10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 25
Injuries / Deaths:
3 / 0
Average Mileage:
57,799 miles

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« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #31

Dec 242017

Sorento

  • 40,000 miles
While reverising into a driveway the vehicle experienced low power, when the gas pedal was pressed for addition power there a clunking noise which resulted from a broken axle and engine mounting point on the engine itself.

- Texas City, TX, USA

problem #30

Dec 152017

Sorento

  • miles
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. While driving approximately 40 mph, the vehicle stalled and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. A local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 17V224000 (engine and engine cooling). The contact was unaware of the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #29

Aug 172017

Sorento 4-cyl

  • miles
Kia Sorento owner follow-up letter on safety recall. Updated 09/26/2017

- Pittsburgh, PA, USA

problem #28

Aug 232017

Sorento

  • miles
Vehicle frequently will not start and a message pops up saying: " battery discharge warning" "please use the system when the ignition is on". it takes anywhere between 10-20 minutes before the car finally starts. Kia said they didn't know what it was, but it has happened again today.

- Selden, NY, USA

problem #27

Aug 162017

Sorento

  • 64,000 miles
My car starting to begin to show lack of power at first, which I had mentioned in advance in service appointments. Two days before my one year of owning it, the car began to stall out when I stopped for traffic lights within the same day a oil light warning flashed, and the car started to have a knocking noise. I went and added two quarts of oil. Once the oil light disappeared but the knocking continued. I took the car to my regular Kia service provider the same day and in the process of going there the engine light came on. I was told to bring it in the next day, the attendant told me that he could hear the knocking, which sounded concerning. I brought the car back the next day as instructed and was told that I should be able to pick it up at end of day. Time passed by and it was getting late towards closing, so I called the shop. I was told that the engines had seized and that the oil bay was dry. I have never seen something happen so fast. I had no warning of any kind of oil issues until the day before, and I had been taking the car in for it's regular services. The car was in the Kia service shop, and moved by them. It was running when I brought it in but I am being told that the engine is shot.

- Oakland, CA, USA

problem #26

Mar 012017

Sorento

  • miles
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the engine seized while driving 80 mph. The vehicle was towed to a dealer (the Kia store, 5325 preston hwy, louisville, ky 40213, (888) 214-1809) where it was diagnosed that the engine assembly needed to be replaced. The contact was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 17V224000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided no solution other than the dealer replacing the part. In addition, the dealer replaced the ignition switch per an unknown recall. The contact had two keys and the dealer later provided one key, stating that the contact would need to pay for the second key. The failure mileage was not available.

- Louisville, KY, USA

problem #25

Jul 102017

Sorento

  • 17,720 miles
1st occurrence: On July 10, 2017, at about 11:30 a.M., I made a left turn on a city street in las cruces, nm, which took me through an underpass. It was a 'wide' turn and I was probably moving at about 25 mph. About half way through the turn I lost power steering and by brute force, was able to turn my car and avoid the wall of the underpass. Had there been another car to my right, I would most likely have hit it on the driver side. I brought my Sorento to a stop and was able to restart the engine. I am unsure which came first, the loss of power steering or the engine stopping. Later that day, I took the car to the local Kia service facility where no problem(s) could be found. I was the sole occupant of my Sorento at the time of this first incident. 2nd occurrence: On July 27, 2017, at about 2:00 P.M., I made a right turn on a city street in las cruces, nm. Immediately after completing the turn and just beginning to move straight ahead at about 30 mph, I once again lost my power steering. Fortunately there were no other cars in close proximity and I was able to coast into a parking lot, once again using brute force to steer. The engine was not running when I brough my Sorento to a stop, but I was able to restart and drove directly to the same Kia service facility. No problems could be found this time either. Though I am not 100 percent certain, I believe the loss of engine power preceded the loss of power steering. My wife was with me when this incident occurred.

- Las Cruces, NM, USA

problem #24

Jul 252017

Sorento

  • miles
Kia safety recall (#17V224) I had previously filed a complaint with the NHTSA regarding an engine failure. Please see complaint #10993259. The purpose of this complaint is a follow-up to the previously filed compliant. As you are aware, Kia failed to timely notify its customers that their vehicle may have an engine defect. As you will see from my previously filed complaint, I experienced my first engine failure on April 1, 2017. Between April 1st and May 31st, I had experienced three total failures. However, as a result of the April 1st failure, I had the vehicle repaired at midas. I was not aware of the potential recall at this particular time. The repair shop replaced the timing gear and cleaned the engine, but informed me that they could not guarantee the work. The cost for these services was $1,488.50. I also needed to replace the timing solenoids (I did not have this done at midas at the time because I did not have the money). I purchased these at auto zone for $123.42. They were installed by a different mechanic at the cost of $125. Once the interim recall information was disseminated, in June, and once I received my vehicle back, which was June 25th, after having the engine replaced, I filed a claim for reimbursement. Kia has denied payment because they state the engine was not replaced as per their "limited warranty extention." I later appealed and the representative left me a voice message (that I still possess) which states that it was denied because the engine was not replaced and the work was not done by Kia. Problem: If I did not know about the recall at the time of failure, why am I being penalized for their faulty engine? additionally, the reimbursement is not under a warranty program but it is for a safety recall. Why am I being penalized. Kia needs to put forth a good faith effort and make its customers whole.

