10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 4 / 29
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 5 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 24,817 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
« Read the previous 20 complaints
I traveled from my home and back approximately a 50-mile round trip. When I returned home, I noticed an excessive amount of oil leaking from my vehicle. First, I checked the oil level and the dip-stick was bone dry and discolored from the heat of the engine. I then jacked the vehicle up placed it on jack stands removed the engine splash shield to better access the underside of the engine. After careful inspection I was not able to ascertain where the oil may have been coming from. I went to YOUTUBE and found numerous video's detailing the issue with the Sorrento models from 2010-to-2016. Turns out it is the 'OIL PRESSURE SENSOR-?? about $14 in replacement parts; mechanic verified. The issue which has been stated in the YOUTUBE videos and on the NHTSA website and numerous other websites; the vehicle engine will fail from excessive oil loss and the "WARNING LAMP" will not ILLUMINATE to alert you of the low oil level prior to the vehicle losing power and the engine failing. This can be a safety hazard if this occurs on the highway, which I have read other complaints and it has happened luckily no one was injured or killed. It should not cost you $400 in repair cost to replace a part that cost $14. If you don-??t catch this issue in time and the engine fails that same $14 part will cost you $6100 for an engine replacement. This is an issue that KIA has been aware of for over 7 years that has not been addressed. This should be #1 on the NHTSA RECALL list.
- Chester, VA, USA
In May 2021, my husband was driving the car and was bout 50 miles away from home when the engine caught fire. The car was towed to a repair shop where they confirmed the engine fire and stated the engine had thrown a rod. The car is only 5 years old and has 107,000 miles.
- Huntersville, NC, USA
On 28 July 2021 at 16:44, While traveling 65 mph on I70 west in Maryland the Kia Sorento started to smoke from the undercarriage and then under the hood. The Kia abruptly shut down and I was able to cost off the highway. The vehicle was towed to Dar Cars Kia of Frederick. After 10 + days on the dealer's lot, a technician said the engine had failed. Kia has refused to acknowledge any responsibility for the engine failure, stating because the car was not brought in to have a recalled engine component repaired. according to a search, there are no open recall statements for this vehicle. In addition, we never received any notification of any problem with the Kia Sorento
- Brunswick, MD, USA
My Kia recently stopped and cut off on me and my engine started shaking and making a knocking noise I-??m up to date with all my oil changes and I had just got one when I checked the oil it was barely any and I didn-??t have any check engine light on I had my car towed to the Kia dealership to see what-??s wrong I only had the car since 2019 February and it-??s never gave me any problems til now the dealership claims they can-??t help because the recall was from 2018 I didn-??t have the car yet and I didn-??t receive anything in the mail my engine is basically not good
- San Pablo , CA, USA
1ST problem a year ago the rear latch to door wouldn't lock and I had to use bungee cords to keep it shut. 2nd problem, the engine was knocking after I returned from a recent road trip. I took it to local (trustworthy) mechanic and they noticed metal shards in the oil pan. They refused to open the engine because it would void the warranty. I had it towed to KIA of Smithtown and they said it was total engine failure. I said impossible, since I have kept up with all timely oil changes and maintenance and I have the records. There was no warning light of low oil or that the engine was running hot or smoke. Dealer refused to fix and so am in dialogue with an attorney. Kia has yet to send me a bill or approximate charge for engine replacement and has held the SUV for 13 days now.
- Middle Island, NY, USA
2016 Kia Sorento-First I would like to comment on the warning lamps. I had no warnings, no lights for my oil. I checked the dip stick and it was dry. I was still good in my timeframe from my last oil change. Luckily I made it to the store to buy oil to put in it. It-??s now in the shop being looked at and having its oil changed. Second, my blind spot sensor goes off at times when there-??s not even a car near me.
