Kia Sorento Complaints
10,397 consumer complaints on file.
- #11420331June 9, 2021VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, POWER TRAIN
On Wednesday June 2, 2021 around 12:15pm I was leaving a teacher summer workshop and I started the car as usual, no issues, and proceeded to leave the parking lot to make a right turn onto the street. I was about a mile away from home. As I proceeded to hit the gas the car moved forward into the street then failed to shift into the next gear, which left me stranded with traffic quickly coming up behind me. I turned the wheel really hard to get as close to the curb as possible. I proceeded to press the gas pedal all the way to the floor and nothing happened except high rpms around 3-4k. I looked at the dash to see if there were any warning lights, at the same time I am pressing the gas pedal trying to get the car to move forward. It suddenly moved forward so I merged over to the left lane, with traffic coming up behind me, and it happened again. It failed to shift into the next gear and seemed to be stuck. I am moving forward about 1-2 mph. I stop in traffic and within 15 seconds it caught second gear and moved forward and I was able to make it to the middle lane. The Sorento started to act normal, shifting gears and moving forward, so I proceeded towards the light to make a left-hand turn. I waited until all the oncoming traffic passed by to make my left-hand turn, then I hit the accelerator and it lurched forward and wouldn’t shift into the next gear, it just continued to rev to 4k. I’m coasting along at about 1-2mph trying to get through the intersection so I don’t get hit by another car. I move the shifter into a different gear to see if it would catch and it didn’t. I continue pressing the gas pedal and it all of a sudden lurched forward and started acting like normal. I was about a half mile from home at this point. The car acted like normal and I was watching the dash to see if any warning lights were illuminated, no lights every appeared on the dash. Dealer can't replicate issue.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11420069June 8, 2021UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Big paint chip
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11420212June 8, 2021UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I parked the car to wait for my daughter and after she got in the car I couldn't shift out of park.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11419974June 7, 2021STRUCTURE:BODY
My vehicle has a rapid delamination and paint peeling that started. There was not crash and it started over 2020. I have attached an image.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11419992June 7, 2021STRUCTURE:BODY
Kia Sorento 2014 is peeling ridiculously! The car is been well kept and maintenance up to date, almost all services at Kia dealership.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11420049June 7, 2021STRUCTURE:BODY
The White Pearl paint on our 2015 KIA Sorento has been chipping and delaminating. It's occurring all over the car's body but mainly on the hood, roof, and passenger side of the windshield. The damage started occurring in 2019.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11419918June 7, 2021UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Purchased vehicle new on 4/7/21 Had an issue on 4/15/21(NHTSA CLAIM# 11408325) - Sons Kia advised that it was just a loose battery terminal cable. Pleaded with them to replace cable for possible short to no avail. On 6/6/21 - the car wouldnt open with key or UVO application - called KIA Roadside Assistance twice and couldnt get anyone. After a couple of hours, the car finally had power and let me in. While driving home, on the interstate, I was going 60 mph. I tried to speed up, but the car wouldnt let me and the RPM stayed at 2(2000). When I got off the exit, I slowed down to turn. When I went to push gas, it didnt want to accelerate. It finally accelerated after a couple tries. Additionally, I noticed when speeding up and slowing down - I hear clicks when the gears change. I dropped the automobile off at Calavan Kia in Lithia Springs, GA. Waiting on a service advisor to call.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11419760June 5, 2021ENGINE
Hello,My engine began to make a knocking noise and high rev when started approx. 2 weeks from today. I took it to a local mechanic, Archers automotive, Whittier, Ca., and he advised that I needed a new engine. The mechanic advised me of numerous recalls on the 2012 Kia Sorento engine and recommended I take it to the dealer. I made an appointment with Kia Cerritos and about a week later I took it to Kia in Cerritos, Ca. on 06/02/21. On 6/4/21 I was advised by Service advisor "Ryan" i needed a new engine, I advised Ryan that I am the original owner who purchased this vehicle new and I advised him there are numerous recalls and safety issues with the 2012 Sorento but I was advised my engine for some reason is not recalled. I advised him It is obvious Kia has an engine issue with their 2012 Sorento based on the recalls and the numerous complaints on the web.There were no warning lights of an engine issue. The moment I noticed an issue with how the engine was sounding I took it to a mechanic and then to Kia Cerritos. It had been inspected by Kia Cerritos by a mechanic and on a diagnostic machine. When I initially asked for the reason why the engine needed replacing, On 6/4/21, I was advised the mechanic did not list any reasons. When I asked for the service codes I was advised the mechanic misplaced the diagnostic print out and he had to put it on the machine again, which leads me to believe they initially did not test it on the machine. I was told by Ryan at 10am I would get a call back that day, no call. On 6/5/21 Ryan at Kia Cerritos advised me the engine needs replacing and the cost would be $10,000, but they could not say why because the bearing test used on 4cyl recall engines would not work for 6cyl engines but he advised the "sound" it makes is similiar to the recall engines. My vehicle is available, anytime, within a reasonable distance from zip code 90604, for inspection from NHTSA and anyone from Kia.I look forward to hearing from you. I have included all ppw
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11419450June 3, 2021ENGINE
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic however, the cause of the failure was not determined. The contact stated that on one occasion while driving 55 mph, she heard an abnormal sound prior to the vehicle stalling. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was parked on the side of the road. The contact then towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The VIN was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11419460June 3, 2021POWER TRAIN
leaks oil like crazy and constantly adding oil but no obvious leak engine shaking very bad, idling very hard and not shifting properly
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11419461June 3, 2021ENGINE
