10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
4 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
5 / 0
Average Mileage:
69,338 miles

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« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #26

Apr 162015

Sorento 6-cyl

  • 41,569 miles
On 04/16/15 pulled into parking space. Car would not go into park or reverse. Parking brake would not engage. Warning lights on didn't make sense., accessories would not turn off. Car rolled w/O hard depress to brake. Brake wouldn't fully engage (wouldn't plunge all the way). Put into neutral, could not fully shut off. Car warning signal blasting. Could not secure car, lock car or or turn car off. Could only drive forward slowly with drag when able to get out of parking spot. Drove forward to get out of paking lot before trapped in there again and reverse rolling occurred. Went to side of road for towing. Huge drag while driving slow 5mph aprox. Ignition finally turned off after putting into neutral again. Warning sound finally went away but accessories still were on. Parking brake would now engage. Car not drivable or fully functioning. Car towed to dealership..diagnosed- failure of recall part put in at time of recall to fix had failed. Resolution: Replaced defective recall fix part with same recall part that just failed, no accident resulted because of this failure but I could not properly, drive, secure, car. Left stranded with medically fragile child with limited cellular reception. Concern: Driving unsafe car with known failure part that could lead to serious accident do to symptoms of failure posted by Kia. Kia resolution was to put same part in that is know to fail and was part of a fix for voluntary recall due to know serious results of part failure. I am driving a car that is on it's third recall which is proven to have special needs medically fragile son would not have had immediate medical emergeny services if failure happened where there was no signal. Lack of brake lights could result in collision resulting in death or serious injury. Summary, driving car with know safey issues by Kia with no resolution.

- Duvall, WA, USA

problem #25

Dec 032014

Sorento 6-cyl

  • 77,000 miles
Driving on the freeway in my 2011 Kia Sorento last night, the ABS light came on, along with three other lights (all brake related). Lights will not go out, so I took it to the dealership today. They told me it is a rear speed sensoring issue and my anti lock brakes are not working. Fixing it is not under warranty. This is not the first time my Kia has electronic issues. But these are dangerous! if your brakes don't work and you are driving on the freeway, danger about to happen.

- Boise, ID, USA

problem #24

Oct 012012

Sorento

  • 7,480 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that a loud clicking and grinding noise emitted when the brake pedal was engaged. The dealer replaced the brake solenoid several times but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The technician replaced the brake solenoid. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 7,480.

- Upper Marlboro , MD, USA

problem #23

Sep 062014

Sorento

  • 63,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. While driving various speeds, the vehicle decelerated independently. The driver side brakes locked, which caused the vehicle to swerve. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 63,000.

- Frisco, TX, USA

problem #22

Aug 182014

Sorento

  • 119,000 miles
After sitting overnight or all day, when backing up then going forward the car acts like the ABS is sticking and wont move forward, pulls to the left. You have put car in park, turn it off, then turn back on for it to stop.

- Flemington, WV, USA

problem #21

Jun 052013

Sorento 4-cyl

  • miles
I purchased my 2011 Kia Sorento approximately 1 yr ago and my interior light in front over driver and passenger comes on and off during driving. This did it in the beginning then stopped, now it does it all the time with the illuminating door open sign on dash. They stay on much longer and happens more frequently. I'm afraid to drive with my grand children in car, not sure if safe anymore. Dealer never expressed at time of purchase that there where any recalls for this vehicle. Front makes noise everytime I place foot on brakes, people look over when I hit brakes. Not sure if this is a problem as well(recall). I am unemployed now for 15 months no money to fix these problems. Please let me know if these are part of any recalls. I purchased vehicle from sansone jr., route 66, neptune, NJ. Thank you for your assistance.

- Brick, NJ, USA

problem #20

May 202014

Sorento 6-cyl

  • 37,000 miles
Driving out of parking lot into street put foot on brake pedal and it stuck to floor. All the warning lights came on and engine was running. Tried pumping brake but no good. Tried gas pedal but no good. Tried shifting into different positions but no good. Only after turning car off and on did brake pedal come back. If this had happened in street or highway would have had serious accident.

- Hastings On Hudson, NY, USA

problem #19

Feb 152014

Sorento

  • 75,000 miles
Push button start not starting vehicle. Brake lights do not come on upon depress of brake pedal. Vehicle only starts after holding button 10-15 seconds.

- Washington, DC, USA

problem #18

Dec 312013

Sorento 6-cyl

  • 56,575 miles
I was leaving a parking lot and applied the brakes before entering traffic. I found the brake pedal very hard to push with very limited braking power. Luckily, I was not traveling at a high rate of speed or a tragic accident could have taken place. I drove carefully and was able to go very slow and pulled into a local mechanic. This is a potentially life and death issue should failure occur. I am awaiting final diagnosis but they feel the most likely part is a brake booster check valve or the brake booster.

