2012 KIA SORENTO Electrical System Problems
126 complaints about Electrical System
High Severity Issue
This component has been associated with crashes, fires, or deaths.
This Problem Across All Years
All Electrical System Complaints (126)
The downhill break control (DBC) and the traction control system is is engaged and eliminated in the dash. It causes smoke or steam to come from under the hood after it is driven. This is the second time this issue has happened. I spent over $3,000 and six months getting this fixed last time. If there is not a recall on these things it should be recalled and fixed without me having to pay for it again. I believe it should have been covered the first time it happened.
There is a recall on my vehicle. I received my first letter in May2024. I took it to dealership and they ran test but said they couldnt fix the recall bc Kia hasn't sent them the remedy so they sent us home. I called Kia customer service and they said when remedy is ready I'll get another letter. I just got that letter a few days ago and called dealership (Superior kia Orangeburg SC). They will fix recall but trying to charge me for testing again claiming it's because recall wasn't fixed last time I brought it in..this was not my fault and they sent me home saying they were unable to fix at the time. This is a recall and I'm not supposed to be charged. They refuse to fix recall unless I pay them.
On August 23rd 2024, I drove this vehicle all day. But, upon reaching our final destination (ER department entrance) smoke began rolling out from under the hood. Once getting out to inspection the vehicle someone hollered for a extinguisher. I turned to look at the vehicle and I could see underneath of the 2012 kia sorento had flames. My son was still in the car so my mother and I ran to get him out of his rear facing carseat and ran away from the vehicle. At this time the vehicle still had a fire that went out with extinguisher but quickly light back up. After this the whole are and car filled with smoke. Fire department was called and this took them awhile to fully extinguish the fire. This could have hurt myself, my child, and my mother. I lost alot of valuable things including my son's new carseat, my children's double stroller, a tablet, clothing, etc. I have called Kia as I found out there was a recall that kia has none about and started sending notices out November 14th 2023. My vehicle sat at a kia dealership from January to March 6th and if this recall was so drastic such as a car fire why was this not taken car of when my vehicle sat for 2 months. I have a call into Kia as of Monday August 26th 2024. I am still waiting for a rep to be assigned my claim and to speak to them. As of Today August 28th 2024 Noone has reached out to me.
While driving, the RPMS go to zero and the car stops and I lose all power. Yes, it's a safety risk to me and other drivers because it shuts off while driving. Someone following behind me can run into me. Yes, I took it to Ourisman Kia of Catonsville twice - They reproduced it happening the 2nd time I dropped it off after showing them a video of what happens. They said they don't know how to fix it. No, the vehicle was only inspected by the dealer. See video attached regarding warning lamps/messages etc.
My 2012 Kia Sorento has a recall for the motor, and I had taken it to Kia for an inspection and the dealer stated to me that my car does not have a recall on it. Recently my car stalled on the road while I was driving, and it nearly caused an accident because someone behind me had to break suddenly to stop.
While waiting for notification that the remedy part was available for this car, it caught on fire. It caught on fire on 6/20/2024. The car is a total loss and it was a very dangerous situation.
Unknown… This is what happened. I was at a stoplight first car in line. While waiting for the light the car just shut off without warning. It would not go into park, key would not turn, the dashboard was lit up & radio on. I turned on my flashers. I called a tow and kept doing everything to get the car to start after about 15 -20 minutes or so I finally got it to go in park turn the key and it started and the car drove like it never happened. It didn’t make a noise before stopping no warning lights came on or anything.
Q: What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? A: The electrical problem started with battery power drainage. After two battery replacements, other electrical problems started to occur. Turn signal lights would not work, windows would not open or close, the left headlamp failed, was replaced, but did not work, all warning lights stayed on. Q: How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? A: The various electrical failures first occurred while driving the vehicle. I was inable to signal to change lanes. Q: Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? A: No. Q:Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? A: Yes. Before the battery drainage issue ocurred, the check engine light and ABS indicator lights began staying on all the time.
The manufacturer of Kia has not resolve the fire issue to the vehicles. The recall has not be looked into or updated since letter in 2022. I’ve asked multiple Kia reps when the recall will be handled and was told there is no remedy. This recall is super dangerous and is a liability when driving on highways or long travel. My car can catch on fire at any time and nothing is being handled to resolve the issue.
