10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
42,508 miles

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problem #61

Jul 072024

Sorento

  • miles
I was driving on the freeway in traffic with my 3 children returning home from a holiday weekend vacation, it was high 90's so the A/C was running and I had devices charging on the ports. We were 1.5 hrs into our drive and the vehicle failure came out of nowhere. Car has been in good condition and normal operation previously. Suddenly the entire dash flashed, flickered off then came back on with check engine light illuminated and battery symbol also on (very faintly), felt a minor kickback and car started slowing down until it stopped. I was able to get over and pull off to the shoulder to avoid incident but this could have easily turned into a very bad crash with a less experienced driver behind the wheel or if we had been going faster. Prior to this happening there was no warning of an issue with the vehicle - temperature check was in center between C and H, oil pressure was normal, no warning lights on dash, plenty of fuel and car was not due for an oil change for another 40 miles. Once I pulled over and stopped, turned off the car, it would not restart. Not enough power to turn over the engine. We had to call AAA and have the car towed home 35 miles. I had the vehicle towed to the Kia dealership and they are stating that it is not covered under a current recall or warranty extension and are seeking over $12,000 to replace the engine. I feel like my vehicle 2014 Kia Sorento SX V6 with 3.3L engine needs to be looked into for recall and warranty extension on the engine.

- Lake Forest, CA, USA

problem #60

Jun 102022

Sorento

  • miles
I own a 2014 KIA Sorento 2.4L LX FWD. I have been experiencing a problem with my car for about two years. This usually occurs when driving up a hill and the transmission downshifts and I experience a jerk, either from the transmission or engine and the rpm drops to zero. The transmission will not shift from the last shift point. Most times it will be in the drive for final gear. You can increase the vehicle speed by pushing the accelerator all the way down. We were coming back on vacation two years ago and was driving in the left lane on an interstate. I experienced the symptoms and the rpm dropped to zero. No downshift or up shift. I managed ti find an opening in traffic to get over in the right hand lane and exit. Once I came to a stop, I tried to accelerate but engine struggled. I turned off the engine and was able to restart the engine and it operated properly. Had rom, transmission shifted properly. This was an unnerving situation. I felt very fortunate that I did not have to evade a dangerous situation on the interstate since the transmission would not shift and I could press the accelerator to the floor to gain a little extra speed. Any help will be appreciated. Thank you.

- Newell, AL, USA

problem #59

May 162024

Sorento

  • miles
Engine bearings failed at 69000 miles only.excessive metal shavings in oil filter. Oil warning light flashing on and off even though the oil is full. Burning oil and gas. Mechanic checks it up and said crank shaft bearings failure. Common issue with this car model and year. He informed me that there are open recalls engine on this model. I called kia manufacturer customer support and said no there is no recall for this vehicle even though. Recall number: 17V224000 -?? Kia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine. Recall consequence Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall action Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly, and replace the engine if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC147.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #58

Jan 302024

Sorento

  • miles
Door Locks/Hatch Lock won-??t unlock 95% off the time, using fob OR interior switch. Also won-??t unlock automatically when vehicle is put into park. Mechanic looked it and after research, determined there-??s a probable faulty/stuck Relay on the BCM. Not replaceable without removing the BCM and desoldering components or replacing the whole BCM. It-??s unsafe as I-??m unable to unlock the doors should I need to remove/evacuate someone or my pet, from the vehicle, in an emergency. Also unable to access back hatch area to retrieve anything for roadside concern (flares/cones, spare, tire iron, etc), leaving me potentially stranded on the dangerous roadside. I first noticed this concern about 2 months ago and there were no warning lights.

- Wellsville , NY, USA

problem #57

Mar 122024

Sorento

  • miles
Car started overheating and was using excessive amounts of oil. When trying to run my heat the smell of the coolant was coming into the cabin in which myself and my children could have inhaled it. I took it to my local Kia dealership and was informed after diagnostics that it was leaking both oil and coolant from the same spot, the head gasket is leaking, and the cylinder head bolts are stripped. In all a whole engine replacement will need to be done on 3.3 V6 GDI Lambda

- Knoxville, TN, USA

problem #56

May 062023

Sorento

  • miles
After a loud bang in rear of my 2014 KIA Sorento car while driving on freeway, I pulled over. It was towed to KIA. They found catastrophic failure of rear diff. Rear axle snapped. We were told front axle was a recall but not rear. We had to pay over $7,000 to get the vehicle out of shop and incurred over $700 in car rental because KIA did not have loaner car for me. There have been complaints of the rear axles online. I sent all this same paperwork to KIA in Irvine, Ca certified on Jan. 18, 2024. Have not heard from them yet. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Eugene, OR, USA

problem #55

Dec 062020

Sorento

  • miles
Was driving on highway when suddenly the vehicle lost power and couldn't maintain speed. Once stopped smoke came out from under hood which turned out to be from coolant. Had car towed to independent shop where it was determined that the engine head gasket/s are bad and engine head bolts and block. Fix is it needs a new engine. Always had maintenance done at dealer and this happened just out of warranty 106k miles.

