2015 Kia Sorento Complaint Log

The abs brake system malfunctioning. The vehicle component was inspected by the manufacture. Because light came on. They first said it was the brakes; so, we had the brakes repaired in February. In April the ABS light came back on again. This time the emergency brake light came on too. The KIA manufacturer said since our car was not listed with the other ABS recall, repairs of the system is on us. The cost for repair is $1,000 plus to fix the ABS system and EBS light issue. Although we explained about this being a known safety issue, the manufacturer refused to address and stated repair cost was on us.

Paint is delaminating

This product continually needs oil. The engine smells all the time as though it may be burning. I have spent hundreds of dollars on oil. It is not able to have consistent oil changes due to there often times being no oil in the veh to change. The low oil indicator never shows. Also, The brake lights are constantly blowing out. On one occasion A bulb burned into its housing and had to be pried out in order to replace it. I have complained to Kia to no avail. It’s stopped twice. Yesterday most recently. It started shaking and making a clinking noise and shut off. It’s being towed to the dealership. Kia is aware of the fire potential and has sent written directives on where not to park.

Every time I'm driving at speeds over 25mph and place on my breaks to start slowing down I hear and feel a rattling noice in the middle of my steering wheel where my horn is it feels like what ever it is is going to rattle off it scares me cause if whatever it is comes off will I be able to steer still

SUV started making a strange noise and the rear started dragging before 70K miles. Needed a new axle and a rear differential. Total cost was $3800.00 and not covered under warranty. The rear differential oil wasn't even due to be changed yet.

Airbag lights remain on regardless of what’s in the passenger seat. Engine smells like burning metal when driven longer than 15minutes. Ticking noises when the steering wheel is turned. Acceleration issues Vehicle lags when initially starting after being off for hours. Mechanics have looked at them KIA dealership WONT assist.

Kia dealer confirmed that the engine is seized, like a bearing. Has been approved for engine replacement under warranty and previous class action settlements through Kia. We were traveling down the highway at 80MPH in the process of passing another vehicle when the engine suddenly seized. No warning before hand; no noise, no overheating, nothing. Car was running normally. No warning lights came on. We lost all acceleration power. We were able to navigate traffic to the side of the highway where the cars engine quit and would no longer start. 2 hours stuck on the highway with traffic zipping by at 80 MPH, $300 tow bill.

On March 11, 2022 I was driving my 2015 Kia Sorento when the engine died. I was driving on a major road when all of a sudden my brakes locked up and all the warning lights and sounds went on and my car stopped. If it would have happened on the highway I could have been seriously injured. The problem has been confirmed by a dealer and an independent garage both saying that my vehicle needs a new engine. It has been meticulously maintained. Prior to the engine failing there were no warning lights indicating any low oil or service engine lights. The dealership stated that it was not my fault. I contacted the Kia manufacturer and they said there is nothing they can do because it is over the 100,000 mile warranty. It only has 110,000 miles on the car.

I have the white paint and abt 2 months ago it started chopping off in large chunks.

My kia sorento is 2015 I think that's the problem. I need to know if that is covered by the Kia factory warranty Steering Coupler Replacement for the MDPS. The vehicle does not have 59,000 miles. I have approximately 2 months of having bought in autonation. and when you buy replace tires brakes. why did it make noise I found that noise, I took it to my mechanic and he told me that noise was there, that piece because it is electronic and it is electrical that the Kia suffered from that problem. I want to know if the quia covers that in the recalls. because it is a manufacturing defect. please let me know what to do. it makes noise like cv join . also in engine when running. It is very difficult to know, I would have to check the Kia dealer, but with your authorization, the manufacturer does cover it. if not I will have to deliver and buy another vehicle. my name is [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] spanish. Summary Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2018 Kia Sorento vehicles. The cowl crossbar that connects to the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) steering column may be improperly welded, allowing the steering column to separate. Consequence If the steering column separates, it can cause a loss of steering ability, increasing the risk of a crash. Solution Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the cowl crossbar, free of charge. The recall began October 26, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC167. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

The low beam headights are extremely dim. The outer headlight cover is not degraded. It appears to be the inner light cover that is fogged over (just for the low beam light). The lights are aimed appropriately, but you can barely see the road and obstacles at night. It is even worse when raining. The high beam headlights are functioning normally. The low beam lights are significantly dimmer than when it was new. There are no warning lights on the dash or error codes. I don't know exactly when the condition started, but it has gotten worse over time. This is extremely dangerous.

