10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 18
Injuries / Deaths:
7 / 0
Average Mileage:
62,369 miles

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« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #32

Jul 142012

Sorento

  • 22,500 miles
Keyless entry not working, rough starting-battery replaced by dealer.

- Middleburg, FL, USA

problem #31

Sep 092010

Sorento

  • 75,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that she attempted to reverse however, the shifter could not be moved for over 30 minutes. In addition, the radio would sporadically power on independently and drain the battery. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but the technician was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.

- Ballground, GA, USA

problem #30

Sep 022013

Sorento 4-cyl

  • 37,600 miles
While pulling into parking space, car became non-responsive to gas pedal input, but brakes sill worked. Hill asst and etc lights lit up on dash, car would not shift past neutral. Turned car off and on and was able to shift to park. Car started normally after being shut off.

- Portland, OR, USA

problem #29

Jun 232013

Sorento 6-cyl

  • 40,000 miles
I came to a stop, suddenly the dash lights started flashing, and the car would not accelerate. I turned the key a couple of times but nothing happened, I turned off the radio and then turned on my emergency flashers. I then put the car in park and turned the key again. This time the car started and I drove it home. Two days later the Sorento was taken to the shop. Possible reason given on the workorder for the stalling/shutting down was that the gas tank had been overfilled. The technician also told my husband that this problem had been reported in other vehicles and should be solved by the brake switch recall, service bulletin 13V114000. He explained that the engine control system receives a signal from the brake switch for the starting process and, if the signal is not received, the vehicle will not start. Because of the faulty brake switch, he stated that it could interrupt the operation of the vehicle by sending an erroneous signal to the engine control system, activating the "no start" process. Even with the vehicle running, this would cause the engine to cut out. He further stated this recall replacement of the brake light signal switch should cure that problem. After running a complete diagnostic check on the vehicle, the service rep said there were no stored codes in the engine control memory indicating a fault. Since shutting the motor off due to an erroneous signal that the brake was not engaged is not a set fault code, this may not have been recorded. Also, the rep stated that if a fault had occurred, it may not have been in place long enough to record a fault code. Though he did give these answers verbally, they were not specifically indicated on the service invoice, and this connection was not listed on the recall notice for the brake light switch. Is this Kia official position that the brake switch recall fixes the engine shutdown?

- Seattle, WA, USA

problem #28

Dec 182010

Sorento

  • 9,000 miles
Car wouldn't start when I pushed it to start, the next day it started. On 1/4/2012 driving the car at approximately 30 mph and the car shut off. The car did restart but shut off again while driving. Restarted and had it towed to Kia. They had the car until 1/9/12. I was told there was a problem with the fuse block. They replaced ems block control harness. On January 30,2012, the car wouldn't start again. Had it towed to Kia. They kept the car and on 2/1/12 and 2/2/12 the car didn't start for them. I was told they moved around the computer and then the car started. I was also told that there was no fuel pressure that time. They replaced PCM. I took it to the Kia garage on 4/26/13 for a routine oil change. That day got the car back and had oil leaking all over my driveway. I have had problems ever since. Took the car back 2 times for oil leak. During the time it was in the garage I was told the oxygen sensor needed replaced, after being replaced I was told there was to much voltage going to the sensor and they didn't know why. Currently I am told the cars computer needs to be replaced. We still haven't gotten the car back.

- Biglerville, PA, USA

problem #27

Dec 102012

Sorento 6-cyl

  • 30,000 miles
I was driving 30 miles an hour when my car stalled out. I managed to pull over to the side of the road but was unable to get the car to start. The car was towed to the Kia dealership where they replaced the main fuse panel and the fuel pump. The service manager said one shorted the other out and that it was a fluke. On 4/7/2013, the car would not start. Again, car towed to dealership where the same problem has occurred. Nobody, can tell me why this is happening and I am really nervous to drive the car again.. if the car stalls out while I'm driving on the highway, it could be disastrous. Kia is saying they haven't heard this happening with other vehicles, however, after coming to this site, it seems to be happening with regularity. Help. What are my rights??