- Hendersonville, TN, USA
My check engine light came on back in 2018 or 19 I have since been going to the Kia dealership with this issue making multiple attempts to resolve. I have had them replace oxygen sensors flushed fuel induction system and other things that they recommended. This did not resolve the issue at one point back in 2019 Kia had my vehicle for over 45 days almost 60 days to return it to me without knowing what the issue is and making recommendations to replace very expensive parts. I have since taken the vehicle back for regular repairs and services. No I have come to the place where my vehicle is in need of an engine as a result of this ongoing issue that seems to be an issue with the same make and model for other individuals. A check engine light fuel issues and now a shot engine
- Ruskin , FL, USA
We had issues with the TPMS in 2020. Took it to Tempe Kia on 7/30/2020. The following was done on vehicle. 1. Installed 37110 H7A00U 2. Complete Transmission service W/BG Cleaner installed Um013, KBG3020-Cooling system kit, UM040 antifreeze/coolant, 58101 C6A00 Pad kit- Front disc b, Replaced air filter 28113 A9100 Total amount paid $1,019.96. At that time oil was checked off as green. 11/25/2020 four new tires from Costco were put on. TPMS issue came back in May of 2021 when vehicle was parked outside. We live in AZ so the temperatures get hot but when the TPMS light come on it shuts the car down where it could not go into gear until it cooled down. Moving forward to July the TPMS light stayed on and the check engine light came on and vehicle began to sputter. We took it to our mechanic and he diagnosed that we needed a new engine. There was sludge build up, knock sensor codes came up, miss fires on bank 1, and internal engine noise. We had the vehicle towed to our dealer Tempe Kia. They concurred that a new engine would be necessary. Many codes were found P0300, P0306; P0304; P0302; P0018. Had a conversation with Debby 10:00 a.m. for 55 minutes 7/20/21from Kia and was told that due to lack of maintenance on the vehicle that Kia would not cover this engine under warranty. We were told that our oil changes were out of the time frame that Kia specifies in the owners manual that the 2016 Kia Sorento should have an oil change every 7,500 miles. We had oil changes every year from purchase to failure. Some at 8,000 miles to 15,000 miles. There are MANY complaints and cases open for the 2016 Kia Sorento engine failure. We have a 2012 Kia Sorento that the engine failed but a recall was issued for finding metal shavings in the engine. We purchased a 2021 Telluride in June but, moving forward we will not be purchasing anymore Kia vehicles. We are truly disappointed that Kia found a way out of our case and will not warranty our engine.
- Maricopa, AZ, USA
Two weeks ago, my 2016 Kia Sorento 3.3L V6 AWD just all of a sudden sounded like something was breaking under the hood. There were no symptoms prior to the failure, and no warning messages or lights. Luckily, I was able to safely get off the main highway as soon as I heard the noise. After having it towed to the local Kia dealership, the Kia service advisor later indicated an engine rod broke, there are bits of metal everywhere, and a total engine replacement is needed. My experience and this diagnosis seem to align with what the Kia engine failure class action settlement just addressed earlier this year in a range of vehicles including the 2016 Kia Sorento 4 cylinder engines. My vehicle is still inoperable and located at the local Kia dealership with no resolution in sight. I have owned the vehicle for ~4500 miles / 7 months and purchased it from a Kia dealership as a "certified pre-owned" vehicle with a dealership-provided extended warranty. It has ~85000 miles total on it.
- Colbert, GA, USA
My Sorento began to make a small knocking noise while I was driving to an appointment with my 3 year old on 7/12/21. I pulled over at a gas station to check the oil and it was not low. I turned the car on and still NO lights on the dash although there was a smell like burning gas. It has 86,328 miles on it. I continued to drive to the appt since I was 8 minutes away. While driving at 40 mph the entire vehicle turned off with no warning. It simply lost all power. I was in the middle of a 6 lane intersection with my 3 year old (who has special needs) and was only able maneuver the truck 3 lanes over to the turning lane before it stopped rolling. I turned the car off and then tried to crank it and the only sound was a squeal, but no start up. I crossed the remaining 3 lanes on foot while carrying my son since it quickly got up to 95+ degrees in the car and we had to wait for a ride. I attempted to start the car again and battery was dead. After getting a jump, it started up with a squeal and clanking sound. I called to get a tow truck. My Sorento is currently sitting in the parking lot at home and when started it makes a terrible squeal and when the accelerator is pushed there is a terribly loud clanking sound as if something is loose banging around on the inside. It gets worse as the game is pushed. This was a very hectic and unsafe situation for us both, not to mention we missed the therapy appt for my son and we also missed leaving for vacation the following day because we currently have no automobile. I have cancer and next week I am scheduled to have a major surgery to hopefully remove it and now I have no transportation. I am contacting a KIA dealership to see what my options are. They claim no recalls in it, but we previously received a recall notice mailed, so I-??m unsure what is going on and if there will be any assistance from KIA.
