Kia Sorento Complaints

10,397 consumer complaints on file.

#11643704February 19, 2025
TIRES
I had contacted earlier with regard to getting clarity on the tread wear rate, and whether a faster tread wear would make the tire defective. As a replacement to that tire which got replaced, I purchased a totally new tire on Sunday, and today, this is how it looked. Is this normal?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11643801February 19, 2025
ENGINE
Engine started knocking after an oil change. Taken to a Kia dealership, where they are refusing to fix the car, even with the class action lawsuit with a lifetime warranty on the engine. Engine needs to be replaced. Kia will not fix with the recall completed. No recalls showing on NHTSA or Kia websites.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11643571February 18, 2025
ENGINE
Kia Case #[XXX] Dear NHTSA, I am filing a formal complaint against Kia America, Inc. regarding their failure to resolve a serious safety issue with my 2016 Kia Sorento. Kia confirmed my engine failure was covered under recall due to a known manufacturing defect, yet my vehicle has remained unrepaired at Allentown Kia for over four months, with no resolution from Kia corporate. Incident Details: On [XXX], while driving on [XXX] between Lehigh Valley and Philadelphia with my young son, my engine seized without warning, leaving us stranded in heavy traffic, creating a severe safety hazard. My car exhibited no warning lights or issues beforehand. This issue stems from a known defect affecting the connecting rod bearings, which can lead to engine seizure, stalling, or even fire—a defect Kia has already acknowledged under a class-action settlement. Kia’s Negligence & Ongoing Harm: Despite multiple efforts to seek resolution, Kia has failed to act: Over 15 calls to Kia customer service with no resolution. Multiple visits to Allentown Kia with no repair timeline. Multiple written complaints ignored by Kia corporate. Still paying my car loan for a vehicle I cannot use. No loaner vehicle or reimbursement for transportation costs. Severe emotional distress, especially for my wife, who struggles with anxiety and depression. Requested Action: I demand immediate action to hold Kia accountable: A definitive resolution—either a full repair or replacement of my vehicle. Immediate provision of a loaner vehicle or reimbursement for transportation costs. Financial compensation for ongoing loan payments on an unusable vehicle. Agency Action Request: I urge the NHTSA to: Investigate Kia’s mishandling of Recall Case #[XXX]. Hold Kia accountable for failing to prioritize consumer safety. Ensure Kia provides a resolution within a reasonable timeframe. Supporting Documentation: I have attached records of my communications with Kia corporate and the dealership, al INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11643388February 18, 2025
ENGINE
Catalytic converter . Check engine light stays on
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11643166February 17, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Check engine light came on again after recall for engine bearing failure and engine block was determined to qualify for replacement by home Kia dealer , est July / August 2024 in North Hampton NH . After motor block changes the engine light came on and off while in Florida vacationing . Today’s date is February 17 , 2025 and my vehicle is presently in the hands of a local independent service center here in Florida . Other indicators recently noticeable were rough idle starting in the morning . The service center initially suggested problem might be injectors , and gasoline was noticeably in the oil pan . I’m presently waiting for a further / complete diagnosis from the service center . Relative to myself and my spouses safety further research on my own fire could be a potential with injectors causing a garage to be ignited and life threatening to us .
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11643224February 17, 2025
TIRES
235 r 17 104H I had a flat out tire, which led to a replacement of a relatively new tire that was bought in the middle of 2024. During the replacement process, it was found that the the tread depth dropped to 7 in 7 months or so as registered by local auto service personnel. I have been a long time driver with this type of instance happening for the first time during all these years where I had to replace the tire completely well within a year. Can a drop of 30% or more in tread depth within 7 months or so make the tire defective? Assuming that the tread depth wears out evenly, which I believe should be other way with older tires wearing out faster as tread depth decreases, a 30% drop within 7 months after driving around 4000 miles or so for a tire with 50000 miles warranty place it under the defective tire section? Please clarify.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11643265February 17, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The front and rear passenger side windows of my 2025 Kia Sorento intermittently fail to operate. When attempting to roll them down, all that can be heard is a clicking sound, and the windows do not move. This issue occurs randomly and without warning. The malfunction poses a safety concern, as functioning windows are necessary for proper ventilation, emergency egress, and communication with others outside the vehicle, including law enforcement or toll booth operators. The issue was first reported to Kia of Bowie on December 9, 2024. However, the dealership stated they could not recreate the problem and, therefore, could not make repairs, citing that Kia would not reimburse them unless they could verify the defect. I was advised to record a video of the issue should it occur again. The problem has persisted multiple times, but due to being the driver, capturing a video was difficult. I was recently able to record the malfunction, showing both windows failing to operate with only the clicking sound audible. On February 17, 2025, I returned to the dealership with a scheduled appointment to address this issue. After waiting 2.5 hours, I was informed that they again could not recreate the issue and that my video evidence was not considered sufficient for a repair. Despite following the dealership's instructions, no resolution has been provided. Additionally, my Kia Connect system is not functioning properly, and the radio sound intermittently cuts in and out. These electrical issues raise concerns about potential broader system malfunctions that could compromise vehicle safety. No warning lights or error messages have appeared related to these issues. The vehicle remains available for inspection upon request.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11643019February 16, 2025
ENGINE
