Kia Sorento Complaints

10,397 consumer complaints on file.

#11424775July 14, 2021
STRUCTURE:BODY
The paint on my roof is chipping and peeling. I purchased the vehicle used with ±65K miles. After about a year, ±12K miles I noticed some small chipping just above the windshield. I assumed it was normal road debris causing it. Then the paint started to peel back. Just recently a patch about 8" x 6" peeled off. There are other concerned KIA owners suffering the same issues. Now small areas of where the paint chipped/peeled off is starting to rust. The color of the vehicle is Pearl White, which is the most common KIA paint to chip or peel. I purchased a 3 year extended warranty when I bought the car. The dealer I purchased the vehicle from was not a KIA dealer so may not have known about the peeling paint issue with the Sorento and Pearl White paint.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11424829July 14, 2021
ENGINE
Two weeks ago, my 2016 Kia Sorento 3.3L V6 AWD just all of a sudden sounded like something was breaking under the hood. There were no symptoms prior to the failure, and no warning messages or lights. Luckily, I was able to safely get off the main highway as soon as I heard the noise. After having it towed to the local Kia dealership, the Kia service advisor later indicated an engine rod broke, there are bits of metal everywhere, and a total engine replacement is needed. My experience and this diagnosis seem to align with what the Kia engine failure class action settlement just addressed earlier this year in a range of vehicles including the 2016 Kia Sorento 4 cylinder engines. My vehicle is still inoperable and located at the local Kia dealership with no resolution in sight. I have owned the vehicle for ~4500 miles / 7 months and purchased it from a Kia dealership as a "certified pre-owned" vehicle with a dealership-provided extended warranty. It has ~85000 miles total on it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11424883July 14, 2021
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The left rear passenger quit working. The door cannot be opened from inside or outside. Now the driver door will not open from the outside, but will open from the inside. I have ready many complaints about this problem. We have small grand children that are taken in this vehicle and the concern is that both rear doors quit working before the afore mentioned repairs are made. This has repeatedly happened to doors that have been fixed as well from all the complaint I've read. This has just recently happened to my vehicle. What are the chances of the other doors quitting after these repairs are made. Looks to be above average. This car has not been taken to a dealer yet as the driver door just broke.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11424647July 13, 2021
ENGINE
My Sorento began to make a small knocking noise while I was driving to an appointment with my 3 year old on 7/12/21. I pulled over at a gas station to check the oil and it was not low. I turned the car on and still NO lights on the dash although there was a smell like burning gas. It has 86,328 miles on it. I continued to drive to the appt since I was 8 minutes away. While driving at 40 mph the entire vehicle turned off with no warning. It simply lost all power. I was in the middle of a 6 lane intersection with my 3 year old (who has special needs) and was only able maneuver the truck 3 lanes over to the turning lane before it stopped rolling. I turned the car off and then tried to crank it and the only sound was a squeal, but no start up. I crossed the remaining 3 lanes on foot while carrying my son since it quickly got up to 95+ degrees in the car and we had to wait for a ride. I attempted to start the car again and battery was dead. After getting a jump, it started up with a squeal and clanking sound. I called to get a tow truck. My Sorento is currently sitting in the parking lot at home and when started it makes a terrible squeal and when the accelerator is pushed there is a terribly loud clanking sound as if something is loose banging around on the inside. It gets worse as the game is pushed. This was a very hectic and unsafe situation for us both, not to mention we missed the therapy appt for my son and we also missed leaving for vacation the following day because we currently have no automobile. I have cancer and next week I am scheduled to have a major surgery to hopefully remove it and now I have no transportation. I am contacting a KIA dealership to see what my options are. They claim no recalls in it, but we previously received a recall notice mailed, so I’m unsure what is going on and if there will be any assistance from KIA.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11424650July 13, 2021
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The Pearl White paint is chipping off the hood. It looks horrible and needs to be fixed ASAP! The sunroof, back latch and BSD have all been “fixed” by Master Mechanics but they are still not working correctly. The sunroof is slow closing and won’t close all the way. The back latch won’t open most of time without you getting it started. It also makes a horrible noise when it closes. The BSD doesn’t work at all.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11424652July 13, 2021
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The Pearl White paint is peeling off of my 2011 Kia Sorento. The dealer is aware of this and had no response. I was told by other individuals with the same problem to file this information in anticipation of a recall. This has been happening over the past year and a half.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11424549July 13, 2021