- Mchenry, IL, USA

problem #17

Jul 292011

Sorento 6-cyl

  • 3,000 miles
When coming to a stop at a light or stop sign, usually on a slight downhill slope, the vehicle engine dies completely. It usually happens after the vehicle has be driven for 10-15 minutes, parked for 10-15 minutes then driven again for ten minutes. Once it dies I am able to start it up right away. It is a push start "key" and the car dies after I apply the brakes and am very near to a complete stop. This has happened within a few months of purchase and occurs randomly, every few months. It has happened six to ten times since I purchased the car. I have brought it into the dealer at least three times and the computer comes back with no codes. They can't replicate it and do not know what to fix. Today, the dealer installed a monitor for me to use for two weeks to see if it happens and we can capture the info in real time. Kia manufacturer customer service was abominable. I am trying to get a field technician to look at it and communicate with the dealer.

- Albany, CA, USA

problem #16

Nov 152012

Sorento 6-cyl

  • 37,000 miles
On several occasions, the vehicle does not want to go into/out of gear. When staring in the morning, I often have to pump brakes, or turn car off and re-start in order to get the car to move into reverse. On one occasion, it would not move out of drive and into park. While this hasn't caused any accidents/injuries, it could have on several occasions. Had my teenaged daughter been driving it at any of the times that the vehicle didn't cooperate and move out of drive, it could have been disastrous.

- Lexington, , KY, USA

problem #15

Feb 272013

Sorento 6-cyl

  • 33,922 miles
Reversed car from my driveway. Felt as if I had crashed into something (heard loud grinding sound). Put the car into drive and came to stop. Upon pressing the brakes, felt as if the ABS had engaged and gripped all four wheels. Heard loud grinding sound and car jolted (as brakes were pressed). I had my five year old and three old sons with me; they screamed from the jolt. I slowly released the breaks and applied the breaks again, and same thing occurred only with less force. Turned off the car and called for towing. Also, a howling whining noise is heard inside the car. The dealership had it for two weeks, and under the guidance of the field engineer they replaced the transfer case. The howling/whining noise continues. The dealership really tried to resolve the issue. The manager herself test drove the car and also heard the whining/howling sound. I did contact the manufacturer, but frankly felt disappointed. I had asked if anyone has called in with similar complaints and was not given an answer. I feel unsafe and very anxious about driving the car. They dealership stated the breaks were fine, and that no error code was detected. I was not given a definitive answer as to what caused the breaks to behave this way or what is the howling noise that is occurring. This is the third major issue we had with this car. I have an AWD vehicle and the current recall only covers the 2wd issue (that also has this howling sound). I have read numerous other complaints in which other 2011 AWD Sorentos are having similar issues. Please investigate; someone could be seriously hurt or worse.

- Elkton, MD, USA

problem #14

Oct 272012

Sorento 4-cyl

  • 40,000 miles
This is approximate for the dates but if further proof is needed then I am on top of it! now matter at hand...I dropped my 20011 Kia Sorento base XL, aka ms silvia, off to the Kia dealership, original owners of ms silvia, for the 2nd (second) time for brake issues. 1st (first) time, around 10-12 ms silvia got new calipers and master cylinder and the date was about 2 (two) mths before this time, which ms silvia has been in the Kia hospital/service dept since 12-21-12 for the 2nd (second) time for the very same reason... calipers and master cylinder replaced. Dealership says, "...bad parts...." I am very worried since a recall was issued through your organization back in Nov 2010 for calipers for this very make, model & yr, this was never brought to my attention, by the dealership, till I did some snooping this time on my own. And wow... all I want is a dependable & safe vehicle to conduct my life. I am in fear this could happen again and wondering if others are suffering in silence and if this needs to be researched again...please help me in the mean time I am letting my car insurance carrier know about this issue also, just in case ms silvia can't do what's required of her for me on a daily bases and maybe involves others of innocence.... I am scheduled to pick up ms silvia up today...crossing my fingers that ms silvia is in good working order....help please...

- Delaware, OH, USA

problem #13

Dec 082012

Sorento 6-cyl

  • 43,276 miles
I bought my 2011 Kia Sorento preowned certified car on 12/07/2012, the next evening 12/08/2012 I was driving home from town and about one block before I got to my residence I heard a noise like something hit the bottom of the car. I then turned into my driveway and as I began to come to a stop I realized I had no brakes in turn hitting another persons car that was parked in my driveway. 911 was called because my son and myself were injured, as the fire department inspected the car he found on the drivers front wheel that most of the brake had fallen apart, the brake fluid was low also, later one of the brake pads was found on the road not far from my driveway none of the other missing parts were found. I have been trying to talk to Kia and they don't seem to care nor have they tried to rectify the problem after a solid month. Today when I was looking up a phone # for yet another Kia dept I found that there was a recall for 2011 Kia Sorento for the exact same thing with my car. Kia's "preowned certified" program guarantees that the car went through a 150 point inspection brakes being a top priority. All they will say is they can fix my smashed car and thats it, I was lead believe I was buying a "certified 150 point inspected" car which was not the case. The car is not safe I want what I was told I was buying. Thank you

