NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2006 Kia Sorento. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
I HAVE A 2006 KIA SORENTO THE REAR HOUSING AXLE HAS RUSTED ALL THE WAY . AND THERE IS LARGE HOLE FROM THE RUST AND OIL DRIPPING OUT. AND THE BODY HAS IS ALREADY STARTING TO RUST. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN CARE OF. I'VE HAVE WASHED AND WAXED AND KEPT IT . BUT IT DIDN'T DO ANY GOOD. KIA NEEDS TO WORK TO IMPROVE. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA SORRENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AS THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT ONCE THE VEHICLE STALLED, HE LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 106,000.
CAR AT FIRST WOULD SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING , PULLED CAR OVER AND WOULD START BACK UP, TOOK CAR TO MECHANIC AND SAID IT WAS THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR, REPLACE CRANK SHAFT SENSOR, FEW WEEKS LATER PROBLEM RETURN, MECHANIC THOUGHT IT WAS THE CAMSHAFT SENSOR STILL HAD THE PROBLEM OF CAR SHUTTING OFF WHILE DRIVING IN CITY AND HIGHWAY.FINALLY AFTER MONTHS OF BACK IN AND OUT OF THE MECHANICS WHILE DRIVING CRANKSHAFT BOLT BROKE WHILE DRIVING, AFFECTING THE HARMONICA BALANCER AND TIMING BELT CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LOSE ALL POWER IN THE CAR AND HAD NO POWER STEERING, VERY LITTLE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, COASTED INTO DRIVEWAY LUCKILY NO ON-COMING CARS , AFTER SPENDING SEVERAL HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS FOR REPAIRS, MECHANIC IS TELLING ME THE ENGINE IS NO GOOD, CAR IS UNDRIVABLE NEEDS NEW ENGINE AT COST OF 5300 DOLLARS. *TR
I GOT THIS CAR ABOUT A MONTH AGO AND 3 DAYS AFTER THE PURCHASE I COULD SMELL THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER IT WAS EXTREMELY STRONG, THEN A RUMBLE SOUND UNDER THE CAR FROM THE EXHAUST. A DAY LATER I WAS DRIVING TO WORK AND THE A/C COMPRESSOR STARTED SQUEALING EXTREMELY LOUD AND THERE WAS A TICKING SOUND. TOOK IT TO THE AUTO DEALER I GOT IT FROM AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE COMPRESSOR BELT, DEALER REPLACED BELT AND THERE IS STILL A NOISE OF TICKING AND A FAINT SCREECHING NOISE.. THEY ALSO SAID THEY FIXED THE EXHAUST BUT I AM STILL HAVING ISSUES WITH THE SMELL . THIS WEEKEND I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY AND I WAS AT 65 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE AND THE ENGINE BOGGED DOWN AND SOUNDED LIKE IT DIED AND CAME BACK ON. I MADE IT HOME WITHOUT ANYMORE PROBLEMS. TODAY I WAS DRIVING 40 MPH AND THE ENGINE MADE A NOISE AND THE CAR BOGGED AGAIN. I WAS STOPPED AT A LIGHT AND GOT UP TO 40 MPH AGAIN AND THE ENGINE DID THE SAME THING. THIS IS GOING TO CAUSE SERIOUS INJURIES TO SOMEBODY. MY CAR IS GOING INTO THE SHOP THURSDAY BUT AFTER READING ALL THE REVIEWS IT LOOKS LIKE I JUST WASTED ALL THIS MONEY ON A PIECE OF JUNK. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS BEFORE SOMEBODY GETS KILLED. I'LL CONTACT HELP ME HANK AS WELL . *TR
ON JANUARY 17, 2015, I RETRIEVED MY 2006 KIA SORENTO LX FROM THE DEALERSHIP. I HAD TO HAVE THE WATER PUMP AND HEATER HOSES REPLACED. IT WAS SUGGESTED THAT SINCE MY VEHICLE HAD CLOSE TO 60K MILES ON IT THAT ACCORDING THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE TIMING BELT BE REPLACED. IT COST ME A LITTLE OVER $1,200. TWO WEEKS LATER I WAS AT A STOP LIGHT WAITING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN. AS I PROCEEDED TO MAKE MY LEFT, FROM A COMPLETE STOP, THE VEHICLE BOGGED, STALLED, THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS ALL CAME ON FOR AN INSTANT AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. LUCKILY THERE WAS NO ON COMING TRAFFIC AND I WAS ABLE TO PULL INTO A PARKING LOT. I GOT THE VEHICLE TO STOP AND ATTEMPTED TO RE-START MY CAR AND IT DID. NOTHING HAPPENED TO THE VEHICLE AGAIN UNTIL A WEEK LATER AND IT DID THE SAME THING AGAIN. I TOOK IT THAT THERE WAS A POSSIBILITY THAT IT