Since purchase of the Vehicle there has been non stop issues with the engine and cooling system. I had the engine replaced after purchase which took 2 months and now the Vechicle started to smoke again and a smell of burning rubber. I took it to the dealership to have repaired and the entire cooling system was replaced, only weeks after the same issue occurred again to find out it was now the water pump that was not replaced. Researching to resolve the car has serveral recalls for the same exact issues that have been occurring. My concern is the safety of me and my children and the unknown of being repeatedly charged for a vehicle that was sold knowing that it was not in good standing with the State for Odometer Variance.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11419167June 1, 2021ENGINE
I get my car serviced every month or so because I commute quite a ways from my home to my job recently after my car engine check light came on I got my fuel injection system flushed spark plugs changed and brake pads done at the same time also Wheel alignment And my first day back to work once getting my car serviced I don’t feel the same I feel like my car struggling and then getting on the freeway my complete engine shut off but then turned back on and continue to drive I didn’t even have to stop it I almost crashed but luckily I was on the far right lane I also received a recall a year and a half ago for my car but now they’re stating on the NHTS that there isn’t one I filled out the forms never heard back but I also Took it into a Kia dealership in Perris ca and had my car checked for a recall the guy said there was no recall but I had the forms from Kia myself showing him that my car had a recall but because he said I didn’t have one and I didn’t think or hear back from Kia I figured it was OK I’ve never followed up but I should have follow up which I should have done because I didn’t think it was serious but now my life being flash before my eyes it’s serious and I don’t know what to do because when I take it back to the mechanic there’s no diagnostic code that’s coming up but my car is messing up and I’m really afraid I have attached copies of my recent recent receipts and luckily I made a plank copy and my copy of my original that I mailed back off for the original recall on my car that I received
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11419199June 1, 2021UNKNOWN OR OTHER
In July 2019 as I was driving, the engine splash shield became loose on the drivers side of my vehicle and started dragging along the road. When I took my car to the dealer I was told that it wasn't covered under the warranty and that I must have driven over something to make it loose. I had NOT driven over anything. I ended up purchasing bolts to replace the loose portion of the splash shield. Then, in January 2020, as the car was driven again, the splash shield came completely off the vehicle. Again, there wasn't any object run over, it just came off. In July 2020, we had the splash shield replaced, as the serpentine drive belt had snapped and gotten caught in the engine. In May 2021, the bolts in the splash shield again came out, and the shield was dragging on the ground. Again, didn't hit any objects or run over anything. Replaced the missing bolts. Our safety was compromised when the shield came off completely and flew into traffic as we were driving. This was also a risk for other people. Then, due to the shield not being in place, and something caused the drive belt to snap and wrap up into the engine was a major safety concern, as I could have lost control of the car. The vehicle was inspected by the dealership, and also by another mechanic. There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms other than what I described above.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11419215June 1, 2021POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
When pressing on the brake pedal, the transmission will not shift out of park. The only way to shift out of park is to depress the transmission shift override. A new brake light switch did not correct the issue. To date, the vehicle has not been repaired, inspected by dealer, manufacturer, police or insurance representative. No warning lamps, message or other symptoms of the problem occurred prior to the failure.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11419217June 1, 2021ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
After recall repairs their were no warning lights showing and diagnostics always came back clear. Car overheated in RED Hot with no engine alarms or anything. Mechanic stated it’s blown head gaskets
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11419090May 31, 2021ENGINE
Engine failure due to bad rod bearing. Kia will not fix the engine due to a software update not fixed previously. This vehicle was just purchased. A software update will not fix a premature engine failure. The update only turns on the check engine light if the knock sensor detects a knock.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11419099May 31, 2021UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The paint off of my Kia Sorento is starting to peel off. I have seen videos where this flies off while driving in large and smaller pieces that can obstruct the drivers view or distract them while driving. If it were raining, it could damage the windshield while the wiper blades are running and the paint chips fly up on them. The vehicle is now more susceptible to rust causing the vehicle to be unsafe.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11418916May 28, 2021ENGINE
On May 5, 2021 our Sorento started smoking/steaming so we had it towed to our Kia service center who told us we needed a new engine due to bolts being stripped and warping the cylinder head. The vehicle is currently at our local mechanic and can be made available for inspections. I believe the engine could have done a lot more damage to us and others around if the engine had caused the vehicle to seize and cause an accident. The vehicle has only been seen by the Kia service center and my local mechanic. No other personnel has inspected the vehicle. The vehicle started to overheat about a week or two prior to the final incident. We took it to a mechanic (not my local mechanic) stating the vehicle was overheating, though they were unable to recreate the overheating. It is unknown why they couldn't replicate the issue.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11418735May 27, 2021ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Engine started “knocking” while driving. Checked the oil, there was no oil, added oil, and car wouldn’t start back up. Engine smelled like something was burning (electrical burning smell) now I’ve been informed my engine will need to be replaced
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11418592May 26, 2021ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
For about a week my car had a terrible smell of fumes, nor air or heat. It then started over heating. I parked it and had it towed go the dealer. It was still under warranty and we were told it was a head gasket issue. Then they tried moving the car and the entire engine blew. The dealer has already had my car a month and told me they have no received a new engine and don't know when they will. After looking into I see many cases where 2016 kia Sorentos are over heating catching fire and blowing up
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0