10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 8
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
54,317 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

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problem #99

Nov 142023

Sorento

  • miles
Received the recall notice from Kia back in November 2023 and have contacted them several times about fixing the problem. On February 8, 2024 took the car in to our local Kia dealer, Overturf, and had a recall inspection performed due to a burnt rubber/plastic smell when driving the car. The recall part said that the car caught on fire and we were concerned that this was the reason for the smell. The service department said they were unable to duplicate the smell, but that our car was one of the ones impacted by the recall. Said no fix for the problem yet so to park the car. This is our main means of transportation. They offered no rental or a loaner car.

- West Richland, WA, USA

problem #98

Feb 012024

Sorento

  • miles
On February 1, 2024, I was driving home from work. I had been driving for about 20 minutes and out of nowhere almost every dashboard light indicator that exists came on. Initially, it was the ABS, Tire Pressure, and Stability Control. I stopped at a light and all of these lights went off but as soon as I started driving again they came back on along with the AWD, Brake, and Airbag indicators. I drove approximately 10 more minutes and the check engine light came on and I had a loss of power. I was able to get to a road that had less traffic where the car started sputtering, the oil lamp came on, and then the car shut completely off. Prior to shutting off it would not allow me to place the vehicle into any gear other than neutral. I was able to use a battery pack to restart the vehicle temporarily but it started doing the exact same thing before shutting off. I ended up having to push the vehicle out of the middle of the street. Prior to this I had experienced a loss of power and the battery indicator came on so I had the alternator replaced in November 2023 along with the battery. I ended up having to return to the mechanic after I experienced another loss of power. The mechanic checked the alternator and other electrical components and stated that the rear hatch wasn't closed all the way even though there was no indicator on the dashboard. The vehicle seemed to be fine until this. After a little research it appears that I am not the only person with this same make & model that this has happened too - Kia is going to get someone killed!!!!

- Waldorf, MD, USA

problem #97

Dec 022023

Sorento

  • miles
We were told by our auto mechanic that this vehicle needed a new electrical control module. The part has been on back-order with the local KIA dealership for a couple of months. My daughter was driving the car recently when all of the lights went out, and the car would only drive forward approximately 5 miles per hour. The car began to shudder and I had my daughter pull into the nearest parking lot and park the car. The engine shut off as she entered the parking lot, the car could not be placed in any other gear except neutral, and there was a burning smell. We pushed the car into a parking spot and removed the key from the ignition. We had to put the emergency brake on to keep the car from rolling. There is a safety recall related to this specific problem, but KIA states it does not have a remedy for the problem yet. What are we supposed to do?

- Riverview, FL, USA

problem #96

Dec 282023

Sorento

  • miles
Received important safety recall on 14th November 2023, I called Kia dealership and corporate office to resolve and got the answer that the remedy is not available. It-??s been more than 45 days since I received a letter, I am not parking my car in my garage, or neither driving secondary to concerned of fire, risk and injury as indicated in later. I went to local Kia dealership as I was instructed by the Kia corporate number, They instructed me not to worry about it just a precaution, which which is contradictory and different information then I received a letter. I-??m strongly filing a complaint on behalf of all the Kia Sorrento owners, who received this letter and afraid to drive for more than 45+ days and afraid to park inside the garage or right next to the neighbors house. Please address this issue as soon as possible as there are so many of me and they don-??t know what to do next.

- Canton , MI, USA

problem #95

Nov 292023

Sorento

  • miles
Sent messages to two Jacksonville dealerships about 23V652000 and cannot get a response, had Mutiple electrical issues on vehicle, including 'all problem indicators' on dashboard going on (incl check engine and ABS). Slight burning plastic smell, at 1st thought it was the headlight wires which 'melt' at times.

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

problem #94

Dec 012023

Sorento

  • miles
I have experienced multiple electrical failures, engine stalling & fuel pump issues. One after another. I had the fuel pump sensor replaced ($900 just for one part) a few months ago. I have wires randomly corroding - headlight connector. As of 2 days ago my ignition switch and starter solenoid intermittenly fails to send voltage to the starter. Won-??t know if the starter motor will need replaced until it-??s tested and proven it wasn-??t the culprit for the failure of the other two. I have replaced 2 spark plugs. They have still been read to misfire. Random electrical things stopped working like my heated seats and a few steering wheel buttons. (I-??d like to note the battery was just replaced last month) All of these problems seem to be linked with several recalls. All problems have all occurred over the last 6 months. There is an abundance of evidence pointing to faulty wiring and electrical issues. This recent HECU recall is basically saying our cars could spontaneously combust while not in use due to an electrical short circuit. Barely outlining the dangers it could cause while actually in use. A simple google will tell you if this system fails so could your ABS. Even with the ABS engine light warning how do we know it could warn us far enough in advance to pull over to safety" Imagine that while even going the speed limit in a school zone let alone the interstate. I have kids. This is terrifying. I can-??t afford to just replace my vehicle. I have proof of a very well maintained lifetime of repair and maintenance on this vehicle. I had no knowledge of any prior recall issues until I spent hours researching. You buy a car and assume that if it has been well maintained it-??s safe. My mistake. I would have absolutely declined had I known I-??m strapping my babies in a double death trap every day over a failed circuit. Can we just accept the fact that this is certainly due to the engine replacements? Perhaps some were installed more carefully and correctly than others"

