Kia Sorento Complaints
10,397 consumer complaints on file.
- #11423901July 8, 2021STRUCTURE:BODY
Color: Pearl white Paint is peeling
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11423904July 8, 2021STRUCTURE:BODY
I have a 2011 KIA SORENTO and the rear back door handle has stopped working on 7/7/2021. This is safety issue as I can open the door from inside but not from outside. I have a small child and another on the way and not being able to open the door to let her out of the car is unacceptable. I am really frightened if what will happen if my child is inside and I am not able to get inside my car. This is a potential hazard for my child and my future infant child. Kia has to really step forward and replace this faulty mechanism. I urge the Kia company to recall and fix this asap before someone gets hurt and/or it results in a fatality.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11423756July 7, 2021EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Vehicle’s headlights keep burning out, right after replacing them. The headlight wires and bulb connectors keeps melting, causing a potential for fire. I had to replace the headlight wires and connectors 4 times due to this issue. This is a major safety issue and Kia needs to fix this ASAP. Thanks
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11423565July 6, 2021ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2017 KIA Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 17V224000 (engine and engine cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue approved a rental vehicle for the inconvenience. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The failure mileage was 70,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11423597July 6, 2021ENGINE
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V750000 (Engine). The vehicle was then taken to the local dealer for the recall repair however, due to severe rust to the subframe, the dealer declined to provide the service. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle would be repurchased at wholesale value. The failure mileage was approximately 235,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11423435July 5, 2021STEERING
Steering is sticky and has play during highway speeds. Driver must constantly adjust to keep vehicle aligned. Power steering after sticking point over corrects vehicle. This is very dangerous.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11423482July 5, 2021STRUCTURE:BODY
I was sitting in my car before work as I always do. It was running but it was parked. All of a sudden I hear a huge bang that sounds like a shotgun blast. I jump and duck thinking someone is shooting a gun at my car. I then see little shards of glass all over my windshield. I exit my vehicle and see that my sunroof is completely shattered. In the pictures it’s clear it wasn’t from a point of impact (nothing hit my car). Luckily my shield was pulled so no glass got on me and I wasn’t driving. This could have caused me to crash with how loud the boom was. I see online that there’s been several instances of this happening with no recall.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11423323July 3, 2021STRUCTURE:BODY
Pearl White paint peeling rapidly. Started in a few minor spots (roof) within last two years, now is rapidly peeling around windshield and hood. Although it is garage kept, now rusting in original spots. The quality of paint is horrible.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11423359July 3, 2021EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Driver side headlight keeps burning out within 24 hours of being replaced. It has happened 6 times in a row now
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11423211July 2, 2021ENGINE
On May 10th 2021 the engine ceased on my 2015 Kia Sorento. The car was towed by AAA to Grand Prairie, Texas. Note, the cadillac converter was stolen at this location and Christian Brothers did replace it. They notified us that the engine needed to be replaced. I then had it towed on May 19, 2021 to my local mechanic at in Richardson, Texas. I have used this mechanic for several years. It was confirmed that the engine needed to be replaced. I then had the car towed on May 20, 2021 to Kia in Plano, Texas. On May 27, 2021 Kia called me and said the motor needed to be replaced and they are contacting Kia to see how this will be taken care of. I did not receive a return call for several day and I was assuming the vehicle was being taken care of. On June 8, 2021 I called for an update. I received a return call from the Kia service man who then informed me that the computer engine was not updated in 2019 and Kia was not going to uphold their recall on the engine because of this. There is no notification given on the vehicle that this was coming due or even past due. Kia has now refused to replace the motor that is in a current recall due to the motor ceasing. On June 9, 2021 I contacted my finance company and insurance for advice. June 10, 2021 I called to talk to service department at 9:45am was told they would return my call. At 3:50 I called again since service mailbox is full and I can’t leave a message. I called again at 5:00pm and was told the service manager will call me June 11th Friday morning. I did not receive a call from her in the morning. I called at 1:10pm June 11, 2021. I was directed to two mailboxes that were full. I called a third time and was told they will have the service manager call me. Emely returned my call and said I need to talk to Kia Consumer Affairs. Consumer Affairs at Kia again said the letter was enough notification. I went to Kia on June 12, 2021 and they wanted me to trade it in.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11423184July 2, 2021FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
KIA's manual gives instructions on two different ways (having two is a bit odd) to disengage their adaptive cruise control (KIA's name for it is Smart Cruise Control). Neither works. It is not possible to disengage SCC and use regular cruise control. This has been brought to the attention of the dealer from where the car was purchased (who has been working with us non-stop) as well as by me to KIA via their website. The dealer's service department has inspected it and cannot find a way to disengage the SCC. (Other safety features built into the car can be turned off). KIA is balking at finding a fix. I cannot use cruise control in this car without also accepting the SCC feature. I find it dangerous unless it is what I want engaged. I prefer to be in control of my vehicle and do not want the car adjusting my speed for me. If I'm approaching a vehicle and signal to pass, but first get to close to the vehicle I wish to pass according to the vehicle's software, the car slows down as I move into a passing lane. Even if I have plenty of room for someone who may already be in that lane, my vehicle slowing down until the camera and software determine it's 'safe' again poses a problem. I can give other examples, but am sure you get the idea. Suffice to say, other brands of vehicles have a way to disengage adaptive cruise control features. KIA's manual states it can be disengaged, but as stated, those directions do not work. KIA needs to make this right. Since I need to give a date next, please realize this has been ongoing since our purchase on April 30, 2021.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11423082July 1, 2021AIR BAGS
My 2008 kia Sorento has a faulty passenger air bag, or air bag sensor. The ‘passenger air bag off’ light has been on since I purchased this car from a dealership in January of 2019. This jeopardizes the safety of my passengers because if the sensor or software is faulty, the airbags won’t deploy when needed. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic, but I plan to take it to a dealership as well, it is available to be inspected upon request. I have called kia consumer affairs twice because there was a recall for this same passenger airbag issue in Kia Sorentos manufactured from 2007-2009 (SC067), but the first time they told me there was nothing I could do because the VIN wasn’t listed as affected. The second time I called to get more information, they put me on hold and then hung up on me so I do not know how to progress when kia is refusing to address my concern. I have to drive on the highway frequently and I am very worried about having a faulty airbag system. Thank you for your time!
