Kia Sorento Complaints

10,397 consumer complaints on file.

#11712297January 20, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My car having gas leak under hood. Strong gas smell comes from ac vent.its a safety hazard
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11712134January 20, 2026
AIR BAGS
Vehicle: 2022 Kia Sorento EX VIN: [XXX] Date Defects Discovered:[XXX} A Kia dealership confirmed multiple instances of airbag tampering in this vehicle: • Driver knee airbag missing • Driver A‑pillar airbag missing • Wiring harnesses cut • Electrical resistors spliced into the circuits to bypass SRS fault detection • Technician warned there may be additional missing airbags pending further disassembly • Estimate for known SRS repair is $11,294.30 Carfax shows this vehicle was involved in an airbag‑deploying crash on [XXX] prior to my purchase. No airbags were replaced before resale. This is a serious safety hazard. The airbag indicator light was prevented from illuminating due to the resistor splice, masking critical SRS faults. Additional mechanical tampering was found: • Stop-leak blocking heater core • Improper coolant bypass fitting This complaint is being filed to report the airbag safety violation and request investigation. Attachments: Exhibits A, B, D, G. 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
#11712105January 20, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My reverse camera bracket broke off leading to the camera dangling on the license plate and unusable for rear backup safety.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11712048January 20, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Car has sensor issues. It ran into pole and median after defective collision assist said sensor was blocked. Has emission leak. Second vehicle i had with that and they wont cover under warranty. Kia refuses to by back a car do not feel safe driving. They refuse to fix things under warranty. The refuse to do anything about sensors, says its the safety features and they cannot remove them. Only offered me 19k for car. Why would I be upside down for a car that was sold to me with safety features issues..
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11711697January 18, 2026
AIR BAGS, SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
1. **Component or System Failure:** - The malfunction occurred in the **automatic braking system** while the vehicle was in **snow mode**. The brakes engaged and locked the wheels, resulting in a loss of traction. - This system is available for inspection upon request to assess the failure, where the car was towed to. 2. **Safety Risk:** - The automatic brakes locking the wheels put the driver at risk by causing the vehicle to slide uncontrollably. - The situation was further exacerbated by the fact that the vehicle collided with a tree, indicating a significant safety concern. 3. **Reproduction of the Problem:** - It is unclear if the issue has been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center, but given the nature of the malfunction, it would be advisable to have it inspected by a professional to verify the problem. 4. **Inspection by Authorities:** -the vehicle was inspected by police and the towing coming stating the car was a total loss because of the damages . 5. **Warnings or Symptoms:** - There were no indications of a problem prior to the failure, such as warning lamps or messages. The incident occurred suddenly when the brakes engaged, leading to the vehicle losing traction and ultimately colliding with a tree. - The failure of the airbags to deploy on the passenger side is also a critical point that needs further investigation. ### Key Takeaways - The automatic braking system malfunctioned in snow mode, leading to a loss of traction and a collision. - Safety was jeopardized due to the vehicle's sliding and the failure of the airbags to deploy. - Further inspection by qualified professionals is necessary to confirm and address the issues.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11711622January 17, 2026
ENGINE
Noticed excessive oil consumption that turned into burning oil when the exhaust turned back of car black. Engine started knocking due to gummed up spark plugs. Replaced the spark plugs but within weeks the new plugs where gummed up as well. Took to Kia for diagnosis and potential repair for theta 2 class action. Mechanic confirmed damaged spark plugs, piston issues and needs for new engine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11711370January 16, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2009 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine, ESC, and ABS warning lights were illuminated. Upon speaking with other independent mechanics, the contact was informed that the failure was likely linked to moisture that might have entered the ABS module. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V088000 (Electrical System, Service Brakes, Hydraulic); which the contact associated with the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was already serviced under recall prior to owning the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11711395January 16, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was overheating. The contact became aware of puddles of oil on the driveway while the vehicle was parked. Additionally, the transmission warning light was displayed, and the vehicle hesitated to start while pressing the Push to Start button. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that the oil level was extremely low. The vehicle had been taken to two separate independent mechanics, who both confirmed that the vehicle was losing oil very quickly; however, an oil leak was not found. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer; however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11711398January 16, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. While the contact's granddaughter was attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that a special device was previously installed in the vehicle because of a legal matter. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who installed the device, and the vehicle was inspected. The contact was informed that the device did not cause the failure. In addition, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The contact was advised to contact the dealer for assistance. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 215,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11711505January 16, 2026
ENGINE
The engine is completely burning all of the oil. I can feel a hesitation in the engine while driving
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11711529January 16, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
