Kia Sorento Complaints

10,397 consumer complaints on file.

#11469808June 17, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My husband and I were driving through a busy section of town and all of a sudden our suv completely lost power, dying on the side of the road. We never had a check engine light or anything come on. When we had it towed to the dealership we were informed our engine had locked up. Apparently there was a product upgrade that should have alerted us that our engine was going out, but we were not notified by Kia of the knock system upgrade. Nor were we informed that, as the second owners of the vehicle, in order to receive such notifications from Kia we needed to contact them and let them know we were the new owners and share our contact information. However, if Kia had classified it as a recall on the warning system, we would have been notified through our registration with the BMV. The dealership did share that this particular engine in a lot of Kia’s models have locked up suddenly similarly to ours. Luckily we were able to get our vehicle stopped right before the intersection, but did end up blocking a lane of traffic until the tow truck came. Kia also refuses to replace our engine because we did not get the knock system upgrade even though we were never notified.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11469846June 17, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Transmission doesn’t shift like it should. I have replaced the drive belt, crank sensor, accelerator pedal sensor, tune up, valve cover gasket and still having problems with this car. An recall came up on the engine but Kia dealership only advised me that the issues I paid for above would solve the issue. I just got this vehicle in February and feel like I’m paying for a lemon. Seats no longer want to fold down.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11469572June 16, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Snow White Pearl Paint has started peeling from roof by windshield and on driver door pilar causing rust spots.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11469588June 16, 2022
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The failure nearly caused a collision. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The dealer informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11469672June 16, 2022
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal however, the vehicle failed to respond; instead, the vehicle gradually lost forward momentum and decelerated. The contact pulled off the highway. The contact turned off the vehicle and attempted to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to restart. The contact opened the hood and smelled a burning odor. The contact checked the oil dipstick and saw that the dipstick was dry. The contact had recently had an oil change performed. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 186,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11469687June 16, 2022
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This KIA Sorento was brand new and I was the only owner. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The engine, brake lights, charging ports and overhead lights. Yes, the vehicle is available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The engine: this puts me at risk because the vehicle stop in the middle of the highway and the rear lights was not working because I burnt harness... a Truck was coming full speed. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, several times and they failed to take responsibility. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The manufacturer and several other opinions from other reputable mechanic shops. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No not at all, I was driving home from work, and once I exited the highway and came to a red light it just started violently shaking. There was no sign of this issue. I thought the light going out was just regular maintenance until it we out a few days later... then again. Then I noticed it was burnt on the wiring.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11469544June 16, 2022
POWER TRAIN
We have been having a few issues with our sorento. 1. There will be times when the car wont accelerate or go past the current speed. The first time this happened, we were traveling on the highway and it was difficult to pull over to safely pull over. We had to restart the car completely and let it rest then restart it. The second time this happened, was right after it was "fixed" by the dealership and I was able to safely pull over and restart the car. 2. The second issue is the car will jerk violently when shifting in reverse or down shifting to a stop while driving in automatic. When we originally took the car in for this issue (not even a full year after purchase), a transmission leak was said to be the problem and fixed. This worked for a few months then the issues started to gradually return. The car will also jerk forward and back while sitting in park. While this issue isnt as dangerous, the hesitation in the movement of the car could put myself or my family at risk if the car will no accelerate or decelerate in time. No warning light or problem indication is given when this problem arises. .\
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11469323June 15, 2022
ENGINE
The Kia Sorento (engine) stalled while driving. It happened moments after being stopped at a red light. Both the air conditioner and Eco Mode were ON at the time. I was able to coast/steer to a parking lot to shut the car off. After about five minutes I was able to start the car and drive home (AC and Eco Mode OFF).
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11469382June 15, 2022
ENGINE
Run away throttle, then part throttle, then stalls. Very unsafe. NHTSA action# dp21003 Problem comes and goes regularly
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11468922June 13, 2022
ENGINE
I am requesting an investigation of a defect involving the oil pressure switch in my iKia Sorento vehicle engine. The oil pressure switch, a device which monitors engine oil pressure and illuminates a warning light when oil pressure is lost, is defective The defect results in an engine oil leak. The oil loss occurs without warning to the driver eventually leading to an engine stall and loss of motive power condition. This was brought to the attention of the technician that serviced my car several times. I was instructed to add some oil if I noticed it, but don’t fill it up. I was informed to let them take care of the liquid levels when I brought it in for the oil changes.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11468998June 13, 2022
STEERING
Within the last 1 1/2 years the car makes a popping noise in the steering and its not a tie rod or ball joint issue. Nobody can seem to figure out where its coming from.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11468846June 12, 2022
ENGINE
Engine started making noise. Took to Kia dealer who suddenly stated engine had to be fully replaced. Problem was confirmed by 2 Kia dealers. There were no warning signs, messages, lamps or indicators to the catastrophic nature of the engine failure needing to be fully replaced.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11468876June 12, 2022
VISIBILITY/WIPER
We were driving and did not even hear anything hit the windshield which tells me how small the pebble or whatever it may have been was in size. Saw a small crack and within minutes it spread to about 6-7 inches long. A day later it’s spread halfway across my windshield. I have owned different cars and having this one BRAND new off the lot for barely 5 months - this should NOT have happened. This shows how weak and poorly made these windshields are by Kia. Shame on them for making a poor product and then not having responsibility to fix it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11468785June 11, 2022