My 2015 pearl white Kia Sorento has had paint peeling off of the hood and front of the roof. It is getting really bad and there is rust and corrosion now. It's been doing this for a couple of years and it's really bad now. There is now reason for that. When I drive around I keep an eye out and I see Sorento after Sorento with the same exact problem -- paint peeling in the same spots with rust and corrosion starting. Online you can find forums and a facebook page about it. It's an awful issue that starts out as a bad cosmetic issue and become an even worse body and safety issue due to the rust and corrosion. I will include photos from July 2023 to show how it was bad even back then. It's even worse now.

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS and oil warning lights illuminated. The vehicle then lost motive power. Upon inspection, the contact noticed there was no oil in the oil reservoir. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with camshaft position sensor failure. The mechanic replaced camshaft position sensor; however, the failure recurred with a rattling sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer and diagnosed with engine damage and connecting rod failure. The dealer performed a Product Improvement Campaign: PI1802 (Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement) software update. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and directed the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer. The manufacturer declined the engine replacement since the contact did not have the product improvement campaign software update prior to the failure. The failure mileage was 99,702.

My vehicle was stuck in park. I noted that module 2 fuse was blown. I replaced the fuse and smelled smoke. I took my Sorento in to the local KIA dealership for diagnosis. It was determined by a technician that the headlight level sensor and harness pigtail were both significantly melted. It was suggested by the tech to remove the level sensor and that has created a safety issue with the headlights pointing significantly low. The level sensor or headlight leveling system and harness connection are a potential fire hazard and if the component fails, this creates an additional unsafe driving condition with the headlights aiming low.

Compotent : Throttle position Sensor Risk\ High level to vehicle occupants Highest to pedestrians Unfortunately, after inspection was TOTALED inforrned us of an investigation currently ,by NHTSA regarding throttle components. The insurance adjuster was a forrner mechanic. there wear warning lights on to indicate a problem

At first, it wouldn't shift out of park. Now the driverside headlight intermittently flickers and goes out. There's a burnt electrical smell coming from the engine compartment.

CAR WAS SOUNDING FUNNY. HAD RECENTLY DID OIL CHANGE ABOUT A WEEK AGO. I TOOK CAR TO KIA AND THEY SAID I HAD RECALLS THAT NEEDED TO BE DONE. KIA DID ALL THE RECALLS ON MY CAR AND INSTALLED KNOCK SYSTEM. THEY CALLED ME TO PICK UP CAR AND THE CAR SHUT OFF OF THEM. CALLED KIA AND THEY FIRST APPROVED THE DEALER TO PURCHASE THE NEW ENGINE. THEY THEN SENT AN EMAIL DENYING THE PURCHASE OF A NEW ENGINE. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR SEVERAL WEEKS. THEY ARE SAYING ENGINE HAD FAILED WHEN CAR WENT TO DEALER BUT WHY WOULD THEY PERFORM WORK ON A CAR'S ENGINE THAT ALREADY FAILED. THEY ARE REFUSING TO FIX CAR.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Engine, it is currently available How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Absolutely Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? NO Car began making very loud noises, passenger felt parts dropping, car quit, a piece of a control arm was found on the ground.