- Soddy Daisy, TN, USA

problem #54

Sep 012023

Sorento

  • miles
Fuel pump/engine began failing before the engine locked up. I was driving down a country road and lost power. When I floored it the top speed was approx. 7 MPH. I did not have anywhere to pull over. It has been inspected by the manufacturer and they said it needs a new engine. There were no warning signs or anything. I don't know how to answer if the problem has been reproduced. Via Kia forums, this is a common issue that is usually handled with the extended warranty. I've contacted Kia and they admit I'm having issues. Quote from their email "We apologize about the issues you are having with your engine and fuel pump in your 2014 Kia Sorento."

- Florence, KY, USA

problem #53

Jun 012023

Sorento

  • miles
Had been getting -??BSD-?? disabled messages while driving on expressway for several months, dealer inspected twice and found nothing. On May 30, 2023 while driving on street rear differential locked not allowing rear wheel rotation for short period ( 2 street blocks ), then resumed operation but with a high pitch squealing. On May 31, 2023 l took vehicle to dealer requesting a full inspection of the differential, mileage at 133367. I was immediately told that the differential is a sealed unit and could not be inspected, but they recommended a transmission force flush, a complete fuel system flush, plus an oil and filter change. I agreed to service, but insisted they needed to test drive vehicle. Dealer called me back same day indicating vehicle ready. We picked up vehicle, $600.93 cost. We were told everything checked out fine. On way home upon entering expressway just a mile away from dealer, rear differential locked up again!! We immediately pulled over to shoulder, Had we been on expressway, our vehicle would have been rear ended ! I called dealer to come pick up vehicle, they sent a tow truck & vehicle was brought back to dealer. Dealer confirmed rear differential was seazed and would have to be replaced. A week later they called to inform us that the front differential/transfer case had also failed and also needed to be replaced. Two weeks later, on June 17, 2023 vehicle repairs were finally completed at cost this time of $7292.60, totaling $7893.53 including initial repair costs. Mileage is now at 138320, and vehicle has once again begun to display -??BSD-?? disabled messages. Differential has been making engagement/disengagement clicking sounds as if their is a lot of backlash/slop between gears.

- Palm Coast , FL, USA

problem #52

Jul 232023

Sorento

  • miles
On 06/23/2023 i went to team Nissan located at 70 Keller st. took it in while purchasing new tires from tire warehouse told me about repairs that needed done that was still under warranty with team Nissan. when i took it to team Nissan they refused my warranty by telling me my car issuer was not any issue that they repaired back in July of 2022 for the amount of over 2thousand dollars. team Nissan lied to me let me leave their shop knowing the dangers just because they did not want to grant my warranty which where brakes outta tie Rodes and rear light INOP charged me 45 for en inspection to deny my warranty. I still can't drive my car because team Nissan wanted me to repay for pairs that was still covered under their own warranty my vehicle only has 120 thousand miles i was still in my year frame and way less than the miles. i prefer to bring in my documents if not i must downmload at another time cant take pic ith desktop

- Concord, NH, USA

problem #51

May 212023

Sorento

  • miles
Engine control module when it fails vehicle will lose power and drops engine compression causing a danger to other traffic. I was on I-10 on Sunday morning at 60 mi. when all of a sudden it slowed down to 20mi causing other drivers too maneuver around me to avoid from colliding into my SUV. Had engine control module checked out and was advised me to take in to dealer to have it reprogramed or replaced. Either will be an expense I just cant afford replacing it would cost me over $2000 and reprograming any where from 200 to 500. If Im not wrong a recall for software added to engine control module was done around 2020 didnt that up.

- El Paso, TX, USA

problem #50

Dec 282022

Sorento 6-cyl

  • miles
Engine overheated with no warning, Heater failed, Coolant wouldn't go through the system, replaced the T-stat, and it still continued to overheat with no warning or indication. I was driving with my 2.5year old in the middle of a busy street during the evening. Took it to a repair shop and was told they found coolant in the combustion chamber, and failed head gasket. They had to R7R both cylinder heads, replace the head gaskets, head bolts, t-stat, crank seal, oil pan gasket, timing cover gaskets and seals, Fuel injector - o - rings, fuel seals, fuel pump. They had to rethread and repair the bolts because they stripped. This was all fixed after i had to pay, $7,000. There was no warning lamps messages except for the 1 time overheating.

