3.5

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
37,106 miles

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problem #44

Mar 182021

Sorento

  • miles
Noticed that I had a brake light out on the passenger side, replaced it with proper bulb 1157.a double filament bulb. It appears that is also the tail light" checked light and it worked but later realized that when I pressed the brake pedal the brake light was out.the next day noticed the driver tail light was out and replaced it but later realized the brake light didnt work, as well as my cruise control stopped working at the same time.went to an auto care store they replaced both of the lightsand again tail lights worked but when I pressed brake pedal no lights. Checked and replaced the fuse just to be sure and at this point I got on the internet and seen 285 complaints with the same problem and the majority of them said there cruise control had stopped working as well as the sportage model and the Kia soul.most suggestions said replace the brake switch. I also checked for faulty wiring and that has not appeared to be the problem and mechanics 90 % of the time were unable to resolve the issue. Why has there not been a recall or some solution to this problem researched by Kia mechanics? im still waiting for the answer and I suspect many other people are too!!!!!!thank you very much and ihope you will be able to solve this or issue a recall on the brake switch" or the cruise control sensor maybe idk.

- Everett, WA, USA

problem #43

Aug 082006

Sorento

  • 6,000 miles
I purchase my 2005 Kia sorrento LX new from taylor Kia in toledo Ohio.also purchased extra warranty for bumper to bumper.a couple months after I had purchase vehicle my headlight started going out I would take it back get it fixed come back home and another one would be out take it back come back to weeks later another headlight would be out. Then the headlights &taillights would go out and brake lights would go out this went on with every single light on my vehicle.continue to call taylor Kia to have the service then about the sixth time one of my lights went out they told me they would not service my vehicle anymore even though it was completely covered everything on my vehicle from bumper-to-bumper. They also red flag to me on their computer so that I could not have my vehicle service because of this problem with my Kia sorrento. At one point I even had the service manager tell me that his service guys were upset with me because I did not give them a good rating when my car was not fixed to jd powers.I got Kia corporate involved which did absolutely no good because they said that they would someone someone from California to fix my vehicle and ended up not sending anyone sent a wire harness instead. Of course that's did not fix the problem but they would not do anything else to try to find out why all my lights on my vehicles was going out at one time or another.they also told me that my Kia was the only one that ever had this problem and they had never heard of this problem before but I could clearly drive down the street see other Kia sorrento's with headlights out. Then I got online and read about how many Kia had the same problem but Kia corporate would not do a thing about it and taylor Kia would not do anything at that point. Now my car is broke down with the cam sensor and also crank sensor and bolt because of an issue with these Kia sorrento's.

- Tiffin, OH, USA

problem #42

Jan 052015

Sorento

  • 60,000 miles
The vehicle has had several electronic issues. One owner with a garage parked low mileage SUV. The driver seat will not move forward. All other adjustments work fine. This issue has happened several times over the years but now seems to be a permanent problem. The interior overhead light does not illuminate when you open the doors, the driver side door open alarm dings for no apparent reason and the brake lights continually burn out.

- Summerville, SC, USA

problem #41

Mar 052013

Sorento 4WD 6-cyl

  • 145,000 miles
Vehicle has had continual premature light bulb burnouts of all exterior lamps, headlights, tail lights and stop lights. This happens every 1-2 months.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #40

Jul 092007

Sorento

  • 20,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that there was a burning odor of wires present in the vehicle and the headlights failed. In addition, the air conditioner failed and that the four wheel drive would not engage. The failure recurred on multiple occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the compressor failed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.

- Millville, NJ, USA

problem #39

Jun 072013

Sorento 4WD 6-cyl

  • 93,000 miles
Interior electrical lighting turns itself off and on. Headlights will occasionally shut themselves off. Lights regularly burn out/need replacing every 45-90 days. Dash lights haven't worked in over a year - fuse regularly blows, gave up on replacing it.

- Conyers, GA, USA

problem #38

Jul 132009

Sorento 6-cyl

  • miles
From the time I got the car head lights have repeatedly burned out after a month or two, also dash lights go off randomly and flicker and then come back on when ever they decide, my power steering went out, brake light came on and A/C went out all at once. Started to overheat, so it was determined the serpentinre belt had broke, replaced belt and vibration under hood was noticeable but could not determine the source., but somewhere under the hood. Still replacing headlights every couple months, then power steering fluid started to be consumed and constantlyt required adding fluid, then had a mechanic check for leak and he replaced some hoses and clamps but vibratiion continued and eventually power steering began loud noise when car started and only when reved up would noise stop, and when A/C was on sometimes would effect the power steering noise. Replaced the powersteering pump, still the noise continued and recently the belt came off while I was driving and brake light came on, I was able to get safely off the road and didnt cause an acciedent, but very close call, belt had come off but after minor adjustment it was put back on, vibration noise has become worse, I am affraid to drive it, mechanic looked at it and said harmonic balance seems to be off and root of problem is crank shaft bolt most likely, common problem, however during the time in Kia dealership for other recall issues, crank bolt was never brought to my attention as being a problem in my year or model car, non it turns out it is a major problem and legal action has been taken by class action suit dealing with same issue.

