Kia Sorento Complaints (2023)

117 consumer complaints on file.

#11759602August 25, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The transmission failed for the fourth time. The transmission (Power Train) is the component that failed and is available for inspection at the dealership. The vehicle became unsafe and unreliable to drive due to the repeated transmission failures, creating a risk of sudden loss of power or control. The problem has been confirmed by the dealer on multiple occasions, most recently on August 24, 2026. The vehicle has also been inspected by Kia America as part of an open case (Case #25964896). History: The 1st transmission failure was covered under the original factory warranty. The 2nd failure occurred after the 12,000-mile transmission replacement warranty had expired, requiring an out-of-pocket repair of $5,500. The 3rd failure occurred within 12,000 miles of that replacement and was covered by Kia. On August 24, 2026, the dealer confirmed the transmission had failed again — a 4th failure of the same component. Warning symptoms typically appeared as loss of power, hesitation, or rough shifting prior to each failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11759161August 24, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On multiple occasions, my 2023 Kia Sorento has experienced an intermittent failure where numerous dashboard warning lights and alerts illuminate and the engine will not start. During the failure, the brake pedal becomes very stiff and the vehicle cannot be shifted out of Park. The problem is unpredictable and has left the vehicle disabled. The vehicle was taken to a Kia dealership for diagnosis. The dealer initially stated that the battery was not properly secured and was moving around, possibly contacting nearby electrical components. They told me the issue had been repaired. However, when I returned to pick up the vehicle, the exact same failure occurred again in the dealership parking lot before I was able to leave. The warning lights came on and, after the vehicle was turned off, it would not restart. The dealer has therefore been able to directly observe the repeated failure. The exact component causing the malfunction is still unknown. I am concerned that this may be an electrical or grounding issue and that the vehicle could become disabled unexpectedly while in use.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11757893August 19, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
The brakes failed; they felt spongy, as if my foot were pressing directly against the road. The car accelerated and I headed toward a wall; the sensors didn't stop the vehicle. It came to a halt against the wall after the impact. I was on my way to the repair shop for a scheduled appointment due to electrical problems.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756297August 11, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
While driving, the dashboard lit up with warnings about forward collision, lane departure, lane keeping assistance, breaks, speed etc. that keep cycling through with alarm sounds on the dashboard. I have brought my car to the dealership few times and they reprogram the car but the issue keeps coming back randomly. Seems like a loose connection somewhere. I am afraid of driving when it happens.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756282August 11, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I believe my car should be in the ac recall for faulty ac motor/wire harness due to my ac is only cooling on passenger side. Blowing hot on driver. I’m afraid it may catch fire as I read this can happen.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11755298August 6, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
All of the ADAS you have listed stop working on my car. I will be driving my car, stop at a red light, drive through, or just driving down the road and it starts throwing sensors. It won’t even show the MPH I’m driving and some times the steering wheel locks up, as does the car itself. I can’t shift gears, move the vehicle, or anything until leaving the vehicle alone for a while and coming back to it. I have proof of multiple repairs, call ins to Kia, and even a request for buy back which was denied on the vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11754478August 3, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while accelerating from a stop or while driving and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle jerked and lost automotive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The message “Transmission Fluid Low” was displayed. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V760000 (Power Train); as a possible cause for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 208,600.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11754178August 1, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The vehicle intermittently fails to start in two different situations. First, when the auto Stop/start system shuts the engine off while the vehicle is stopped anywhere, the engine sometimes refuses to restart, leaving the vehicle immobilized. Second, there are occasions when I park the vehicle, turn it off normally, and upon returning, the engine will refuse to start.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11751824July 21, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, VISIBILITY/WIPER
The panoramic sunroof on my 2023 Kia Sorento intermittently fails to close. When commanded to close, the glass travels most of the way, then stops or reverses before reaching the fully closed position. It frequently takes many repeated attempts. In some cases the panel will not seat at all until the vehicle is driven over rough pavement, and the resulting vibration allows it to complete closure. The malfunction is accompanied by a loud grinding or scraping noise from the roof assembly during travel. This condition has been present since I purchased the vehicle new. The sunroof has seen very limited use. Safety risk: the glass panel cannot be reliably secured. An open or unseated panoramic panel at highway speed presents a risk of water intrusion, wind loading on an unsecured glass panel, and loss of roof structure integrity. Repeatedly operating the switch and monitoring the panel while driving is a significant distraction from the driving task, and driving specifically to induce vibration in order to force closure is itself an unsafe workaround. Dealer history: I have reported this to a Kia dealership on multiple occasions. I was told there is no defect and that the cause is debris, which is inconsistent with a vehicle purchased new with minimal sunroof use. On one visit the dealer cleaned the assembly as a goodwill gesture. This did not correct the noise or the closure failure. The vehicle was returned to me as repaired while the noise and the failure to close were both still present. Kia issued Technical Service Bulletin BOD125 (Rev 1, 02/27/2017) describing a slow-to-close condition and abnormal closing noise on the prior-generation Sorento (UMa), remedied by cleaning and lubricating the rear guide rails and replacing the rear tilt levers. My vehicle exhibits the same failure mode described in that bulletin. The component is available for inspection on request. No warning lamps or messages preceded or accompanied the failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11751796July 21, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
