Kia Sorento Complaints

10,397 consumer complaints on file.

#11491952November 2, 2022
SERVICE BRAKES
Brakes applied but vehicle does slow down but not stop. In a few seconds brakes do stop. This problem was intermittent but getting worse. Confirmed operation by others driving vehicle and at the auto dealers service department. Vehicle was declared a safety hazard until problem solved. Service record indicates check valve replaced and vacuum pump service. No dash warning lights indicated a problem. Replaced part was not inspected but the problem has returned 10 days after repair, it is back at the dealer. Cost $1100.00
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11491910November 2, 2022
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH and attempting to merge onto the highway, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The contact stated that she pulled off the highway ramp, turned off and restarted the vehicle several times before the vehicle started operating normally. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the Start/Stop function had started to fail to operate as designed. The vehicle would shut down at a stop sign or traffic light; however, as the brake pedal was released and the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle would cycle between shutting the engine off and on. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V760000 (Power Train). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11491830November 1, 2022
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, a clicking noise was heard coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle failed to start. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The vehicle was then towed to a local dealer where it remained awaiting diagnosis and repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11491726November 1, 2022
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
I HAVE REPLACED MY DRIVER'S SIDE WIPER BLADE THREE TIMES AND CONTINUE TO GET STREAKS IN MY FEILD OF VISION CAUSING BLIND SPOTS ON MY WINDSHEILD
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11491587October 31, 2022
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
1.Engine is consuming 2-3 quarts of oil every 1,000 miles. Kia consumer services instructed me to pay for an oil diagnostic test- of 4 visits every 1,000 miles- cost of oil changes, engine flush, rental car for 2 days= $800 to date. 2. I am a therapist and travel Ohio for insurance purposes. My vehicle is a converted handicapped accessible vehicle as my significant other had multiple sclerosis, and the purpose of purchasing the car 4 years ago. 3. Yes, the service dept of a local dealer has confirmed the issue. They state that Kia refuses to do anything to resolve the issue of oil running out, engine seizing to work, driver will be killed driving when engine stops and is run into by semi-truck on highway. 4. No warnings. I literally ran out of oil 2 times before I knew it is a problem. The problem started in August of 2022. Under 96,000 miles. Now 102,000. Kia states that due to me being the 2nd owner (purchased at 23,000 miles) that they will not warranty the car at 100,000 as I was let to believe when I purchased it from Freedom Motors in BattleCreek Michigan.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11491683October 31, 2022
ENGINE
One afternoon when I started my Sorento (with Lambda Engine around 85,000 miles) I heard a loud tapping sound in the engine and saw the check engine light on. I took it in for an oil change and to get an opinion on the tapping sound at Jiffy lube. They told me I had no oil in the vehicle. They also noted no oil leaks and sludge in the engine. I took it in to the kia dealership the next day and they told me my timing chain was damaged and that I would need a new engine. I thought I was covered under the "special" 20 year warranty I had on the vehicle. My warranty claim was DENIED due to "improper maintenance"; not having sufficient oil change records and sludge being found under the valve cover. During my previous oil change 6 months & 8700 miles ago there were no issues with the engine. I also use premium synthetic oil. No oil lights had ever gone off, only the check engine light prior to taking it to a mechanic. I have also had safety issues over the last 5 months where my vehicle failed to accelerate while on the highway. The car would function as normal after stopping and cutting the car off and back on.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11491685October 31, 2022
ENGINE
Driving on the highway, the engine began “knocking” then the engine seized up without a check engine light or any other warnings. Steering and brakes did not work. We were lucky to get off the highway without an accident. Regarding the recall, it was over a month’s wait at three different dealerships at three Ohio locations. The first available appointment was October 7th. The engine failure was September 17 before the recall repair appointment. Per a local mechanic, the engine threw a rod and the engine was not repairable. Kia charged $6500 for a replacement engine because they would not honor the engine recall replacement. The engine they sent to the local mechanic was the incorrect engine. Further investigation revealed the correct engine was discontinued. Kia failed to remedy the recall because of their scheduling problems, put our lives in danger by losing steering and brakes at a high rate of speed when the engine unexpectedly seized up. The Kia Sorento is still sitting at the mechanic with no working engine while we are paying car and engine loans.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11491477October 30, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Sunscreen spontaneously exploded. Open highway, no surrounding debris, no trees, etc.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11491492October 30, 2022
