10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 2 / 2
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 1 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 96,491 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.
« Read the previous 20 complaints
The crankshaft sprocket key (pin) got loose and the sprocket displaced which chewed the timing belt and short-circuited the crankshaft sensor and fuel pump, causing $1946.03 of repair, $213.67 car rental during repair, loss of working time and stress to me with health damage. The total loss is estimated to be $3,000 at least.
- North Attleboro, MA, USA
Kia Sorento 2005, similar crank bolt main pulley assembly break that many, many of the others have all been complaining about and unfortunately been experiencing. This is the third time I had this very same issue repaired for substantial dollars and now my mechanic stated there is not enough thread left into the crankshaft to fix and it needs a completely rebuild or engine replacement - which in all likelihood be less expensive. There should definitely be a recall for this - as so many have the same issue. Thank god my incidents were all at slow speed because this would easily cause a crash because you loose all power steering and control.
- Mundelien, IL, USA
Driving approximately 55mph 22 Nov 2013, heard a thump from engine compartment, and lost all power to vehicle, ending up in a ditch. Engine stopped, no steering, no brakes. Dash lights illuminated. Vehicle would not re-start. Crank pulley bolt broke off. Over 5 hours to extract remainder of bolt to repair engine. $1359 in repairs. Now, 22 Sept 2014, 10 months later, had same happen on highway at 70mph in heavy traffic. Thankful I was in a lane at the edge of the roadway. Current mileage slightly under 114,000. Yeah. 10 months and 13000 miles and another huge repair bill. No recall, Kia claims no liability. Other issue: Interior lighting turns itself off and on at whim. Headlights burn out every 45-90 days.
- Conyers, GA, USA
In September 2012, traveling at 35mph my Kia came to a stop. At first glance it was determined the drive belts had unfastened and the cam shaft bolt was laying on the engine pan. After inspection at Kia service shop the specialist identified that the cam shaft bolt had sheered off due to the defective part: Cam shaft sprocket-C, part # 23120-35701 cost $60. The final suggestion was to replace the bolt set, sprocket, crank angle sensor, damper pulley, auto tensioner and all drive belts a total of $2,000 repair cost. In 2014, the cost repair is now 4,000 to replace the engine because of the same exact issue but traveling over 40mpg causing more damage. The main cause of this defect derives from the small pin attached to the sprocket that turns the harmonic balancer and grinds the steel with the force of the engine into nothing. The result of this defect causes the harmonic balancer to come lose, shearing off the crank bolt first, then if traveling at low speed will follow with the repair above, however if at high speed will result in engine damage in the valves making it necessary to replace the engine at a cost of $4,000. You may refer to the following resources for more information: The Kia Sorento engine defect class action lawsuit case is robinson el al V. Kia motors America Inc. Case no. 13-CV00006 us district court of New Jersey. For a video visual of the exact defect you may refer to youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?V=qhll55fv2Z0.
- Fountain, CO, USA
The contact owns a 2005 Kia Sorento. While driving approximately 30 mph, the power steering failed without warning and the vehicle became increasingly difficult to control. The dealer stated that the camshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 117,000.
- Fountain, CO, USA
Daughter had cranked vehicle after coming into grandmother's after her wedding getting food. She said the steering was working properly and the motor seemed to be having alot of problems so I told her to park it and not to drive it again that I would have it towed to be looked at.my nephew looked at it said it seemed to be the bolt coming out of harmonic balancer. I bought it used but it was purchased at Kia in huntersville, N.C. from the person I purchased it from. After taking it back there to be looked at they did unauthorized work breaking the bolt off then telling me I had to be the one to replace the motor. I even went to Kia in gastonia, N.C. they didn't seemed to be concerned at all and said they would not even take it as a trade in so I started doing research as to any problems with this particular vehicle.
- Dallas, NC, USA
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
The engine developed a very loud tick/knock in the motor.
- Knoxville, MD, USA
I recently had to have the crank shaft sensor replaced on my 2005 Kia Sorento. This morning, driving my young son to school, I lost the steering on my vehicle. Additionally, the engine light and brake light came on. As I understand it, this is an ongoing defective issue with Kia's. this is a dangerous problem for the public as well as consumers.
- Windham, NH, USA
The contact owns a 2005 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 10 mph, the vehicle started shaking violently and making a loud noise without any warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the harmonic balancer was not properly attached to the crank shaft causing the bolt to brake. As a result, the harmonic balancer and bolt needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred twice. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 52,000 and the current mileage was 87,000.
