Kia Sorento Complaints (2016)
1,262 consumer complaints on file.
- #11425721July 20, 2021ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My check engine light came on back in 2018 or 19 I have since been going to the Kia dealership with this issue making multiple attempts to resolve. I have had them replace oxygen sensors flushed fuel induction system and other things that they recommended. This did not resolve the issue at one point back in 2019 Kia had my vehicle for over 45 days almost 60 days to return it to me without knowing what the issue is and making recommendations to replace very expensive parts. I have since taken the vehicle back for regular repairs and services. No I have come to the place where my vehicle is in need of an engine as a result of this ongoing issue that seems to be an issue with the same make and model for other individuals. A check engine light fuel issues and now a shot engine
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11425728July 20, 2021UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Paint is rapidly peeling
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11425691July 20, 2021ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
We had issues with the TPMS in 2020. Took it to Tempe Kia on 7/30/2020. The following was done on vehicle. 1. Installed 37110 H7A00U 2. Complete Transmission service W/BG Cleaner installed Um013, KBG3020-Cooling system kit, UM040 antifreeze/coolant, 58101 C6A00 Pad kit- Front disc b, Replaced air filter 28113 A9100 Total amount paid $1,019.96. At that time oil was checked off as green. 11/25/2020 four new tires from Costco were put on. TPMS issue came back in May of 2021 when vehicle was parked outside. We live in AZ so the temperatures get hot but when the TPMS light come on it shuts the car down where it could not go into gear until it cooled down. Moving forward to July the TPMS light stayed on and the check engine light came on and vehicle began to sputter. We took it to our mechanic and he diagnosed that we needed a new engine. There was sludge build up, knock sensor codes came up, miss fires on bank 1, and internal engine noise. We had the vehicle towed to our dealer Tempe Kia. They concurred that a new engine would be necessary. Many codes were found P0300, P0306; P0304; P0302; P0018. Had a conversation with Debby 10:00 a.m. for 55 minutes 7/20/21from Kia and was told that due to lack of maintenance on the vehicle that Kia would not cover this engine under warranty. We were told that our oil changes were out of the time frame that Kia specifies in the owners manual that the 2016 Kia Sorento should have an oil change every 7,500 miles. We had oil changes every year from purchase to failure. Some at 8,000 miles to 15,000 miles. There are MANY complaints and cases open for the 2016 Kia Sorento engine failure. We have a 2012 Kia Sorento that the engine failed but a recall was issued for finding metal shavings in the engine. We purchased a 2021 Telluride in June but, moving forward we will not be purchasing anymore Kia vehicles. We are truly disappointed that Kia found a way out of our case and will not warranty our engine.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11425255July 17, 2021STEERING
Progressing problem with power steering failure since 05/2020. This month was more frequent occurrences. When driving straight and steady power steering stiffens and losses power, red warning light steering lights which forces the driver to steer hard limiting short turns. Almost got into accident multiple times. Must restart engine in order to restart steering function.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11425094July 16, 2021UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My 2016 Kia Sorento is pearl white and the paint is chipping. All over the engine hood and roof of my car. Paint bubbles, cracks and peels off. It’s getting worse rapidly.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11425054July 15, 2021UNKNOWN OR OTHER
NOT SURE !!! We were on the Interstate and all of sudden smoke starting coming out of rear end of our vehicle.Our Car started sounding slow and not sounding good, It was me and my husband in the Car. My husband was driving, I started panicking and told my husband about the smoke coming out of the back of our vehicle. Suddenly we saw "Good People "who were on the Interstate right behind our vehicle. They immediately drove passing our car and shouting loud "Get out, Your Car is on Fire". They stopped ahead of us and started calling 911. We both jumped out in a shock. God was with us on this day!!!
