading the lawsuit, I have done all necessary work to maintain the vehicle, including updating the software required. I was informed today that the engine is not covered under the lawsuit due to the part of the engine, even though it is in the same area as the covered areas. My car was not safe to drive due to it having a faulty engine. My car was serviced for leaking oil in September of 2022 at a dealership, and they never informed me that there was any concern with the engine or issues. My car could have broken down or shut off while driving in the mountains leaving my children and I stranded. Kia has done nothing to resolve this issue, even though they know they are aware that these cars have engines that catch fire and are failing on people every day.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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