Kia issued a recall in September of 2023 that affects the HECU. I have received one interim notice but nothing since and it’s been 7 months. I am concerned about mine and others safety and would like an update on the recall.
This 2012 Kia sorento caught fire and burned. Believed to be part of the recall 23v652
KIA AMERICA, INC. SUBMITTED A SAFETY RECALL REPORT ON SEPTEMBER 25, 2023, (NHTSA RECALL #23V-652) DETAILING THE RISK OF AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT OF THE HYDRAULIC ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (HECU). I WAS NOTIFIED ON NOVEMBER 14, 2023, THAT MY VEHICLE WAS SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL AND THAT I WOULD BE NOTIFIED AGAIN WHEN THE REMEDY PART (A NEW FUSE) WAS AVAILABLE. KIA IS RECOMMENDING AFFFECTED OWNERS PARK THEIR VEHICLE OUTSIDE AND AWAY FROM STRUCTURES AND OTHER VEHICLES UNTIL THE REMEDY PART HAS BEEN INSTALLED. THIS LONG-TERM EXPOSURE TO THE ELEMENTS IS CAUSING UNDUE WEAR AND TEAR ON VARIOUS PARTS OF MY VEHICLE INCLUDING PAINT, TIRES AND HEADLIGHTS. IT HAS BEEN 5 MONTHS SINCE I WAS MADE AWARE OF THE RECALL AND NEARLY 7 MONTHS SINCE THE NHTSA WAS MADE AWARE AND THE REMEDY PART IS STILL NOT AVAILABLE. I BELIEVE KIA HAS EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REMEDY AND THAT IS WHY I AM FILING THIS COMPLAINT.
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the alarm continued to engage independently. The contact was able to turn the alarm off. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Mileage: 110,000
A notice was mailed to me on [XXX] Recall #[XXX], advising that the hydraulic electronic control unit may experience an electrical short circuit, which can result in engine compartment fire. Park the vehicle outdoors and away from other vehicles or structures until the recall has been performed. The malfunction indicator light appeared approximately a month and a half ago, and I contacted my KIA dealer who advised me that I must have the car towed to their location at my expense They billed me over $200, plus the towing. The recall has still not been addressed. This is an extreme problem for me. I live in Florida and have a very unhealthy relative out of state but feel that it is unsafe to drive my vehicle far from home which has caused me and my family extreme anxiety. I have received no updates from KIA since the initial 11/14/23 letter. Not being able to drive my car and feel safe has been an extreme inconvenience. I also live in an area where it is extremely difficult to park away from my house, other houses, or cars. KIA should be held accountable to their customers, and I request your assistance. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
There was a recall listed online 9/2023 for HEUC hydraulic electronic control unit. [XXX]. I called Kia in September the day I saw and they said a letter would come out and part would be available for the recall soon. I waited. I called again in November 2023. Still no fix or letter. I called again in January then 4/2024 still no letter or part to remedy the problem. I'm tired of waiting and very scared to drive my car. I’m hearing now that the part might not be available until July 2024??!? This is completely unacceptable. That is 11 months driving a car that could catch on fire??!? And obviously it was a problem long before the recall actually happened or else there wouldn’t have been a recall needed. A serious recall and no remedy?!? How many people have to die to make them fix the problem??!! I’m scared to drive my car. Scared to park it because a fire could happen even if you are not driving the car?! No one wants to buy my car since there is a recall and I couldn’t get what it is worth to me either now. This is a serious problem. Now I hear that fixing the fuse is only a bandaid that the real problem is being disguised because it is a more costly repair vs just a fuse. Brake fluid could leak and cause engine fire?! Even an O-ring could leak and cause fire. O-rings can rot over time anyway. I can’t believe Kia has gotten away with this and for this length of time! Unbelievably scary. They said wait until you smell smoke or some light will come on? Well my son has no sense of smell so I have to trust that some light will come on and give him enough time to get out in time? That is the remedy of this serious problem??? Or go outside and find the car had caught on fire in my yard and then catches the house and all the neighbors houses on fire! How many lawsuits are just waiting??? Is this just a numbers game to them??? How many cars have to blow up? How many lives lost?? How many houses catch on fire?!?? Geez Kia! Fix this problem and don’t just bandaid it! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFOR
This has been recalled for 6 months with no remedy. I cannot drive my car due to risk of engine fire, and I have been advised to not park near other cars. This has been extremely frustrating and inconvenient. I have not been offered a replacement vehicle either