STRUCTURE:BODY
Began in august as a minor paint chip to rain. Has continued to progress and flake off more, to now triple the size within three months on the drive side door panel. Chipping has now began on the hood as well. Was informed that this is paint delamination due to poor adhesion of paint.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11491543October 30, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While I was driving on the NJ Turnpike near Newark, NJ, I saw black smoke coming in the front windows that I had open about 3 inches each. I immediately pulled into the shoulder of the highway and turned the cars ignition off. By the time I got the car in Park and turned it off the entire front cabin of the car was so thick with smoke that I couldn’t see or breathe. I was able to get out and away from the vehicle just as it completely went up in flames. Two truck drivers stopped and emptied their fire extinguishers on the fire but it did not help at all. By this time the NJ State Police had arrived to help with traffic and they had me sit in the back of one of their vehicles away from the heavy smoke. Prior to seeing the smoke, I had no warning lights on my dashboard, the temperature of the car never rose, and there were no emergency messages whatsoever. There also had not been any work performed on the car for at least 3 weeks prior to fire. Had I not been in a location where there was an accessible shoulder I don’t know that I would have been able to get out in time to escape being overcome by the thick smoke. I have no idea what caused the smoke and ensuing fire and I also have no idea if anyone has inspected the vehicle since the fire. The insurance company is not paying anything because of a clause in my policy indicating they do not pay if the vehicle was being used to transport for money when the incident occurred. They also knew that I had a courier service and used this vehicle for personal and work use. When I told them I wanted an investigation to find out what happened and who is at fault (because it’s NOT me) I was told that they don’t have to release the vehicle for any investigation because they wouldn’t be paying on it anyway! I believe Kia is responsible for this and I want them held accountable. There will be a police incident report but I checked on it today and it still is not ready. The vehicle was towed to Moran Towing in Kearny, NJ.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11491430October 29, 2022
POWER TRAIN
After applying brakes and momentarily stopping the car surged forward as if the transmission didnt properly disengage and required me to apply max force to brakes in order to not move forward.This happens every time I come to a stop .
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11491345October 28, 2022
ENGINE
While passing a vehicle car started missing and shut off with the engine locking up.No prior warning giving. Very dangerous situation.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11491358October 28, 2022
ENGINE
I was driving along the Baltimore beltway when the Engine died and I coasted to an exit towards an apartment parking. I restarted the SUV to go to a nearby auto repair shop then it died again along the way then wouldn't start. A resident of the area helped me diagnose the problem and we found out that it was out of oil. There had been no indication of a leak and just had an oil change a few months earlier. Also, the low oil indicator did not lit up anytime before and during the time the engine died. The resident then provided oil and we filled up the oil tank. The car wouldn't start and so he hooked up his SUV's battery to mine to see if it would start and it wouldn't. I had the SUV towed to Pep Boys Auto repair and was told after the diagnostics the engine needs replaced as it was damaged due to the empty oil chamber.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11491104October 27, 2022
ENGINE
My motor was beginning to make a knocking sound yesterday and I felt unsafe driving it so I parked it
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11491117October 27, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My car has repeatedly completely run out of oil after going 2500 of 5000 miles and the oil leaked into different parts of the car. The car is not drivable and shakes and the engine rattles. None of the dashboard indicators illuminated to indicate an issue, until after the car shut off as I placed it in drive and was trying to accelerate, on 9/24/22. I have only owned the car since 10/2021. This car’s repairs should be covered under NHTSA Recall #20V750.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11491119October 27, 2022
EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Intermittently, while driving, day or night, the headlights will turn on or off for about 30 seconds despite the called for sensor setting. For example, if it is dark outside, the sensors will trigger to turn on the headlight and running lights and vise a versa, when the sensors detect sufficient light, the running and headlights will turn off. I have only noticed this happens when the headlights are in the "auto" mode position as I don't keep them any other way. I have only noticed it a couple times when the headlights and/or running lights will turn on during the day (bright enough not to trigger the sensor). HOWEVER, it has happened A LOT at night where the lights will turn OFF WHILE DRIVING which causes panic because I'm driving a death machine blindly (nothing bright to mistakenly trigger sensor/no overhead lighting or approaching vehicles, i.e. pitch black). I have not been able to recreate it on demand and it has an unknown, unbiased pattern. I would say that it occurs weekly, up to 2 times per week. I feel that it has happened more often a few seconds after straightening from a turn using the turning signal (but I always use my turning signal). The direction of turn doesn't factor, it'll do it turning left or right. There has been a couple times where I almost have driven off the road and/or hit unseen objects because of having no lights. This has happened enough at night when the lights unwantedly turn off, that I have learned to quickly switch the lights from "auto" to "on" and the lights react/will work and stay on when switched back to "auto". Mechanic unable to recreate issue. No warning lights, messages, or notice of problematic signals (other than the standard "lights on" notification. The attached picture was taken at 4:06 pm on July 29, 2022. It was a hot, sunny day and I was doing 53 on the highway (straight/no curves). My running lights turned on long enough for me to pull out my phone and take a picture.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11491228October 27, 2022
AIR BAGS
The air bag warning lamp is on caused by the malfunction of the clock spring in the steering wheel. None of the functions on the steering wheel work as well due to this malfunction. The air bag according to multiple sites may deploy at any given time
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11491039October 26, 2022
ENGINE
We were driving down the road and a rod went through my engine. We have always kept our oil changes up to date and maintenanced our car as soon as it’s needed it. We called Kia to ask them if we could get this fixed and Kia of Cookeville let us know it was under recall for an engine issue but because our software wasn’t updated it wouldn’t be covered. We then called Kia of Knoxville and they said it was covered under the recall but we would need to call a corporation number to see if the cost were covered. The corporation number wasn’t willing to corporate at all. He preceded to tell us because it wasn’t brought in there was nothing they could do. We have never received a letter saying we were under a recall. We had no idea. Please help I have 4 kids and no way of transportation for them. My husband just lost his job and I need this fixed free of charge ):
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11490737October 25, 2022
POWER TRAIN
Transmission quit engaging and had service light that said to stop vehicle immediately on September 24, 2022. The vehicle was then towed off to nearest dealer for inspection/diagnosis. Software update was applied on September 30. We picked car up on Oct 01 and drove home with no issues. On Oct 02, I started noticing car was not shifting properly from 2nd to 3rd gear. I had to delicately drive in a certain manner to get it to shift to next gear. Oct 03 engine light came back on, had vehicle towed back to dealer. Oct 04 received call from dealer and after diagnostic was completed, they said they had ordered a new transmission for us with an unknown ETA. Safety of us and others was put at risk due to the transmission behaving erratically. No warning lamps, or messages had been received prior to transmission disengaging initially on Sep. 24. However, there were some symptoms prior to that incident, so I had a strong notion that it was only a matter of time until we were going to experience a transmission issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11490576October 24, 2022
ENGINE
The vehicle has been consuming excessive amounts of oil resulting in the recommendation from the Ourisman Kia Dealership in Chantilly, Virginia that the engine be replaced. The only warning I had that there could be an issue was the oil light occasionally coming on for 3-5 seconds when turning off a highway exit or braking hard, etc. The car has been taken to the dealership 3 times in order to figure out what was going on for this specific issue, but it has been indirectly addressed prior to that. The first time the car was taken it was still under warranty, but the result that the engine needed replacement was not given until after the car was out of warranty. The dealership first performed an oil change and consumption test. I returned after 1000 miles for the results of the consumption test and was told my car was consuming oil and would need a Combustion Chamber cleaning. Once that was completed, I was told it should be fine. The dealership did not communicate to me that I needed to return the car after 1000 miles, but I brought it back after I noticed the oil light was coming on again and it had only been a few weeks since the oil change. I was told that the car was consuming excessive amounts of oil and it would need an engine replacement. The car has also occasionally struggled to accelerate, but I had the Knock Sensor replaced under warranty so it is likely related to the lack of oil. The car is now unsafe to drive as it could have "catastrophic engine failure" according to the dealership service manager. There is no extended warranty or recall, so I have no choice but to spend the quoted $9-10k for an engine replacement or sell the car for next to nothing and start over.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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