I was driving 2 minutes away from my house and all of the sudden every warning light on the dashboard came on, billowing smoke started coming through the vents. I immediately pulled in a random driveway, as I was turning I. I heard a loud pop. I shut the car off immediately, jumped out. As I looked at the front of my car, flames were coming from the bottom front. I ran up to the house, the man of the house came out with a fire extinguisher. He put out the flames underneath, asked me to pop the hood, I did so and he put out the flames underneath the hood. As I was waiting for a tow truck, I seen a shiny object at the bottom of the vehicle, I pulled it out. It was a wrist pin from the engine. I also noticed a ton of fluids poured out in the man’s driveway. I had the vehicle towed home and contacted Kia and my insurance company. My case was escalated to Kia corporate and Elizabeth Barooni contacted me. She promised to tow my vehicle to the dealership of my choice, get me a rental car, pay any out of cost expenses and repair the vehicle. The vehicle only had 75,000 miles on it. After all her promises, she never contacted me again. I have tried to contact her and a Kia number called me, I answered they hung up on me. I called the number back and it was James Hope, an employee who works at Kia America Corporation. They have not returned my call since around Christmas. I also contacted GEICO, my insurance company, they sent out a adjuster, they denied my claim. They stated that all of this was caused by mechanical failure, they put on the claim that Kia is known for these issues and they will not cover it. I still remain without a vehicle and Kia Corporate has completely ignored me after making promises to help.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11711571January 16, 2026
ENGINE
The vehicles is showing all this codes P0340, P0365, P0780, PO010.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11711575January 16, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
I have a white pearl 2016 Sorento and Paint started peeling around windshield. Now paint is peeling all over. Recently had windy day and sheets of paint are laying on ground. I take care of my car and this is embarrassing. Kia should be embarrassed as well. Not good for sales I’m sure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11711535January 16, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VISIBILITY
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V649000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VISIBILITY); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, with the A/C activated, there was an abnormal burning odor entering the vehicle through the vents. The burning odor was coming from the vehicle whether the A/C was in use or turned off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. On a separate occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked and failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the failure was more evident while the vehicle was driven uphill. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. However, the vehicle was not repaired. Most recently, the battery was replaced, and the contact stated that there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11711093January 15, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling at a red traffic light, the temperature gauge went from the normal engine temperature to HOT. The contact turned off the vehicle and allowed the engine to cool down, and the gauge returned to normal. The contact continued to drive. The following morning the contact inspected the vehicle while parked at the residence and while checking the radiator cap, there were no noticeable issues found with the cooling fluid. The dealer was contacted and informed that the thermostat had fluctuated; however, there were issues found regarding the fluid. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who informed the contact that Stop Leak might have been used in the radiator to prevent a leak. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with head gasket and radiator failure and stated that both parts needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that there was copper in the engine and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11710986January 14, 2026
ENGINE
Around 100,000 miles I noticed that my engine was going through a lot of oil. Every time I would get an oil change, I would ask why and they stated that these Kia engines after hitting 100,000 start to burn oil fast and about every 1,000 miles you have to add a quart of oil and go from your normal every 5,000 mile oil change to every 3,000 mile oil change. Some times the oil light would blink but some times it wouldn't. I had a mechanic double check this and he confirmed and said nothing you can do they are just like and he sees it all the time. I kept up with my oil changes every 3,000 miles and every week and a half checking the oil. Around 134,000 miles or so on 11/28/25 at 4:30am I was driving and all of a sudden my car was driving weird and shaking. Soon the engine light came on. The oil light this entire time never came on. I pulled into a Target parking lot an noticed there was no oil in the car and it went through 5qts in a week and a half. I added 4 qts oil to the car and waited for the mechanic shop 1/2 a mile to open up at 7am. The inspected the car and said a cylinder was blown and to drive slow and get it home and just park it and a new engine is needed. I called my mechanic and he came by the house and he looked and it to see if he could fix it and no luck but said that Kia did have recalls on their engines and to fight it. I called Kia and they didn't deny recalls on some cars but not mine. They advised me to do a claim to get help to get the engine on a recall. The car has not been driven since then and remains in the garage and is in perfect well kept condition otherwise.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11711028January 14, 2026
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
Driver attention warning light coming on frequently for no reason, is distracting for driver and will cause and accident, today we almost hit a horse and buggy
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11710858January 14, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Radiator has had a leak twice in the past three months. This has cause me to have to get it fully replaced at my own cost. This is a design flaw and is at no part my fault.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11710709January 13, 2026
ENGINE
The oil pan got a large crack in it right by the plug
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11710713January 13, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ENGINE
I was driving down a very busy road and with no warning my car lost power. It would turn over but not start back up. I was stuck in the middle of a busy road way causing traffic’s to back up. I had to call the police to sit behind me so I wouldn’t get hit from behind.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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