EXTERIOR LIGHTING, VISIBILITY/WIPER
Vehicle has low visibility on low beam, even with aftermarket LEDS there is still low visibility with the low beams, car need to be driven on high beam and it is illegal to drive with high beams as you blind cars driving on opposite direction, and a fine could be impose as well.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11424593July 13, 2021
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Strong gasoline odor was noticed coming from the rear of the vehicle. Took it to the dealership where they replaced the gas cap assuming that was the problem. Gasoline odor progressively increased. Took the vehicle back to the dealership. Diagnostic tests were performed. Inspection found fuel pump leaking fuel. No warning lamps, messages, or symptoms of the problem prior to the failure were ever displayed. This could have been extremely dangerous putting our family at risk. It also should have been covered due to being a safety risk.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11424600July 13, 2021
ENGINE
Car started to "chug" during start, took to repair shop and was told the engine failed and blew the head gaskets. Final recommendation was new engine. Car has 90,000 miles and is out of warranty. Was bought at a dealer used, but it was not Kia certified, even though it was bought at Kia of Old Saybrook. Currently car is at Bozrah Auto in CT and the engine is 3 weeks from delivery because there is a waiting list for the engine, which makes me wonder how many engines are being replaced on these SUV's?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11424630July 13, 2021
ENGINE
There was a recall to add a engine knocking warning device. When I got the recall in June of 2021, my engine was already knocking. I took the car into Rapid City Kia Dealership for repair on June 24th. I still do not know if it has been approved for repair. The recall stated there was a warranty extension to provide lifetime coverage due to bearing damage. A knock sensor detection system was to be installed caused by worn connecting rod bearings. They ran the diagnostic test for trouble code P1326 and said the noise only got worse. The service department in Rapid City told me the engine needed to be replaced. I still have not heard the decision of Kia and was told it could be the end of July. I need help getting the service my car requires and I need a rental vehicle to drive until my vehicle can be repaired.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11424635July 13, 2021
POWER TRAIN
I have had a oil temperature sensor P0711 go out twice on my vehicle. The first time back in 2018 and had it replaced. And now again just this month. This has got to be something wrong to keep this not working and keeping the transaxle oil temperature normal on long rides. I would greatly appreciate if this could be fixed this time at no cost to me. This needs to be a recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11424384July 12, 2021
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated the while driving at unknown speeds the brake pedal was applied but, it depressed to the floorboard happened several times and crashed into an oak tree on his property. The contact engaged the emergency brake to stop the vehicle. Additionally, while driving he crashed into a yellow pole post on another occasion. There were no warning lights illuminated. There were no reported injuries, air bag deployment, fire, or police report filed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where diagnosed the brake booster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 94,463. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V331000(air bags). The contact stated he was concerned about his safety about driving the vehicle. Consumer stated happened again on Oct 3rd when car was started, illumination of malfunction indicator light (MIL) came on as well as Anti Braking System indicator light came on. Brake fluid could leak internally so consumer turned off the car engine. Consumer spoke to manufacture on Oct 4, 2021 regarding case number [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).”
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11424417July 12, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Instrument Panel and Alternator. My KIA Sorento continues to have alternator failures that shut down the engine while in operation without warning. I had to replace one at 48,000 miles and again at 97,500 miles. The problem has been reproduced and confirmed by two separate KIA dealers and they cannot identify why this continues to happen. The first time everything on the instrument panel lite up at one time and then suddenly the engine failed and stopped running in motion, while I was driving on a highway. Luckily, I was in the right lane and coasted to shoulder. The second most recent time, the instrument panel flashed a battery so I replaced the battery and then had KIA test for alternator problems and their equipment showed no issues although I brought it back numerous times. Then two months later it died AGAIN and they said it is the ALTERNATOR. In addition, there is an electrical problem with the radio and backup cameras. To resolve this they showed me a reset button. Clearly, there are electrical shortages or issues. I have had on-going issues with the KIA Sorento engines stalling and not accelerating and now this with the Alternator. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS!! NONE OF THE ISSUES are being addressed yet, they are listed all over the internet. HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE TO DIE BEFORE ISSUES ARE ADDRESSED???