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11423139July 1, 2021ENGINE
While on the highway, the engine blew causing a sudden loss of speed and power steeting. The car/engine is currently available for inspection. This is a known issue with the 2013 Kia Sorentos as well as other models. From reviews online, it appears that there is an issue with the crankshaft and oil. For some reason other 2013 Sorentos (and other models) were recalled - this VIN was not. The car was inspected by two independent mechanics (two different companies) and both advised that this is the same problem that was recalled for the crankshaft/oil issue and that I should contact Kia. I contacted Kia and they said this VIN was not re-called. There were no warnings in regards to this issue. The car suddenly lost speed on the highway and I was fortunate enough to be able to glide to a safe area off the highway.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11423162July 1, 2021STEERING
car re-experienced power loss and steering failure as previously reported to NHTSA ID: 11244200. this time we narrowly missed a tree and only the right passenger tire made an impact on side of the road/mountain. side curtain airbags deployed I have been in contact with Kia about the ongoing issues repairs were made previously under warranty. car was returned with engine power loss/ intermittent loss of power and unresponsive steering. my son required 2 stitches. and my military injuries have been aggravated. Car insurance claim started after the incident. the symptoms have been intermittent and dealership refused the car yesterday stating an open case with kia pending a buyback. car has been towed to a geico authorized repair facility for inspection and repair.
- Crash:
- Yes
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 2
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11423172July 1, 2021ENGINE
Vehicle shut down unexpectedly in the middle of street. Vehicle was towed to mechanic shop per request of dealership vehicle was purchased at. Mechanic later found metal shavings scattered through out engine. I’m currently without vehicle for transportation of my family of four incase of any emergency.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11422939June 30, 2021ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
On June 23rd my 2015 Kia Sorento with a 3.3 l engine V6 started making noises and I called a dealership and they asked if it sounded like knocking noises and I said no it sounded more like exhaust noise within an hour my car was losing power it was idling very rough and I took it into the dealership and they said that I need ed an entire new engine. However I had been in there on June 14th and they told me that my oil level was good and there were no leaks but on June 23rd suddenly I had 0 oil in my engine and they were claiming that it was my issue however it is The exact issue that Kia has had with this model and make but different engine. My car has 91000 miles on it I use full synthetic oil I had it changed 6000 miles ago it was fine then I have had the maintenance done on my car and there were 0 warning lights on my - for either oil or engine that is why I checked electrical I was told by the dealer that there Oil lights and engine lights often don't come on when they have a problem with the car. This is a huge safety issue and if it's starting to happen on the 3.3 engine this needs to be looked at immediately I know someone who owns the exact same year exact same engine and they have been dealing with this type of thing as well
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11422718June 29, 2021ENGINE
Low audible knocking in engine compartment that progressively became louder over the next 2 days. Engine stalled, flashing check engine light appeared. Vehicle is now un-drivable because of a P1326 code that is common in these Hyundai/Kia engines. Oil change was last done less than 2 months ago and an oil change plus facility. A campaign suggests this is a defect of the engine. There is a class action suite in favor of the owners of this and other vehicles with Hyundai/Kia engines.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11422794June 29, 2021EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VISIBILITY/WIPER
While driving with the headlights in the "Auto" position, when a turn blinker is used the headlights will randomly turn off for about 10-15 seconds. Not much of an issue during the daytime but certainly a major safety concern at night. This problem can be replicated during the daytime by watch the dash lights switch from "Auto" to "Off" on the driver's dash. Moving the switch from the Auto to On has no effect on the lights. This problem occurs about 30% of the time when using the turn signal.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11422847June 29, 2021ENGINE
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 35 mph, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The vehicle loss motive power without warning. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the oil level was inspected. The contact was informed that there was too much oil in the engine. The vehicle was then towed to Nucar Kia of Tilton (40 Tilton Rd lot a, Tilton, NH 03276) and diagnosed that the failure was related to a manufacturer's recall for the Occupant Detection System (ODS). The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The contact stated that the manufacturer declined to provide the recall repair since the contact had not gotten the manufacturer's recall for the ODS software update. The contact stated that the manufacturer’s recall letter stated that if the air bags functioned properly, there was no need to contact a Kia dealer for the recall repair. The failure mileage was 53,000. Consumer stated knock sensor recall was not received although dealer states otherwise. Lawsuit states without knock sensor Kia is not responsible for warranty coverage.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11422684June 28, 2021ENGINE
I was driving down the highway no warning lights displayed loud sound came from engine and died immediately. Car would not restart. Had it towed to a Kia dealership and they said there was a hole in the back of the engine and it needs to be replaced.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0