10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
6 / 8
Injuries / Deaths:
5 / 0
Average Mileage:
46,282 miles

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« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #191

Jan 282022

Sorento

  • miles
Kia is refusing to replace my engine related to a product improvement issued in 2018. I never received a notice about the required product improvement. The vehicle simply failed while I was driving. I was luckily able to get to safety. There were no warning lamps or messages or symptoms. The vehicle has been inspected by Kia and a Kia dealer.

- Fort Worth, TX, USA

problem #190

Jan 052022

Sorento

  • 130,062 miles
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 10 MPH, he heard knocking sounds coming from the engine. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact continued to drive the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while driving at 50 MPH and the vehicle stalled. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the engine seized and that the rod bearing might have failed. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in any recalls related to the failure. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The contact stated that he was able to start the vehicle, but he would still hear abnormal sounds coming from the engine. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer also referred the contact to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,062.

- Austin, AR, USA

problem #189

Jan 212022

Sorento

  • miles
Car continually trying to over-heat. Had to keep pulling to shoulder every 1/4 mile or so, and letting car cool down again. Mechanic diagnosed as a head gasket problem, but upon further research it looks like it may have actually warped the engine block itself. When mechanic calls around to multiple junkyards, found many 2015 kia sorentos, but no engines available due to the same problem. Vehicle is at approx 133,000 miles, and Kia is stating that the vehicle is not in the extended engine warranties effected by this problem (apparently happens more so in another model of kia, I believe they said Optima, but I didn't pay that close of attention since my car is a Sorento.)

- East Windsor, NJ, USA

problem #188

Jan 042022

Sorento

  • 150,000 miles
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. The contact veered to the side of the road but was unable to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that she would be responsible for the cost of the repair because the vehicle was out of warranty. Additionally, the VIN was not under recall. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

- Charlotte, TN, USA

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

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