- Prairie Grove, AR, USA

problem #93

Jan 212023

Sorento

  • miles
Vehicle was parked at a store in accessory mode while I ran inside to grab drinks on the way to a birthday party. My children were inside and noticed smoking from the hood and got out before the vehicle was consumed by flames. Luckily the engine was not running and we were not driving/accelerating at the time of fire. I had several issues with headlight and taillights blowing, the last time the headlight harness was completely melted and had to be changed out. The fire department speculates the fire started near the battery, which would make sense considering the headlight in question was the one closest to the battery, and accessory mode was on. My 5 year old now believes every car we have will eventually catch fire. Please advise.

- Kawkawlin, MI, USA

problem #92

Dec 022022

Sorento

  • miles
My vehicle was having trouble starting so I scanned it and found out it might be part of a recall. I called Kia recall department and they confirmed that there was a safety recall for my engine and to make an appointment with the dealership. I called the Longmont Kia Fowler dealership in November but they refuse to service the recall for mr in a timely manner. They said it would take 2 months to even do the diagnostic that was a safety concern. They said all Kia dealerships are busy with the recalls and I would just have to wait. I called Kia management back and told him my concerns and documented every call because I didn't know what to do and needed help but didn't have another vehicle. Kia just said keep on them and didn't tell me not to drive the vehicle or that my life could be in danger like it was. The engine caught on fire in December and I was put in considerable danger. It was towed to Kia Fowler Longmont and they have refused to service it or give me a rental car. First they never did the diagnostic and filed the wrong request for the incorrect recall and then tried to lie about it. Now they're on their third reason of why I don't qualify for the recall that kia already confirmed I am part of throuhout this ordeal sayin I didn't ask for it to be serviced before the damage was done, which was not true and I've records of them refusing to service it in a timely manner and make me wait 2 months which was dangerous. Now they're saying since I'm not the original owner I don't get the service and get it fixed as it is now $9,000 to fix the engine that caught on fire because they wouldn't do the safety recall in a timely manner when I asked. So now I'm out of a car, no rental car and $9,000 they are saying I owe for the the damage they caused. They put my life was in danger. I've done everything to comply with this recall and more. I kept in touch with Kia the whole time and beg them for help and they're being impossible and breaking the law

- Longmont, CO, USA

problem #91

May 022022

Sorento

  • miles
Hello. The gugua started turning on the lights on the panel about 7 months ago. The lights on are the engine, the brakes, the -€œABS-€, and other lights that cannot be explained. Those lights have never gone out and since then the gugua has turned itself off, many times it does not turn on, a battery inflated me (I had to buy a new battery), the foot brake also causes a lot of problems. When trying to stop the gugua with the foot brake, the gugua shakes, the foot brake blows like air, the pedal shakes, among others. Also the handbrake (emergency brake) does not work well, on a sloping road the gugua does not stop with the handbrake when I put it on. The gugua has electrical problems in general. There are also other things that I don't know how to explain. The gugua is a danger as it is, please I need you to do something about this matter. Thanks a lot.

- Orlando, FL, USA

problem #90

Sep 012022

Sorento 6-cyl

  • miles
Having to replace the headlight bulbs weekly. They go out without any warning until I cannot see while driving. Taillights need replacement about 30-60 days. Again without any warnings. Safety issue in my opinion. Definitely a defect from Kia. Unsafe and replacing bulbs weekly is not practical. [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Portland, OR, USA

problem #89

Feb 012022

Sorento

  • miles
smoke coming from engine compartment

- North Plainfield, NJ, USA

problem #88

Jun 202020

Sorento

  • miles
I own a 2013 Kia Sorento LX FWD AUTO, granted I bought it USED in June 2020. But every since I've owned my vehicle I've had a problem with my Engine Light being on, the Driver Side Break light keeps going out and the USB and Cigarette Lighter keep Blowing the FUSES. I Love my Truck and I need to know how KIA can help to fix these problems.

- Virginia Beach, VA, USA

problem #87

Sep 012021

Sorento

  • miles
Headlight wiring seems to be coming loose. Replaced bulbs, no change. Lights will go out while driving on both sides. Cannot get them set back to remain on.