- La Porte, TX, USA
Car started to "chug" during start, took to repair shop and was told the engine failed and blew the head gaskets. Final recommendation was new engine. Car has 90,000 miles and is out of warranty. Was bought at a dealer used, but it was not Kia certified, even though it was bought at Kia of Old Saybrook. Currently car is at Bozrah Auto in CT and the engine is 3 weeks from delivery because there is a waiting list for the engine, which makes me wonder how many engines are being replaced on these SUV's?
- Norwich, CT, USA
Vehicle shut down unexpectedly in the middle of street. Vehicle was towed to mechanic shop per request of dealership vehicle was purchased at. Mechanic later found metal shavings scattered through out engine. I-??m currently without vehicle for transportation of my family of four incase of any emergency.
- Metairie , LA, USA
I was driving down the highway no warning lights displayed loud sound came from engine and died immediately. Car would not restart. Had it towed to a Kia dealership and they said there was a hole in the back of the engine and it needs to be replaced.
- Madison, MS, USA
Months ago car just struggled to run while driving. Flatbed picked it up on roadside and brought to garage. Mechanic thought easy fix (a belt). Replaced belt. Still same issues. It was not due for an oil change, but mechanic decided to change oil even though he has done it every 3000 miles since brand new. He found flakes in oil and suggested not to drive it and it needed a new motor. Flatbed brought car home and it has been parked ever since.
- Glover, VT, USA
2016 Kia Sorento has had problems with fuel pump and probably that fuel line so I had to have it replaced and then now see a recall for those so is this newer recall or what and also what could i do if i had private ASE certified mechanic fix this and the Kia has a little over 84k miles on it. Does Kia have to reimburse me for this and for the labor work done to or can you please tell me what I can do. Thankyou
- Scottsdale, AZ, USA
The vehicle stopped in highway traffic with no previous warning lights. Then the car was making a ticking sound & shut off after a restart attempt. Then it had to be towed to a Kia dealership & they stated it needed a engine after a thorough inspection. The engine failure is under warranty due to recalls on this model KIA Sorento from 2016. It was unknown to me at the time of purchase in 2019 from a DriveTime dealership. The dealership affirmed it had no recalls or previous accidents at the time of purchase (which is untrue). Now I have no vehicle. DriveTime is refusing to help & KIA has refused to repair the recalled engine. Please help.
- South Bend, IN, USA
My engine keeps burning oil at an extremely fast rate and the oil is very dark. Every time I take it in to get an oil change or top off, the mechanics tell me that my care has excessive oil consumption and something is wrong with the engine. My car also hesitates to start. I-??ve taken it to get checked out twice stating my concerns, and the mechanics are not able to find anything wrong with it. Also, the indicator light does not come on when my oil is low, which has led to me driving my car with no oil In it.
- Jefferson City, MO, USA
I get my car serviced every month or so because I commute quite a ways from my home to my job recently after my car engine check light came on I got my fuel injection system flushed spark plugs changed and brake pads done at the same time also Wheel alignment And my first day back to work once getting my car serviced I don-??t feel the same I feel like my car struggling and then getting on the freeway my complete engine shut off but then turned back on and continue to drive I didn-??t even have to stop it I almost crashed but luckily I was on the far right lane I also received a recall a year and a half ago for my car but now they-??re stating on the NHTS that there isn-??t one I filled out the forms never heard back but I also Took it into a Kia dealership in Perris ca and had my car checked for a recall the guy said there was no recall but I had the forms from Kia myself showing him that my car had a recall but because he said I didn-??t have one and I didn-??t think or hear back from Kia I figured it was OK I-??ve never followed up but I should have follow up which I should have done because I didn-??t think it was serious but now my life being flash before my eyes it-??s serious and I don-??t know what to do because when I take it back to the mechanic there-??s no diagnostic code that-??s coming up but my car is messing up and I-??m really afraid I have attached copies of my recent recent receipts and luckily I made a plank copy and my copy of my original that I mailed back off for the original recall on my car that I received
- Lake Elsinore, CA, USA
Engine started -??knocking-?? while driving. Checked the oil, there was no oil, added oil, and car wouldn-??t start back up. Engine smelled like something was burning (electrical burning smell) now I-??ve been informed my engine will need to be replaced
- Baltimore , MD, USA
- Grant, FL, USA