- Shandon , CA, USA

problem #37

Jul 302014

Sorento

  • miles
On 7/30/14 I noticed my dashboard lights were not working. The morning of 7/31/14 the lights still were not working so I checked the fuse boxes. I found a blown fuse in the fuse box under the hood and replaced it. The dashboard lights still would not work. The evening of 7/31/14 I again checked the fuses and found the fuse I had just replaced in the morning was again blown. I replaced the fuse and had my husband stand at the front of the vehicle while I turned the ignition and headlight switch on. Immediately upon turning on the headlight switch we heard a "pop, " checked the fuse and it had once again blown. We tried a third fuse and it blew as well as soon as I turned on the headlight switch. Three fuses in one day and still no answer on how to get my dashboard lights to work.

- Yeagertown, PA, USA

problem #36

Jun 292012

Sorento 6-cyl

  • 108,500 miles
Note: Purchased vehicle used approximately 1 month and 500 miles before problems initially started. 1) headlight bulbs blow out repeatedly either during driving or an onset of driving (come on momentarily just before blowing). Have had to replace low beam headlight bulbs on 5 occasions in the first year of ownership. Research on the matter indicates this is a wide spread issue among Kia Sorento owners. Observed on several occasions that the bulbs blew out after using the key fob. Stopped using the key fob and the bulb blowouts stopped, but issue #2 continues (see next incident description). 2) headlights low beams stop working intermittently. Headlight low beams stop working during driving at night or will not work from onset of driving. Incident occurs at least monthly driving approximately 600 miles per month. Low beams start working again on intermittent basis. Observed that if the headlights do not work at onset of driving, after switching the low beams on and off a significant number of times (20+) they will sometimes start working again (learned this after being stranded at night without ability to safely drive).

- Madison, AL, USA

problem #35

Oct 182013

Sorento

  • 13,600 miles
I was stopped by a fhp officer on my way home one Friday evening for my left headlights being out. I didn't know they were out until he stopped me. I didn't get a ticket, only a warning. The officer said it was very dangerous to be driving on the interstate with my lights out. A couple years back I was stopped in valdosta for the same reason. This has happened at least 50 times or more since I have had this car. My lights go out every couple of months and sometimes I don't know there out until someone stops me or I can hardly see to drive. It is very dangerous and I think Kia should recall this model and fix the problem. I am not the only one who is having this problem. I have over 100+ posts from this site of others with the same problem. Are they going to wait until someone is killed in an accident before Kia will do something about it. I have talked to a lawyer and I plan to start a class action lawsuit against Kia if they don't do something about this situation. There are plenty of others who are ready also. The Kia dealers want do anything to help with this, and they know it is a problem that is from the factory. All they ever say is it's not covered under the warranty. I bought this car new in 2005. I went down to South Florida to visit in 2005 and on the way down all my headlights went out. I couldn't see to drive at all so we had to stop for the night and wait till morning to get it fixed. It cost me over $80 to get it fixed the first time. Since they go out on a monthly basis, my husband has been fixing them. It is getting quite expensive to keep replacing the bulbs and it's very annoying and dangerous as well!!

- Jasper, FL, USA

problem #34

Jul 042005

Sorento

  • 2,500 miles
I have a 2005 Kia Sorento. I have had a problem with my headlights since I have had my car which I bought new in 2005. I have taken it to the dealer in valdosta ga several times to find out about it and they always say it's not a recall so they can't do anything about it. I have to replace headlights and taillights every 3 or 4 months. It is very expensive. My dome light hasn't worked in years and my check engine light stays on all the time. I know there is some kind of defect in the electrical system and it's been this way from the beginning. The 10 year/100,000.00 mile warranty is about useless with this car. There has not been one thing since I have had the car that was covered under warranty. I will never buy a Kia again and I certainly want ever use Kia in valdosta ga again, they have the worst service I have ever seen. There favorite thing to say is "it's not covered under our warranty!" that is supposedly there big selling point and it is worthless! everyone who is having the same trouble needs to complain so we can get this recalled and fixed. I wish I knew where to complain to that could make that happen. They don't really care in valdosta whether you complain or not, there not going to do anything about it anyway. Well I have been stopped numerous times by the police for my lights being out. So far I have not got a ticket, but it is highly dangerous to have no lights while driving at night and you never know when they are going to be out. I know I am not the only one having this problem, I have well over 100 emails from repair pal about others having headlight problems. This needs to be recalled before someone is killed in an accident and then sue the Kia company. Sick of buying headlights!

