10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
6 / 6
Injuries / Deaths:
5 / 0
Average Mileage:
48,573 miles

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« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #187

Oct 062021

Sorento

  • miles
On October 6, 2021, I was driving my 2015 Kia Sorento to deliver work. I was driving through a mountain region when I heard a slight "ticking" noise coming from the engine. There was no safe place to pull over on the busy highway. There were mountains on each side of the highway no pull offs. There were lots of Semi trucks and Coal trucks driving fast on this highway. I kept driving looking for safe place to pull over. The ticking noise kept getting louder. There were no warning lights on the dashboard indicating any problem. Suddenly, the engine stopped. There was no power and no lights. It was all I could do to hold the steering wheel and coast the vehicle to a safe place. Finally, I found a safe pulloff. I coasted into it and called AAA. I waited three hours for AAA to show up. The AAA mechanic tried the start the engine with no success. He towed the vehicle to my home. I contacted a mechanic. The Ki would start and make loud knocking noises and then shut down again. The mechanic gave me an estimate for a new engine for $6,900 and told me he has seen this problem with this engine in this model Kia before. He said the manufacturer failed to debur the engines when they put the vehicles together causing metal fragments to filter through the engine causing engine failure. The mileage was approximately 151,000. I never received any recalls for the (KSDS) Knock Sensor Detection System.

- Kittanning, PA, USA

problem #186

Nov 102020

Sorento

  • miles
My vehicle had two safety recalls regarding the possibility of a sudden engine fire due to a defective Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU). Additionally, in Milwaukee, theft of Kias has increased exponentially. The number of Kia models stolen increased 25 times higher in the first six months of 2020 by a gang calling themselves the "Kia Boys." The thefts have risen because Kia models 2011 or newer do not have an immobilizer which could prevent thefts. As a senior, my safety is placed at risk because of a combustible engine fire that could start without warning. Moreover, my vehicle is at risk of being stolen at any time because it lacks an immobilizer to prevent easy access. I want KIA or CarMax to buy back and refund me for these two latent defects that I could not have been aware of upon purchasing. Even though I had the CarFax report, I could not have been aware that the HECU recalls could cause an engine fire until I read articles about the recall from car experts. Further, as a layperson and unwary consumer, I could not have been aware of the latent defect of the steering column defect that could make theft of the vehicle easier.

- Brown Deer, WI, USA

problem #185

Nov 012021

Sorento

  • miles
Vehicle was being driven when the engine blew-up and became inoperable. After taking it to a mechanic, they said that the oil had stopped flowing through the engine and caused it to malfunction. There were no lights that appeared on the dashboard warning us of a problem.

- Albertville, MN, USA

problem #184

Oct 072021

Sorento

  • miles
Three days after getting my regular oil change, my engine started getting this loud knocking noise and I was not able to speed, I was coming into the freeway when my car suddenly got a loss of power, I checked my vehicle diagnostics and it wasn-??t showing anything about the engine no warning or anything when I took it to get seen by a mechanic they told me I had to get my engine replaced

- Oklahoma City , OK, USA

problem #183

Jan 012021

Sorento

  • 76,000 miles
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The failure occurred on three separate occasions. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with engine failure. The engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the independent mechanic. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that they had sent out a manufacturer's recall notification for the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software update; however, the contact had not received the recall notification. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.