I'm filing this complaint about a Safety Recall letter, dated November 14, 2023, that I received from the KIA America Corporate Headquarters concerning a (NHTSA Recall Number: 23V652) defect which can result in an engine compartment fire, increasing the risk of injury. I have reached out to my local Balise KIA dealer, on two separate occasions to be told my information is in their system and they will contact me via email or by a phone when this part has been created to schedule my vehicle for repair. Within weeks after receiving my initial Safety Recall letter my Malfunction Indicator Lamp and ABS warning light, as well as, the complete anti-locking brake system lights suddenly illuminated on my front console. The Safety Recall letter I received indicates that when the ABS warning light illuminates I could experience an electrical short circuit, which can result in an engine compartment fire while driving or parked and could increase the risk of injury. When I recalled the KIA dealer on 1-19-24 for a second inquiry, I again explained the ongoing problem and the letter KIA Headquarters sent me in November, emphasizing and reading the letter stating if the ABS warning light is illuminated and I smell burning/melting smell, and/or smoke from the engine compartment to pull over to a safe location and contact KIA Roadside Assistance to have my vehicle towed. I was then told by an Advisor that the ABS warning light wasn't a safety issue? I again reiterated the letter's wording and was then told that I could bring it in and hook it up to their Diagnostic System but if they didn't find that was the problem they would charge me $150. Needless to say, I refused that offer, when currently there's no part available anyway. I'm hoping that this complaint can be put on record and if I could somehow get any information as to when this particular part has been created so that it can be replaced before a possible fire occurs would be greatly appreciated.
I received an important safety recall on November 14, 2023. It has been over 3 months since I have received this recall. I have contacted my nearest dealer, and they have yet to receive the part (HECU) to replace in my vehicle. I have had to park my car outside for the past 3 months in bad weather. Now, three of my windows are not working because the cold weather froze their motors. When should I expect to have this part replace, so I and park my car in the garage and out of the elements?
The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HEUC) may experience an electrical short circuit, which may result in an engine compartment fire while driving or parked. The notice was received 11.14.23. The part is not available. The warning light under the WARNING in the letter, illuminated on my dashboard and I followed the WARNING instructions: PULL OVER TO A SAFE LOCATION. TURN OFF THE ENGINE. CALL KIA ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A KIA DEALER AS SOON AS POSSIBE. I did this. I had to pay $166.77 for the tow and can't be refunded until the remedy notice is issued. Kia tells me they have to charge $190 to diagnose the car and that there is no remedy at this time. It has been 77 days, today, since the recall was sent. I understand Kia is aware prior to the notice issuing. This is a major safety issue. A fire can be catastrophic. This is interfering with my livelihood. I am a traveling cardiac nurse and I am single, with no other means of travel. I have just this one vehicle to rely on. Why is there not a remedy for this recall after so long? This is unacceptable and Kia needs to be held responsible.
i was out door dashing on monday january 15 2024. i went into panera to pick up order. came outside to my car and it looked like it was smoking. i popped the hood and was about to put my hand in there to lift the hood when i realized it was hot. i looked under and it was on fire.. everything is melted.. there wasnt any warnings at all. now i have know car..
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was jumpstarted. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the failure was due to an electrical failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
I experienced a Malfunction of indicators lamp, ABS warning lights, burning/ melting smell and smoke from the engine compartment.
SC284XM HECU My car was exacted by the HECU fuse
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact was unable to enter the vehicle. The contact was able to enter the vehicle 10 minutes later after several attempts. The contact stated that the vehicle was turned off however, later that night she became aware that the vehicle had independently restarted. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or a dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
This vehicle is under an active recall. There is no known remedy yet and as outlined in the recall the vehicle could catch fire while parked OR while driving. My family should not use this vehicle until this situation is fixed. I want a replacement vehicle at the company's expense. There is no other TIMELY fix for this problem and the recall information said to contact you if it was not done in a timely manner. Please do not simply send me the recall information again. I know there is a recall. I want results. I think I have an undrivable vehicle and they have no timeline to resolve the issue.
