10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
5 / 9
Injuries / Deaths:
3 / 0
Average Mileage:
37,499 miles

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« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #114

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 #113

Apr 282023

Sorento

  • miles
I never received any letter from KIA about this recall. I recently found out about this recall when I entered my vehicle VIN on the NHTSA website because the ABS and stability control lights have been on since last week. I called Kia about this (North East Kia at White Plains, NY) on April 24, 2023, and reported this. They said that their system was down or something like that and that they couldn't check for any recalls for my vehicle. I told them about the report from NHTSA, they said it didn't matter because they still need to see it on their system. I pushed for an appointment with service, they gave me one for Friday, April 28, 2023, at 8:30 am. I went there on that date. Oscar (the person in charge of service) told me when I arrived that their system still was with some kind of issue and that they couldn't check my car until they see the recall on their system. So they didn't check my car. I showed him a picture with the ABS and stability control light on in my car. He said they couldn't do anything about it. He just told me that they will call me or email me when their system is back to normal. I am worried that something bad can happen to my car and KIA is not doing anything to fix this recall. Please, help with this. Thank you

- Ossining, NY, USA

problem #112

Sep 012021

Sorento

  • miles
After my engine was replaced, due to recall, the airbag light has been on causing check engine light to stay on. In addition to the air bag light, shortly after tlairbag light issue, all other dashboards lights came on and remain on. All buttons and horn on steering wheel don't work. Since they replaced my engine, my AC has never worked again. When I got it back to Houston, it started smelling like was bad so I took to a mechanic. He said gas was spraying everywhere under the hood and I was lucky to be alive. Since the engine replacement it's been a disaster. All worked fine before engine went out and no lights were on.

- Houston , TX, USA

problem #111

Oct 242020

Sorento 6-cyl

  • miles
Hi, I'm dealing with my Kia Sorento SX 2014, rpm and acceleration problems, for over two long years, sometimes shut off itself, some times codes shows up but no all the time, already changed spark plugs, High pressure fuel pump and the connector, two injectors, starter, MAP sensor, etc. My mechanic tell me today that I need to change the wiring harness, so everything is just guessing and spending crazy money, also the dealer don't know the exactly is the problem, already two years with this frustration and still don't know what to do, please I really need a very professional advice in this incredible situation, some of the codes that shows up, if I'm lucky are: P0087, P0506, P2096, P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304, P0305, P0306, P0133, P0137 and so... but right now all of these disappeared, I read in the NHTSA web site about the problems with engine and electric components reported with this car in this specific year and I'm really worry about my family and my safety while I'm driving this vehicle, please, please, please... I already went to many different mechanic experts (Including the Kia dealership) and still nobody knows what's producing this lack of acceleration in the engine at the time of starting and its subsequent shutdown. Odometer: 200,000 km Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Brampton, NJ, USA

problem #110

Dec 152022

Sorento

  • 180,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled without warning. Additionally, while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle would hesitate while accelerating with the lights on the instrument panel flickering. The contact also stated that the side mirrors would erroneously move before the vehicle was turned off. The contact stated that while turning the steering wheel in either direction, the steering wheel would forcefully turn in the opposite direction. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and was serviced, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 180,000.

- Murrieta, CA, USA

problem #109

Dec 072021

Sorento

  • miles
Constant issue with the 3 doors staying locked. Must manually push on the plastic mechanism to unlock the door from the inside. Using the inside door knob will not unlock the doors which is a major safety hazard. I have taken it to the dealer 3 times and they can not duplicate the issue. It started out happening intermittingly, but now it is constant. The only door that works is the driver side. I took it to a local repair shop and he said it "could" be every door needs a new actuator. Very expensive repair. This should be a recall item ASAP. Low quality product failure. There are no warning lights.

