10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 2 / 8
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 4 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 15,211 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
My car has had oil changes regularly, all of a sudden the oil light comes on I check it and it's bone dry 3 quarts of oil just disappeared. There was no smoke coming from the car and no signs of a leak.
- Toccoa, GA, USA
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, while the engine was idling there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. Additionally, while driving at highway speeds, the vehicle failed to exceed 60 MPH while accelerating. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who performed a software update, but the knocking sound persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 100.
- Mabelvale, AR, USA
Traveling out of town on the highway from Pennsylvania to Virginia in June 2022 and our 2019 Kia Sorrento started shaking at the steering wheel and lost complete power in the engine. I was unable to accelerate with busy highway traffice behind me. I barely made it to th shoulder of the road without being rear ended with my wife and two children in the car. The forst thing I check is engine oil and it was bone dry. We just had it serviced in May at Sipala Kia before we left for our trip. I limped to a small service station in Virginia where he plugged into it but was unale to diagnose. He has us towed to Charlie O'Baugh Kia for repairs. We had this Kia Sorrento to two of our local dealers, Sipala Kia of West Chester and Scott Kia of Springfield, PA for oil leak or oil consumption but both dealers kept telling me nothing wa wrong. In addition to regualar oil and filter change I continue to check the engine oil on a regualr basis where it seems to be buring engine oil at a higher than normal rate.
- West Grove, PA, USA
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the check engine light illuminated the instrument panel. The next day, the contact stated that while driving into her independent mechanic's shop, white smoke began to emit from the vehicle as the vehicle caught fire. The contact immediately exited the vehicle with her grandchildren as the independent mechanic managed to extinguish the vehicle with a fire extinguisher. The fire department was not notified of the failure. The contact sustained severe trauma as a result of the fire. The dealer was notified of the failure and gave her an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and referred to the NHTSA. The vehicle had yet to be repaired and remained in the possession of the mechanic. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
- Roswell, GA, USA
The evening of December 13, the driver noticed an engine rattle when accelerating. No -??check engine-?? or other warnings were displayed. The morning of December 14, the vehicle stalled. The driver waited then restarted the vehicle, which immediately turned over. The driver perceived no issues with electronics or engine and, again, the vehicle displayed no warnings or alerts. Upon accelerating from the location at which the vehicle was stopped, the driver heard a -??boom-?? and the vehicle cabin filled with smoke. Upon exiting the vehicle and attempting to ascertain the issue, the driver noticed flames. The entire engine became engulfed.
- New Cumberland, PA, USA
2019 Kia sorento caught on fire while driving. Drivers behind my wife saw flames coming from under motor. They signaled her to pull over and she got out just in time before entire car went up in flames. We believe the fuel pump was faulty as entire motor was on fire.
- Nashville , TN, USA
The car has issues with accelerating, with huge hesitations that almost feel like the car is going to stop, causing a jerking feeling. This especially happens on the expressway, initially at around 20 mph and then around 50+ mph. Have taken the car to be serviced with no resolution for the issue after over two weeks and now my check engine light constantlystays on. Other Kia owners have expressed noticing similar issues with their Sorento. This is a big concern, as it has the potential to cause several accidents nationwide.
- Louisville, KY, USA
Engine stutters and jerks upon acceleration. Happens in every driving mode (Comfort / Eco / Smart / Sport). This has been a persistent safety issue, and judging by the number of similar complaints, a speedy resolution is needed.
- Indian Trail , NC, USA
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. Additionally, the front passenger's seat was not able to move forward or backward. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.
- Amity, PA, USA
Car lost power while drving and a semi truck almost ran into me. Have taken car to Kia dealership and throttle body was replaced and week later same problem exist. I have taken the car there 3 times for the same problem haven't had the car 3 months have had this problem since I purchased the car.
- Saint Pauls, NC, USA
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while stationary at a traffic light and making a left turn, the vehicle began to stall. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to her destination. The vehicle was taken to Kia of cleveland (2492 S. lee hwy, cleveland, tn 37311; (423)693-0505) however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times and occurred intermittently. The manufacturer was informed of failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Cleveland, TN, USA
Engine trouble. Engine failure and stalling problems.
- Warrenton, OR, USA
When taking off, it spits and sputters and the rpms go down to zero as pulling out in the highway. Safety issue! this has been an ongoing issue have had it in the shop 3 times
- Newark, DE, USA
Engine hesitates or jerks until it warms up. Vehicle was bought new and have had it to the dealership and they say it is nothing is wrong. Based on all the complaints with this same problem it definitely is not normal.
- Redding, CA, USA
When accelerating from stop (19th ave and vineyard) the car will hesitate then take off at a fast rate of speed. There has been instances where the brake system hesitates to stop, almost like a delayed reaction (mostly while traveling on local streets such as West bound baseline rd). The brakes squill (all the time when braking) so bad and so loud. I feel like I've been ripped off on a car that's already giving problems less than six months of purchase. The city of all instances is phoenix, AZ.
- Phoenix, AZ, USA
Like many others, my 2019 Kia Sorento V6 AWD stumbles, hesitates and jerks when accelerating from a stop. Does it more pronounced when the vehicle is cold. Had it to the local Kia dealership and they said it is a problem that Kia is aware of and "they" would notify effected customers when they have a fix. Really! it has been 2 years and they still don't have a solution?
- Carthage, NY, USA
When pulling out onto the road pushing on the accelerator the vehicle wont accelerate, pushing down on the accelerator another 1/8 of an inch and the vehicle will take off very fast, also it feels like a misfire at slow speeds.it happens always.
- Scott Township, PA, USA
Stumbles horribly through the low gears during acceleration until hitting ~45-50mph on cold start-up (after sitting several hours or overnight). After engine warmup the effect begins to moderate, though it remains present at all times. Worse in eco and comfort drive modes. Going up hill the car accelerates faster which lurches the car forward and is very scary. Sounds like a misfire when I start the car this happens in the city/town and speeding up to get on the interstate.
- Raymond, NH, USA
Purchased vehicle new with 12 miles on it back Sept. 2019. I noticed almost immediately that it feels like the car is lurching forward, or skipping like when I accelerate. I took to dealership to have them check it out. Before I could get it into service dept. Tech told me that they all do it. With the new sport, eco, comfort and it is trying to adjust to your driving habits. It is still doing it. The other day, it lunged forward like it wasn't going to stop when I had my foot on brakes. I am taking back to dealership to have it checked out again. Will post update. I personally thing Kia needs to investigate problem.
- Milner, GA, USA
- Beverly Hills, MI, USA