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated, prompting the contact to pull the vehicle into a parking lot. The contact also stated that the vehicle history stated that the engine was replaced by the dealer when the vehicle was purchased. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
Mileage: 170,000
The contact owned a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving at approximately 30 MPH as the battery and alternator warning lights illuminated. Another driver then alerted the contact that the vehicle had caught fire under the hood. The contact merged to the side of the road and exited the vehicle. The contact mentioned that a third of the vehicle had been engulfed in flames. The fire department extinguished the fire. The contact sustained injuries to her knee from the door while attempting to exit during the incident. Medical attention was required. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot and deemed totaled by the insurance agency. A fire report was filed but there was no police report filed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hyraulic) however the recall remedy was not yet available. The approximate failure mileage was 126,000. VIN Tool Confirms Parts Not Available.
Mileage: 125,000
The contact owned a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in her carport, she was awakened by her son that a fire had ignited and that the vehicle was in flames. The contact then stated that the fire from the vehicle had extended to her home living room. As a result, half of the house was in flames. The contact stated that she and her family were able to exit her home to safety and then notified the fire department. The fire department had extinguished the fire. No injuries were sustained. No medical attention was required. The family's iguana pet passed away due to the fire. The contact then stated that the vehicle was towed to a tow lot and inspected by the insurance company and that the source of the fire was near the carport area and may have been electrical related but was to be determined. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company. Additionally, the contact stated that she was not notified that the VIN was included in a recall, and upon research she discovered that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Mileage: 150,000
The abs brake light, traction control, and downhill assist lights all came on at the same time. This is being caused by a faulty speed sensor. This item was recalled on the two wheel drive kias, but not the all wheel drive models... hiwever.. looking for answers in the forums show that there is a systemic problem in the kia system, just Google search it and watch all the other car owners stories pop up.
Transmission / or gear shifting
My regular lights on pasenger side keeps going out. The harness keeps melting. And my sunroof rubber pieces keep coming undone hitting the glass of sunroof causing very loud noises while driving sounds like the glass is going to break.
Having ignition problems. Ignition switch will not go to the Lock position and stays on ACC all the time. Always having to undo the negative battery cable from draining my battery. Warranty company refuses to fix it.
Unknown. Push start engine failed on first and second try. One minute later the engine is one fire.
These vehicles were never equipped with an alarm to notify drivers when parked in any other gear other than 'Park'. If the driver parks vehicle in 'Reverse' and do not set the parking brake, he/she can shut off the engine with no alarms notifying the driver to move shifter to park. An incident occurred with this vehicle in which the driver parked it overnight in a parking garage on level 6. The space appeared level, but is on a very slight incline. The vehicle (miraculously) remained in place overnight. However when the same driver proceeded to use the vehicle the following morning, it wouldn't start (obviously because you cannot start these vehicles unless the shifter is in 'Park' or 'Neutral'). He thought the battery was dead, not thinking to check the position of the shifter. After trying to get the vehicle to start with no success, he left the vehicle to use his personal vehicle. After leaving this vehicle, it rolled out of position and proceeded backwards (halfway down the incline between levels 6 and 5), turned slightly and hit the wall inside the parking garage (causing almost $6,000 of damage to the LR corner of the vehicle). The safety issue lies in the fact that this vehicle could have collided with another parked vehicle (with someone inside it) or another vehicle making the turn from level 5 to proceed to level 6. The vehicle could've also struck a pedestrian inside the parking garage. If the speed was greater, the vehicle could've damaged the section of the parking garage it struck and dislodged fragments of concrete (possibly causing it to fall on people and/or vehicles below).
Replaced the headlight bulbs in my wife's car around 80k miles when 2 of the 4 bulbs went out. I noticed the lenses were discolored from the inside slightly but didn't put much thought into it. The vehicle now has a little over 144k miles and I have replaced the high beam bulbs once again, and the low beam bulbs twice more, and the low beam bulbs I have had to replace the connector due to burning on both sides, and the driver side is burnt out again. This shouldn't happen and means there is too much power going to the bulb, which is a fire hazard as well as a safety hazard as I can't keep a bulb working in that slot.
My passenger headlight went out again. I've taken to the dealer. They replaced the burnt out fog lights too. This is the 4th time in less than a year! I filed previous complaints. Had the headlights replaced repeatedly. Something keeps shorting out. There's an electrical problem. I can't keep replacing my headlights all the time. When the one side goes out, the other follows. This is becoming a real safety issue.