- Midland Park, NJ, USA
I was driving on the way to work and the car lost power and shut off.... lost all ability to steer, luckily no other cars were close by. Or else there would have been a crash between us. Had it towed to a local shop. Before looking at the vehicle they immediately told me it sounded like the infamous crank shaft pulley bolt. I was at a loss for word as it sounded like its been an on going issue that needs to be address. Too many peoples lives are and can be in trouble because of it. After the local shop looked at it and confirmed it was the crank shaft pulley bolt. I was advised to talk to the local dealership because there has been a recall of the bolt. When I spoke to the parts rep a Kia, I was told there is no recalls on the bolt or anything else 2003-2006 Kia serento. They could get me a new/used motor for $4K.... seems that Kia is only in the business of putting money in their pockets while other peoples lives are at stake. For a part/piece they know is faulty. After further investigation there is a countless amount of people with the same issue. Even people covered under the 100,000 mile warranty was told its not apart of the drive drain so its not covered. I would not recommend a Kia to anyone...
- St Joseph, MO, USA
The contact owns a 2005 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 mph, there was a sudden loss of steering power and the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was diagnosed that the crankshaft pulley needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 90,000. The VIN was not available.
- Laurel , NY, USA
I was leaving a patient's home when I got around the corner from their home, my car just shut off on me. All the lights were on in the vehicle but it would not move. After waiting for about two hours for someone to come help me in my situation. I had to have my car towed all the way from West haven to amity, where I had the car checked out by the mechanic that fixed the crankshaft bolt and other things costing me a total of $1100. The car was still under the warranty for being fixed again when the mechanic told me after having my car their for a couple of weeks that the bolt broke again and it messed up the whole bottom half of my engine. I am still making monthly payments on this car and I am completely lost as in what to do with it. Kia doesn't want anything but money and the other mechanic is calling this a recurring defect and doesn't see the point in fixing it when the car needs a new engine. I'm ready to scream my head off because I don't have money to keep throwing away on something I cant even use.
- New Haven, CT, USA
As I was driving my 2005 Kia Sorento at 40mph it started bucking and when you go to accelerate you can hold the pedal to the floor and it does not pick up speed. Took it to my mechanic and his software shows a recall for this and Kia is saying there is no recall on my vehicle. His software says recalls campaign-SC073 icv replacement.
- Port St Lucie, FL, USA
My whole family was in the car driving home going approximately 40-45mph when without warning all the dash lights started coming on and all power was lost on the vehicle. We were able to move out of traffic and restart the vehicle and make it home. Vehicle was towed to dealer where we were eventually advised the crank shaft bolt shredded into our engine, and that along with some other components would have to be replaced to the tune of over $5000 dollars. We were told that because this was an outside component of the engine that this was not covered under the power train 10 year/100,000 mile warranty. I called their consumer assistance line and was very disappointed with them. This same bolt I was advised was an issue in the 2004 models, but they assured me ours was manufactured outside the faulty bolt dates (tell that to my failed bolt). I was incredibly disappointed with the lack of responsibility they are willing to take to ensure that no one is injured or worse by simply fixing a bolt. We ended up trading in the vehicle and losing a tremendous amount of money in the process.
- Lincoln, NE, USA
My 2005 Sorento started stalling & shutting down while driving down the hwy at 65 mph (happens at any speed). Code comes up for bad crank shaft sensor, this will be the 3rd time in 4 years I will have replaced it. This has caused some "close calls" while on the hwy, avoiding other vehicles & nearly being rear ended several times.
- Bloomington, IN, USA
I have a 2005 Kia Sorento and it has 123000 miles. I was driving with my wife and I lost control of the steering, brakes and the engine shut down. I had it towed to my repair center and they told me that my engine was blown and I would need a new engine. The crank shaft bolt snapped and it was a defect in the manufacturing process but Kia is not taking responsibility for this matter. Kia is claiming that there was a service document regarding this but no recall notice was ever sent out to the owners of this model car. Kia is trying to wash their hands of this problem. I have spoken to many people and they are saying that even though they have the extended warranty that Kia wants nothing to do with the issue and are refusing to repair this defect. I have filed a class action suite against Kia but they are trying to have this case thrown out of court refusing to fix to issue.
- Sewell, NJ, USA
The contact owns a 2005 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while traveling 64 mph, the bolt on the crank shaft sensor fractured and detached, causing damage to the engine and motor. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 120,000. Updated 07/31/13 the consumer was informed the vehicle needed a new engine, due to the idle pulley bolt falling off.
- Boise, ID, USA
Was driving down road with my son when my car started to vibrate and make a horrible noise. The warning lights on the dash turned on and I lost my power steering just as I was turning onto our street. I had the vehicle towed to an auto shop and before they looked at it, the owner told me that it was the crank pulley bolt that sheered off. He said its common in Kia SUV's of that time period! I was lucky to be on a side street and not a highway going faster because there was no warning to this happening and I could've easily lost control. This defect will eventually cause someone to lose control and become injured or killed.
- Bloomington, IL, USA
- Richmond, VA, USA