WAS CHEAP GAS. MY HUSBAND, ON SATURDAY 02/14/2015, MOVED THE VEHICLE TO THE FRONT OF THE HOUSE AND PARKED IT. AT 4 P.M. WE WENT TO LEAVE AND THE VEHICLE WOULDN'T START. I GOOGLED SOME INFORMATION AND HAD TO RE-SET THE FUEL CUT OFF SWITCH UNDER THE HOOD AND THAT FIXED THE PROBLEM TEMPORARILY. LAST NIGHT, 02/16/2015, THE VEHICLE DID THE SAME THING AGAIN AND AGAIN WE HAD TO RE-SET THE FUEL CUT OFF SWITCH AND THE ENGINE LIGHT REMAINED ON. TODAY, 02/17/2015, WE RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT DIAGNOSED AND THEY DETERMINED THAT THE CAMSHAFT POSITIONING SENSORS AND THE CRANK SHAFT POSITIONING SENSOR NEED TO BE REPLACED AND NOW THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME ANOTHER $1,100. I HAVE GONE ONLINE AND DONE SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS SIMILAR TO MINE. I ALSO NOTED THAT THERE WAS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT IN NJ FOR THE SAME THING. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT KIA MOTORS IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND JUST TURNING A BLIND EYE. THESE PROBLEMS CONTINUE AFTER REPAIRS ARE MADE ACCORDING TO THE COMPLAINTS I FOUND. *TR
2006 KIA SORENTO COMPLAINT: ENGINE , STEERING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM , EXTERIOR LIGHTING ,THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR I AM CHANGING THE HEAD LIGHTS EVERY 4-5 MONTH AND I THINK IT NEEDS TO BE LOOKED AT. WAS DRIVING 35 MPH WHEN THE ENGINE LIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON WITH NO WARNING. AND JUST LAST WEEK 2/2/2014 THE ENGINE STOPPED AND I HAD NO POWER STEERING AND ALSO NO BRAKES. I WAS ABLE TO COAST TO A SIDE ROAD AND BARELY GOT THE VEHICLE TO STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED AND HAD TO REPLACE A THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR AND A MASS AIR FLOW METER AND AIR FILTER AND THE HARMONIC BALANCER. THIS IS CRAZY THESE PROBLEMS AND REQUIRES EXTENSIVE AND EXPENSIVE REPAIR TO THE ENGINE. THIS INDICATES TO US A MANUFACTURER'S DESIGN FLAW AND PROBABLE SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY KIA WORLDWIDE. IT'S DISTURBING WITH HOW MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS I'M READING ON THIS SITE ABOUT THE SAME EXACT THING! IS THERE ANY HELP OUT THERE THIS IS TOO EXPENSIVE FOR ALL THESE REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,100. *TR
DRIVING IN WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS, HAD VEHICLE IN CRUISE CONTROL ON INTERSTATE GOING ABOUT 40 MPH, NOT 45 MPH, CARS AHEAD WERE BRAKING DUE TO GUSTY WINDS AND DECREASED VISIBILITY (BLOWING SNOW). PROCEEDED TO BRAKE TO SLOW DOWN, WHILE IN CRUISE CONTROL MODE, BRAKES DID NOT WORK AS THEY NORMALLY DUE AND VEHICLE HIT A SIDE RAIL ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE MOMENTARILY. VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO MOMENTARILY GET BACK ONTO INTERSTATE ROAD BEFORE GOING INTO A DITCH ON OTHER SIDE-OPPOSITE OF GUARD RAIL, OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS JUST PURCHASED/FINANCE 12/7/2013 AND IS NOW CONSIDERED A TOTAL LOSS DUE TO DAMAGES THE VEHICLE SUFFERS. *TR
AFTER DOING PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE REPLACING TIMING BELT AT 60K THE DRIVE PULLEY BOLT LOOSENED (AFTER THREE HOURS OF DRIVING) AND THE DRIVE PULLEY POPPED OFF THE SHEAR PIN, LOOSING CONTROL TO THE STEERING, BREAKS THAT ARE RUN BY THE SERPENTINE BELT . MECHANIC WAS ABLE TO RECONNECT DRIVE PULLEY, PIN AND BOLT TO CRANK SHAFT. FIVE MONTHS LATER THE SAME HAPPEN. KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE IS NOT RETURNING CALLS. KIA DEALER SAY'S NEEDS A NEW ENGINE. MY VEHICLE WAS NOT ONE OF THE ONES ON THE DRIVE BOLT RECALL. THE INTERNET IS FULL OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS SPENDING THOUSANDS TO REPAIR. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CRANK SHAFT BOLT FRACTURED AS A RESULT THE ENGINE AND CRANK SHAFT BOLT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 138,000.