The passenger low beam head light keeps burning out. I have had the wiring replaced twice because it keeps melting. The brake light blow at least every 2 months
Passenger side low beam headlight keeps burning out. Had bulb replaced one month ago, burnt out again. Had it replaced several times. One time recently the mechanic had to also replace the wiring connections because it melted.
In 2012 my sister bought new 2012 Kia Sorento from Caribbean Auto Mart in St Thomas VI. About a year ago, the horn stopped working and the air bag light has been on for some time now clearly indicating a possible problem with the clock spring assembly in the steering column mentioned in the recall notice attached. On contacting the dealer, Caribbean Auto Mart, she was told that they were no longer a Kia dealer and that it was not their responsibility to fix the problem. The local Jiffy Lube apparently is doing warranty work for Kia here now but they refuse to fix it without authorization from Kia. On contacting Kia, they refuse to even acknowledge the existence of this vehicle. They say they have no matching VIN. We asked if they would just send the part and I would install it. They refused this as well. I’m concerned that my sister is still driving this vehicle with defective safety equipment with no apparent way to resolve the situation. Any help you could provide in this matter would be greatly appreciated.
Car will shut off randomly while driving. Usually slowing down or speeding up in the 0 to 30 mph zone. Does not show any codes for KIA or my mechanic to read. Car will not restart for about 20 seconds. Car will slow down and loose all RPM's of it doesn't shut all the way off and will only run 20mph until I can get off the road and restart it.
ON 03/22/21, AT 8.00AM WAS A REGULAR VISIT FOR OIL CHANGE, FINALLY AROUND 1PM MY CAR WAS SHOWING ON THE DASHBOARD THE "ENGINE LIGHT", NEVER HAPPEN BEFORE, I CLAIMED VERBALLY WHY, THAT HAPPEN NOW. I AM DRIVING BECAUSE THEY TOLD ME IS SAFE AND I BELIEVE, AND WAITING THE APPOINTMENT FOR( RECALL 20V750) THANKS TO ALL.
PLEASE SEE ATTACHED EMAIL SENT TO NHTSA .. I WAS ADVISED TO FILE A COMPLAINT. I NEED HELP! THIS ISSUE IS GETTING WORSE. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME ANYTIME REGARDING DOCUMENTATION. IF YOU DO NOT REACH ME DIRECTLY, FEEL FREE TO SPEAK WITH MY WIFE [XXX]. SHE CAN ALSO ATTEST THE ISSUES WE HAVE. THIS IS CONSTANT WHETHER IN PARK , DRIVING , IDLING. ALSO RECENTLY WE HAVE NOTICE THE LIGHT TO SIGNAL A MALFUNCTION IN THE AIR BAGS KEEPS COMING ON. IT ALSO FLASHES FOR A FEW MINUTES AT A TIME. PLEASE LET ME OR MY WIFE KNOW WHAT DOCUMENTS YOU NEED AND WE WILL GET THEM TO YOU IMMEDIATELY! THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP WITH THIS MATTER. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Mileage: 50,000
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE UNDER NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS THE TACHOMETER WILL DROP TO ZERO AND THE CAR WILL START TO SPUTTER AND STALL. THIS OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY SOMETIMES WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY SOMETIMES AT STOP LIGHTS OR STOP SIGNS. THIS VEHICLE ONLY HAS 142K MILES AND HAS HAD THE CAM SENSORS REPLACED BY THE DEALERSHIP BUT IS STILL HAVING ISSUES THAT THEY DON'T WANT TO TRACK DOWN.
Mileage: 142,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SORRENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS WIFE WAS DRIVING THROUGH A SNOW STORM AND THE VEHICLE STALLED SEVERAL TIMES. THE WIFE PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND CALLED FOR A TOW AND A NEW BATTERY WAS BOUGHT AND THE OLD ONE WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON THE SAME DAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDNENT MECHANIC WHO OBSERVED THE VEHICLE SHUTTING ON AND OFF AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO DANBURY KIA (100A FEDERAL ROAD, DANBURY, CT 06810, (203) 730-5737). THE DEALER RECOMMENDED THE STARTER BE REPLACED. THE REPAIRS WERE COMPLETED BUT THE VEHICLE LOSS ACCELERATION THE SAME DAY AFTER IT WAS PICKED UP AND SHUT OFF WHEN IT WAS PULLED OVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 158,000.
