10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
5 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
3 / 0
Average Mileage:
37,324 miles

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« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #14

Mar 062019

Sorento

  • 79,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. While exiting a highway, the brake pedal traveled to the floorboard when it was depressed and became stuck. The contact pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road as it lost electrical power. The vehicle finally stopped and the emergency brake was applied. The vehicle was unable to restart and was towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic diagnosed that the engine seized and a new engine was needed. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 17V240000 (engine and engine cooling), but the contact did not receive a notification. The contact also stated that he took the vehicle to the Kia store (5325 preston hwy, louisville, ky 40213, (866) 627-6887) to have the gear shifter replaced per NHTSA campaign number: 15V626000 (power train). The failure mileage was 79,000.

- Louisville, KY, USA

problem #13

Apr 182015

Sorento

  • 55,345 miles
We were driving down the road one day and a large metal piece hit the bottom of the car in which knock the plastic shell covering the fuel line's off I called Kia they said so told Kia this could cause a fire Kia said so we have not been told about it Kia was like who cares. Another thing is the lights on the dash have been coming on even after fixing this still come on again Kia wanted to charge a high price to fix one part the under pinning should be replace with a plate not plastic part

- Batesville, AR, USA

problem #12

Apr 052018

Sorento

  • 24,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. While the vehicle was in motion, the contact depressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle failed to stop. There were no warning indicators illuminated before or after the failure. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 24,000.

- Macon, GA, USA

problem #11

Oct 092017

Sorento

  • 75,000 miles
When braking there is a loud groaning sound, very unusual for brakes. The brakes are not extremely worn and the brake fluid is full. Also, I had the vehicle inspected a couple months ago and brakes were in good condition

- West Palm Beach, FL, USA

problem #10

Jul 262017

Sorento 4-cyl

  • 25,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. While the contact's spouse was driving 7 mph, the engine inadvertently revved. The brake pedal was depressed and failed to respond. As a result, the contact crashed into a parked vehicle. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact's spouse sustained bruising to her chest, which required medical attention. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, but the cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 25,000. Updated 10/12/17 updated 10/12/2017

- Rocky Mount, NC, USA

problem #9

Jun 072017

Sorento

  • 88,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. While driving approximately 10 mph, the vehicle lost power suddenly without warning. The contact attempted to apply the brakes, but they failed to respond. The contact attempted to steer the vehicle to the shoulder, but the steering failed. The vehicle came to a stop and was able to be restarted after the second attempt. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer (Kia West county), but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 88,000.

- Ballwin, MO, USA

problem #8

Feb 262015

Sorento

  • 45,000 miles
I've had my 2013 Kia Sorento for just over 3 years. I was in a one car accident and my seatbelt didn't retract and my airbag didn't deploy. I broke my sternum and have back problems. The problems I've had with my Sorento are replacing headlights, I had to get a new battery and brakes after one year. My airbag light doesn't go off right away. Before my accident it was in the shop because my airbag light stayed on. Now I have no power all my lights stopped working. When I put the truck in drive and turn it off, I can't take the key out I have to put it back in park again. My Sorento was shaking and making noise when the ligjts stopped working. I have no temp gage at all.

- Westland, MI, USA

problem #7

Dec 192015

Sorento

  • 40,000 miles
Hit my brakes going roughly 30mpg (I was in heavy traffic on the tollway with lots of braking and going for several minutes already), the ABS was triggered as the car was making the jerking/thumping (however you describe feel of ABS), I should have had enough space to stop, but my car was accelerating it seemed at the same time, I hit a car in front of me, and it continued, lurched forward and hit the car a second time all while the brake (only) was being depressed. That finally stopped the car. The other driver thought I was hit from behind too since there were two hits...but I felt the lurching and also there is no damage to the back of my car, proving it was my car. This is dangerous!!! after reading online I see many complaints of Kia's lurching and accelerating when the brakes are applied. Many accidents reported while parking and the car accelerates so quickly it jumps a curb, hits a tree, or another car or other such incidents. It is clear after searching "Kia Sorento 2013 accelerating while braking at the same time", there are lots of reports on car gurus.com of this dangerous defect.