- Detroit, MI, USA

problem #182

May 202021

Sorento

  • miles
While operating my vehicle I experienced sluggishness and power failure. Sorento became disabled on main road while driving to work. Vehicle was towed to the closest Kia dealership where they performed a diagnostic test. Maintenance test and Parts Department revealed the that the power shortage was possibly from a Brake fluid leakage inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU). This also caused the engine to seize and the only remedy was a new engine. He also stated that the repair was not covered under warranty due to the open recall that was not completed. I did explain to the repair center that I was never made aware of any on going recalls from the dealer where I purchased the vehicle either by mail, phone call or email as well as from Kia corporate. The parts department provided me with the contact information for Kia Headquarters to assist me. Kia Headquarters provided me with a case number 14188680 and that they would contact the dealer and get back to me. After a couple days with no response, I called back with the case number, however, I got a new customer service rep. who said that nothing has been completed yet. This went on for a couple weeks with me calling to try to get updates and contacting the dealership parts department who said that their headquarters has not contacted the dealership and that according to their policy with Kia corporate the replacement of the engine would be at my expense. The estimated cost was quoted at about $8,000 dollars. I told the parts department at the dealership that I did not understand, how could I be responsible if the engine was a defect and I received no word of a recall from Kia. The parts department response was that is Kia Headquarters policy that they recall had to be completed or Kia was not responsible.

- Myrtle Beach, SC, USA

problem #181

Dec 032021

Sorento

  • miles
Upon accelerating causes a lot of exhaust smoke and bogs down so I can-??t get out of the way and others behind me cannot see a thing. Two Kia dealerships refused assistance. The first after I called 12/3 to report that my vehicle issue made additional hazard involving a semi (thank goodness no one wreaked) and it was still smoking and smelled as if something was burning. The other telling me it would be six months at least. The warning dashboard lights did not trigger during or after incidents. The only light that came on ever was the oil light the prior weekend. I had the oil changed, filters replaced as well as the headlights for the third time. Around 44k miles when issues started and escalated quickly. Other problems reported to Arapaho Kia a few years ago consisted of back passenger door not latching. Someone flagged me down on the highway as I had my daughter in her car seat on that side. No warning lights triggered, dealership unable to duplicate issue. Steering control keys controlling opposite functions or not working intermittently. Was told steering control harness needed replacement. Think that was at 18k miles but not sure. Did not have replaced at that time as it mainly affected radio functions hands free calling did stop working. I usually didn-??t make calls in the car anyway. I was left with no other choice but to trade the vehicle in before something really bad happened or it self destructed leaving me without out a car still paying on. I could not be without a car for six months as Peak Kia quoted timeframe. Untimely fixing of recall on vehicle likely manifesting these other issues and causing additional damage to vehicle.

- Highlands Ranch , CO, USA

problem #180

Nov 062021

Sorento

  • miles
This 2015 KIA Sorrento was purchased new 8/14. It has been regularly serviced/maintained since.In Nov 2018 the AWD would not engage during a snowstorm, I was left stranded and had to be towed to the Dealership. The AWD coupler needed to be replaced. October 1, 2021, the car was inspected and passed with no major issues. November 6, 2021, the car would not start. It was jump started and brought to a local Auto Repair Facility where I was advised it needed a new battery. New battery installed and on November 8, 2021, the car would not start. I returned to the same facility & had them check the battery, alternator and starter. All was fine. They recommended I return to Healy KIA, Newburgh, NY, and have them check the computer board. December 1, 2021, Healy KIA informed me that the head gasket was shot and that I needed an engine rebuild. I questioned this as the car was only 5 years old, I only drive the car locally, and that I have done no extensive travel in over 2 years since Covid-19. Healy KIA never offered to replace the engine, only the rebuild for $11K. I contacted KIA Corporate on December 2, 2021 to file a concern (Case #14515621) and was advised by that Rep I was out of warrantee, admitted there had been engine recalls in the past, but a Manager would review my case and call me w/in 2-3 business days. To date, no return call. I began calling KIA(800)333-4542 for these past 3 days & the automated phone system either dropped the call or transferred me to Road Side Assistance. December 8, 2021, I finally got through to another KIA Rep, who confirmed my case number and stated my case was still under review awaiting verifying information from Healy Kia confirming the damage and the estimate. I advised the KIA Rep that I had a copy of that estimate so he instructed me to upload this information at www.KIA.com. Ironically, the case number KIA provided, my name/email is invalid according to the KIA website. I need your help and guidance. Please advise. Thank you!

