8.4

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$100
Average Mileage:
63,250 miles
Total Complaints:
27 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (17 reports)
  2. replace the engine (4 reports)
  3. replace cam shaft sensor (3 reports)
  4. add premium fuel additive each fill up (1 reports)
  5. battery cable loose at post (1 reports)
  6. replace throttle actuator control (1 reports)
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This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Kia dealer.

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #7

Feb 102014

Sorento LX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 21,500 miles

Our 2013 Kia Sorento has died twice while my wife was driving. The first event occurred at about 30 mph as she was coasting downhill to a stop light. The check engine light came on when the vehicle stalled. I took it to a Kia dealership near Augusta, but they could not replicate the problem. The second event occurred about a month later on level ground as she was pulling into our driveway. Again, the dealership was helpful, but I did not leave the vehicle because the chance of replicating the problem in a short time seemed unlikely. In both instances, the vehicle started and ran normally after it stalled. Our concern is that a future stall may create a hazardous situation.

- Bob H., Augusta, GA, US

problem #6

Apr 072014

Sorento LX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 15,000 miles

Vehicle was at the dealership last month for a "software update" involving throttle acquisition and now all of the sudden the car shuts off going 70mph in rush hour traffic on the interstate....Could have been a big wreck but we got lucky. Every try to drive a vehicle that suddenly loses power? Not fun in traffic. Anyway we get it towed to the dealership and they say they have NEVER heard of this happening....but after I research online I see it happens a lot to other people. Same problem but no fixes for it. Dealership is telling me they cannot find anything wrong and it all checks out ok. I told them I will NOT take the vehicle back unless they find and fix the problem. I do not want to have that happen again. Has anyone had this issue and found the cause of it?

- Doug W., Nampa, ID, US

problem #5

Feb 082014

Sorento V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 25,000 miles

On way to airport engine died AGAIN. could have been very serious, was able to get into the break down lane. Had to call to be pick up and proceed to air port. Car engine start but would not move when stepping on gas.

- Patricia C., Smiths Grove, KY, US

problem #4

Nov 152013

Sorento V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 16,500 miles

Running 73 miles per hour in middle lane engine died. could have been very serious, was able to get into the breakdown lane. Car engine started but would not move when stepping on gas.

- Patricia C., Smiths Grove, KY, US

problem #3

Feb 122013

Sorento LX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 500 miles

Very disappointed on a new car. Dissatisfied with the dealership, not sure why this happened either. Not showing up when hooked up to computer.

- Joie V., Surprise, AZ, US

problem #2

Oct 172013

Sorento LX 3.5ltr

  • Automatic transmission
  • 16,000 miles

Sorento stopped without warning, was able to restart again.

- Jesse M., Buckeye, AZ, US

problem #1

Aug 282013

Sorento 6 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 18,000 miles

I bought a 2013 Kia Sorento used 33 days ago. The vehicle had about 16,000 miles on it when I purchased it. Yesterday my wife called and said she was going to pick our daughter up when the vehicle quit and the check engine light came on. She was able to get the vehicle stopped, put it in park and restart it however it would not accelerate and apparently was in limp home mode. She let the vehicle sit for some time and started it again at which time it ran better but the light stayed on. I got the vehicle and made it to a service station where they hooked it to diagnostic reader and it showed three throttle control actuator problems. I have since been in contact with every Kia dealership within 150 miles of my location (the closest is 70 miles) and out of five have been able to get only minimal assistance from two, one of which has been very helpful even though that is not where I purchased the vehicle. Lessons: From what I have tried to learn the TAC error gives the computer 4 options: 1. Shut the vehicle off (including power), which obviously could be very dangerous 2. Set the vehicle to idle mode (again not exactly safe but keeps power at least) 3. "Limp Home Mode" (restricts RPM but keeps vehicle running at a minimal speed) 4. It resets and goes on about its business. 2 of these four could be a disaster on any roadway, the third is better but still dangerous. I understand this can happened to a lot of vehicles but feel it is something that otherwise unsuspecting buyers should be aware of. Also be aware that the service and commitment you get for your Kia is motivated solely by individual dealerships and not Kia motors itself, so be forewarned that if you buy one that "great" warranty may be mitigated by your lousy dealership. I was even told by one sales manager "That is why we here at Kia can sell our vehicles at a better price....Be sure and let me know when you decide to trade for another or buy another..." My response was not as positive as he would have liked..

- Steve O., Barbourville, KY, US