Kia Sorento Complaints
10,397 consumer complaints on file.
- #11446440January 6, 2022AIR BAGS
Airbag light is on and will not cut off
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11446447January 6, 2022POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the gear shifter would not shift out of PARK. The contact had to use a screwdriver to override the gear shifter. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the diagnosis was unknown. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000. The VIN was unavailable.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11446502January 6, 2022ENGINE
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, but the mechanic could not duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11446558January 6, 2022SERVICE BRAKES, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Tonight was the first time I drive this car in the snow. I was going downhill doing 5 miles per hour, I even downshifted to hold vehicle back, and the brakes totally locked up on me. I couldn't turn the car, it slid straight across the road, at a "T" intersection, and I crashed into a sign, and continued to slide down a hill on someone's property. In all my years driving this has NEVER happened to me. We have been complaining to Kia about the brake system on this car for months. Something is wrong with this car.
- Crash:
- Yes
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11446296January 5, 2022STRUCTURE:BODY
Both front and rear passenger side doors do not open from the outside. Both failed within days of each other. There have been no incidents that would have caused this. This appears to be a widespread issue with Sorentos that has been going on for years.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11446331January 5, 2022ENGINE
For several months I have been adding 1 quart of oil to my 2014 sorento bi-weekly there is no evidence of an external leak, residue or smoke coming out exhaust. When I don’t add the oil the car stalls, shutters and makes sound during acceleration. I have taken in to dealership but they could not see any issues.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11446409January 5, 2022ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I WAS LEAVING MY COUSINS APARTMENT COMPLEX WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED. I ATTEMPTED TO TRY TO START THE VEHICLE AGAIN BUT IT WOULD NOT TURN OVER. ALL THE LIGHTS IN THE VEHICLE WERE ON AND THE RADIO WAS STILL PLAYING SO IT DID NOT APPEAR TO BE THE BATTERY. I ATTEMPTED TO TRY AND START THE VEHICLE AGAIN AND NOTICED GRAY SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I THEN BEGAN TO SMELL SOMETHING BURNING, SO I EXITED THE VEHICLE AND POPPED THE HOOD. I THEN NOTICED A FIRE COMING FROM THE ENGINE BEHIND THE AIR FILTER COMPONET. ABOUT 10 SECONDS LATER I HEARD A POP AND TOOK OFF RUNNING TO A SAFER LOCATION AND CALLED 911. THE FIRE THEN BEGAN TO GROW BIGGER AND THE WHOLE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WAS IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDED AND PUT THE FIRE OUT. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS THAT CAME ON. IF I HAD NOT EXITED THE VEHICLE WHEN I DID I PROBABLY WOULD HAVE BEEN SEVERLY BURNT AS THE WHOLE FRONT WINDSHIELD SHATTERED AND THE DASH WAS MELTED AND FRONT SEATS WERE BURNT.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- Yes
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11446198January 4, 2022UNKNOWN OR OTHER
This car won’t go into park at times I have to put it with my emergency brake to park it and sometimes it won’t go into reverse. Called Kia dealership said it’s common at 150,000 for the interpreter switch/shift cable to get jammed up and to fix it would cost $550. I am afraid to drive this car but I need to go to work, if this is a common issue there should be a recall to fix it as that is a safety issue and it’s dangerous.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11446243January 4, 2022STRUCTURE:BODY
Snow White Pearl is peeling after 7 years with only 33200 mileage after a -25 night 12-31-2021 the picture tells it all
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11446199January 4, 2022UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1/2/22 HORN-when I attempted to lay on it due to being cut-off, it was at this time, and continues to be inoperable. 1/4/22 Reported to Destination Kia, Service Department, Albany, NY. ACCELERATION-When pulling onto a major highway where the speed limit is 55mph, from an entrance ramp, my vehicle would not accel above 32mph. I do not recall any warning lamps. I was forced to pull off to the shoulder of the highway where I shut my car off and restarted it. The problem corrected itself. On the second occasion, I was driving in an area where the speed limit is 30mph, my vehicle would not accel (I cannot remember my speed); I do not recall any warning lamps. I was again forced to pull over to the side of the roadway where I shut my car off and restarted it. The problem again corrected itself. 1/4/22 Reported to Destination Kia, Service Department, Albany, NY Kia cannot get me in for service until February 2022 due to a staff shortage! Unacceptable due to the two (2) severe safety concerns.