- Greenville, MS, USA

problem #23

Jul 052017

Sorento

  • 400,000 miles
Car began randomly not starting. New battery installed in November 2016. Repeated issue 6 days later and again 6 days after that. Remembering back to first time I pushed the start button twice, put foot on brake and put car in reverse and back into park. Car started. First time on a relatively steep driveway. All other times on flat ground. All incidences in a driveway/garage. Took to southwest Kia round rock (Texas) where it was not able to be duplicated. Replaced brake switch since diagnostics was showing a history. Also fixed a recall item (rear wheel speed sensor) which I never received a recall letter for. Took car home and that evening it would not start. Performed the work around and it started. It has been with the dealer 7 days now and they have been unable to replicate it. Claimed they opened a tech line but when I called Kia Consumer Affairs to open my own file case I was told they show no record of a tech line being opened. My Consumer Affairs case number is 12421090. I have now emailed the GM, service manager and the service advisor after having no communication from them at all for the last week. I am concerned it will fail while driving and fear the safety issue this could cause - being hit by another car, etc.the car is still under warranty. It has 40K miles on it and I've owned it for 3 yr and 8 mo.

- Cedar Park, TX, USA

problem #22

Jul 172017

Sorento

  • 16,800 miles
9/15/15- brought in for misfiring and rough idling to lupient Kia brooklyn park, mn. 11/19/15 - brought in for rough idling and engine stalling while driving to lupient. Cleaned engine grounds. 12/30/15 - lupient - brought in for misfires and cel on; replaced injector and computer. 7/13/16 - lupient - brought in cel on, starts hard, idles rough; replaced injector (same injector); 8/18/16 - lupient - towed in - won't start cel on; repair pin tension; 8/17/16 lupient - was in for the same problem and was told that I didn't put the gas cap on tight enough. 1/11/17 - lupient - towed in would not start; lights and horn were flashing. Towed from home driveway. Was told it was the key fob battery. 6/12/17 - barnet Kia - towed in; car stalled and would not restart. Stalled at red stop light left turn lane. Could not replicate the problem and care started up on 6/14/17 fine. Told to come get my car. 7/17/17 - barnet Kia - vehicle towed; stalled at red stop light left turn lane. Have no idea what is going to happen because no one is contacting me from Kia.

- Fridley, MN, USA

problem #21

Jan 282017

Sorento

  • miles
I received a recall letter #17V224 on my Kia. I recently took it back to the Kia dealship I leased it from and service department ran a test on it and changed the oil which was changed in April. I was advise I need to buy a cabin air filter of $60. Which I can't afford because I'm on short term on my job.I have complain about rattle noise from the engine and sounds from the bearing or axle. I lately been having problems with air blowing and only one aux plug work. I always having to get tires fix and aired up. My sister was killed last year in a SUV that had a recall on it same as my Kia does and this kindy have me nervous of driving my Kia but this is my only transportation. I asking for any help to resolve this I make my payments and need a reliable ride for me and my kids and mother.

- Clarendon, AR, USA

problem #20

Jun 302017

Sorento

  • 70,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. While the contact's son was driving, the vehicle started to make a knocking noise. The contact's son noticed smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. On several occasions, the headlights and tail lights failed without warning. The contact stated that he previously replaced the lights several times, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to a Kia and Hyundai dealer at 601-914-4200 where it was diagnosed that the engine had burned oil and needed to be replaced. The headlight and tail light failures could not be duplicated and would be repaired at the owner's expense. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided case number: 12391217. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 17V224000 (engine and engine cooling). The failure mileage was 70,000.

- N Fort Myers, FL, USA

problem #19

Mar 302017

Sorento

  • 8,620 miles
I received a manufacture recall number SC147 notice from Kia. As of today 7/3/2017. I have not received a repair notice from Kia for the repairs.

- Brooklyn, NY, USA

problem #18

Jun 262017

Sorento

  • 82,000 miles
Had oil changed on Thursday. Went on trip on Friday. On Saturday, the vehicle started acting like it wasn't gearing up going up a hill. On Sunday, it was losing power going up hills. Had to take foot off excelloator and pat it and then hold it down to get up to 70mph. Using a lot of gas from 25 miles per gallon to 14 mpg. Couldn't drive over 65 on the way home. Took it to dealer. He said oil was 2.5 qrts low even though I just had it changed. They checked the recall and oil and gas filters but cannot find anything wrong with it. Now it will only go 40 mph. They are confused and calling Kia master mechanic. The recall states this exact thing happening but they say it is not the recall.

