Kia Sorento Complaints (2017)

808 consumer complaints on file.

#11655152April 17, 2025
ENGINE
Engine blew at 175000. It is not one of the vehicles that is covered under the class action lawsuit but the vehicle itself just blew an engine after an oil change. One of the Pistons let go.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11653730April 9, 2025
AIR BAGS, STRUCTURE:BODY, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am writing to bring to your attention a concerning issue regarding the instrument panel of the 2016-2020 Kia Sorento. My car - 2017 Kia Sorento. In approx. 2021, I noticed a small 2 cm crack resembling a razor blade cut on my instrument panel (Part Number: 84710-C5000WK, also 84710-C6000WK and 84710-C6001WK). At the time, I did not find this defect alarming as it was minor and located far from the airbag area. However, over time, the situation has deteriorated significantly. The small crack has now developed into three substantial cracks measuring between 6 to 8 inches, with some of them encroaching upon the airbag area. I am increasingly concerned that these cracks may impact the airbag deployment mechanism and potentially result in fragments from the panel flying out during a collision, an issue that has been documented in other vehicle brands in the past. After conducting some research, I found that this problem appears to be common among the Kia Sorento models manufactured between 2016 and 2020. Numerous sources online indicate that these dashboard cracks pose a safety hazard. I have made attempts to address this issue directly with Kia. However, I was informed that the initial inspection fee is $150, and the estimated cost for part replacement and installation is approximately $3,959. This amount is quite significant. I urge your organization to investigate this matter further and consider providing a remedy for affected customers. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11652519April 3, 2025
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
When my head lights are on automatic, they will cut on and off on their own while driving at night! Completely off! My break lights also come and go. I have had the bulbs replaced and still have the same issue
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11650975March 27, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
This is the third time I’m having to take my SUV to the Kia dealership because my check engine light begins flashing and then my car has a hard time accelerating when it gets to certain speeds. It shakes but will not go over 68 mph although it is covered under a warranty, it is very frustrating. Having to keep take my car to get fixed. There should be a more permanent solution.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11651103March 27, 2025
ENGINE
Engine failed, leaving me stranded at a stop light. I was finally able to get it started, but it ran terribly and didn't have the power to go uphill, almost rolled back into the vehicles behind me. Had to have it towed. No warning whatsoever, engine stalled and engine light on. I got it fixed at dealership I purchased from, then it did the same thing a week later. I will NEVER purchase a KIA again. Almost every shop I inquire about service won't even service KIA engines anymore because of the problems. I'm left with a car payment and no vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11650554March 25, 2025
ENGINE
Severe oil spill from engine and is spilling out into the car tires and the side doors and comes through the muffler and my back window and it’s stalling my car and I have been left stranded on the side of the road and I had it diagnosed at the dealership I bought it and I need my car fixed due to faulty issues of the vehicle not my fault please and thank you
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11650105March 24, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the gear shifter was stuck in park(P). The contact stated that once the vehicle was parked, the gear shifter remained stuck in park(P). The contact manually depressed the button under the gear shifter to move the gear shifter. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that after the first failure, the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that an unknown part in the gear shifter had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11648838March 17, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
1.Component/System Failure: The issue involves a recurring failure of the oil pressure switch, which is part of the engine’s lubrication monitoring system. This malfunction has resulted in an oil leak that subsequently damaged a major wiring control harness and the associated control module. The affected components are available for inspection by an authorized service center. 2.Safety Risk: The oil leak poses a safety risk by potentially compromising the vehicle’s engine performance and electrical system integrity. While there has been no direct incident of injury, the malfunction increases the risk of unexpected vehicle failure, which could endanger the driver and others on the road. 3.Confirmation of the Problem: The recurring issue was initially diagnosed by an authorized dealer. After the first repair under warranty, the same problem reappeared, and an independent service center later confirmed that the oil pressure switch was leaking excessively. This repeated diagnosis supports the conclusion that the component is defective. 4.Inspections Conducted: The vehicle has been inspected by both the authorized dealer and an independent service center. Additionally, the previous repair under warranty was conducted with oversight from manufacturer representatives. There has been no involvement of the police or insurance representatives regarding this incident. 5.Warning Lamps or Symptoms: There were no specific warning lamps or error messages that appeared before the failure. The primary symptoms noted were poor acceleration and unusual engine noise, which first appeared shortly before the issue was identified as an oil leak.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11647889March 12, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING
Car shut off and the radio kept going on and off red light on dash board and steering was hard
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11647625March 11, 2025
ENGINE
[XXX] the engine on my 2017 Kia Sorento seized up due to severe oil leak. There was a recall earlier in the year for oil pressure gauge which I had replaced. This seems to be a common problem in Kias as there is the class action law suit for this very problem however my car does not qualify but after reading many forums this is still a common problem in Kias that are not covered in this class action. I am now left with an inoperable car and nothing to show for it. I have been in touch with Kia Corporate with no help, lawyer, Office of Attorney General and MyCarVoice.com. Hoping you all can add some advice or answers. Thank you. 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