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11446050January 3, 2022POWER TRAIN, ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My car was fine, then all of a sudden (after an oil change) it started knocking really loudly. I pulled over and the noise stopped- so I got back in the car a drive home. When I pulled into the driveway, I heard the noise again- knocking. I popped the hood and had daughter press the gas, sure enough- knocking again. I told husband and we parked it, he towed it to the dealership the next day. They said that because my car did not get the "campaign" update- ROD KNOCKING SENSOR- that the extended warranty was null and void. I asked to place a complaint at how the whole situation was handled- they said they mailed us letters, but they must have been the most non-descriptive letters in history. It's not safe- they know about this problem and they are not doing anything about it- they are doing the bare minimum, that is how people get hurt. We owe more to repair this vehicle than it is worth, and there is no "Goodwill" assistance on a car that wasn't "kept". I kept my car within it's normal limits, it's not right how the company chose to notify. They have all my contact info- I am the original owner. Thank goodness my teen daughter wasn't driving.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11445850January 2, 2022STRUCTURE:BODY
I own a 2013 Kia Sorento with 39,000 miles on it. It has Pearl White paint that is rapidly peeling off. It started peeling around a year and half ago when mileage was around 34,000 miles. I have contacted KIA Consumer Assistance Center and they asked for 2 estimates to repair the paint problem. When received they the estimates they said it’s out of warranty and refused any responsibility for the defective paint. Kia has sent me extended warranties on the Engine, Air bags and other items. I assume the only reason for extra warranties is that the car was built with unreliable parts. The paint is a big item that Kia should stand behind with some type of warranty. It too is defective to where it just peels off. This makes the car worthless.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11445814January 1, 2022ENGINE
Pulled up to stop sign car stalled. Would not turn over. After a while it started, but was knocking. Called my Grandpa and he said engine was low on oil and connecting rod was knocking, No warning light ever came on. The safety issue at the time was that I was in a rural area with my 2 year old daughter in about 45 degree weather. c
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11445724December 31, 2021EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Headlights go on and off while driving at night, especially when using turn signals. We cannot use Kia Sorento at night. All bulbs are OK
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11445755December 31, 2021ENGINE
Driving on highway, vehicle lost power. Ultimate diagnosed as a seized engine. Car was towed to our mechanic. After contacting Kia, they had us tow it to a local Kia dealer. After they diagnosed the same seized engine, they said they would not pay for repair, despite their being a class action suit settled by them. Car was brought back to our mechanic and a used engine was put in.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11445642December 30, 2021ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The engine is failing with the light on. It is not getting enough power and is a safety risk. I only have had the car for a year and a half and the dealership I have gotten it from won't do anything. It has had a air compression test, new spark plugs, and has been reviewed by multiply parties saying it is not deem road safety. I called the Kia dealership and it says all the recalls were done but it doesn't seem like it. They are saying i pretty much need a new engine, I have not even had the car that long.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11445470December 29, 2021ENGINE
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle overheated without warning. The contact added coolant. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer Nationwide KIA (1600 York Rd, Lutherville-Timonium, MD 21093, (410) 561-9000) where it was diagnosed that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The contact sent an email to the manufacturer however, they failed to respond. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11445485December 29, 2021UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 mph when the vehicle began to lag in acceleration when attempting to go uphill. The driver noticed a spark within the instrument panel directly behind the steering wheel. The driver then immediately pulled over and both the driver and the passenger (the contact) exited the vehicle. The vehicle then caught fire. The fire department showed and distinguished the fire. A report was made. There were no injuries. The vehicle was towed and deemed totaled. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted and made aware of the failure. A case was opened regarding the matter. The approximate failure mileage was unknown
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- Yes
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11445391December 29, 2021POWER TRAIN, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE
Vehicle loses all power at random. First incident was dangerous merging into traffic. The vehicle remains in this condition until restarted. Dealer found no code problems. There are lots of issues with this vehicle and failing transmissions.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11445220December 28, 2021ENGINE
Three days after getting my regular oil change , my engine started getting this loud knocking noise and I was not able to speed , I was coming into the freeway when my car suddenly got a loss of power , I checked my vehicle diagnostics and it wasn’t showing anything about the engine no warning or anything when I took it to get seen by a mechanic they told me I had to get my engine replaced
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0