WIFE WAS DRIVING 40 MPH WHEN THE ENGINE LIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON WITH NO WARNING. THE ENGINE STOPPED AND SHE HAD NO POWER STEERING AND ALSO NO BRAKES. SHE WAS ABLE TO COAST TO A SIDE ROAD AND BARELY GOT THE VEHICLE TO STOP. THE STEERING WAS VERY DIFFICULT. IF IT WOULD HAVE BROKE ANOTHER 200 FEET AHEAD SHE WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN AS LUCKY SINCE THERE IS A VERY SHARP AND DANGEROUS CURVE. THE CURVE HAS A SINGLE GUARD RAIL THAT SHE MORE IN LIKELY WOULD HAVE WENT THROUGH RESULTING IN A 400 FOOT DROP DOWN A STEEP HILL. POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FATAL CRASH.THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO COUGHLIN KIA DEALERSHIP IN NEWARK OHIO. WE WERE INFORMED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT BOLT HAD BROKE IN THE MOTOR. THIS CAUSED THE TIMING PULLING AND MAIN PULLEY TO BREAK OFF. THE RESULT WAS MAJOR ENGINE DAMAGE.THE SERVICE MANAGER CONTACTED HIS KIA REGIONAL REP.AND WAS INFORMED THE DAMAGE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE 10 YR./100000 MILE WARRANTY. WE DID HAVE THE SAME DEALERSHIP REPLACE THE TIMING CHAIN 2YRS. EARLIER AT APPR. 57000 MILES AS KIA REQUIRES THIS MAINTENANCE DONE BEFORE 60000 MILES.THEY ALSO REPLACED THE CRANKSHAFT BOLT AS KIA RECOMMENDS IT ALSO. THIS WAS A COST OF NEARLY $800 FOR THIS SERVICE. THE ESTIMATE FOR THE ENGINE REPLACEMENT IS $4000 ON A VEHICLE VALUED AT $6000. KIA REFUSES TO DEAL WITH THIS ISSUE ON THESE MOTORS. THEIR WAS ARECALL ON THE 03 & 04 ENGINES BUT THE PROBLEM STILL EXIST. IT IS JUST A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE SOMEONE WILL BE KILLED DRIVING THESE VEHICLES. *TR
"PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG OFF" WARNING LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTANTLY WHEN THERE IS A PASSENGER IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. ALSO THE RED AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT IS ON CONSTANTLY WHEN THERE IS A PASSENGER IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS VERY PROBLEM ON 06 AND 07 SORENTOS MADE AFTER JUNE 06 BUT MY KIA WAS MADE PRIOR TO THIS DATE AND IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. I AM AFRAID FOR THE SAFETY OF ANY PASSENGER IN THIS SEAT AND FEEL IT SHOULD BE COVERED BY THE RECALL. I TOOK IT TO KIA AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THIS BUT NOW I FIND OUT THERE CERTAINLY IS BUT THEY STILL ARE REFUSING TO REPAIR IT FREE OF CHARGE. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE DISPLAYED A DANGEROUS INCREASE IN TEMPERATURE. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT HE ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
"PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG OFF" WARNING LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY WHEN THERE IS A PASSENGER IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. ALSO THE RED AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT IS ON CONSTANTLY WHEN THERE IS A PASSENGER IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS VERY PROBLEM ON 06 AND 07 SORENTOS MADE AFTER JUNE 06 BUT MY KIA WAS MADE PRIOR TO THIS DATE AND IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. I AM AFRAID FOR THE SAFETY OF ANY PASSENGER IN THIS SEAT AND FEEL IT SHOULD BE COVERED BY THE RECALL. *TR
TL- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN STARTING THE ENGINE, HE HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE AND ALSO WHEN BRAKING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR FRAME AXLE WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE STABILIZER REAR MOUNT HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000. KMJ
DURING A TURN IN A MALL PARKING LOT THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE FROM THE LEFT FRONT SIDE, IT TURNED OUT TO BE A RUSTED THROUGH LOWER CONTROL ARM FOR THE LEFT WHEEL. THERE WAS NO WARNING OF THIS, AND BECAUSE WE LIVE IN A NORTHERN STATE, WHERE ROAD SALT IS A CONCERN, THIS SHOULD BE SOMETHING THAT KIA ADDRESSES. *TR
I PURCHASED THIS CAR IN NEW IN 2006 I HAVE REPLACE FOUR TAIL LIGHTS AND AS OF TODAY WHEN THE HEAD LIGHT WENT OUT THIS WILL BE THE FIFTH HEADLIGHT, I AM AFRAID FOR MY DAUGHTER TO PARK IN THE GARAGE IN CASE IT SHOULD SET THE HOUSE ON FIRE,THERE IS OBVIOUSLY A SHORT IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE BRAKE AND BATTERY LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AS THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART MOMENTS LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT A BOLT IN THE CRANK SHAFT WAS FRACTURED AND THE ENGINE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,440. 8/26/13 *CN THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE BELTS AND CRANK PULLEY BROKER