- Carthage, TX, USA

problem #17

Apr 012017

Sorento

  • 136,000 miles
On April 1st, the engine on my vehicle failed. I had it towed to midas for repair. The mechanics informed me of excessive sludge in the engine that resulting in the timing gear and timing solenoids failing. On April 7th, I learned that Kia was recalling specific makes and models for engine failure through a friend. Upon investigation online, I saw several stories published about the information. Subsequently, I contacted the dealer where I purchased the vehicle. Since purchase, I moved out of state. I was told to contact the nearest dealer, which I did. I had expected a return call, but never received one. I also contacted Kia directly. They informed me that a recall notice would be sent to my home the week of May 19th (keep in mind it is April 7th). Nonetheless, midas replaced the timing gear at approximate $1,500 and another mechanic replaced the solenoids at $175 plus parts. He also noted that there was an issue with the crankshaft position sensor and camshaft position sensor. I contacted the local Kia dealer to schedule an appointment to have the vehicle looked at. When I explained to the service representative that there was an recall on the vehicle for possible engine failure, she advised me that it was only a bulletin and to bring the car in to be inspected. The next week, when driving the vehicle to the dealer and while attempting to pass a car with an 18-wheeler coming in the opposite direction, the engine failed. I had to have the car towed to the dealership where it has been ever since. I was informed by the service department that they were working with Kia because I needed a new motor, and they asked for service records. I did explain that I did not have a complete record of oil changes. See attached email. I was informed today that Kia has denied my claim. The dealer is attempting to get the district manager to push for approval.

- Greenville, MS, USA

problem #16

May 262017

Sorento

  • 49,120 miles
I was driving on the highway and when I came to a point where I slowed all the way down my engine froze. Luckily it restarted but as soon as it did there was this terrible sound like a big rock was flying around in my engine. Also no check engine lights came on so there was no warning. Also the A/C stopped working about 1 yr ago. I had freon put in and it stop working about 6 months ago.

- North Richland Hills, TX, USA

problem #15

Apr 282017

Sorento

  • 40,100 miles
I picked up the car on April 28th from monroeville Kia for some warranty work on the oil pan and timing belt cover. About an hour later, the car started smoking and I could smell oil burning. I was advised by the dealership to bring the vehicle back to them. I turned around and started heading back there. I made it about a mile when the gas pedal went to the floor and completely lost power and the engine light came on. I put my flashers on and coasted to the side of the road. When the car came to a stop, I noticed flames creeping up between the hood and the windshield. I put the car in park, shut the car off and removed the keys, and got out of the car. Within 30 seconds or so the car was completely engulfed in flames. I had already started calling 911 to report the fire. The police and fire department showed up within 6 minutes, but the car was completely engulfed in flames. The car was on the side of a main road. The car was towed as per my car insurance company and they were sending and investigator to look to determine a cause. The car was a complete loss, including everything inside the vehicle. This included kids sports equipment, toys, car seats, clothes, bowling equipment, etc. The only thing they have been able to determine in 3.5 weeks is that the fire started in the engine compartment. I'm unsure if this has anything to do with the current recall of 17V224000 dealing with the motor at this time. I'm awaiting word from Kia motors Inc. About any investigation they may want to do.

- Pittsburgh, PA, USA

problem #14

Sep 052016

Sorento

  • miles
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the check engine warning indicator intermittently illuminated and there was an abnormal noise progressing from the engine. An independent mechanic inspected the vehicle and recommended that it be taken to a dealer for servicing. The dealer and the manufacturer indicated that the vehicle was excluded from a manufacturer recall. The contact was uncertain of when the vehicle would be repaired. The vehicle had been parked for months due to the condition and was not repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 17V224000 (engine and engine cooling). The failure mileage was not available.

- Wayland, IA, USA

problem #13

Jun 152016

Sorento

  • 55,000 miles
Car just stopped running while driving down the street. Engine light came on. I restarted car, drove it to a pep boys, they plugged it in to get the error code for why the engine light came on, but by that time the light had gone off so they weren't able to get the code. I took it to the Kia dealership I bought it from, but the service person was dismissive. This was a year ago, but now I see that there is an impending recall on that model.

- Marana, AZ, USA

problem #12

May 052017

Sorento

  • 100,000 miles
On May 5, while driving on the 5 fwy, I felt my car loosing power and when I stop, my car shut off, I turn the car on, hear a clicking sound but was able to pull to the left lane emergency lane. Tow the car home and worked on the car, found that the engine bearing gave out. I check for replacement parts and found it was on a recall. Took the car to the dealer and dealer would not fix it due to trying to fix issue. It will cost 8000 dollars to fix out of pocket.

- Paramount, CA, USA

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