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- Yes
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11424829July 14, 2021ENGINE
Two weeks ago, my 2016 Kia Sorento 3.3L V6 AWD just all of a sudden sounded like something was breaking under the hood. There were no symptoms prior to the failure, and no warning messages or lights. Luckily, I was able to safely get off the main highway as soon as I heard the noise. After having it towed to the local Kia dealership, the Kia service advisor later indicated an engine rod broke, there are bits of metal everywhere, and a total engine replacement is needed. My experience and this diagnosis seem to align with what the Kia engine failure class action settlement just addressed earlier this year in a range of vehicles including the 2016 Kia Sorento 4 cylinder engines. My vehicle is still inoperable and located at the local Kia dealership with no resolution in sight. I have owned the vehicle for ~4500 miles / 7 months and purchased it from a Kia dealership as a "certified pre-owned" vehicle with a dealership-provided extended warranty. It has ~85000 miles total on it.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11424647July 13, 2021ENGINE
My Sorento began to make a small knocking noise while I was driving to an appointment with my 3 year old on 7/12/21. I pulled over at a gas station to check the oil and it was not low. I turned the car on and still NO lights on the dash although there was a smell like burning gas. It has 86,328 miles on it. I continued to drive to the appt since I was 8 minutes away. While driving at 40 mph the entire vehicle turned off with no warning. It simply lost all power. I was in the middle of a 6 lane intersection with my 3 year old (who has special needs) and was only able maneuver the truck 3 lanes over to the turning lane before it stopped rolling. I turned the car off and then tried to crank it and the only sound was a squeal, but no start up. I crossed the remaining 3 lanes on foot while carrying my son since it quickly got up to 95+ degrees in the car and we had to wait for a ride. I attempted to start the car again and battery was dead. After getting a jump, it started up with a squeal and clanking sound. I called to get a tow truck. My Sorento is currently sitting in the parking lot at home and when started it makes a terrible squeal and when the accelerator is pushed there is a terribly loud clanking sound as if something is loose banging around on the inside. It gets worse as the game is pushed. This was a very hectic and unsafe situation for us both, not to mention we missed the therapy appt for my son and we also missed leaving for vacation the following day because we currently have no automobile. I have cancer and next week I am scheduled to have a major surgery to hopefully remove it and now I have no transportation. I am contacting a KIA dealership to see what my options are. They claim no recalls in it, but we previously received a recall notice mailed, so I’m unsure what is going on and if there will be any assistance from KIA.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11424650July 13, 2021LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The Pearl White paint is chipping off the hood. It looks horrible and needs to be fixed ASAP! The sunroof, back latch and BSD have all been “fixed” by Master Mechanics but they are still not working correctly. The sunroof is slow closing and won’t close all the way. The back latch won’t open most of time without you getting it started. It also makes a horrible noise when it closes. The BSD doesn’t work at all.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11424600July 13, 2021ENGINE
Car started to "chug" during start, took to repair shop and was told the engine failed and blew the head gaskets. Final recommendation was new engine. Car has 90,000 miles and is out of warranty. Was bought at a dealer used, but it was not Kia certified, even though it was bought at Kia of Old Saybrook. Currently car is at Bozrah Auto in CT and the engine is 3 weeks from delivery because there is a waiting list for the engine, which makes me wonder how many engines are being replaced on these SUV's?
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11424417July 12, 2021ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Instrument Panel and Alternator. My KIA Sorento continues to have alternator failures that shut down the engine while in operation without warning. I had to replace one at 48,000 miles and again at 97,500 miles. The problem has been reproduced and confirmed by two separate KIA dealers and they cannot identify why this continues to happen. The first time everything on the instrument panel lite up at one time and then suddenly the engine failed and stopped running in motion, while I was driving on a highway. Luckily, I was in the right lane and coasted to shoulder. The second most recent time, the instrument panel flashed a battery so I replaced the battery and then had KIA test for alternator problems and their equipment showed no issues although I brought it back numerous times. Then two months later it died AGAIN and they said it is the ALTERNATOR. In addition, there is an electrical problem with the radio and backup cameras. To resolve this they showed me a reset button. Clearly, there are electrical shortages or issues. I have had on-going issues with the KIA Sorento engines stalling and not accelerating and now this with the Alternator. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS!! NONE OF THE ISSUES are being addressed yet, they are listed all over the internet. HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE TO DIE BEFORE ISSUES ARE ADDRESSED???