- Castro Valley, CA, USA

problem #49

Feb 132023

Sorento

  • 160,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the all-wheel drive (AWD) warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and the dealer stated that the all-wheel drive (AWD) switch was faulty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 160,000.

- Miamisburg, OH, USA

problem #48

Nov 282022

Sorento

  • miles
Engine locked up while driving. It just stalled when in motion. Now the engine will not turn over. Mechanic says it has to be replaced.

- Ball, LA, USA

problem #47

Feb 112023

Sorento 4-cyl

  • miles
Vehicle engine shut down while I was driving on the highway situation was very dangerous other vehicles had to take evasive maneuvers in order not to collide with me I was very scared as I had my grand children with me the vehicle is currently at auto nation in keennesses Georgia it is available for inspection there were no warnings or other indications

- Stone Mountain, GA, USA

problem #46

Nov 092022

Sorento

  • miles
While driving down the road, I heard a loud bang and then the car felt like the wheels were falling off as I was driving. The car's handling was very poor and there was very loud clunking while driving straight or turning. The car was only drivable at very slow speeds due to the sound and poor handling. I have had no other previous issues with the car. I had the car taken to a KIA dealership for evaluation. The dealership told me that the differential had broken in half. The dealership quoted me ~$4500 for the repairs and it was not covered under warranty. I have since bought a new car and the KIA has not been repaired and is available for inspection.

- Overland Park, KS, USA

problem #45

Oct 192022

Sorento 4-cyl

  • miles
I have had a lot of issues with my engine. Took it to different shops had crankshaft position sensor changed, coil packs and spark plugs changed several times in consecutive intervals trying to sort out the issues. Multiple diagnosis fees, and am still having issues. Kia said the can-??t help me until the code P1326 comes up.

- Rohnert Park, CA, USA

problem #44

Jul 012022

Sorento

  • miles
I started experiencing miscellaneous electrical issues and occasional poor acceleration. Engine/ABS/tire pressure/etc. warning lights would come and go indicating random problems; transmission solenoid was a common code but I did not initially have transmission problems. Radio/backup camera had intermittent problems with not powering on. Normal headlights stopped working and only high beams would function even after replacing bulbs and checking fuses. Problems got worse and the car would sometimes lurch strongly with a clunking sound and be stuck in 3rd gear "limp mode", but would randomly drive normally when restarted. I brought it to the dealership when I was experiencing sudden loss of acceleration and couldn't match the flow of traffic. The dealership said a new transmission was required. On replacing the transmission they found that there was a problem with the wiring harness and it would also need to be replaced, doubling the cost of an already expensive repair.

- Valdosta, GA, USA

problem #43

Jan 012018

Sorento

  • miles
Bought this vehicle on 10/18/2017 it had 93,675 miles on it. As soon as it reached 100K it began to burn oil extremely quickly!!! It needs a new Engine, which KIA should have to replace!!!

- Antioch, TN, USA

problem #42

Mar 012021

Sorento

  • miles
Kia refused to issue a recall for a known problem & refuses to fix vehicle & reimburse for unnecessary repair costs--have contacted their consumer center many times but they will not address problem--below is initial complaint I made on 06-09-2021, the first of many & all ignored to date: 06/09/2021 06:45:06 I have unnecessarily spent about $1000 replacing original factory equipment that was not faulty/not the problem all because you knew about the problems on the 2014-15 Sorentos but chose not to issue a recall to correct (as told by Master Tech at the local dealership)! Labor & parts bought/replaced: alternator, starter, relays. A few mths ago vehicle would start up fine on 1st drive of the day but after 1st stop of the day (as little as 5 mins!)vehicle would not even attempt to start up again! This happened multiple times & I found myself stranded in an essentially still new vehicle (note low miles for a 7 yr old vehicle)! All in all I replaced the above mentioned parts but problem continued so finally took it in to dealership for diagnosis, which they found no codes or problems! A service mgr mentioned that Nissan had similar problems (but they issued recalls unlike Kia!) where the frequencies would interact/interfere with those of neon stop lights"?? Cars would simply shut down on the road/busy intersections--danger!!! I noticed that this happened most when I am at my mail center which is close to a medical clinic & at the bank--both of which have high frequency medical equipment/security systems??" I am a disabled vet on a fixed income & to have spent money unnecessarily when YOU KNEW OF THE PROBLEM & REFUSED TO ISSUE A RECALL you are liable to reimburse me in full for all the money I am out & the emotional/physical distress caused by your product & decisions! FIX MY CAR!

- Shreveport, LA, USA

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