- Jasper, FL, USA

problem #33

Mar 012013

Sorento

  • miles
Help!! I am constantly replacing head lights, tail lights, brake lights, fog lights. Every single month it's one light or another in a continuous cycle. I see many complaints for this same issue. I love my Kia sorrento other than this problem. I feel that this is a safety issue as much as it is a nuisance not to mention an expense!!! Kia, do the right thing!! please. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Worcester, MA, USA

problem #32

Nov 192005

Sorento

  • miles
I was on the interstate and both of my taillights stop working. I was notified by another driver. I took the vehicle into the Kia dealership and was told it was a light assembly problem. They claimed to have fixed it. Even after their so called fix I have T O replace taillight and headlight bulbs about every three months. The outages occur on opposite sides everytime and switch between the taillight and headlight. I have to keep extra bulbs and the needed tools available in my truck at all times. I have been issued a ticket as well due to my taillight being out. This is very costly and dangerous to family. I have two teenage children who also drive this vehicle. It seems to be a widespread problem due to the blogs that I have seen concerning this problem. Please help.

- Gainesville, FL, USA

problem #31

Jan 042013

Sorento

  • miles
I have replaced about 5-7 driver's front headlamp bulbs and need to replace it again. This is very annoying because every couple of months it goes out, not to mention the cost of the bulbs and to have someone put them in. I am ready to get rid of this vehicle!!! I have checked with Kia and of course, they say they have not had any complaints or have had any problems with the headlamps, liars!!! I wish they would fix this problem. Hopefully someone can help me.

- Ransomville, NY, USA

problem #30

May 042013

Sorento

  • 110,000 miles
Today I took our 05 Sorento in for an oil change. It came as no surprise to me that during the 20 point inspection I was told the driver's side headlight didn't work. This is beyond ridiculous at this point. I have already changed burnt out headlights a minimum of 5-7 times now. I can't even keep up with the count. Like many other owners I have tried every make and type of headlight and none of them will last more than a few months. This recent set was the top of the line and I had to pay $80 for the two lights. Still don't last. It seems that Kia knows about this issue but is unwilling or too cheap to pay have their issue fixed. I'm not the only owner with this problem. Look it up! the car has operated fine other than this but it has become a hassle and is very costly replacing headlights every few months! this will be the last Kia that I buy unless Kia steps up and fixes this issue. They have a new wiring harness that can help/fix this problem but of course owners have to pay for this out of pocket. Step up Kia or enjoy losing a client from here on out!

- Orting, WA, USA

problem #29

Apr 042012

Sorento

  • 55,000 miles
Headlight and dome bulbs burns out very often, I spend more money replacing bulbs than oil change, obviously there is an electrical problem on this model. Please let them fix this issue.

- Pembroke Pines , FL, USA

problem #28

Aug 022010

Sorento

  • 30,000 miles
This car is a safety hazard. Headlights/tail lights/dashboard lights burn out within months of replacements. Just burned through 5 fuses for the dashboard in one day. Dealership will not fix as there has been no recall. Google the make and model and you will see many electrical issues and angry owners. Have a teen driver in the family and we are afraid to let her even drive this car. Please recall this model and make Kia own up to their responsibilities!!!!

- Minnetonka, MN, USA

problem #27

Jul 162012

Sorento 6-cyl

  • 100,000 miles
I've repeatedly had to replace the headlights in this car every couple of months. When one light is replaced, the other side goes out next. This has happened several times for the past several years. I have 189,000 miles on the car now. I don't remember exactly when it started. My driver seat also stopped working. The back goes forward and back, but the base seat doesn't move.

- Fredericksburg, VA, USA

problem #26

Jun 132006

Sorento 6-cyl

  • miles
Everything from interior lights, radio, clock, door locks and headlights burning out have been a problem. While driving and the interior lights just come on. Headlights burn out every 6 months. Everything else works when it wants. I took Kia to court to get a equal trade but only got $9,000. Had to give $3,500 to the lawyers. The other $5,500 was not even enough to cover a trade in because the Kia have a terrible value for trades. Ended up spending more than half trying to have it repaired, still nothing. Kia knows there is a problem but will not address it. Even the several service managers (off the record) that I spoke with through my horrific experience told me that it's a huge problem and they don't want to do anything because of the cost.

- East Greenville, PA, USA

problem #25

Jan 112006

Sorento 6-cyl

  • 10,000 miles
Headlights blowing on a regular basis. Replace headlights four to five times a year possible electrical issue.

- Manchester , MD, USA

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