There is a recall for part of my vehicle that says a fire could start. Need it fixed

Paint is delaminating on hood and roof of vehicle due to defective paint. https://www.facebook.com/DefectiveKiaPaint

-Cylinder walls excessive engine oil consumption. My engine was replaced in June 2019 For my 2015 Kia Sorento. My vehicle presently and right before my 2019 engine replacement would drain oil, but no visible leaks. Smokey exhaust, and loud knocking sounds. Sludgy oil that regularly needs to be replaced. No horsepower or pick up to drive at normal speeds -Due to the oil depletion I was fearful of my vehicle catching fire. It recently stalled on the interstate. -Yes the problem was confirmed 2/24/2022. -Vehicle was inspected at Ed Voyles Kia dealership by a service technician -My vehicle was losing momentum. Multiple lights aluminated, as well as wacky battery issues. check engine light, oil light, battery light, ABS, Electronic Stability, Malfunction indicator, lights illuminated during vehicle failure. My oil light started in August 2021. It came off and on, even with regular oil changes. I took it to another Kia Dealership in October 2021. They did a diagnostic and said my engine was the culprit but that they could not warranty any repairs. I wasn't able to get an appointment with the original dealership that did my previous engine repairs, until February 10, 2022. I called the Kia corporate office several times for help.

The motor is doing a clicking noice. And Kia will not cover the motor since it had another recall that wasnt done in a timely matter. The car stoped in the middle of the freeway and would not move.

Paint is peeling off the frame on passenger side and on the window frame on top

The headlights are dangerously dim. Purchased this vehicle used. Only used in the daytime the first months. My son started working night shifts and that's when we noticed that it did not light up in front of the vehicle. It was very minimal. I drove the car on a rainy evening and was terrified. Could not see in front of me. Had to drive next to cars to make sure I was in my lane. We cleaned the headlights, it did not improve. We purchased new and brighter bulbs. It is still too dim. It only lights up immediately in front of the vehicle and it is a very dim light. Light barely reaches maybe three feet in front of the vehicle, maybe only two. It is VERY dangerous. I am an experienced driver and I found it frightening to drive at night. My son is recently licensed and it does not feel safe to have him operate that vehicle.

My 2015 Kia Sorento began peeling paint on the roof top and side window panels and is continually getting worse. When communicating with my dealership, they stated it was out of warranty and to contact a local body-shop. I believe this is a Latent Defect, and should not be treated under the standard paint warranty in the owners manual. Please let me know the next steps.

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.

I was commuting to work and without any warning, no lights at all, the whole front of the car starts violently vibrating and making all sorts of metallic banging noise. I had it taken to the local KIA dealership where they diagnosed it was the Crankshaft and Connecting Rod Bearings.

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.)

Engine shut off without warning while driving. My wife was driving and Was able to roll off road thankfully. She was on a very busy road and was in serious risk of injury along with the cars behind her. Did not start back up. Battery had power. Found out ENGINE FAILED! Verified by mechanic. Called Kia Corporate Customer Service number and was told the engine will not be repaired. 125,000 miles. No warning lights came on. This is absolutely wrong of Kia! Shame on them!

Engine failure , car stopped running , me and my family could’ve gotten a very bad accident , I had to pay 8,400$ out of my own pocket to replace the engine failure

Both low beam headlights no longer work although all fuses and bulbs have been verified to work. The high beam headlights do work. This appears to be the identical issue that 2011-2013 owners were dealing with. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2019/MC-10159259-0001.pdf. In this instance, the headlight connectors required replacement and Kia extended the warranty to cover that work. Kia will not extend the warranty to 2015 model owners who are having the same problem and the dealership quotes a price of $1880 for just the parts alone.

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the air bag warning light illuminated, and the front passenger's side air bag was turned off. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

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.

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving approximately 51 MPH, the vehicle experienced a rod bearing failure. There were no warning lights illuminated; however, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 127,000.

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.

Paint chipping on hood and on roof above windshield in huge flakes. Down to primer and possibly starting to rust.

Snow Pearl White paint is chipping at various areas of the front portion of the vehicle. I was driving in heavy rain and then noticed a huge chunk just chipped off. Several owners with this paint color have complained of an issue this similar. Headlights are too dim at night. We have family who lives in the country with limited street light and we are forced to use our high beam lights to even see down the road. I turn on my fog lights to add extra light but it’s still hard to see further down the road.