- New Paltz, NY, USA

problem #179

Apr 042021

Sorento

  • miles
The engine failed and is available for inspection. My daughters and my safety were put at risk when trying to accelerate onto the interstate on ramp and was slow to do so. The car never made it to the speed limit and actually started slowing down. When trying to speed up it started making a knocking sound which ended up leaving us stranded on the side of the interstate on Easter Sunday, so there was more than the normal traffic. The engine light or any other warning lights came on before this happened. The engine was inspected by a Kia service center. And as this was a mechanical issue, the insurance would not do anything.

- Spencer, WV, USA

problem #178

Aug 192021

Sorento

  • miles
Car is at 124,000 miles and well-maintained with all services done to date. However the Engine failed and will not run. No warning lights and suddenly stopped with loss of power and then will not start. Dealer says new engine will have to be put in and current engine is dead.

- Littleton, MA, USA

problem #177

Oct 282021

Sorento

  • miles
UNKNOWN. Excessive shaking, engine light started to blink and car shut off.

- Pearland, TX, USA

problem #176

Aug 012018

Sorento

  • 66,000 miles
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was able to restart however, the vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired. The contact mentioned that a few years later there was an abnormal pinging sound coming from the engine. The contact mentioned after reaching the residence the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the rod bearing was damaged, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 66,000.

- Moorpark, CA, USA

problem #175

Jun 262021

Sorento

  • miles
Teenage son was driving kia late on highway the engine failed completely and stopped, going about 65mph, he was able to coast to side of road. He called me, we arrived 45 minutes later and engine was still burning hot to touch and consumed every drop of oil only 2000 miles after oil change, smoking. Took too mechanic said no oil leaks, and he was very lucky vehicle didnt create an engine fire.

- Cecil, PA, USA

problem #174

Oct 112021

Sorento

  • 135,000 miles
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving approximately 55-60 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. While at an independent mechanic the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 135,000.

- Durham, NC, USA

problem #173

Jun 092021

Sorento

  • miles
vehicles lost due to certain engine fires. In some instances, the Settlement also provides a cash rebate if you lost faith in the vehicle after experiencing engine troubles related to the defect and you purchased another Kia vehicle within a specified timeframe. -?? To qualify you must have bought or leased a -??Class Vehicle, -?? which are 2011-?"2018 and certain 2019 Kia Optima, 2012-?"2018 and certain 2019 Kia Sorento, and 2011-?"2018 and certain 2019 Kia Sportage vehicles equipped with or replaced with a genuine Theta II 2.0 liter or 2.4 liter gasoline direct injection engine within OEM specifications. For 2019 model year vehicles, the Class shall include those vehicles that were manufactured before the Knock Sensor Detection System technology was incorporated into their production.

- Aurora, IL, USA

problem #172

Sep 132021

Sorento

  • miles
The cars engine started knocking while we were in a family vacation. Before we started driving I checked the oil and it was at the acceptable level. We turned around and began to drive home. When we reached the town next to home the engine started knocking horribly and stalled and stopped running. We had the car towed to a repair shop. They told us that the engine is dead and we will need a new one. The car has 116000 miles on it. The warranty goes to 100000 miles. There is also a class action lawsuit against Kia for these defective engines. Apparently the cut off date to file a claim was august 1st Please help

- Newport, NH, USA

problem #171

Aug 142021

Sorento

  • miles
My 2015 V6 Kia Sorento's engine seized absent any warning on 08/14/21. I was in the car with my dog and 3 young daughters at a stop light. The light turned green and I pushed the gas and the car did not move. It was frozen. I pushed it again and the entire car shut down. I police officer had to push our car out of the way after another motorist called 911. We were stuck. My auto shop said my car had extremely low and dirty oil, despite the fact I had just gotten a $90 synthetic oil change 2 weeks earlier. I had the car towed to Tasca Kia in Rhode Island and they told me the engine was covered under a lifetime warranty. They later called me and told me the recall was only related to V4 engines & denied any problem with V6's. I am learning MANY people have had this same problem. I called KIA Consumer Affairs and they denied the issue and refuse to help. My car was impeccably maintained and had 77,000 miles on it. The dealership told me to "scrap" the car. At the time of the engine seizure there were NO warning lights on and the temperature gauge was in the middle. KIA is refusing to accept responsibility.

