Kia Sorento Complaints (2025)

72 consumer complaints on file.

#11760144August 27, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
About a minute into my drive, I heard an explosion. I looked back thinking something happened to my twin toddlers and saw nothing. I heard the sound of glass cracking and looked up to see the front glass of my moonroof shattered. I pulled over to safety and closed the sun cover for the moonroof before any more glass could fall into the car in fear of my toddlers getting injured. The car itself had been on for maybe 5 minutes prior to driving away from my house.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11758432August 21, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VISIBILITY/WIPER, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2025 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving approximately 75 MPH, the rear windshield wiper was moving with the switch turned off. The contact turned the rear windshield wiper to high, then low, and the wiper finally turned off. The contact continued driving and the vehicle suddenly stalled, and the message Press Button to Start Engine message was displayed. The vehicle continued to coast in neutral, and then decelerated to approximately 65 MPH. The contact pressed the start button and the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle failed to move immediately. The contact stated that after several attempts, the engine revved as needed. The contact stated that while continuing to drive, the steering wheel was hot, the radio screen was blacked out, and the horn failed to sound. When the radio screen was illuminated and displayed the information on the screen, the contact became aware that the GPS had reset to an erroneous location. The rear windshield wiper independently activated again. The contact noticed a burning odor while continuing to drive the vehicle. After the contact arrived to the destination, the contact had to press the button four times before the vehicle turned off. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issues. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11758296August 20, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
During highway trips the info cluster starts chiming and a coffee cup light comes on the dash saying I should consider taking a break! This happens frequently and is distracting as I need to look down from the road to access what the warning is. I'm being told now that it is not able to be disabled. It's distracting and there's no way I would have bought the car with such a distraction during highway driving.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11757326August 16, 2026
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The dashboard has a screen display. I couldn’t see my fuel tank information. Every time I would use my turn signal a large green circle would take over the screen. Followed by loss of the screen, meaning no speedometer, rpm, etc. As the problem continued the speedometer started displaying incorrect numbers. Saying I was going 70 miles an hour when I was actually going about 55. Gage for fuel and heat (notifying if car is overheating, was lost for the entirety of my drive).
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11754281August 2, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
The engine sputters several times in a single trip, and is available upon request. The engine sputtered and the vehicle stopped in the middle of the road as I was trying to cross 2 lanes of traffic. It has sputtered so bad, I almost rear ended the vehicle in front of me. Yes, the dealership confirmed via text on 7/13/2026. The dealership confirmed it occurred then insisted on my picking up the vehicle despite of that. No effort to fix or determine why that was happening. I was told “the vehicle is learning how I drive, the road was bumpy, and the manufacturer would need more than to cover it” The dealerships invoice to the manufacturer stated “no sputtering” even after acknowledging in writing that it occurred and refused to change the paperwork. The dealership also reset the data and that it “could” resolve everything. If there’s nothing wrong with the vehicle, why would it need to be reset? The manufacturer has been called twice regarding the sputtering issue. No warning lights. Started in 10/2025 the dealership was made aware several times with several appointments and refused to look at the vehicle until the manufacturer contacted them in July.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11747831July 1, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The transmission is not shifting gears correctly. The engine revs loudly and hesitates for a few seconds before shifting. There were no warning lamps. The vehicle has not been inspected yet. This causes a dangerous situation when driving and accelerating in traffic.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11746296June 24, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My sunroof exploded.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11744310June 15, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
I was stopped at a red light. The light turned green, the vehicle in front of me was easily 4 car lengths ahead at this point into the intersection, I then slowly began to accelerate, my car gave me a false collision warning even though there was no car or hazard in front of me, then I brake checked me (initiated my brakes and slammed on them). This could’ve easily caused the car behind me to hit me and fortunately it didn’t. It did however cause me whiplash, very dangerous. I’ve since turned collision warning off all together
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11743455June 11, 2026
WHEELS
I was going to Villa Toscana homestead , and in that road there a big hole and made my tire explode . No light on homestead road to be able to see the big hole.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11737411May 12, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Today, May 12, 2026 at 12:10pm the panoramic sunroof spontaneously exploded. I heard some shacking sounds in the car, right as I was picking up speed on the freeway and then heard a bang above my head. Nothing had hit the car. It sounded like a balloon had popped in my ear. When I stopped the car 5mins later, I could see the glass was getting pushed out from the inside and then broke apart in the sunshade. I am my kids were not in the car at the time. It was above their car seats.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11737028May 11, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2025 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that an unknown, sticky fluid had spilled through the slits of the mode selector which was a dial that can be selected for driving during different road conditions. Upon start of the vehicle, the 4WD mode selector would intermittently flash on the instrument panel. In addition, the contact stated the mode selector would remain stuck in eco drive and that the contact could not switch out of the mode selector. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where upon a diagnostic, it was discovered that an unknown, sticky substance had entered the mode selector through the slits in the mode selector. The contact agreed to have the part replaced; however, the part for the repair was on backorder. The manufacturer was notified of the failure where they refused to offer any assistance with the vehicle's repair. The vehicle remained in the dealer's possession and had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11736475May 8, 2026
