Kia Sorento Complaints

10,397 consumer complaints on file.

#11675852July 24, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 15 MPH, she attempted to park the vehicle in her driveway. As the contact tapped on the brake pedal, the vehicle independently accelerated as the contact slammed on the brake pedal and steered the vehicle out of the way of her home. The contact ran over a gutter and a bird feeder before applying the emergency brake, which stopped the vehicle. The contact was uncertain if any warning lights had appeared on the instrument panel prior to the failure. The contact was not injured, the air bags did not deploy, and a police report was not filed. The next day, the contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer. The contact was informed that rust was discovered on the vehicle's brake rotors; however, they had yet to determine the cause of the failure. The contact stated that the engine had been replaced almost a month prior to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11675968July 24, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR BAGS, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I REALLY DONT REMEMBER THE DRIVER IMPACTED THE FRONT DOOR AREA OF MY VEHICLE.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
2
Deaths:
0
#11675981July 24, 2025
ENGINE
I have a 2017 Kia Sorento. On Sunday [XXX], I was driving on [XXX] in Oklahoma when I started hearing a weird knocking noise and was having difficulties accelerating. I was in the car with my mother and [XXX] son just between Guthrie and Edmond OK which is a very heavily trafficked area. My car suddenly shut off, I coasted to the side and put my hazards on. After 2 hours waiting for a tow truck to tow my vehicle back to my home town a mechanic informed us the engine was blown and could be apart of their lawsuit against engines. After reading many many other peoples encounter with Kia, Kia acknowledges issues with the engines and were placed in a lawsuit however they find every way out of responsibility for replacing the engines that are faulty. Not only did this put others in danger while I was driving UNDER the 75mph speed limit but it is July in Oklahoma and in the upper 90’s but feels like the hundreds placing myself, my mother and child at risk of heat exposure due to this faulty engine and having to wait 2 hours for a tow truck. I purchased the vehicle in 2020 during Covid when many business’ were shut down and more difficult to receive oil changes properly, and many people reported that since the engine was faulty it was eating away at the oil faster meaning oil did not go as far as it should. This company should replace ALL faulty engines REGARDLESS of their oil change reports and software updates as this is a massive safety feature and puts lives at risk on the road. No warning lights went off until the engine already shut down. They need to accept responsibility on these models as this is a major cost in a time many people cannot afford repairs for something that should be safe to drive. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11675809July 24, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY, VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
Front panel of panoramic sunroof shattered while driving on Interstate 90 at approx 65mpg. Sunroof was fully closed. Exploded on its own with no outside influence. Conditions were clear and dry. Sounded like a gun shot and glass was flying everywhere. Fortunately shade was closed with no glass entering passenger compartment. Could have resulted in injuries or accident if glass entered the driving inside area.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11675515July 23, 2025
ENGINE
Excessive oil consumption, 4 quarts in 2000 miles
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11675603July 23, 2025
ENGINE, STRUCTURE:BODY, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Paint peeling everywhere an innocent burning excessive oil.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11675286July 22, 2025
ENGINE
The oil was changed with no leak, and less than 1000 miles later, it all disappeared. Now, it has gone into limp mode and thrown a knock code due to no oil. Having it sent to a shop four times in a week is not okay. If there's no leak and no gasket problems, where did all the oil go? I have more posts about this daily. I have 96,000 miles on this engine with full synthetic changes every time. It was healthy, and now it's not because it's overeating oil. Make it make sense, please.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11675404July 22, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that there was oil intrusion that caused the engine to fail. The contact was told that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact was informed that documents of past maintenance records were incomplete, and the warranty had expired. The contact stated that in the past, the vehicle consumed an excessive amount of oil. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11675465July 22, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY
THE PAINT ON MY 2015 KIA SORENTO (SNOW WHITE PEARL) IS PEELING OFF LARGE SHEETS, EXPOSING THE METAL UNDERNEATH. THIS IS A KNOW ISSUE AFFECTING MANY KIA AND HYNDAI VEHICLES. I AM CONCERED IT WILL LEAD TO RUST, SAFETY ISSUES, AND REDUCE VISIBILITY. A PIECE LADED ON MY WINDSHIELD BLOCKING MY VIEW. KIA HAS DENIED REPAIR AND HAS A CASE PENDING MORE RESEARCH. CASE NUMBER IS 25399760. THIS IS CLEARY A MANFACTURER DEFECT HAPPENING TO THIS COLOR ONLY. IT IS PEELING ON THE HOOD AND DOORS AND BACK SIDE. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11675047July 21, 2025
SEATS
Subject: Urgent: Structural Failure of Driver Seat Component – 2015 Kia Sorento I am writing to report a serious structural failure in the driver seat of my 2015 Kia Sorento. While driving under normal conditions, the torsion tube under the driver’s seat snapped, causing the seat to become unstable and compromising my safety. This part is labeled: “4 Way Manual” Johnson Controls, Inc., Holland, MI Markings: [XXX] &&[XXX] and [XXX] This torsion tube is a core part of the seat structure and should not fail under normal use. The failure occurred with no warning and while the vehicle was in motion. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11675061July 21, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 65 MPH, the contact heard a thumping sound coming from the engine. No warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired; however, the engine had been replaced one time before. The contact related the failure NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000( ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING ); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by the AG Office. The manufacturer denied the claim and refused to repair the vehicle. The failure mileage was 243,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11675068July 21, 2025