- Grafton, MA, USA

problem #26

Dec 012010

Sorento 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 900 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Kia sorrento. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 mph, the engine stalled without warning. Upon restarting, the vehicle resumed normal operation. The failure occurred numerous times. In addition, the push start ignition failed to operate on four separate occasions. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer three times for both defects. The dealer was unable to locate the problem. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 900. Updated 04/02/13 the consumer stated the vehicle would stall when approaching a stop sing, turning to slow down, or driving slowly through a parking lot.

- Long Beach , CA, USA

problem #25

Nov 122012

Sorento

  • 23,000 miles
Put key in ignition, all lights on dash came on as normal, radio came on as normal, engine did nothing, made no sound whatsoever. After several attempts to crank vehicle eventually started. After the 3rd time this happening I took it to all star Kia of baton rouge (the only Kia dealership in the baton rouge area, which is approximately 45 minutes on a good day from my home). Vehicle was there only 30 minutes when I was told it was my battery, which I knew was incorrect because everyone knows a dead battery would not have allowed my radio and all the electrical components to come on, but I allowed the to give me a new battery without question. One week later the same exact problem. This time I had it towed to the dealership because I could not get it started and quite frankly am tired of wasting my time and gas money on the same issue. This time they said it was the fuse block, said all kinds of other garbage that did not make sense to the average intelligent person. Did not have the car back 2 days and the same thing, wont start. I have called the dealership and will have it towed Monday again. Do not expect it to be fixed, the mechanics at this dealership do not seem to know anything about vehicles or what makes them crank, run, and go.

- Greenwell Springs, LA, USA

problem #24

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 #23

Aug 142011

Sorento 4-cyl

  • 22,000 miles
This is my wife's vehicle, but given the issue she is afraid to drive it..... driving up hill with my foot on the gas pedal at 50 mph. My vehicle lost power ( as if I slammed on the brake ) my body went forward and was stopped by the seatbelt. My head whipped downward. Then the vehicle surged forward. My head and body slapped back into the seat. It was so abrupt and violently. It will scare you to death. This has happened to many times over the last year to count. I have tried to document the events in a journal because the dealer has been able to duplicate it only once. Some days it can happen up to 3 times a day for weeks on end. Some times I can duplicate it driving up hill and sometimes nothing. The worst times are when merging into traffic or when someone is following to close behind me. My fear is that I will hurt another motorist or a passenger in my vehicle. A term called " limp mode " has been said to me. Where the transmission shifts to a hi gear to protect it from damage. My vehicle still does this at least once every other day. I have been to the dealer 14 times. The tranny was replaced a year ago and a backfire code was found recently. A computer software update that didn't help was the last thing done in over a year, unless you count paying for rental vehicles doing something. There is also a suspension/steering issue. A hard pulling left/right and bump steer. The vehicle will pull the steering wheel out of your hand in turns and veers as it hits bumps.

- Pittsburgh, PA, USA

problem #22

Nov 152011

Sorento

  • 10,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the vehicle could not be started. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 10,000 and the current mileage was 24,000.

- Philadelphia , PA, USA

problem #21

Jul 222012

Sorento

  • 19,600 miles
This car sometimes after the key is insert in the ignition and turn with the intention of of starting the car it does not start. The lights on the dash board come on but it does not start. After several trays by steping in the brake pedal turn the wheel and move the speed shift it starts.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #20

May 012012

Sorento 4-cyl

  • 23,000 miles
Stability control and downhill assist lights illuminate while driving. Then when stopped, car will not go past neutral when trying to shift into park. Also, when driving, the brake lights do not work immediately when pedal is depressed. Car will not shift out of park after started and stability control and downhill assist lights are illuminated. Located switch at the upper part of the brake pedal and while car was in neutral, with parking brake on, was able to bump the switch box and then shift car into park.

- Sugar Hill, GA, USA

problem #19

Jul 262012

Sorento 6-cyl

  • 13,650 miles
Vehicle unable to start, even with key in 'holster' in glove box. Vehicle brake appeared to be pressed down already and no reaction when start button was pushed. This happened multiple times over a 3 day period. After multiple attempts over two days, the vehicle started. Taken to dealership who detected nothing and were unable to duplicate the situation.

