Kia Sorento Complaints

10,397 consumer complaints on file.

#11458353March 25, 2022
ENGINE
Took vehicle in 2 day after I received recall notice.Dealership availability was 2 weeks away they told me I needed a starter and few sensors and my bill would $1700. After borrowing the funds called to pick vehicle up and was told by manager he let his master technician take a look at it trying to figure out why I needed a starter. Master technician turned the engine and it locked. They say I’ll have to replace the engine at the cost of $8000. Reason waited to late to bring recall in. Which is insane, I still owe $10,000 on the vehicle that’s not running. Your facilitation in this matter is both wanted and appreciated. Respectfully
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11458294March 25, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
In 2 instances the car shut off without warning. Once After the car had been shut off, ( would not restart.) Then again while the car was in drive sitting at a red light. (Engine shut off without warning). Dealership could not figure out cause. When trying to restart the dash lights would come on with all codes being thrown as failure for multiple systems but engine would not start or try to start. The car did think it was running though as the dash would say car will shut off in alloted time frame that was set in car settings. Both times after the car being towed to the dealership and sitting for the night it started back up next morning like nothing ever happened. I ended up getting traded out of the vehicle at 18,500 miles after owning the car for 30 days. I’m assuming that’s why previous owner traded it. It’s a lemon.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11458104March 24, 2022
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2005 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while turning left, the steering wheel was very difficult to turn. The contact mentioned that all her strength was needed to turn the steering wheel. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the crankshaft bolt needed to be replace. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11458130March 24, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
This is with regards to a major safety incident that could have been fatal for my wife and others on 2/2/2022. My wife parked her 2018 Kia Sorento on our driveway picked up her belongings and closed the door of the car. As she was about to enter the house it felt to her that the car was still running. So, she went to the car again opened the drivers side of the door and reached out and pressed the "Start/Stop" button thinking if the car's engine is still "ON" it will turn it "OFF". As soon as she hit the button the car started rolling backwards and my wife got entangled in the door. She got knocked down to the ground sustaining a concussion on her head and deep bruises on her legs and shoulder. The car went to neighbor's front yard across the street and was stopped by the curb and the snow bank on neighbor's yard. After I tended to my wife I went to fetch the car I double checked and saw that the gear shifter was in "Parking" position. The mystery is how the car moved backwards while the car was in "Parking". It's not a steep hill and the way car rolled it felt to my wife as the car was in "Neutral". There is no warning lights or any other failure indications. We took the car to local Kia dealer for thorough inspection but they couldn't find anything. We are quite scared to drive the car. I am hoping a very through investigation of the car and get to the bottom of the issue. We complained to Kia, they reached out once after almost a month and now radio silence on the issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11458194March 24, 2022
ENGINE
On March 11, 2022 I was driving my 2015 Kia Sorento when the engine died. I was driving on a major road when all of a sudden my brakes locked up and all the warning lights and sounds went on and my car stopped. If it would have happened on the highway I could have been seriously injured. The problem has been confirmed by a dealer and an independent garage both saying that my vehicle needs a new engine. It has been meticulously maintained. Prior to the engine failing there were no warning lights indicating any low oil or service engine lights. The dealership stated that it was not my fault. I contacted the Kia manufacturer and they said there is nothing they can do because it is over the 100,000 mile warranty. It only has 110,000 miles on the car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11458253March 24, 2022
ENGINE
Bought this vehicle used, at 98k miles, regularly serviced for oil changes, wasn’t due for an oil change for about 1k more miles and while driving down an interstate- the vehicle would not go above 65 mph. Pulled over and the oil was low, got it home and had the oil changed, still had issues so had it taken to a full service shop at 106k miles where I was told it was just a misfire so they replaced spark plugs and coil packs, drove it for a total of 30 minutes after picking up and the check engine light began flashing so I took it back to the shop where they told me there was knocking in the engine and it would need to be replaced.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11458060March 23, 2022
STRUCTURE:BODY
The car was purchased new in 2016. Paint began peeling above the passenger door August 27, 2021 at the dealer service center carwash after a routine oil change. Its been peeling more since then. We have read of other owners having very serious paint peeling on there Sorentos. Estimates to repaint the panel are up to $1000. The car has 71,000 miles on it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11457938March 23, 2022
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento.. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked it suddenly caught on fire. The fire department was called and put out the fire. A fire report was made. There were no injuries and no medical attention was needed. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11457974March 23, 2022
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at 10 MPH, the vehicle stalled inadvertently and had a burning odor. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was unable to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the dealer informed the contact that the recall did not apply to her vehicle as she was not the original owner. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 187,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11458015March 23, 2022
ENGINE
