At 60,000 miles took my 2006 Sorento in for manufacturer's recommended service - change timing belt and new plugs, etc., never had a problem before then. Got the SUV back from mechanic and the following day, the belts came off, lost power, overheated. Crank shaft bolt came loose. Now at 82,290 miles, bolt broke, harmonic balancer came loose and chewed up the end of the crankshaft. $3200 fix. SUV has been in shop for 5 weeks and will remain there for at least 5 more until I can get the money to fix it. Kia should recall this model as well, they already recognized the problem in 2003 and 2004 models. I am a single mom, raising boys without the benefit of child support or any other help. Kia should stand behind their workmanship!

- Perris, CA, USA

Driving on the highway 230 miles from home, 150 miles from my destination brake light and battery light came on. Pulled off road loss of steering power. Opened hood and found belts off. Towed to nearest town in the middle of nowhere and mechanic diagnosed the crankshaft (harmonic balancer) bolt had sheered off and broken piece still in crankshaft. Towed to nearest Kia dealership 150 miles away and was told possible crankshaft/engine damage. Could not do further diagnosis due to weekend (Saturday) and will need to stay in town until car is repaired (no other transportation). No loaner car offered. This is a dangerous common occurrence with Kia Sorento owners that the company seems to know about but does not want to address or cover cost of repairs. Recall on bolt for 2003 models does not cover later models but dangerous situation still exists with those later models. I am afraid to drive my car after it is repaired knowing that other owners have had this problem reoccur and loss of power steering at highway speed is a dangerous situation.

- Overland Park, KS, USA

Crankshaft bolt sheared off in May 2010 at 63,000 miles causing $1200 in damage and towing. After having a Kia dealer fix the issue out of my pocket because I'm a "second owner", the issue happened again in July 2011 at 101,000 miles. The dealer again has to repair with similar costs out of my pocket. This is extremely dangerous as the belt connecting to the crankshaft pulley is also attached to the alternator which, when broke, causes a loss of all power, even while the car is at full driving speed. This is also an extremely expensive issue which after several conversations with Kia, they have yet to acknowledge is a problem.

- Clinton, OH, USA

The crankshaft pulley bolt sheared off on my 2006 Kia Sorento at 70,000 miles. This caused extensive damage the harmonic balancer which caused my belt to fall off its track. Kia has previously issued a recall on older models for this exact same part due to a manufacture defect. This is a major safety issue since this has also caused the steering to lock and drivers can loose control. Their are numerous complaints similar to this issue on the same year, make, and model. I am currently in the process of complaining to Kia & the BBB regarding the repair since they don't feel responsible. The repair would consist of a new engine according to the dealership who hasn't been able to determine or explain the cause. It is imperative that this defect be investigated since it seems to be a common issue for several Kia models and years.

- Indian Trail, NC, USA

Bolt sheared causing the harmonic balancer to fall off causing extensive damage to vehicle while driving. Vehicle became very hard to steer. Clearly this vehicle can not be safe to drive if bolts that hold the engine and steering just shear off.

- Somerdale, NJ, USA

I have been the owner of 2 brand new Kia sorrentos, a 2004 and a 2006. With both vehicles I have had the same problem with the brakes shaking (sometimes violently) after only 6,000 to 8,000 miles. When taken to be looked at I was told the rotors were warped and needed to be replaced, at my own cost because "brakes are a wear item". I have a friend with a 2005 sorrento that has dealt with the same problem. This is obviously a huge problem with the sorrento line and you would think they would try to make customers happier and make strong parts.

- Oakdale, CA, USA

2006 Kia Sorento ex 4WD, clunking sound in the rear end when you come to a complete stop and then start again. Rear differential went out and was replaced in Aug 2005, but the clunk in the rear end still remains. As of Oct 2005 there is also an intermittent sound in the rear end that sounds like the differential is sticking or locking into a positive traction causing one tire to sound and feel like it is sliding on gravel. Previous owner reported same problem "clunk" in the rear end numerous times as well. Possibly a design flaw.

- Newbury, MA, USA