- Oakhurst, CA, USA

problem #12

Dec 082012

Sorento 6-cyl

  • 43,326 miles
I bought my 2011 Kia Sorento preowned certified car on 12/07/2012, the next evening 12/08/2012 I was driving home from town and about one block before I got to my residence I heard a noise like something hit the bottom of the car. I then turned into my driveway and as I began to come to a stop I realized I had no brakes in turn hitting another persons car that was parked in my driveway. 911 was called because my son and myself were injured, as the fire department inspected the car he found on the drivers front wheel that most of the brake had fallen apart, the brake fluid was low also, later one of the brake pads was found on the road not far from my driveway none of the other missing parts were found. I have been trying to talk to Kia and they don't seem to care nor have they tried to rectify the problem after a solid month. Today when I was looking up a phone # for yet another Kia dept I found that there was a recall for 2011 Kia Sorento for the exact same thing with my car. Kia's "preowned certified" program guarantees that the car went through a 150 point inspection brakes being a top priority. All they will say is they can fix my smashed car and that's it, I was lead believe I was buying a "certified 150 point inspected" car which was not the case. The car is not safe I want what I was told I was buying. Thank you

- Oakhurst, CA, USA

problem #11

Jun 012012

Sorento

  • 33,500 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that all of the lights on the dashboard failed to illuminate, causing the entire dashboard to go black with the exception of the glow plug. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis. The dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. An engineer was requested to further inspect the vehicle however, he was also unable to determine the cause of the failure. After inspection, the vehicle began to operate as designed. The contact also stated that the brake pedal had a spongy feel to it. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id number: 10V599000 (service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:caliper) and the vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed him that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 33,500 and the current mileage was 42,000.

- Milwaukee, WI, USA

problem #10

Aug 162012

Sorento 4-cyl

  • 18,000 miles
My brakes will go to the floor every once in a while, sometime the car is not running and I just press the pedal to start the car, other time the car is moving all I have to do to correct this problem is pump the brake 1 time and everything is fine again. I have taken the car to the dealer twice for this problem and the last time this is the answer I got.(Kia techline states that it is normal for the brake petal to travel to the floor at times. Techline states that as long as the vehicle will hold still and will stop when the brakes are applied, this is normal. Pressure on the brake system seems good. I have call Kia customer service and I am waiting for a reply. I believe that this is a safety problem.

- Webster, NY, USA

problem #9

Nov 092012

Sorento 6-cyl

  • 33,309 miles
Attempted to park car while waiting for a relative to get off work. Car would not shift to reverse or park- no further than neutral. Was able to put car in neutral and brake to stop car. After dropping relative off at home (had to stop car in same manner as above), had to stop in a near empty parking lot, as I still was unable to put the vehicle in reverse or park. Contacted Kia dealership by phone and was told by representative to pump the break several times in order to shift the car to neutral/park. Did not work. Was told by rep that the braking "solenoid" " (spelling") has malfunctioned and that I should use something like a small screwdriver to push down a button in a small box at the top right of the shifter. Further stated that this would release the break so that the car could be put in park. Was told that car would now be unable to be taken out of park unless the same process was repeated. I've owned this vehicle just over 3 months. Certified per-owed. Less than 34000 miles. Will attempt to take to dealership for repair. Unaware if service center will repair on Saturday. This is the second time this has happened, but it was quickly remedied when I cut the car off and turned it back on while depressing the brake. Thought it was a fluke until today. Should have kept my 2006. This is my 3rd Kia. 1st vehicle with an issue like this.

- Pensacola, FL, USA

problem #8

Feb 012012

Sorento 6-cyl

  • 25,000 miles
When shifting from reverse to drive, vehicle clunks and then jolts forward. When shifting into drive, vehicle whines, doesn't move and so I then shift back into park which results in clunking noise. This has happened numerous times. I brought this to the attention of my dealership on 8/28/12 and they couldn't find the problem at that time. I was advised to keep a log of when the problem occurs which is often but intermittent. Just recently vehicle lost power at a stop sign (had plenty of gas in tank) and after several attempts to keep it running it jolted forward and ran fine.

- Atascadero, CA, USA

problem #7

Sep 192012

Sorento 4-cyl

  • 21,439 miles
The incline control light & the traction control light came on for no reason. I was parking my vehicle on a flat surface and when these lights were on I was unable to put the car in park or reverse. I had to put the vehicle in neutral and shut off the vehicle with my foot on the brake. I then had to restart the vehicle, the control and traction lights were not on and I was able to put the vehicle in park. I went directly to the dealership that I made the purchase from and was told that this is a known defect in the brake line where there is a short in the line that causes the computer to think the break is not pressed down enough, therefore confusing the computer into thinking it should apply the incline and traction control and prevents the vehicle from being put in reverse or park. I was told that by turning the vehicle off while in neutral like I did will sometimes reset the computer. I was told there is also a little box that has a very small slit in it and if I could find something to fit into it that would go down about 6 inches, that would also reset it. However, they were not aware of what one would use to do that with. I was told there was no need to fix this very common problem. I asked if this would eventually mess up the drive shaft, computer system, or transmission and was assured it would not.

- Independence, MO, USA

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