I WAS DRIVING OUT OF WALGREENS PARKING LOT ON 6/2/2013 IN ALSIP, ILLINOIS. AS I PUT MY CAR IN REVERSE TO BACK OUT THE PARKING SPACE THEN I PLACED IT IN DRIVE IT WAS FINE. THEN I GOT READY TO TURN THE WHEEL TO COME OUT THE PARKING LOT AND IT WAS VERY HARD TO TURN. THEN MY LIGHTS CAME ON THE DASHBOARD. THE BRAKE LIGHT & ENGINE LIGHT. I THEN PLACED MY FEET ON THE BRAKES AND PLACED IT BACK IN P (PARK) AND TIRED TO PUT IN DRIVE AGAIN AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED. IT WAS VERY HARD TO TURN TO GET IT OUT OF THE WAY. I ENDED UP GOING UP THE STREET TO AUTOZONE TO SEE IF THEY CAN PUT IN ON THE MACHINE OR EVEN LOOK AT IT TO SEE WHAT'S WRONG. THEY LOOKED AT IT AND TOLD ME IT LOOKS LIKE MY PULLEY BELT IS CRACKED / BREAKING / BROKE. SO I PARK IT IN A RESIDUAL AREA, AND I CALLED KIA DEALERSHIP IN OAKLAWN, IL TO ORDER THE PART AS AUTOZONE TOLD ME THEY DID NOT HAVE THAT PART I WILL HAVE TO GO TO THE DEALER. SO I CALLED KIA TO GET THE PART AND THEY SAID I HAD TO ORDER IT. I DID JUST THAT PICKED IT UP HAD THE TOW TRUCK TO TAKE TO THE AUTOSHOP FOR REPAIR. ONCE THE MECHANIC LOOKED AT IT HE STARTED THE BOLT WAS HARD TO GET OFF TO GET TO THE PULLEY. HE STATED IT IS A 50/50 CHANCE THAT IT MAY BREAK. IF IT DOES THEN I WOULD NEED A ENGINE. I THEN TOLD HIM DON'T TOUCH IT OR WORRY ABOUT IT I WILL HAVE IT TOWED TO KIA IN RIVER OAKS WHICH I DID. THEY LOOKED AT IT AND STATED THE SAME THING. I SAID WELL LETS PRAY THEY IT DOES NOT BREAK HE LAUGHED AND SAID OK. THE MECHANIC CALLED ME BACK A HOUR LATER AN SAID IT BROKE I'M GONNA NEED A ENGINE. HE TOLD ME THE PRICE, AND I COULD NOT AFFORD IT SO I HAD IT TOWED TO MY HOUSE. *TR
I WAS DRIVING AND NOTICED THE 4-WHEEL LIGHT CAME ON. I STOPPED THE CAR AND WAITED A FEW MINUTES. WHEN I TURNED THE CAR BACK ON IT WAS MAKING A NOISE. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, I FOUND THE CRANKSHAFT VERY LOOSE. THE CAR IS PRESENTLY AT THE REPAIR GARAGE AWAITING AN ESTIMATE. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA SORRENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, SHE HEARD A LOUD BANGING AS THE POWER STEERING AND BRAKES FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC AND THEY STATED THAT THE HARMONIC BALANCER WAS FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED A FEW MONTHS LATER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE LIGHTS AT LEAST THREE TIMES A YEAR ON THIS VEHICLE SINCE OWNERSHIP MANY TIMES. IN ADDITION, I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP 2 AND THE WHOLE STEERING SYSTEM TWICE ALSO. I WAS TOLD THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON THE VEHICLES OF MY MAKE, MODEL AND YEAR BUT NOT ON MY SPECIFIC VEHICLE. SO IM STUCK WITH A VEHICLE BREAKING DOWN ON ME AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR THAT HAS A RECALL FOR OTHER VEHICLES IN THE SAME MODEL AND YEAR. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHILE THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WAS OCCUPIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HAVE A DIAGNOSTIC PERFORMED WHICH LOCATED THE FAILURE AT OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V473000 (AIR BAGS). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000. UPDATED 06/18/13*LJ UPDATED 06/21/2013 *JS
MY 22 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING THE CAR AT COLLEGE WHEN IT SUDDENLY LOST POWER STEERING AND THEN SHUT DOWN IN TRAFFIC IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. LUCKILY SHE WAS NOT ON A CURVY ROAD WHEN THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT. WE HAD THE CAR TOWED AND AFTER MECHANIC'S INSPECTION WERE TOLD THAT THE CRANKSHAFT BOLT "WOBBLED" LOOSE AND DISRUPTED THE TIMING BELT ASSEMBLY SHUTTING DOWN THE ENGINE. THIS $2 BOLT HAS CAUSED AN ESTIMATED $3500 REPAIR BILL OR EVEN AN ENGINE REPLACEMENT. OUR RESEARCH HAS UNCOVERED TO US THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS 3.5L ENGINE. THIS BOLT EITHER BREAKS OR WOBBLES OUT OF IT'S THREADING TO CAUSE TIMING BELT PROBLEMS AND REQUIRES EXTENSIVE AND EXPENSIVE REPAIR TO THE ENGINE. THIS INDICATES TO US A MANUFACTURER'S DESIGN FLAW AND PROBABLE SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY KIA WORLDWIDE. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS ERRONEOUSLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V130000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE MOTOR PULLEY FAILED ON THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000.