- Grove City, PA, USA

problem #86

Aug 302021

Sorento

  • miles
ABS Traction System and Wheel Speed Sensor - My Sorento has driven only around 37000 miles and has been maintained well on a regular basis. Recently, I noticed tpms sensor light on, and took it for oil change while also asked the service provider to check the tire pressure. The service center personnel identified two tires on the passenger side having lower tire pressure and refilled air, which addressed the tpms sensor light. However, the following day while I was getting ready to take my daughter for a doctor visit, I noticed the abs, traction light and slope align assist sensors being on. While running an OBD2 scanner test on it, it turned out to be an issue with left rear wheel speed sensor. Though my car has gone past the warranty, I have not driven much as can be seen by the miles. Moreover, I also know a close member in my network purchasing a very similar car around the same time, but has driven a lot more miles. However, that car still has not shown any issue with the sensors. While digging further, I noticed that many others have seen a similar issue with these sensors, even after two or three years since the release, that were shared in Kia based forums. Being a safety concern, I would appreciate your department to look into this matter to see whether there is a manufacturing issue with these sensors.

- Buffalo Grove, IL, USA

problem #85

Apr 072021

Sorento

  • miles
The Sorento truck start off by self went I drive more the hour went I brake the truck sout off.

- Elgin , IL, USA

problem #84

Jul 132020

Sorento

  • 140,000 miles
Over a period of a month on multiple occasions during normal driving on highway and city streets, the engine lost power while driving, only allowing enough drive ability at significantly reduced power and speed to pull over. In each of those instances, the power was restored to normal after a small period of rest. An overlapping condition existed during that same period, in which all power was lost to the engine and power steering, as the engine completely shut down while driving under normal circumstances. In each of those cases, the engine would not turn over until after a period of rest of at least 20 minutes. There was never an engine warning to indicate an issue. The car was serviced and assessed by certified mechanics, but no problem was detected. During one such inspection with aamco of redlands, California, the car lost power during their final test drive following a rigorous inspection in which no issue was identified, and never regained power again. It was determined that the engine had ceased with 141,335 miles on the odometer. Another issue revolved around an electrical issue with the driver side headlamp and turn signal. It ceased to work while within the 100,000 mile warranty and was fixed without cost. However, it continued to fail afterwards and was fixed multiple times at personal expense. The airbag light has also been on for half the life of the car, and is still on at this time, but the dealer refused to acknowledge it was a warranty issue despite a recall on that light. They claimed that the light was tripped due to some empty soda cans they discovered under the chair and which were probably rolling around according to their opinion. They stated that the tripped airbag light had nothing to do with the recall.

- Riverside, CA, USA

problem #83

Feb 162021

Sorento

  • 70,209 miles
There was a recall in 2017 for the speed sensor on the rear wheels. The sensors failed repeatedly and Kia, on the recall just sprayed silicone on the electrical connections. The sensors continued to fail and all the lights on the dashboard continued to stay on. After the so called recall fix, I paid $326 twice for the left rear sensor, and $326 for the right rear. However, Kia is not placing anything on the electrical connection to further prevent the failure of the sensors. In August 2020, I paid Kia to replace the sensor on the rear and did not drive the vehicle until January 28, 2021. Upon starting the vehicle, the lights stayed on which the dealer states that the sensor was bad. I explained that the vehicle has not been driven since it was replaced in August 2020. Again, I had to pay to have it replaced as the dealer said. When I picked up the car, I asked for the old part, and was told they threw it away. The service advisor refused to look into the trash to find the old part. I called Kia headquarters to make a complaint and was told that their system was down and they could not take my complaint. I cannot continue to pay Kia money to keep replacing the sensor, of which I cannot access, and they know that it is a defect. I have spent over $1200 since the recall was first issued on the same problem. There should be a permanent fix to this. These wires are underneath the car and exposed to water from rain on the streets as you are driving. Why Kia do not find a way to cover the electrical wiring is what I think should be done, and not have me to pay $300 everytime it fails. The recall fix is not working.

- Port St Lucie, FL, USA

problem #82

Feb 152021

Sorento

  • 130,000 miles
My headlights and brake lights keep going out. I have replaced them all twice in a year. On top of that, every time I've had to change my headlights, I've also had to change the wiring harness that the light goes into. It's like the it explodes and melts the piece that the light snaps into.

- Hayes, VA, USA

problem #81

Nov 022020

Sorento

  • 126,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated after driving and parking the vehicle, the contact smelled burning oil and an electrical odor coming from under the hood. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact notified an independent mechanic who recommended that the oil be topped off to fix the failure however, the failure the persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 126,000.

- Tyrone, GA, USA

problem #80

Nov 142020

Sorento

  • 118,153 miles
First, the brake lights kept going out. Finally found a loose wire. Then, the ABS, downhill, skid lights all came on at the same time. Found one wheel where it is not reading speed. Next, the gas cover does not open now. There has been one issue after another with this car. I get it serviced, monthly. It is up to date on oil changes, inspections, fluid and I am about to replace all brakes, pads, rotors and tires. I feel like this care, which I have only had for four and a half years, is done.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

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