- Ambler, PA, USA

problem #108

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 #107

Jul 242022

Sorento

  • miles
Multiple electrical issues throughout the car that come and go. The door locks will stop operating when using the key FOB and lock/unlock switch on the driver and passenger doors, the only way to unlock them is manually. Window operating switch at all four doors stops working. The control buttons on the steering wheel are malfunctioning (volume up button decreases volume, volume down button activates voice control). Car stereo will call phone contacts via bluetooth without prompting. Had front and rear brakes replaced in April. There was shaking from the passenger side when brakes were depressed. Had brakes rechecked and it was determined the rotors need to be turned. Had the mechanic complete the repair. Now, in July, the brakes sound as though they need to be replaced (again) and the shaking has gotten worse. Will be taking to another mechanic. I have not had the electrical problems reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or service center yet. Vehicle and components have not been inspected. There have been no warning indications prior to or during electrical problems.

- Las Vegas, NV, USA

problem #106

Jan 012022

Sorento

  • miles
Multiple electrical issues throughout the car that come and go. The door locks will stop operating when using the key FOB and lock/unlock switch on the driver and passenger doors, the only way to unlock them is manually. Window operating switch at all four doors stops working. The control buttons on the steering wheel are malfunctioning (volume up button decreases volume, volume down button activates voice control). The digital fuel range number does not match up analog indicator (digital will read ~150miles range, analog will indicate 1/8 full tank). Low-beam headlight bulbs individually burn out well before expected lifetime, I have replaced each one twice in the last six months. All of these issues are available for inspection. Safety is at risk because multiple fluctuating electrical issues could mean a fire risk. I have not had these problems reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or service center yet. Vehicle and components have not been inspected. There have been no warning indications prior to or during electrical problems.

- Annapolis, MD, USA

problem #105

May 092022

Sorento

  • 86,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), traction control and TPMS warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.

- Woodstock, GA, USA

problem #104

Feb 152022

Sorento

  • miles
On 2/15/22, I accelerated to pass another car while driving home from work. As soon as I accelerated, my car stopped running. I coasted to the next turnoff from a busy street (about 1 block) and stopped at the curb in a residential area. The control panel/dashboard was completely dark, then suddenly lit up again. I tried to start the car but couldn't because I was unable to depress the brake. I waited a few minutes and tried again and a small amount of smoke came out from under the hood. In a minute that went away. At this time, I was very near my house and walked home. When I got there I called the Kia dealership (local) and described what happened. They asked if there had been a 'check engine' or other warning message before this happened and I told them there had not been. I said I guess I would have to have the car towed in to them to see what was wrong. I was told they would call back. While waiting for someone to call back, I walked back to my car. (All of this took less than 10 - 12 minutes.) As I turned the corner I saw police cars and a firetruck where my car was parked. The fire had been put out and there was only a shell of the car left; the entire motor and everything inside was destroyed. Later, my insurance company declared it a total loss. A neighbor saw flames and had called the fire department. There was some damage to the neighbor's yard - grass and shrubbery. The police called a wrecking service to tow the car. It was later picked up by my insurance co. No one was injured, thankfully; but I can only imagine what would have happened if I had made it home and parked in my garage. The local Kia dealership never called back. I called a week or so after this happened and was told they would have someone call me and no one called (again).

- Lubbock, TX, USA

problem #103

Aug 302021

Sorento

  • miles
I received notice mid August 2021 about recall and warranty repairs that needed to be made to my car. Brought it to the dealer on 8/30/21. On 8/31/21 I was given the car back and told, yes, it needed the repairs but I needed to wait for parts and they'd be in touch. I have heard nothing from KIA, despite complaining to them several times.

- Taunton , MA, USA

problem #102

Nov 302020

Sorento

  • miles
My 2014 Kia Sorento needs immediate attention to the following issues. The issues are associated with -??open campaigns-??. Yet, my specific Kia Sorento isn-??t included. I have a bearing wear issue which has made the vehicle unsafe to operate. The car frequently overheats and has a major coolant leak. (17v22400). Also, the high pressure fuel pipe has appeared numerous times on my Mobius Kia Nav system. (18v907000). In addition, my vehicle now has many electronics which are inoperable. For instance, the back up camera, the power windows and steering wheel controls. This could be a result of a hydraulic leak near the electronic controls.(20V51900) There-??s an issue with the powertrain. In addition, the right front axle is loose. As a result there-??s a considerable loss of power to the wheels. (13V35600).