SYSTEM WAS IN THE SHOP FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE I.E. NEW SPARK PLUGS, DRIVE BELTS, AND SPARK PLUG WIRES. PICKED UP THE VEHICLE AND DROVE FINE FOR A DAY. UPPER CAT CONVERTER GOT CLOGGED... THINGS JUST WENT DOWN HILL FROM THERE. CRANKSHAFT SEAL BUSTED, OIL PUMP FAILED, WATER PUMP HAD TO BE REPLACED. ENGINE RODS STARTED KNOCKING. ENGINE HAS TO BE REBUILT. HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO DRIVE MY SORENTO SINCE MARCH 2013. BOUGHT THE SORENTO IN OCTOBER 2012. JUST HAD THE SORENTO IN THE SHOP FOR ENGINE REBUILD. HAD MONEY SET ASIDE FROM TAX RETURNS. I PAID THE ORIGINAL QUOTED AMOUNT TO HAVE THE REBUILD DONE. IT IS COSTING ME $2000 IN ADDITION TO THE BASE COST THAT WAS ORIGINALLY QUOTED. I DON'T HAVE THAT KIND OF MONEY JUST LAYING AROUND FOR THOSE TYPES OF REPAIRS. OH WELL... GUESS I WON'T BE DRIVING MY CAR FOR ANOTHER WHOLE YEAR. OH... ONE MORE THING.... SINCE I AM THE SECOND OWNER KIA REFUSED TO SERVICE THE VEHICLE WITHOUT THEM WANTING OVER $8000 FOR A NEW MOTOR... FYI.... KIA WARRANTY'S AND BBB ARE BOTH WORTHLESS.. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE ALTERNATOR, BRAKE AND TEMPERATURE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AND THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS MOVED TO THE SHOULDER. UPON INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT BOLT FRACTURED AND CAUSED THE FAN BELT AND THE WATER PUMP TO BECOME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,500. UPDATED 3/20/13 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE ALTERNATOR AND ENGINE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AND THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE CRANK SHAFT BOLT BROKE AND CAUSED THE STEERING DAMPER TO SHIFT SIDEWAYS, WHICH CAUSED THE TWO BELTS ON THE DAMPER PULLEY TO BE THROWN OFF.
I WAS MERGING ONTO A HIGHWAY WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN I HEARD A LOUD THUD AND MY BATTERY LIGHT & E BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON AND I LOST POWER STEERING. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO INFORMED ME THAT THE HARMONIC BALANCER HAD FALLEN OFF DUE TO THE CRANKSHAFT BOLT SHEARING OFF. ONCE IT WAS FIXED BY AN ASE CERTIFIED MECHANIC, APPROXIMATELY 8000 MILES LATER I WAS DRIVING TO WORK AND THE CAR STARTED SHAKING LIKE I WAS DRIVING ON RUMBLE STRIPS. I TOOK IT BACK TO A SERVICE GARAGE AND AFTER REPLACING THE HARMONIC BALANCER AND CRANKBOLT AGAIN THEY CAME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT THE CRANKSHAFT WAS BENT. THE GARAGE SUGGESTED REPLACING THE ENTIRE CRANKSHAFT AND BALANCER AND THEN HAVING THE ENGINE REBALANCED OR A COMPLETE ENGINE REPLACEMENT BOTH OF WHICH ARE GREATER THAN $3500 TO REPAIR ON A VEHICLE THAT'S WORTH ABOUT $5500..IT'S BEEN APPROXIMATELY $2000 THAT I'VE ALREADY SPENT TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM AND THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. IT'S AT A LOCAL KIA DEALERSHIP NOW, WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AND THEY TOLD ME THAT IT'S NOT FIXABLE AND THEY CAN ONLY RECOMMEND TO REPLACE THE ENGINE WHICH WOULD COST $6,700 FOR A USED ENGINE WITH 71,000 MILES ON IT. IT SEEMS THAT THIS SAME ISSUE HAPPENS ON THESE MOTORS BETWEEN 60K AND 90K MILES THEN FROM DOING SOME RESEARCH, IT SEEMS AFTER REPAIRS ARE DONE THE SAME PROBLEM HAPPENS APPROXIMATELY 6K-10K MILES LATER. AFTER LOOKING INTO IT, IT LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THAT THE ONLY CAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM WOULD BE MANUFACTURER DEFECTS AND FAULTY PARTS. THIS HAS CAUSED ME TO BE OUT OF A VEHICLE SINCE MID NOVEMBER OF 2012. IT'S DISTURBING WITH HOW MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS I'M READING ON THIS SITE ABOUT THE SAME EXACT THING! *TR
I JUST GOT MY KIA A YEAR AGO AND I LOVE IT BUT WE ARE CHANGING THE HEAD LIGHTS EVERY MONTH AND I NEVER GET THE RECALLS IN THE MAIL FOR ANYTHING SO I THINK IT NEEDS TO BE LOOKED AT. BUYING LIGHTS EVERY MONTH ADD UP TO A LOT OF MONEY AFTER AWHILE. AND IF I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND BOTH WENT OUT AT NIGHT SOMEONE COULD GET HURT. *TR