- Mckinney, TX, USA

problem #6

Oct 122015

Sorento

  • miles
When I took my 2013 Kia Sorento to rick case Kia (duluth ga) for scheduled maintenance in Dec 2014, I was advised that the car needed alignment and brake fluid flushing. I declined both services and had only the scheduled maintenance work done. When I returned to the same dealer on 10/12/15, I was told I no longer needed the previously recommended alignment and that the brake fluid was okay. While I was initially relieved that I was longer had to pay hundreds of dollars in unnecessary expenses, I am currently worried about the safety implications of the accuracy of your car inspection and recommended fixes. I really don't know if it was the initial, or the last evaluation that was accurate. Moreover, I am yet to get any reply to all my numerous emails, messages and letters to rick case Kia and Kia consumer assistance center.

- Lilburn, GA, USA

problem #5

Oct 092014

Sorento 6-cyl

  • 20,960 miles
Engine simply stopped while driving resulting in loss of braking and steering control. All indicator lights on dashboard came on when the engine shut off. Coasted to a stop, put transmission in park and was able to restart the engine. Took the car to Kia dealer who said it needed a software update which was performed. The same problem of the engine shutting off happened the very next day. Taking the car back to the dealer today.

- Folsom, CA, USA

problem #4

Apr 012013

Sorento

  • 5,094 miles
I have a 2013 Kia Sorento V-6. approx. 6 mths into owning the vehicle, while accelerating to turn right after stopping at a stop sign, the engine died and car lost all power. The car was stuck at a 45 degree angle 1/2 way into the lane of traffic. I was lucky that no-one was coming or I would have been T-boned. The car dash was completely dark with no lights whatsoever, no brakes and no steering (since both are power). I had no idea what happened and had a lot of trouble getting the car into neutral to attempt re-start. After several attempts, it finally did re-start. Took it to Kia who was unable to duplicate the problem. Second time (11 mths), I was accelerating from stopping at a stop light - engine died and car lost all power, no steering or brakes - no dash lights. Cars had to go around me and I was praying I didn't get rear-ended. Again, car started after several attempts. Third time (12 mths), was at the bottom of a freeway off-ramp. Attempted to go after light turned green and engine died - again lost all power - no dash lights, steering or brakes - cars had to go around me. Fourth time (17 mths) stalled in parking lot when I stopped at intersection to turn left - same symptoms. This car is dangerous! Kia needs to recall and correct this problem before a serious accident occurs and someone dies. I'm afraid every time I drive it. Huge safety issue! NHTSA, please do something.

- San Diego, CA, USA

problem #3

Jan 162014

Sorento

  • 22,171 miles
Driving through neighborhood approximately 25 to 30 mph, vehicle suddenly screeched to halt (I did not depress the brakes), engine light came on. All parts of vehicle were disabled (unable to steer, start, etc.) I was thrown forward despite seat belt on due to sudden and complete stop. Thankfully, I was the only vehicle in the roadway at the moment. After several minutes of no response from vehicle with ignition issues, I was finally able to restart and continue my drive, as well as contact dealer for appointment to 'repair' this rampantly unsafe 2013 Kia sorrento engine issue. I purchased this vehicle new in February 2013 with the notion that Kia has a 5 star safety rating. After this incident and after reviewing other eerily similar complaints, I vehemently disagree with the rating. This is an extreme safety hazard. I drive to and from patient's homes for a living, often traveling freeways and in remote areas. I did not notice any issues with motor prior to 'computer upgrade' requested at last visit to dealer. I am hoping that Kia resolves this obviously rampant issue before serious injury or death results from this problem. I will no longer Transport my children in this vehicle until Kia can remedy this situation. I am taking in to the same dealer who did 'upgrade' today to 'repair' if possible. I will also be contacting Kia via phone and email contact as well as the dealer from whom I purchased my vehicle. All need to know that this engine failure issue is serious and could be fatal if not dealt with soon.

- Salem, OR, USA

problem #2

Dec 202012

Sorento 4-cyl

  • miles
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that there was an explosive sound from the brakes. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer where they replaced the brakes and rotors. The repair lasted for four months before the failure recurred. The contact had the vehicle taken back to the dealer, but the vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown. The current mileage was 12,600.

- Circleville, OH, USA

problem #1

Feb 172013

Sorento

  • 8,044 miles
I was backing out of my driveway and turning slightly to the left, I attempted to stop my 2013 Kia Sorento by pressing the brakes but it would not stop. It continued to coast backwards without stopping even though I continued to press brakes numerous times.. the brake pedal itself would not go all the way down while I pressed down. The car did not slow down and the backup sensor did not sound as it continued to back into my neighbors fence. Note that I could see the backup camera was working but had no control of car stopping, also the car was purchased only 5 months ago.

- Staten Island, NY, USA