#11647752March 11, 2025
STEERING
Steering sticks and makes it difficult to stay straight. Have to use extreme effort to keep it in the lane. Complained to Kia in 2022 and dealer saw problem with the rack mounted motor driven power assembly but that it was within their specs. They did a software update on the eps and said system now operating as designed. The miles were 35,774 at that time. Started having same issues in february of 2025. Dealer is saying it needs a new steering column, but now out of warranty. Miles were 59,436.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11647481March 10, 2025
STEERING
Steering is sticky when making SLIGHT correction. Happens every time I drive. The speed does not matter. Happens at all speeds.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11647176March 8, 2025
ENGINE
Car went into limp mode and check engine light began blinking. We do not have a Kia dealer in our town so we had it towed to local mechanic. He did not save the code but said it indicated one of two options: change the oil or replace engine. He changed the oil and cleared the code. The car had been using oil for some time so we called Kia to report it. We were told to let it run out of oil until it goes into limp mode again and then tow it to the dealer. We can’t do that! We live on a mountain. If the engine locked up, we could die. So, we add a quart to a quart and a half every couple of weeks. The car smells hot so we know the engine is bad. It is one of the GDI engines. There was a class action suit for this problem in CA. We believe Kia should be held responsible for the Over Consumption of Oil issue before more accidents occur. Our case number with Kia is [XXX]. 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
#11646926March 7, 2025
ENGINE
Engine failure, loss of power on multilane highway, engine valves failed. unable to move to safe location Dealer checked valves failed No warning lamps, messages prior to failure
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11645403February 27, 2025
ENGINE
Urgent Assistance Needed: Engine Issue and Warranty Dispute Since September last year, the engine warning light has been consistently on. Whenever I took the car to the Kia dealership, they merely mentioned that the system was “too rich” and assured me it was not a concern. Instead of addressing the engine issue, they recommended replacing unrelated parts such as the air filter. When I took the vehicle to a local mechanic, I was informed that the engine was not in good condition, causing the oil to burn quickly, which indicated an engine problem. However, the Kia dealership did not acknowledge this issue. On February 7th, while driving, the vehicle began shaking violently and making unusual noises. I immediately brought it to the local mechanic, who diagnosed that the #4 cylinder valve was burnt. The following day, on February 8th, I brought the car to the dealership. They mentioned that the engine might need to be replaced and promised to contact the warranty company for approval. They initially seemed optimistic, suggesting that the replacement could be covered under the warranty. However, two weeks later, I received a response stating that the warranty would not cover the repair. Despite multiple attempts to contact Kia headquarters via email, I have not received any response. Upon further investigation, I discovered that my vehicle is part of the Theta II engine recall. Kia had publicly announced a lifetime engine warranty for vehicles with this issue. However, now that my engine has failed and requires replacement, they are refusing to honor this promise. The estimated cost for the engine replacement is $8,000, and I have been told that I am responsible for the full amount. I kindly request your immediate assistance in resolving this issue. I believe Kia should honor its commitment to the lifetime engine warranty for the Theta II engine vehicles. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. I look forward to your response.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11645164February 26, 2025
STEERING
We Reported in February of 2022 To Kia of Port Charlotte in Florida that our steering wheel was sticking so bad we had to use extraordinary effort to keep the car going straight. They told us they were unable to replicate what we experienced. Starting in February of 2025 we started to experience the same thing. We brought it [XXX] to Kia of Sebring Florida. They diagnosed that there is a sticking of the steering wheel but it is not covered because the car is 7 years old and has 59000 miles under warranty. When I checked on line there are tons of customers complaining of this same problem. Please look into this issue as it could cause accidents eventually. Thank you 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
#11644683February 24, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Engine problem. I've had to replace spark plugs and have to add oil almost every week. This was done about 3 months ago. Today check engine light came back on and it's the same problem stalling and shaking as if it's going to dye in me .. I bought my car brand new I've been the only owner..it's only got 80,000 miles .. I know that you guys have life time warranty on your engines .what do I need to do to have it repaired under warranty?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11642567February 13, 2025
STEERING
Steering MDPS Unit malfunction causing loss of power assisted steering. Visible steering light on dash. Vehicle was inspected at a Kia dealer confirming issue with MDPS unit. Kia shop stated that this was an issue with the 2016-2020 Kia Sorento models and most fell under the recall umbrella but this specific 2017 Kia Sorento is not on the VIN checked list for a steering recall for the MDPS Unit failure. Kia stated that the repair would cost out of pocket at $3500 for the same issue others with the same problem Kia is replacing under recall warranty. The MDPS Unit failed while driving causing issues with being able to steer.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11642141February 12, 2025
EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the front and rear exterior lights shut off unexpectedly. The contact turned off the light switch and then back on and the failure was fixed. Additionally, the vehicle had experienced excessive oil consumption, and engine oil was added shortly after having an oil change performed. The vehicle also experienced harsh driving due to the oil consumption failure. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 65,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11641280February 7, 2025
STEERING
The steering seems to stick, hard to explain but when you are driving on the highway feels like the steering wheel is going to stop working.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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