SERVICE BRAKES
I had 2 HECU repairs done on the vehicle per the recalls. A year after the ABS, Anti Skid and Low tire warning light indicator came on suddenly and there was a "burning odor" noted. I went to the dealership immediately and they were unable to take a look at it for almost 1 week. I took the vehicle to a brake shop and they identified the ABS was on even when the vehicle was turned off. They stated this could cause a fire, but they weren't able to repair as KIA vehicles have require programming when the system is installed/modified. The brake shop strongly encouraged me to remove the fuse for the ABS to decrease the risk of fire, part away from other vehicles and structures--which I agreed to. I made an appointment with the KIA dealer for their next available date...which was 10 days out. At the service desk I explained everything and told them the fuse was not in due to the risk of fire. 1 1/2 hours later they called to tell me the issue was that the fuse was not installed!! I restated what I told them originally...they said they needed the fuse to troubleshoot the issue. They then informed me they did not have any fuses---which seems to be an issue. I called the brake shop and they gave me 2 fuses and I took to the dealer. The dealership evaluated and said the ABS module was defective and since the car was out of warranty, I would need to pay for the repair. I asked about the recall, but was told that KIA would not pay for it. I paid for the part, they ordered it...and the first new ABS was installed and was defective, they ordered a second ABS and it can in defective as well. The 3rd ABS arrived almost 1 week later and fortunately this was good. Since most of our travel is on I-95 or turnpike the ABS could have locked up and caused the vehicle to stop instantly as I have been told. This could have causes a severe accident. Given that 2 new ABS Modules were delivered...this indicates that KIA has a further issue with their brake systems.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11468561June 10, 2022
STEERING
When steering the vehicle at speeds between 40 and 70 mph the steering will feel sticky or get a notch feel to it. When making minor adjustments to the wheel to keep the vehicle going straight there will be resistance, then when enough force has been applied it will move. This sudden movement of the wheel causes the vehicle to over steer on the direction the steering wheel was being moved. This can result in an overcompensation the other direction. Although these are small movements the driving experience is unsettling for the driver, and for others around. The dealership is aware of the issue, confirmed it, and applied a software fix to the vehicle per KIA TSB 060 Rev 5. This has made the issue intermittent at best, instead of correcting it. Upon my second visit the dealership they reset the vehicle computer and I believe applied the software again. Upon testing they could not recreate the issue. On the third visit they were not able to recreate the issue yet again. After every visit I could feel the vehicle exhibiting the problem on the drive home - it's is a 2.5 hour drive to the dealership. The vehicle currently has less than 20K and this issue has been occurring since about 8K miles on the odometer. There has been no indicators or trouble codes, only the driving experience. The first occurrence was during the winter and more pronounced. The sticky feeling and the way that affected my steering on icy roads was somewhat scary. KIA's TSB states if the vehicle fails the recommended course is replacement of steering components. After multiple visits I have found a serious reluctance for them to do anything more than software fixes. I simply want a safe vehicle to transport my loved ones in.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11468679June 10, 2022
ENGINE
Last weekend we were driving our 2016 Kia Sorento with 111,000 miles on the highway. It started to lose acceleration and I had to pull of on the side of the highway. The vehicle started smoking and antifreeze leaked out all over the right side of the vehicle. This put our family at risk because there were no warning lights and it occurred on an extremely busy highway where are drive anywhere from 70-90 miles per hour. The vehicle was towed and inspected, we were told the head gasket was leaking. No other symptoms were present prior to this occurring and this is the only problem we have really had with the vehicle. All of the mechanics I have talked to about repairs refuse because these motors are known to be very risky to repair. Our local Kia dealer where we purchased the vehicle even stated that it's not worth fixing. New engine replacement are unavailable and buying a used engine is roughly $6,700 before any labor because so many of these engine issues have occurred.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11468687June 10, 2022
ENGINE
I took my vehicle to AAMCO and was told my engine has went out. The estimate to fix it is $10,000. I am currently paying on it still I called Evergreen Kia whom I got the car from and was told they have over 18+ vehicles with the same problem. I was told to call other Kia dealerships to see if i can get it repaired elsewhere. All other Kia dealerships said they were backed up as well with the same engine problems. I tried to trade it in no one wants to because the cost of repairs and the $13K I owe doesn't equal out.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11468493June 9, 2022
ENGINE
My 2016 KIA SORRENTO caught fire. I was driving off of the highway, with no issues, when i heard a tapping noise. I stopped at the light, turned right, and as I started turning it suddenly sputtered and stopped. I tried to accelerate to get the car out of the lane of traffic, when smoke started coming out from under the hood. People next to me started yelling that my car was on fire and that I should get out. At this point I got out of the car, and within minutes the entire undercarriage and front part of car was engulfed in flames. The fire dept put the fire out, and the fire marshal and my insurance is investigating.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11468533June 9, 2022
ENGINE
This car goes into "limp mode" with no warning. You will be driving along and all of a sudden, you lose power. So, you can go from 55mph down to 28mph with no warning that this is going to happen. It just does. The engine in this vehicle was junk when it came off of the line, due to sub par metal used in the engine bearings. Knock sensor has been replaced to no avail. Harness has been replaced twice. At this time it's been at my local dealership for over 3 weeks and they still haven't diagnosed the problem this time. This vehicle isn't safe.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11468394June 9, 2022
STRUCTURE:BODY
ON MY 2014 KIA SORENTO , THE PAINT HAS PEELED, IS PEELING SO BAD, THAT IT IS EMBARASSING TO EVEN DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THIS STARTED ABOUT 4 YEARS AGO . AT THAT TIME, IT STARTED ON THE HOOD, OVER THE DRIVERS SIDE. TOOK IT TO THE KIA PLACE, AND THEY TRIED TO SAY IT WAS BECAUSE THE VANITY LIGHT MIRROR HAD BEEN LEFT ON OVER NIGHT. THE NEXT VISIT WAS WHEN IT WAS PEELING ALL OVER THE CAR. THEY OF COURSE SAID, IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. MY CAR HAS ABOUT 75,000 MILES ON IT.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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