03/23/2022 11:06:18 3/23 Yes, I still have concerns and I have told Kia numerous times to email or text me but instead they conveniently call while I'm at work 7am-4pm so I can't answer the phone. Due to the continuous oil burning issue that Kia refuses to fix or address eventhough I have agreed to pay, the mechanic now says there's a knock sensor issue which makes it unsafe to drive. I have reached out to Kia for months now, with still no resolution in sight.. If this case is above your pay grade or administrative power, please direct my case to someone who can assist in a speedy and competent manner. A very disappointed customer. 03/15/2022 12:24:02 3/14, 5th message- car needed to be taken to Goodyear due the following:This is the recall (see attachment) that hasn't been fixed on my Kia Sorento yet which can cause other issues - knock sensor such as the ones (stalling) 3/13. 03/13/2022 18:03:52 4th message 3/13/2022 Interesting never received a Thursday or second call from rep Ronee as promised in a previous email. My senior citizen 2 time cancer survivor mom attempted to drive my car to return it to me in Vegas when an hour out of Tucson it stalled as oil light came on. Previously Royal Kia had promised to put extra oil in car so if this happened again, oil could be put in, no oil was in car. Everyone associated with Kia in this case has consistently been inconsistent not fulfilling promises made, plus me and my family just continued to be in convenience by Kia. Demanding a 1000 mileage a month oil consumption test during a pandemic when I work in North Vegas before service is ridulous, unrealistic, and unsafe. Transparency and assistance would be appreciated, but due to Kia's prior action and incompetence, I'm not hopeful. When calling, usually businesses leave a voice-mail, I have no such record from you. Not a satisfied customer. Pics of docs at https://photos.app.goo.gl/YauPabwvPoXzs7z87
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11458020March 23, 2022
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2008 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that she contacted an independent mechanic who advised her that she needed a new OCS seat mat. The contact stated that she then contacted the dealer who advised her that there was a recall for the failure she was experiencing, however the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V473000 (Air Bags). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 136,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11458018March 23, 2022
POWER TRAIN
The vehicle stutters before it comes to a complete stop and creates a panic feeling thinking it is not going to stop completely. Have had the car into KIA for two separate inspections and they just tell me it's due to a dual manual clutch working in and automatic car. I know I am not the only one experiencing this terrifying sensation on a brand new vehicle. KIA won't do nothing until the transmission completely fails. Even their master tech indicated there are issues with these transmissions causing shifting and breaking issues.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11457973March 23, 2022
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
Suddenly one morning the transmission didn't work at all. I had to get a towing service to bring the car to the service. After a couple of days, they told me that the car needs a new transmission. BTW, the car ONLY has 12,000 miles!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11457787March 22, 2022
ENGINE
While on the highway and driving 75 miles per hour, the car engine seized with no warning at all. There were no warnings on the dash and the engine completely died. The mechanic said he has already had 3 of the exact same instances happen this week alone. The mechanic himself had the same exact issue happen. He explained there was oil in it, and this is a nationwide problem with Kia Sorento's. My dealer said they can't even diagnose the car for two months! Once it's approved to fix, it will be another 2-3 months! The car only had 94,500 miles on it. I asked the dealer what folks are doing and she said they're buying "beater" cars in the meantime. Well we are all left with no trade in value for our car, we have no transportation for 6 months, and vehicles are at an all time high right now. What are consumers supposed to do?!? Kia needs to make right with this. Most folks can't afford to be without a vehicle for 6 months.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11457870March 22, 2022
STEERING
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel seized upon depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The contact stated that the failure did not occur while turning the steering wheel but rather while driving straight. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer on three separate occasions and was recently informed that the failure was normal vehicle operation. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 59,000. The VIN was not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11457592March 21, 2022
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would hesitate or fail to accelerate upon depression of the accelerator pedal; the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact initially took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where a diagnostic code showed that the throttle position sensor was defective. Upon further investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V089000 (Vehicle Speed Control) which he linked to the failure. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer and he was informed that his vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided information about an extended warranty that the vehicle qualified for; however, upon calling the dealer, the contact was informed that his vehicle did not qualify for the warranty. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 69,500.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11457610March 21, 2022
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while stopping at a red light the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was no oil in the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11457633March 21, 2022
ENGINE
While I was driving on the highway my car jumped then the engine light came on and the car just died. They was this really weird smell that was coming from the car as I was pulling over. I then opened the hood of the car and the engine was smoking. I looked under the car and oil was coming out from the bottom engine block. I grabbed my stuff and walked as far away as I could because I was scared the car was going to catch fire.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11457373March 19, 2022
ENGINE
The engine is knocking. You can hear it when the car is stopped. The engine has gradually been burning oil. The oil comes on 3500 miles after a synthetic oil change consistently. This is has occurred since 80k miles. The car is currently at 94k miles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11457383March 19, 2022
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Low bean headights are extremely dim. Can barely see road and obstacles at night and very difficult to see in rain. High beam headlights function normally. Low beam lights are significantly dimmer than when new. Headlamps are not fogged over. Have not been to dealer yet. Ther are no warning lights (MIL) on dash or codes. difficult to pinpoint when the condition started as it seems to have occured gradually.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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