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11424446July 12, 2021
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
A few months ago I noticed a chip in the white pearl paint of my 2014 KIA Sorrento. Since then, the paint has continued to chip and there is now a big spot on my drivers side panel by the windshield that does not have paint. In addition, I have noticed chips on my hood that will probably do the same thing. I tool my car into a body shop to see if they can repaint it and I was told that this has happened to many KIA's that have the white pearl paint. In addition, I called my local KIA dealer's shop and was told the same thing. He even guessed the color before I could tell him.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11424451July 12, 2021
AIR BAGS
Kia motors sent a letter about 2011-2015 sorento occupant detection system (ODS) Sensor pads new vehicle limited warranty extension If the airbag warring light is on the airbag system is not functioning properly, it may or may not deploy in an accident(which should be considered a safety issue) I have already had the diagnostic done by my dealer who said the problem is covered by the warranty but because my car is salvaged which makes it not apply for warranties does the fact that my airbags may or may not deploy not seem like a safety issue?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11424509July 12, 2021
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vehicle displayed intermittent overheating on temp gauge. Fans would run for extended period on shutdown. White smoke from exhaust on first start up in the morning. No check engine light. Had vehicle towed to dealership. Failed hydrocarbon test, meaning seal between combustion and coolant compromised. Many complaints online regarding stripped threads in engine block causing bolts to loosen and and seal to fail. Kia is aware of issue and fixes or replaces engine for original owners. Company is knowingly defrauding the public by not issuing service bulletin or recall to original owners to have problem corrected before subsequent ownership. Subsequent owners are left with a $7000 liability on the purchase of a used $15,000-25,000 car, along with an uneasy feeling the same thing may happen to the replacement engine. I am starting a class action law suit in Indiana.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11424162July 10, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
Upon driving home from a family road trip, I was flagged down on the highway by a fellow driver saying my car was on fire from under the passenger backseat. There were no warning lights or alarms from the inside of the car, or on the dash. I pulled over and the fire engulfed the engine and soon the whole car. It burnt down to the frame, with absolutely nothing left inside but twisted metal. It was deemed a total loss. The fire inspector and police on the scene believe there was an issue with the electrical system that caused the fire. There is a report available with the Florida Highway Patrol. There are NO active recalls for the vehicle, but I was told by Kia there have been several fires in their 2014 models, including some when the vehicles weren't even on. The car was deemed a total loss and has been released to the insurance inspector and has over $14000 in damages to repair. It will not be repaired. My mother was in the front passenger seat, and my 6 year old son was in the passenger backseat, above where the fire began. Thankfully, we are all uninjured, but there is lasting mental trauma on all three of us.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11424208July 10, 2021
ENGINE
Engine has a loud knocking noise also had flames coming from under the hood. No check engine light came on. I was so terrified for my life. Kia has a recall on 2012 - 2019 engine and not 2011 Kia Sorento engines and it’s causing the same issue.. this is not Safe for anyone.. so can you’ll look into this matter and make Kia accountable for the repairs.. total of 187 complaints on the 2011 Kia Sorento engine and nothing is being done… Please help us
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11424039July 9, 2021
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The contact owns a 2013 KIA Sorento. The contact stated while driving 75 mph, the vehicle started to lose power and the speed decelerated to 55 mph unintendedly. The contact took it to the vehicle to the dealer who replaced the spark plugs, drive belts, and several other unknown parts. The contact stated that approximately 5 months after the repairs the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,332.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11424133July 9, 2021
AIR BAGS
Driver airbag light has been on a year I keep checking for recalls but none are shown. What is my next step afraid bag will not work if needed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

← Back to Kia Sorento