Was driving car it lost power, pulled over and had tow truck bring car to dealership. Dealership states a new engine is needed due to a malfunction in the engine block, however warranty is out on car just by 9,000 miles and car is still financed! Maintenance has been kept up on car. Kia wants $10,000 to replace engine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11642874February 15, 2025
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dear NHTSA, I am writing to report a serious safety issue with my Kia Sorento 2014. While driving on the interstate with my family, the vehicle suddenly began to slow down without warning. We were able to move to the shoulder, but this incident put our safety at significant risk as we were on a busy highway. We initially suspected brake failure, but after having the car towed home and inspected, we discovered that the motor/engine had completely failed. This failure also impacted the electrical system, leaving the car completely immobile. It has been confirmed by a mechanic that the engine is at fault. However, local dealers and mechanics were unable to inspect it further due to a lack of necessary equipment. As of now, the component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or any other authority. There were no warning lamps, messages, or symptoms prior to the failure, and the vehicle showed no signs of issues leading up to the incident. We purchased this car in 2023, only to find out later that Kia had issued a recall for this issue in 2021. This recall was never disclosed by the dealership, nor was it listed on the Carfax report. Due to the recall predating our purchase, Kia has refused to provide any assistance or compensation, leaving us with an inoperable vehicle and significant financial strain. As a low-income family on a fixed budget, this situation has been extremely challenging. We kindly request your assistance in investigating this matter and helping us find a resolution. Thank you for your attention and support.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11642782February 14, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine before the vehicle lost motive power, with the check engine and oil warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11642434February 13, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Trunk latch won’t latch, Looked into it and other 2018 Kia sorentos gave the same problem. I called to check for a recall as I bought the car less then a year ago and was told nothing. This is a problem I barely used it and it won’t close now. Just pops back open and will start alerting me that it’s open and won’t latch. Meaning the car will keep beeping that it’s open and then will eventually drain the battery due to the alert going off the whole time (it won’t relatch) it took 8 hours for it to latch to close. This is the Manuel trunk.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11642567February 13, 2025
STEERING
Steering MDPS Unit malfunction causing loss of power assisted steering. Visible steering light on dash. Vehicle was inspected at a Kia dealer confirming issue with MDPS unit. Kia shop stated that this was an issue with the 2016-2020 Kia Sorento models and most fell under the recall umbrella but this specific 2017 Kia Sorento is not on the VIN checked list for a steering recall for the MDPS Unit failure. Kia stated that the repair would cost out of pocket at $3500 for the same issue others with the same problem Kia is replacing under recall warranty. The MDPS Unit failed while driving causing issues with being able to steer.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11642572February 13, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY
I have a problem with the paint on the car; it keeps falling off by itself, and I tried to contact the Kia dealer for this issue, but they said to report here to you.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11642573February 13, 2025
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I have a problem with the electrical, and I found that they already have a recall, but the Van Nuys dealer refused to fix it on the car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11642580February 13, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY
The rear glass panel on the panoramic sunroof shattered without being bumped or hit, the gar is garage kept and in a treeless parking lot in day. The loud noise as well as damger of glass falling into back seat of car is dangerous. Am taking it to dealership this weekend for them to diagnose a cause but were unable to see us for three days.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11642141February 12, 2025
EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the front and rear exterior lights shut off unexpectedly. The contact turned off the light switch and then back on and the failure was fixed. Additionally, the vehicle had experienced excessive oil consumption, and engine oil was added shortly after having an oil change performed. The vehicle also experienced harsh driving due to the oil consumption failure. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 65,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11642165February 12, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving the vehicle with her boyfriend seated in the passenger’s seat, while approaching a stop sign at 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was stopped safely on the side of the road, and then the vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine had seized. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 71,935.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11642301February 12, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power while the accelerator pedal was being depressed. No warning light was illuminated. The contact research and was became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V626000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was taken back to the residence; the contact stated that an independent mechanic arrived at the residence and diagnosed the vehicle and determined that an undisclosed part needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11642346February 12, 2025
ENGINE, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the check engine and the ABS warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted; however, the failure recurred. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 148,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11641923February 11, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My Kia Sorento has the pearl white paint that began peeling 4 years ago. That is a known issue for Kia vehicles made between 2013 and 2019. [XXX] . While this is not necessarily a safety issue, it is common problem that Kia knows about. 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

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