ENGINE
My wife was pulling in spot and car took off at high rate of speed and hit parking pole . Kia corporate after 2 months tells me nothing wrong with vehicle . i found on kia of Manahawkin they have a page on this issue forced acceleration and cause so how they can tell me no it doesn't happen also goggle searches show this a reported issue , and recently friend of my women in Florida her car did the same thing .
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11735178May 1, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
I purchased this vehicle from McGrath Kia in [XXX] . The fuel line recall kept me from picking up the car the day of purchase as was indented and stated. This was deception because they knew about the recall even know they waited for me to sign the contract before telling me. This was verified by another sales person at Kia. The current problem is electrical with the 12 volt battery discharging to zero at unusual and times with no particular reason such as lights or anything in the vehicle turned in the on position or running. The service coordinator told me the solution is to un hook the battery terminal when stopped. That is wildly unacceptable to have myself and family risk injury due to Kia's faulty electronics on a newly manufactured vehicle. This added risk of using the kia Sorento makes it unsafe. Multiple visits to the dealership resulted in nothing. They did not want me to bring the car in twice as they don't have a solution. This is becoming more frequent and the McGrath is openly stating I'm over 12 months time for lemon law and ill have to pay to fix my new car. Which has the "lifetime" warranty. Im stuck with a new car that's unsafe to drive. 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
#11733286April 23, 2026
AIR BAGS, SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I am submitting this revised complaint to correct a prior report that was not accurately documented during a phone submission. Vehicle: 2025 Kia Sorento (259 miles at purchase) Within approximately two months of ownership (~3,000 miles), the vehicle began experiencing serious safety-related issues, including intermittent stalling, braking problems, and electrical malfunctions. Symptoms include: •Vehicle stalled and failed to restart, leaving me stranded •Radio/display screen went blank •Heating/climate system became nonfunctional •Vehicle would not shift into neutral •Persistent burning odor inside and outside the vehicle These issues raise concern about a potential fire risk. In May 2025, the vehicle was inspected by two separate dealerships, both of which reported no issues. The condition worsened, resulting in a complete failure requiring towing. A dealership later identified “electrical issues,” but key symptoms were not documented. A second dealership has since stated the vehicle is operating normally; I disagree, as I believe the root cause has not been resolved. Issues began at ~3,000 miles, with major failure at ~22,000 miles. I have contacted Kia and requested a buyback due to repeated failures and safety concerns. This request was denied twice; a goodwill credit was offered but not accepted. This complaint is submitted to report ongoing safety defects involving stalling, braking, electrical failure, and a potential fire risk.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11732813April 21, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2025 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the braking system became inoperable and failed to function properly. Additionally, while the vehicle was parked, it failed to start and lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the electrical system had failed and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was then taken to another dealer, where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11732349April 20, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, VISIBILITY/WIPER
Sunroof exploded when driving sounded like a shotgun. This is a known issue by kia.the glass blow upward.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11732113April 18, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I have a 2025 KIA Sorento Hybrid and several months a go Car play stoped working correctly If car developers like to replace the car stereo with Car Play or a new Tecnology they better make shore that the Tecnology is working correctly before they Install it in people vehicle don't let the consumer develop the product for Tham, Car play is not working, at times sounds stop playing ,navigation stop talking and there is no AI I'm a Uber Driver wen I"m in the car I need to concentrate on the road driving I should not trying to figure out how to fix the sound, or what is wrong with Car Play. I would like for Apple to make a Recall. Car Play is a very dangers issue that no one is been able to fix. Please I hope you take this in cosideration it's a Sefty issue. Mahalo
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11732019April 18, 2026
POWER TRAIN
In December I submitted a complaint about the powertrain not knowing the extent of the problem. My 2025 Kia Sorento X-Line SX prestige with shy of 48000 miles had a catastrophic and potentially life threatening malfunction with the powertrain. The technicians revealed that the transmission housing actually exploded, launching shrapnel into the surrounding area. This had the potential to impact other drivers on the road, and had the blast gone in my direction it may have pierced the shielding and struck me or my passenger. It was far beyond a regular breakdown. The damage was so severe that while under warranty i still as of today 4/18/2026 do not have my vehicle back. They seem to be unable to fix the problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11723989March 12, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Driving 40 mph coming around a bend. There was a car stopped about to rear off to the left and when coming up around the turn I saw and tried to stop. I was about two car lengths behind the car when I pressed the brake down and I pushed it all the way down and nothing happened. It was grinding and shaky when pressing it down. Not tight or anything. I feel like I normally would have that tension right away to be able to stop. There was no warning or anything and the car always has warnings when something is close.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11721574March 2, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I am reporting a loss of propulsion event in a 2025 Kia Sorento S AWD. The vehicle experienced a sudden loss of drive power when pressing the accelerator. The engine did not respond normally and the vehicle entered a reduced power (limp mode) condition. Stopping in the middle of major intersections, [XXX] and then [XXX] and [XXX] at 4:30 pm. This vehicle is subject to Recall 25V548 involving engine connecting rod bolts, which warns of possible engine damage and loss of propulsion. The dealership (Gettel Kia of Bradenton, FL) stated they were unable to duplicate the issue. The recall language states that engine damage or loss of propulsion may occur and could create a safety hazard. This event occurred at approximately moving from a stop position to ? mph on [XXX]] with approximately 1,936 miles on the vehicle. As I drove it home it would disengage and reengage. I am concerned about the safety of continued operation given the recall notice and the propulsion failure experienced. VIN: [XXX] Please advise. [XXX] [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

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