Mileage: 158,000
HI I AM WRITING YOU ON BEHALF OF MY KIA SORRENTO 2012 I'VE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS THE LAST PAST NINE MONTHS AFTER MY CAR WOULDN'T START I SUPPOSEDLY ASSUMED IT WAS THE BATTERY SO I HAD THE BATTERY CHANGED IN THE LOCK AT THE BATTERY IS ABOUT 78 YEARS OLD SO I CHANGED IT AFTER CHANGE THAT STILL DRAIN AFTER EVERY MONTH MY CAR WOULD JUST TURN OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF ME DRIVING OR STOPPING AT A STOP SIGN WHEN I PUT MY AC OR MY HEATER ON IT DROPS IDLE AND IT MAKES THE CAR REALLY HEAVY TO THE POINT WHERE IT FEELS LIKE IT'S HOLDING BACK MY CAR HAS BEEN DOING THIS OCCASIONALLY OFTEN ON WHERE I'LL BE DRIVING A LONG DISTANCE OR A SHORT DISTANCE WITH THE AC ON AND AS I'M PARKING TURN OFF THE AC IN THE CAR WHILE I GO UP AND DOWN AND WILL DROP IDOL AND JUST TURN OFF THE VEHICLE WITHOUT ANY SPIDERS I DO NOT KNOW WHAT'S GOING ON WITH THE VEHICLE I'VE HAD IT CHECKED OUT EVERY MONTH FOR THE LAST PAST NINE MONTHS AND PAID FOR THE DIAGNOSIS WHICH THEY ALWAYS KEEP ON TELLING ME THERE'S NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE I HAVE LOOKED UP MY VEHICLE VIN NUMBER AND HAVE PUT IN THE NHTSE NUMBER AND I HAVE A FORM YOU RECALLS AND THEY LOOK LIKE ENGINE CESAR AN ENGINE FIRE
INTERMITTENT CONNECTION TO PASSENGERS SIDE HEADLAMP BULB, CAUSING OVERHEATED CONNECTOR AND WIRING.
Mileage: 56,500
VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN AND COMPLETELY SHUT OFF, CAME TO A STOP AND STARTED TO SMOKE, A FIRE IGNITED AND CONSUMED THE FRONT END
Mileage: 100,000
WHEN DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY, THE TACHOMETER DROPS TO ZERO AND THE POWER DECREASES, BUT THE ENGINE DOESN'T STOP RUNNING. THEN IT SMELLS LIKE SOMETHING IS BURNING, AND I PULL OFF THE ROAD, TURN IT OFF, AND START IT AGAIN, THEN IT GOES BACK TO NORMAL. IT HAS BEEN DOING THIS FOR A FEW MONTHS ALREADY. ALSO, I HAVE HAD THIS CAR FOR ALMOST 4 YEARS AND HAVE REPLACED THE HEADLIGHTS, TAIL LIGHTS, AND BLINKERS NUMEROUS TIMES. I'M AT THE POINT THAT I'M AFRAID IT'S GOING TO BURN UP. BTW, THE ENGINE TEMP LIGHT REMAINS NORMAL. ALSO, SOMETIMES, THE ENGINE WILL STOP WHEN I STOP AT A LIGHT OR SIGN, BUT THEN IS NORMAL WHEN I START IT AGAIN.
Mileage: 120,000
AIRBAG ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE KIA NEEDS TO RECALL AIRBAGS MAY JUST SAVE A LIFE AND MINES IS AT STATE HERE... PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAGS DISABLED AND WILL NOT ALLOW OTHER AIRBAGS TO WORK IF I BECOME IN AN ACCIDENT. PLEASE HELP ME WITH THIS ISSUE I'M FEAR OF MY SAFETY
ALL INTERIOR LIGHTS AND DASH LIGHTS HAVE COMPLETELY STOPPED WORKING - BACK UP CAMERA DOES NOT WORK ANY MORE EITHER. REPLACE THE FUSE AND IT BLOWS IMMEDIATELY. HAD THE CAR LOOKED AT AND THEY INFORMED ME A DEALERSHIP WOULD HAVE TO FIX THE PROBLEM- IT'S AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE.