I have a 2023 Kia Sorento with approx 60k, purchased new from New Pot Richey Kia. Approx 7 days ago, while driving home from dropping my son at school, my transmission system error warning came on as well as my check engine light. My RPM'S would increased without corresponding acceleration, which meant my transmission, was slipping. I was also experiencing jerking during shifting. In addition to that, my car would hesitate before moving. And I would also experience a slight vibrations at low speeds. All of this would make me feel unsafe when driving my car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11750795July 16, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER
While traveling on a freeway, the front sliding portion of our sunroof exploded outward and upward. Sunroof was closed at the time with no impact present to cause the event. A very expensive repair for something that is clearly a defect of some sort. KIA was contacted and not willing to warranty or help cover.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11750686July 15, 2026
STEERING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
Since fall of 2025, my 2023 KIA Sorento has repeatedly been in the shop for multiple issues. Most notably, a completely wrecked steering column. This issue was fixed after being in the shop for 12 days. Then in December, I started noticing the shift would lock while in park. I would need to open the top plate and stick an item down into the shifter to emergency release in order to drive. Then all of the electrical components began to state they were no longer working. No cameras, no lane assistance, no forward collision warning, etc etc. Beyond that, all automatic locks, windows and my trunk stopped working. I was locked out of my vehicle in January in CT with my son. My vehicle has now been at a KIA dealership for 5 months awaiting the part to fix my car. All of these problems have been confirmed by their technicians. I continue to pay my $600 a month vehicle payment, as well as insurance as KIA consumer refuses to assist in any way and does not have any answer as to when my vehicle will be fixed. I do not have a vehicle that will fit my family due to this issue. I have asked them to buy back my vehicle, as it is clearly a lemon, but they state I have waited too long to request the buy back under lemon law in CT. NEVER did I think it would be acceptable to be unable to fix a customers unsafe vehicle and refuse to to do anything to help for 5 months at this time and no end in sight. I also have videos it says are too large to send.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11749974July 13, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vehicle Component Affected: Electrical System / HVAC / Blower Motor Resistor Incident Description: While operating my 2023 Kia Sorento, the HVAC system suddenly suffered a complete failure, causing all airflow to cease instantly. A subsequent professional diagnostic inspection by an authorized Kia dealership revealed that the contacts at the blower motor resistor were severely burnt, causing the blower motor relay to burn out. This failure presents two critical safety and fire hazards: Fire Risk: The physical burning and overheating of electrical components and wiring within the dashboard assembly create an active fire hazard in the passenger cabin. Loss of Visibility: The sudden, complete loss of the climate control system severely compromises passenger safety by preventing the vehicle from defogging or defrosting the windshield during inclement weather, presenting an immediate crash hazard. This exact failure mechanism matches the description of Kia Safety Recall SC351 (NHTSA Campaign 25V649) word-for-word. However, Kia has stated that my specific VIN is excluded from the current recall population. Because this identical safety defect is actively manifesting outside of Kia's restricted recall range, I am requesting that the NHTSA investigate an expansion of SC351 to include all affected 2023 Kia Sorento vehicles to mitigate the risk of electrical fires and sudden visibility loss. 06/29/26 Experienced symptoms Inspected and diagnosed on 07/01/26 at JT Kia (Killian Road) Columbia, South Carolina
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11746681June 26, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Driving down the road and the left rear passenger window exploded. Shatters went everywhere all over the passenger in the back. I went online and looked and this is a hugh issue evidently with some Kias. To me this is really serious issues that Kia is completely ignoring. Someone will eventually get seriously injured bi the glass exploding like it does.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11740793May 29, 2026
ENGINE
Engine- car turn off - lights were still on, car restarted - no icons on dashboard
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11740604May 28, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Vehicle exhibits repeated brake pulsation and vibration under normal braking conditions, affecting braking performance consistency. The issue began at approximately 10,000 miles and has progressively worsened. The vehicle currently has approximately 30,000 miles. The pulsation is felt through the steering wheel and brake pedal during moderate braking from highway speeds and occurs consistently across multiple driving conditions. The condition is significantly more pronounced when using the vehicle’s adaptive cruise control system. During normal operation, the adaptive cruise repeatedly applies the brakes automatically, and this consistently produces increased vibration and uneven braking response. This indicates the issue occurs during normal vehicle operation rather than abnormal use. The repeated pulsation creates inconsistent brake feel and may affect stopping performance, particularly during repeated or sustained braking events. This raises concern regarding braking reliability and stopping consistency, especially in traffic conditions where adaptive cruise control is actively managing following distance. The condition has steadily worsened over time and is present during routine driving. It is not limited to high-speed or heavy braking scenarios. A manufacturer Technical Service Bulletin (TSB CHA126V) exists for this vehicle model addressing front brake disc judder. The symptoms described in the bulletin match the condition experienced in this vehicle. Given the early onset, progressive nature of the issue, and the involvement of system-controlled braking (adaptive cruise), this condition appears to be related to component performance or design rather than normal wear. Kia response .. Dear [XXX] , Thank you for contacting Kia Customer Care. We do not see that bulletin related to this VIN, as such, any repairs recommended would be the responsibility of the vehicle’s owner. 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