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11424509July 12, 2021UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vehicle displayed intermittent overheating on temp gauge. Fans would run for extended period on shutdown. White smoke from exhaust on first start up in the morning. No check engine light. Had vehicle towed to dealership. Failed hydrocarbon test, meaning seal between combustion and coolant compromised. Many complaints online regarding stripped threads in engine block causing bolts to loosen and and seal to fail. Kia is aware of issue and fixes or replaces engine for original owners. Company is knowingly defrauding the public by not issuing service bulletin or recall to original owners to have problem corrected before subsequent ownership. Subsequent owners are left with a $7000 liability on the purchase of a used $15,000-25,000 car, along with an uneasy feeling the same thing may happen to the replacement engine. I am starting a class action law suit in Indiana.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11423172July 1, 2021ENGINE
Vehicle shut down unexpectedly in the middle of street. Vehicle was towed to mechanic shop per request of dealership vehicle was purchased at. Mechanic later found metal shavings scattered through out engine. I’m currently without vehicle for transportation of my family of four incase of any emergency.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11422684June 28, 2021ENGINE
I was driving down the highway no warning lights displayed loud sound came from engine and died immediately. Car would not restart. Had it towed to a Kia dealership and they said there was a hole in the back of the engine and it needs to be replaced.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11421969June 23, 2021ENGINE
Months ago car just struggled to run while driving. Flatbed picked it up on roadside and brought to garage. Mechanic thought easy fix (a belt). Replaced belt. Still same issues. It was not due for an oil change, but mechanic decided to change oil even though he has done it every 3000 miles since brand new. He found flakes in oil and suggested not to drive it and it needed a new motor. Flatbed brought car home and it has been parked ever since.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11421903June 22, 2021ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2016 Kia Sorento has had problems with fuel pump and probably that fuel line so I had to have it replaced and then now see a recall for those so is this newer recall or what and also what could i do if i had private ASE certified mechanic fix this and the Kia has a little over 84k miles on it. Does Kia have to reimburse me for this and for the labor work done to or can you please tell me what I can do. Thankyou kc
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11421660June 21, 2021ENGINE
The vehicle stopped in highway traffic with no previous warning lights. Then the car was making a ticking sound & shut off after a restart attempt. Then it had to be towed to a Kia dealership & they stated it needed a engine after a thorough inspection. The engine failure is under warranty due to recalls on this model KIA Sorento from 2016. It was unknown to me at the time of purchase in 2019 from a DriveTime dealership. The dealership affirmed it had no recalls or previous accidents at the time of purchase (which is untrue). Now I have no vehicle. DriveTime is refusing to help & KIA has refused to repair the recalled engine. Please help.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11421399June 18, 2021ENGINE
My engine keeps burning oil at an extremely fast rate and the oil is very dark. Every time I take it in to get an oil change or top off, the mechanics tell me that my care has excessive oil consumption and something is wrong with the engine. My car also hesitates to start. I’ve taken it to get checked out twice stating my concerns, and the mechanics are not able to find anything wrong with it. Also, the indicator light does not come on when my oil is low, which has led to me driving my car with no oil In it.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11420591June 11, 2021UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Paint of my 2016 is chipping off
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11420441June 10, 2021ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I purchased a new 2016 KIA Sorento Tow Package that stated on the invoice it included a Mobius part number C6061 ADUS9 (Tow Hitch Harness) –Sorento. They part failed June 2019 and was reported to the KIA Kearny Mesa dealership. They initiated a request for the part and it was not received to date. The KIA Customer Care Irvine center said the vehicle was not listed as having the part and therefore I was not entitled to the KIA internal recall SC142. (Google search C6061 ADUS9) Their explanation was the VIN didn't include the Mobius part number C6061 ADUS9. I emailed a copy of the purchase invoice that showed otherwise. Please force KIA to update their build database to include purchased options. This is the second time I have submitted this Safety Recall. Consumer would like to provide an update complaint number 11390630 with 11420441. Essentially the PROBLEM is KIA customer service will not honor its INTERNAL RECALL SC142 with consumer's vehicle and suspect they won't honor others with the same issue. The sell their new vehicles in California without a Trailer Brake controller and defective CLASS III tow hitch harness. Mobius part is C6061 ADUS9 (Tow Hitch Harness) – Sorento
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0