- Wrentham, MA, USA

problem #170

Jul 052021

Sorento

  • miles
Bought the vehicle used, from dealership had little over 91,000 miles on vehicle when purchased and purchased extended warranty as well, only had 11months, at little over 109 thousand miles on vehicle noticed white exhaust coming from tail pipe, was having to put oil in the vehicle 1-2 quarts a week. At one time, during a week, vehicle seemed to be stalling/slow to accelerate, engine sounded different, when got home, checked oil, the dip stick showed barely any oil. Put oil in the vehicle. NO warning light ever has came on about low oil, no warning light about engine has come on. I called local Kia dealership about the issue. Took 2 weeks to get appointment to take my Sorento in to get looked at. Once in the Kia dealership, service department manager says they did an oil consumption test on the engine. Multiple points of the inspection show engine failure. Dealership has more in depth description of what all has failed with the engine and oil consumption. Also had to provide the copies of when and where the vehicle had its regular maintenance such as oil changes done so it could be sent to the Extended warranty to approve engine replacement. My vehicle has been sitting at the dealership since July 20,2021 with no working being done, not even the safety recalls, because I was told engine is on back order. At time writing this it is August 19, 2021, so my sorento has been just sitting at Kia dealership with nothing being done. I have called once a week to Kia dealership, as they have yet to call me for updates. I reached out to Kia customer hotline, they were able to pull up the info on vehicle, find out exactly what part/engine was needed from dealership and shows it back ordered because the engine is coming from Korea to US, No actual ETA on when it will actually be sent/shipped to US to then be sent to dealership to put in my vehicle. Was told it could be months..unacceptable! was never sent any information on possible oil consumption problems or engine problems.

- Gloster, LA, USA

problem #169

Jul 172021

Sorento

  • miles
Hello. Prior to receiving the Recall letter around mid-July 2021, we had complained to the dealership about the engine humming after a ride and AC going on and off On July 17, I was scheduled to visit the dealership and take care of the Recall. Although, I was scheduled for an appointment, nothing happened! The dealership did not have the component required for the recall. We then left and insisted to return the following day and requested that a diagnostic be conducted in addition to the recall on July 23. Following the diagnostic, the dealership told us we needed a new engine. It was a big surprise and a shock that a car which was serviced twice a year at this dealership, had 104, 000 miles and was only 5 years old, had a complete failure. The dealership provided a quote for the repairs and never mentioned the recall or how it could be related to the diagnostic they had just made. Upon consulting with my insurance company, USAA, their adjuster was able to establish that the mechanical failure my car was facing was closely related to the recall. Based on the assessment made by USAA on August 4, 2021, we now know the dealership knew that failure to receive the recall caused the mechanical failure. The quote the dealership presented me included and was consistent with damages reported in the Recall. why don't they contact KIA, which is clearly liable, and want me to pay for a new engine? I need help to unpack this issue that has strained my resources, time and brought stress to the family car. A major risk associated with this overheating is fire. In light of this new information, I have contacted the dealership to discuss August 8, 2021. I also contacted KIA USA on July 28 prior to establishing the connection between the recall and the mechanical engine. No response. I need help as school is reopening. We need the car to go the work. No help has been provided. Dealership is Southwest Kia#451/ Lithia 39650 LBJ, Freeway South, Dallas, TX 75237, tel: 469-772-7252

- Fort Worth, TX, USA

problem #168

Jul 222021

Sorento

  • 83,000 miles
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 30-35 mph, he heard an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine before the vehicle inadvertently loss power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts and drove to his residence. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced due to rod bearing failure. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while the vehicle was at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact that they could not cover the repair of the vehicle as the service campaign for the failure had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 83,000.

- Winchester, VA, USA

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