- Lakewood, CA, USA

problem #18

Dec 192011

Sorento

  • 12,500 miles
Car will not start with key or remotely control. After car sits for a time, several hours or days, it may start. Car has shut off by itself and will not start... had to be towed several times. Seems to have a computer system malfunction that dealer cannot repair.

- United, PA, USA

problem #17

Jun 152011

Sorento 4-cyl

  • 1,200 miles
My 2011 Kia Sorento downshifts while at a high rate of speed. It also gets stuck and while the rpms are racing, it will not shift up. The bluetooth does not work properly and am only able to make a call 30% of the time. Backup cameras and sensors are intermittent. Window will not work. Back drivers side door fell off hinges while I was driving with my child in the backseat. My passenger side seat overheated and would not turn off. Causing my car to fill with smoke on the expressway. Many issues with this lemon! shifter will not go from drive into park leaving me stranded in my car. Vehicle has no power....poor engine. Paint and chrome of handles are coming off. Pulls to the left and ESC light comes on all the time.

- Burlington, KY, USA

problem #16

Feb 102011

Sorento

  • 10 miles
1st problem: I bought the car, drove it off the lot, dealership did not get it inspected so I had to take it at 10 miles to get an inspection sticker on it! 2nd problem: Immediately after buying the car, I noticed all the windows and doors rattled. Took it to Kia in kingwood 5 times and they could never hear the sound and/or fixed other things on the car that did not need to be fixed. Problem still exists. 3rd problem: Engine light kept coming on, 3 visits later, I needed a new transmission, at 13,000 miles..something wrong with sensor that measures fluids?? 4th problem: Taking back at 14,500 miles on Monday(3/18/12) to get doors checked out now electronics are messed up and loud noise everytime I lock or roll down windows. Also, cant get key to turn in ignition alot!! what a piece of crap!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

- New Caney, TX, USA

problem #15

Feb 232011

Sorento 4-cyl

  • 11,815 miles
02/23/2011 vehicle would not start; dealer replaced brake switch. 10/14/2011 vehicle would not start; dealer replaced battery. 11/14/2011 vehicle would not start; dealer replaced transmission shifter. 01/05/2012 vehicle would not start; dealer could not find problem, started after battery jump. 01/29/2012 vehicle would not start; called for tow; vehicle started after 40 minutes of numerous attempts. 02/07/2012 vehicle would not start; vehicle started after 30 minutes of numerous attempts. 02/09/2012 vehicle would not start; towed to dealer. Something is obviously wrong with these push-button starters! 5 tows within one year plus other non-start times?! Kia needs to recognize they have a problem!

- Orlando, FL, USA

problem #14

Jan 092012

Sorento

  • 10,900 miles
I was driving to work on Monday Jan. 9th going approximately 60 mph, when all of a sudden the car jerked violently. Then the car lost power I had to pull over it would not drive, I was pushing the accelerator but it would not respond. Also the tach quit working, check engine light came on. I called my husband who called and scheduled service with our local Kia dealership. On my way home it done the same exact thing I had to pull over again, luckily both times there was not a car following too closely. My husband drove the car to the dealership and they kept it for 4 days and said they could not duplicate the problem. We picked it up on Sunday thinking everything was fine, we made it home and went to the store. On the way back coming across the pomeroy mason bridge it jerked again very hard and we had to come to a stop in traffic! we called to schedule another appointment for Thursday Jan. 19. on my way to work today Jan. 16 it done the same exact thing! I don't feel safe driving this with my 2 kids in the back seat.

- Middleport , OH, USA

problem #13

Jan 052012

Sorento 4-cyl

  • miles
Keyless ignition switch which is attached to break has defect. Unable to start car, called aaa who could not start. Called hot line and they said have been having a number of problems with this. Called local dealer who verified havin a number of failures on this and need to replace. Agreed probably need to send a bulletin to owners and recall. The switch sticks and will not allow you to start the car.

- Ormond Beach, FL, USA

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