Paint peeling following stone hit approximately January 2022

Snow white pearl paint is peeling off.

December 28, 2021 On Hwy 85 right next to Auburn, Alabama, on my way to Houston, Texas, I began to notice that as I accelerated with my 2015 KIA Sorento there was a sound as if my muffler had a hole in it. Within just a couple of minutes, the car wouldn’t accelerate well. I then pulled off the highway onto a ramp and at the intersection the oil indicator light lit up and then the engine light and then there was a rattling noise and then the car quit. I checked the oil and it was a little bit low….not much though. A passerby took me in his car to an auto parts store where I purchased two quarts of oil. I put in the oil and started the car. The oil indicator light was now no longer on but there was a little bit of a rattling sound or knocking sound. The passerby said he knew a mechanic that was just a quarter mile down the road at a full auto service shop and that he would follow me if I wanted to take the car there. It was very close so I drove there. As I got closer the rattling/knocking sound got a little louder and then as I was about ready to pull in to the shop the car shut off and wouldn’t turn on. I had the car pushed the rest of the way into the auto shop. The mechanics looked at it and said it was “locked up” and would need a whole new engine. One mechanic said that KIA engines sometimes do this with little to no warning. I was shocked. I had never had any problems with my 2015 Kia Sorento before. It had now 96,000 miles on it and I only really had to do the oil changes every four months or so. A few hours later I had it towed to the KIA dealership in Auburn and they looked at it and determined it needed a whole new engine and new starter. The price would be $9,700 dollars. The KIA service people mentioned a Theta Engine Class Action Lawsuit that I might be eligible for. I filed a claim and the website showed that my VIN indicated I was eligible for this claim. I have been told KIA will make a determination on the claim in 60 days.

I engine light keeps coming on after taking my car in to have a diagnostic to pin point the issue with Southern Kia in Chesapeake, Va, 1300 S Military Hwy Chesapeake, VA 23320 (757) 424-6380. The report came back with a code for engine tube that was preventing the evaporation of gas to/from the engine. Less than 4 hours later after the repair the engine light came back on. I took the care back to Southern Kia in Chesapeake, Va, 1300 S Military Hwy Chesapeake, VA 23320 (757) 424-6380 and now they are saying it's something else with the engine. My car has been with Southern Kia in Chesapeake, Va, 1300 S Military Hwy Chesapeake, VA 23320 for three weeks and they are saying they are waiting KIA to give them guidance on the issue.

The running lights on the front and rear drivers side work half of the time, the plate light seems to turn off when they do. They'll come on for a split second and then go out, or on a good day they'll stay on. Seems like a short in the wiring. It could be a safety issue at night!!!

I woke up this morning to discover that a foot long chunk of my Kia Sorento SX-L's pearl white paint had de-laminated and peeled off the driver's side front door pillar. I've come to find out this is a common due to a paint defect. I'm reporting this per instructions from other Kia owners with the issue.

Driving to Lexington KY motor began knocking and lost power. Towed home had mechanic look at it found metal in oil pan, towed to KIA dealer and informed it needs new motor. KIA denying warranty because product improved wasn’t done. Having to replace motor out of pocket.

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.

I just got my car back from overtuf which had it for a month due to after the recalls where done my engine failed and had to be replaced that day I got it back I drove it home and on the way home the check engine light came on and my smelled of gas really bad so I pulled over looked under vehicle to see if there was anything leaking under car and no leaks so i checked the oil and it was filled over filled with gas which could of damaged my engine again or worse caught fire with me and my kids in it or hurt someone else

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!

waning lamps on

I have a 2015 kia sorento my paint has started peeling off for no reason. It is snow pearl white .I've spoken to and have seen others just like mine doing the same thing. This is definitely kias responsibility. Not all of us would have the same issue if not!!!

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.