ABOUT A WEEK AGO, I WAS UNLOADING GROCERIES FROM MY KIA SORENTO. THE HATCHBACK HAS A HANDLE IN ORDER TO PULL DOWN THE HATCHBACK. IN THIS INSTANCE, I PULLED IT DOWN A LITTLE BIT AND IT FELT LIKE IT HAD BEEN JERKED OUT OF MY HAND AND FELL ON MY HAND. I HAVE SOME DEEP CUTS AND POSSIBLY A BREAK IN MY HAND. IT FELT AS IF THE HATCH ONCE I LET GO CONTINUED AS IF IT WAS PULLED DOWN.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 40 MPH THE ALL OF THE WARNING LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED. WHEN THE POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONED THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE WHEN THEY WERE APPLIED. THE CONTACT MERGED ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE; HOWEVER, HE WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE DRIVING TO HIS DESTINATION WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE BOLT TO THE HARMONIC BALANCER FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WERE 59,800. UPDATED 10/02/12*LJ
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT TURN OVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO SUGGESTED THE CONTACT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE CRANK SHAFT BOLT WAS FRACTURED, AS WELL AS THE PUSH RODS. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT DID NOT HAVE THE ENGINE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,400.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE SMELLED FUEL COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS, WHO STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS LEAKING AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT REFUSED ANY ASSISTANCE TO THE CONTACT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,900 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 73,100.
DRIVING 65MPH ON TURNPIKE HEARD A LOUD SCREECHING NOISE BRAKES WERE HARD TO APPLY STEERING WAS DIFFICULT AND DASH BOARD LITE UP PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND WAS TOWED TO THE NEAREST KIA DEALERSHIP TO BE TOLD THAT CRANK SHAFT BOLT BROKE. AT 60000 MILES WE DID THE REQUIRED MAINTENANCE TO THE TUNE OF 663.65 AND HAD THE TIMING BELT REPLACED. THERE WAS ALSO A MEMO TO THE DEALERSHIPS TO REPLACE THE BOLT WHEN REPLACING THE TIMING BELT. ACCORDING TO MY ITEMIZED STATEMENT THE BOLT WAS NOT REPLACED. I FEEL THIS SHOULD BE COVERED SINCE I FOLLOWED THE RULES AND GOT THE REQUIRED SERVICE THEY WERE NEGLIGENT NOT REPLACING THE BOLT. HOWEVER THEY REFUSE TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THERE MISTAKE. NOW I AM STUCK WITH A CONSIDERABLE BILL. *TR
WHILE DRIVING HEARD A LOUD NOISE FROM ENGINE CAUSING LOSS OF POWER STEERING. CAR TOWED TO MECHANIC. DIAGNOSIS: CRANK BOLT BROKEN AND LAYING IN SKID PLATE; PART OF BROKEN CRANK BOLT IN CRANKSHAFT. CRANK PULLEY SHEARED PIN AND MOVED FORWARD CAUSING POWER STEERING BELT TO COME OFF AND OTHER BELT MISALIGNMENT. UPON REMOVAL OF BROKEN CRANKSHAFT BOLT, DAMAGE WAS FOUND TO CRANK GEAR AND BALANCER PULLEY. THE TIMING BELT, TENSIONER AND CRANKSHAFT BOLT HAD ALL BEEN REPLACED AT 91,000. LESS THAN TWO MONTHS AFTER REPLACING THE CRANKSHAFT BOLT, IT SHEARED OFF CAUSING MAJOR DAMAGE. LOSING POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT TO KIA THAT HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED CAUSING A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE TO ALL MOTOR VEHICLE DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS. IN ADDITION, THIS IS A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR ISSUE. *TR
WHILE DRIVING IN BUSY CITY TRAFFIC, HEARD A LOUD CLUNKY NOISE, LOSS OF POWER STEERING CAPABILITIES IMMEDIATELY ALONG WITH BRAKE AND BATTERY LIGHTS APPEARING ON DASH. VEHICLE TAKEN TO LOCAL DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT "CRANK BOLT BROKEN OFF THE CRANKSHAFT, REMOVED CRANK BOLT WITH EASY OUT, REPLACED DAMAGED CRANK SPROCKET, DAMPER PULLEY, AND CRANK BOLT." NOW TEN (10) MONTHS LATER AND 7000 MILES (APPROXIMATELY) WE HAVE THE SAME ISSUE IDENTICAL TO THE ORIGINAL. AM CURRENTLY WAITING FOR RESOLUTION FROM DEALERSHIP WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED AND SERVICED. IT IS CURRENTLY THERE WAITING REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT. SEEMS THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT IS NOT FIXED BY SIMPLY REPAIRING OR REPLACING THE CRANK BOLT AS IT HAS HAPPENED TWICE WITH MY VEHICLE, LEADING ME TO BELIEVE THAT THERE IS A STRESSOR ELSEWHERE! MORE THAN LIKELY A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT OF THE ENGINE BLOCK SOMEWHERE. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE OPEN SOUND CONTROL (OSC) SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,882 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 58,882.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A CLUNKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL THEN BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE BRAKE AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS ALSO ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL DURING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE CRANK SHAFT BOLT FRACTURED, CAUSING THE CRANK SHAFT PULLEY TO DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE. THE POWER STEERING BELT ALSO BECAME LOOSE AND CAUSED THE POWER STEERING TO FAIL. THERE WAS A VOLUNTARY RECALL FOR THE 2004-2005 KIA SORENTO ADDRESSING THE CRANK SHAFT PULLEY FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE 2006 MODEL WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000.
THE SAME THING HAS HAPPENED THREE TIMES NOW. DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND NOW YOU HAVE NO POWER STEERING. WHEN POPPING YOUR HOOD, YOU FIND THE TWO OF THE THREE BELTS HAVE COME OFF AND THE CAM STABILIZER PULLEY HAS EITHER BROKE OFF AND THE CAR IS NO LONGER RUNNING OR IS WOBBLING AND ABOUT TO DETACH FROM THE ENGINE. WHAT HAS HAPPENED IS THE PIN HAS BROKE AND THE BOLT HAS BROKE OR IS ABOUT TO BREAK. THIS LAST TIME THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED, I WAS 80 MILES AWAY FROM HOME AND BY THE GRACE OF GOD MADE IT HOME WITH MY MOM AND CHILD RIDING PASSENGER IN THE CAR WITH ME. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS ISSUE AND WILL END UP CAUSING A WRECK AND POSSIBLY DEATH. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. THE ENGINE RESTARTED AFTER WAITING A FEW MOMENTS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWO TIMES. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA SORENTO. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OCCUPIED WHEN THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHERE THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE SEAT PACK WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED.THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000.
2006 SORENTO EX WAS BOUGHT IN 2009, WITH 56,000 MILES. CURRENTLY HAS 103,000 MILES AND IS A CONSTANT ELECTRICAL BATTLE. HAVE REPLACED NUMEROUS HEADLIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS. THE INTERIOR DOME LIGHT ONLY WORKS WHEN MANUALLY SWITCHED "ON," AND THE "A/C" SETTING CONTROL DIAL ONLY LIGHTS UP AFTER YOU FIDDLE WITH IT. THE DRIVER'S SEAT MOTOR HAS PARTIALLY DIED SO THAT THE SEAT RECLINES BACK BUT WILL NOT GO STRAIGHT UP AGAIN. THE FRONT TWO WINDOW MOTORS SEEM TO BE ON THEIR LAST LEGS. THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR MECHANISM DIED LAST YEAR AND WOULD MAKE AN AWFUL, LOUD BUZZING SOUND WHENEVER THE DOOR LOCK BUTTON WOULD BE PRESSED. THE INTERIOR DASH LIGHTS ARE STARTING TO INTERMITTENTLY GO OUT. IT'S QUITE SCARY TO BE DRIVING ALONG AT NIGHT AND EVERYTHING ON THE PANEL GOES BLACK. HAVE REPLACED BATTERY ONCE SINCE BUYING IT WHEN IT DIED WITH ABSOLUTELY NO WARNING. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA SORENTO. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE ELECTRONIC DOOR LOCKS WOULD NOT OPEN ELECTRONICALLY, ONLY MANUALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL THE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AS THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS ADVISED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BOLT WAS STRIPPED AND CAUSED THE POWER STEERING BELT TO SPIN ABNORMALLY. THE DEALER ALSO ADVISED THAT THE BOLT COULD NOT BE REPLACED AND THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NEED A REPLACEMENT ENGINE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,300.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH WHEN THERE WAS A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE WARNING INDICATORS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO A DEFECTIVE CRANK SHAFT PULLEY BOLT AND THE ENGINE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,300.
DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY 230 MILES FROM HOME, 150 MILES FROM MY DESTINATION BRAKE LIGHT AND BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON. PULLED OFF ROAD LOSS OF STEERING POWER. OPENED HOOD AND FOUND BELTS OFF. TOWED TO NEAREST TOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE AND MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE CRANKSHAFT (HARMONIC BALANCER) BOLT HAD SHEERED OFF AND BROKEN PIECE STILL IN CRANKSHAFT. TOWED TO NEAREST KIA DEALERSHIP 150 MILES AWAY AND WAS TOLD POSSIBLE CRANKSHAFT/ENGINE DAMAGE. COULD NOT DO FURTHER DIAGNOSIS DUE TO WEEKEND (SATURDAY) AND WILL NEED TO STAY IN TOWN UNTIL CAR IS REPAIRED (NO OTHER TRANSPORTATION). NO LOANER CAR OFFERED. THIS IS A DANGEROUS COMMON OCCURRENCE WITH KIA SORENTO OWNERS THAT THE COMPANY SEEMS TO KNOW ABOUT BUT DOES NOT WANT TO ADDRESS OR COVER COST OF REPAIRS. RECALL ON BOLT FOR 2003 MODELS DOES NOT COVER LATER MODELS BUT DANGEROUS SITUATION STILL EXISTS WITH THOSE LATER MODELS. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE MY CAR AFTER IT IS REPAIRED KNOWING THAT OTHER OWNERS HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM REOCCUR AND LOSS OF POWER STEERING AT HIGHWAY SPEED IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION. *TR
MY 2006 KIA SORENTO HAS 96000 MILES ON IT AND IT SEEMS THAT THE HEAD LIGHT OR ELECTRICAL SYSTEM HAS A SHORT IN IT. THE HEAD LIGHT WILL GO OFF BUT YOU IF YOU TAP THE HEAD LIGHT ASSEMBLY IT WILL COME BACK ON AS IF THERE IS A SHORT IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. ALSO, THE DOME LIGHT WILL COME ON IF YOU TURN IT TO THE ON POSITION BUT IF YOU PUT IT ON THE DOOR POSITION IT DOES NOT COME ON WHEN THE DOOR IS OPEN. AGAIN THAT WOULD BE A FAILURE IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE KIA WILL NOT START AFTER REPLACING A HEADLIGHT BULB. I KNOW THAT SOUNDS LIKE THEY ARE NOT RELATED BUT THE HEAD LIGHT WENT OUT SO I REPLACED IT AND THEN I WOULDN'T START RIGHT AFTER CHANGING THE LIGHT. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DECELERATING, THE BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY AND THE BRAKE LIGHTS ERRONEOUSLY ILLUMINATED WHEN NOT DECELERATING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V130000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING: BRAKE LIGHTS: SWITCH). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 66,000. UPDATED 03/01/13*LJ
FROM 9/2011 TO 7/2013 MY 2006 KIA HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM 3 TIMES AND IS CURRENTLY IN THE SHOP. WHILE DRIVING I HEAR A WEIRD NOISE AND THEN ALL THE DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS COME ON AND I LOSE POWER STEERING. WHEN CHECKING UNDER THE HOOD, THE BELTS HAVE ALL FALLEN OFF, A PULLEY IS LAYING UNDER ENGINE AS IS A BOLT. THE LAST TIME THE BOLT HAD BROKEN OFF CAUSING THE PULLEY TO FALL OFF. MECHANIC FOUND THAT THE CRANKSHAFT SPROCKET WAS BROKEN. I'M NOT SURE ABOUT TODAY AS THE CAR IS AT THE SHOP WITH THE BOLT LAYING UNDER THE ENGINE, BUT THE DRIVE PIN THAT GOES INTO THE SPROCKET OF THE PULLEY FELL OUT THE BOTTOM WHEN BEING LIFTED ONTO THE TOW TRUCK. *TR
WAS TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY 65MPH TRIED TO CHANGE LANES BUT THE STEERING HAD GONE OUT, HAD TO TURN STEERING WHEEL VERY HARD TO GET IT TO TURN, ONCE I PULLED OVER AND LOOKED BENEATH HOOD THE BELTS WERE NO LONGER TURNING AND COULD SEE WHAT LOOK LIKE A PULLEY LAYING AT BOTTOM OF ENGINE. MATT CASTRUCCI KIA IN DAYTON, OHIO STATED THAT MY BOLT HAD BROKEN OFF AND CAUSED MY PULLEY TO BREAK. HAVE READ A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ON THIS HAPPENING ON KIA'S SORENTO, ENOUGH THAT A INVESTIGATION SHOULD HAVE TAKEN PLACE BY NOW. WHAT HAS TO HAPPEN BEFORE THIS IS INVESTIGATED. DOES SOMEONE HAVE TO DIE FIRST? *KB
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026