ENGINE
In 2017, our 2013 Kia Sorento was brought in for recall work associated with SC147. The work was completed, and the Kia service department stated that even though we have a branded/salvage title, we would receive the extended warranty associated with SC147. Recently, while driving down a busy highway, the engine started knocking, at which point the check engine light came on, and the vehicle would no longer accelerate. The car had to be pulled off to the side of the road, and towed to a repair shop. Upon inspection, the repair shop indicated the issue was related to SC147, and would need to be taken to Kia for further inspection and repair. Kia has indicated, now, that SC147 was closed due to the inspection and KSDS update done in 2017, and that we are not covered by the extended warranty associated with SC147 due to the branded title, which contradicts what was previously stated by Kia's service department. Kia has stated that they will NOT replace the engine. Even though this is a safety issue associated with SC147, Kia is unwilling to take accountability and seems to be sidestepping replacement due to having a branded/salvage title.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11674829July 20, 2025
ENGINE
Unknown
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11674599July 18, 2025
ENGINE
Driving in traffic at night. Engine suddenly began running erratically, lost power and died. Upon opening the hood I found oily coolant all over the engine compartment that had shorted out the engine electrical systems. I determined that it has shorted out from coolant because after sitting for about 30 minutes the coolant apparently evaporated and the engine started again. This could have been life threatening to my wife, me and others if the engine had died on the very curvy road we'd just gotten off of. I have since found out that there is a TSB (WTY035) that extends the warranty due to faulty head bolts. But this is also a safety issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11674601July 18, 2025
AIR BAGS
Upon collision with another vehicle, there was no deployment of any airbags. The vehicle is available for inspection. I was in a head on collision and due to the severity and deployment of the other vehicles airbags, I believe that mine should have as well. The vehicle is currently in the process of being inspected by insurance. A police report was filed for the incident. There was no prior indication of this malfunction.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
2
Deaths:
0
#11674193July 17, 2025
ENGINE
Oil Consumption: flickering intermittent oil light at various times. Occurred after routine maintenance and oil changes. Various reasons were given when serviced including leak at the cap or via a screw. Multiple trips to the dealer for service. Engine has no oil and light did not remain illuminated, only flickering occasionally. Performed combustions clean out 4 weeks ago with top off of oil. Light came on, notified that the vehicle is very low on oil since that time again with light flickering.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11674226July 17, 2025
POWER TRAIN
When accelerating, like when turning from a driveway onto a main road, or from a stop on an incline, there is a significant delay in acceleration, as if the transmission is not moving to a higher gear, or like a turbo lag. This vehicle does not have a turbo but the effect seems similar. This could potentially cause an accident when the driver expects the car to behave as it normally would on a flat straight surface.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11674237July 17, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY
2019 Kia Sorento White Pearl Paint began peeling. Spoke with Kia Dealership about issue due to sister company Hyundai having the same issue which resulted in an extended warranty. I began communication with dealership on June 2, 2025. During this time, it had been told that other Kia White Pearl Paint has been defective, but nothing has been done on Kia's side as of now. My dealership has "attempted" to get a Goodwill coverage due to paint warranty expired after 36 months of the vehicle which was in 2022. I have been put back and forth and not given specific answers on how to move forward with getting my car fix for a manufacturing/defective paint error. I have also priced out other body shops and the price estimate was over $2500. I am frustrated as I do not believe I should have to take care of an error based on Kia's issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11674277July 17, 2025
ENGINE
My 2017 Kia Sorento is not included in the engine safety recall regarding the crankshaft failure in the engine. But I am experiencing the exact same problem so I do not see how it is not included in the recall. I am requesting the recall be expanded to include more vehicles because it is not safe to drive and is currently being held hostage by the dealer who wants $10,500 to repair my engine. I refuse to pay for negligence on the part of the manufacturer. Kia corporate has been very dismissive and not helpful. Please advise
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11674149July 16, 2025
ENGINE
Oil consumption issues started around 60k miles took to dealer for consumption test failed it, they decarbonized my piston rings. I returned around 85k miles with the same complaint for oil consumption the dealer did the test I returned they said I passed. I am constantly having to put oil in my vehicle about 2 quarts every full take about (379 miles) the piston rings are causing my spark plugs to be oil fouled Kia knew this and pushed me out the door. Now my car is constantly misfiring and the engine is slowly dying with only 117k miles on it and 5 years old.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

← Back to Kia Sorento