- Waltham , MA, USA

problem #101

Mar 102022

Sorento

  • miles
Headlights automatically turn off while driving.

- Washington , UT, USA

problem #100

Jul 112018

Sorento

  • miles
I have to replace the low beam and high beam bulbs several times a year. The low beams are SO dim, I can-??t even tell if they are on- forcing me to drive with my bright lights on all the time. The bulbs blow all the time- I have driven without low beams and not none they were blown. The lights are now constantly flickering while driving. Very dangerous.

- Byron, GA, USA

problem #99

Jan 252022

Sorento

  • miles
1. My headlights tends to keep going out, I-??ve replaced them 3 times since getting the vehicle. The most recent change was a month ago. Also my car keeps making this weird humming/ purring sound which started 3months ago and is very unsettling. I had to get a new engine last February after my car cut off on me and the kids heading to my family out of town.

- Savannah, GA, USA

problem #98

Sep 262021

Sorento

  • miles
Car ran out of oil within 4,000 of oil change upon purchasing car. No indicator light came on ever for low or no oil. It cut off at 70 mph on highway. I got on shoulder, turned key off then restarted. Upon doing so every time the car gets to rpm level for gear shift it starts knocking. So if the cars engine is knocking the knock sensor should through service engine light which it did not. I have a) the dealer who rode with me to show him and it started to knock and shut off with him in the car with no check engine light on. Got back to their repair shop to which both mechanics witnessed the engine knocking with no check engine lights (MIL. Malfunction indicator light. Failure)

- Bangor, ME, USA

problem #97

Sep 182019

Sorento

  • miles
Pearl white paint is peeling from vehicle from above windshield and along frame.

- Simpsonville , SC, USA

problem #96

Jul 142021

Sorento

  • miles
Approximately 8 months ago noticed while driving that the headlights didn-??t appear to be on while driving with normal low beam lights. High beams worked fine. Replaced both low beam light bulbs with Sylvania standard Kia recommended replacement. 1-2 months later after driving at night, lights still dim. Replaced with $90 Halogen set, still not illuminating road. Took to Kia dealership (where purchased) to have them check lights, said that entire headlight assembly for both lights need replacement for $2,489. Aftermarket priced at $335/ea!!! Service manager confirmed apparent problems with burned out headlight assemblies.

- Tampa, FL, USA

problem #95

Jul 172021

Sorento

  • miles
Recall notices have been sent to us regarding possible airbag deployment, electrical issues, and now HECU controls and the ABS system. Each time we get a notice, we contact the Kia dealerships in our area for repairs. Every time we have tried to bring in our vehicle for safety recall repairs, the dealership has made it impossible to do so. For example, when we called to make an appointment for one recall notice, we were told that no action was needed unless we heard a loud banging noise coming from the engine. We stated that we heard weird noises but not a loud banging. We were told that the dealership cannot do repairs unless we show evidence of the banging. Also, there have been electrical problems with the car since we bought it -?" the buttons malfunction, the airbag light is always on, etc. This was not regarded as evidence of need for repairs. For another recall notice, we were told that the repairs could not be completed because they didn't have the parts. We received the Safety Recall Number 21V331 on Friday July 17 and have tried repeatedly to contact Kia of Cerritos in order to make an appointment for repairs. The dealership does not answer their phones in the service department. At 2:30 July 19, I got through to someone in the service department. He said he would make an appointment to complete recall repairs but instead put us on hold and transferred us to a full voicemail box. We are very worried about the safety of our Kia Sorrento. This is our family car. Given the ongoing recalls and history of Kia failing to provide safety repairs, I think this may qualify for the Lemon Law. This recall notice indicates that an engine fire may occur. The airbag light is continuously on. I am concerned for the safety of my family. We do not feel safe. I have contacted KIA Consumer Assistance Center and opened a Case #14271977 but they have failed to reply.

- Long Beach, CA, USA

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