#11740591May 28, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
VEHICLE: 2023 Kia Sorento, VIN [XXX] , currently 48,000 miles. Vehicle has never been in a collision. DEFECT: FUEL FILLER DOOR ACTUATOR WITH NO EMERGENCY RELEASE — STRANDING HAZARD The fuel filler door actuator fails to release on demand intermittently. When the actuator fails, the door must be pried open with tools or force, which is inconsistent and not always possible. The dealership service advisor has stated that this model is not equipped with any emergency release mechanism for the fuel filler door. With no emergency release, the actuator is the only mechanism by which the fuel door can be opened. SAFETY IMPLICATION: An intermittent actuator failure with no backup release mechanism creates a stranding hazard. If the actuator fails when the vehicle is low on fuel — particularly in remote areas, in cold weather, at night, or in emergency situations requiring refueling to reach safety or medical care — the vehicle cannot be refueled and becomes immobilized. This is a single-point-of-failure design on a system required for vehicle operation. The condition has been reported to the dealership and remains unresolved. The vehicle remains within the 5-year / 60,000-mile basic warranty period. 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
#11740589May 28, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
EHICLE: 2023 Kia Sorento, VIN [XXX] , currently 48,000 miles. Vehicle has never been in a collision. DEFECT: MASTER POWER WINDOW SWITCH / WIRING HARNESS — OCCUPANT EGRESS HAZARD The driver's master power window switch fails intermittently, causing simultaneous loss of all window operation and electric door lock function. When this occurs, occupants cannot operate any window or unlock any door electrically until the condition resets, typically by opening and closing the driver's door. The condition was first reported to Arapahoe Kia at 24,859 miles on 11/08/2024 (RO 208018) and again at 25,050 miles on 11/15/2024 (RO 208449). On the 11/15/2024 visit, the dealership confirmed the defect on customer-supplied video and performed a full diagnostic including pin tension testing on connector D01, power, ground, B-CAN continuity testing, and a wiggle test of the harness. The dealership's written conclusion on the repair order: "we've determined that the harness is probably not the issue and it will need a new master switch." The master switch was not ordered or installed, and the vehicle was returned with the defect unresolved. The condition continues to occur intermittently as of the current 48,000-mile reading. SAFETY IMPLICATION: This defect creates an occupant entrapment and egress hazard. In a fire, submersion, or crash event where the mechanical door release is inaccessible, inoperative, or where occupants are incapacitated, simultaneous loss of window operation and electric door lock function eliminates secondary egress options. The defect is intermittent and unpredictable. The vehicle remains within the 5-year / 60,000-mile basic warranty period. 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
#11740305May 27, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE
Faulty fuel injectors are causing consistent engine misfires and occasionally causing the check engine light to illuminate and for the vehicle to reduce power greatly. This poses a great safety risk to both myself and other drivers on the road because in the event of a large misfire, my vehicle suddenly slows and I have to navigate to the shoulder of the road. A Kia dealership has confirmed that the cause of these misfires is due to a faulty fuel injector that begins to work inconsistently above 3000 RPM. This issue began shortly after the vehicle was purchased in 2023, but due to the dealerships inability to replicate the issue it went without correction. In the recent year, this issue has increased greatly and it is now a consistent issue and this is why it was able to be diagnosed now. This is a very common and widespread issue amongst other individual with vehicles with the same engine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11739280May 21, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER, ENGINE
I am submitting a vehicle safety and certification concern regarding a 2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid that was marketed and offered for sale as a Kia Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicle by Shawnee Mission Kia, 7951 Shawnee Mission Pkwy, Mission, KS 66202. On [XXX], during an in-person inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase, I observed conditions inconsistent with expected Certified Pre-Owned inspection and preparation standards, including inverter coolant below the minimum level, engine oil materially above the normal operating range, and deteriorated windshield wiper condition. A third-party witness was present during the inspection. Because the vehicle was being represented as Certified Pre-Owned, I requested the vehicle’s CPO inspection checklist and supporting inspection documentation from dealership personnel. The requested documentation was not provided despite multiple follow-up requests. Subsequent written communications from dealership management acknowledged failures in dealership standards and handling related to the matter. After a formal complaint was submitted to the dealership’s corporate parent, the dealership’s General Manager responded in writing that an internal review had been initiated concerning CPO preparation and documentation practices. The requested inspection and service documentation were still not produced. The dealership later confirmed in writing that the vehicle “has since sold.” I am submitting this complaint because the vehicle was represented to consumers as Certified Pre-Owned despite observed maintenance and inspection concerns affecting vehicle condition and safety-related systems, while supporting certification documentation was not produced upon request. 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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