Mileage: 180,000
DRIVING ON THE THRU-WAY GOING 65 MPH WHEN MY VEHICLE JERKED FORWARD SUDDENLY. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER, VEHICLE LOST CONTROL OF STEERING AND BRAKES AND COMPLETELY JUST 'SHUT OFF' ON ME WITH NO FORE-WARNING. CALLED AAA, TECH. COULD VISIBLY SEE A BELT WHICH HAD RIPPED OUT OF ENGINE AND WAS DANGLING UNDER VEHICLE. I THEN HAD VEHICLE REPAIRED- A NEW BELT WAS INSTALLED , A BRAND NEW ALTERNATOR, NEW BRAKES, OIL CHANGE. 3 WEEKS AFTER THIS EVENT, I WAS AGAIN DRIVING ON THE THRU- WAY IN ALMOST THE SAME EXACT LOCATION AND THIS HAPPENED AGAIN. . MY VEHICLE JUST WENT DEAD, THIS TIME SLOWING DOWN AND DYING. CALLED AAA , THEY SERVICED ME OFF THE THRU-WAY (THRU-WAY DIVISION) AND UPON HAVING VEHICLE LOOKED AT MY CHOICE SHOP.. I WAS TOLD THAT MY VEHICLE HAD COMPLETELY SEIZED (WAS NOW TOTALLY DEAD) AND WAS NON- REPAIRABLE WITHOUT A NEW ENGINE. ALSO TOLD THAT MY VEHICLE HAD LITTLE OIL EVEN THOUGH I HAD ONLY 3 WEEKS PRIOR GOTTEN AN OIL CHANGE AND CAR REPAIRMAN COULD NOT REPORT ANY PHYSICAL ISSUES WITH OIL CONNECTIONS, IE. GASKET LEAK, DRAIN PLUG, SEAL ISSUES. DUE TO THE AMOUNT OF MONIES I HAVE SPENT FROM DAY 1 ON THIS VEHICLE, MY EXPERIENCES AND THE LEMON THE VEHICLE HAS PROVEN TO BE, I FIND THIS INCREDIBLY UNSETTLING AND KNOW THAT THERE WERE ISSUES GOING ON WITH THIS VEHICLE PRIOR TO IT GOING ONTO THE ROAD THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPAIRED AND WERE NOT DUE TO NO FAULT OF MY OWN. ASIDE FROM THESE ISSUES, IN PAST THERE WERE SEVERAL OTHER PROBLEMS RELATED TO THE LOCKS AND WINDOWS LOCKING ON THERE OWN WHILE VEHICLE IN MOTION AND FUSES RELATED TO THIS AS WELL AS THE VEHICLE SHOCKING ME WHEN OPENING DRIVERS SIDE DOOR HANDLE WHICH IS INCREDIBLY UNSAFE! I REQUEST THAT SOMEONE PLEASE LOOK INTO THE RECALL WITHHOLDING WHICH HAS COME TO LIGHT WITH KIA AND MY VEHICLE QUALIFYING FOR THESE RECALLS AS KIA HAS TOLD ME THAT THEY ARE UNWILLING TO ASSIST ME FINANCIALLY AS WELL AS WEST HERR. *TR
Mileage: 100
THE VEHICLE WAS SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY APPROXIMATELY 30 TO 45 MINUTES AFTER HAVING BEEN DRIVEN. I HAD NOTICED NOTHING UNUSUAL WHEN DRIVING THE CAR. I WALKED OUTSIDE TO THE DRIVEWAY AND FLAMES WERE VISIBLE INSIDE THE CAR. THE CAR WAS UNOCCUPIED AND WAS NOT RUNNING. THE SWITCH WAS TURNED OFF AND THE KEYS WERE REMOVED. THE DOORS WERE LOCKED. I UNLOCKED THE DOORS AND PUT THE FIRE OUT WITH A PAN OF WATER. I LET IT COOL OFF AND CRANKED IT AND MOVED IT OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I REMOVED THE BATTERY CABLE FOR SAFETY REASONS. THE EMERGENCY FLASHER SWITCH APPARENTLY HAD MELTED AND THE FLASHERS WOULD NOT TURN OFF.
Mileage: 146,000
I CONTINUE TO HAVE STARTING ISSUES. SOMETIMES IT STARTS MANY TIMES IT DOESN'T. ALSO I HAVE REPLACED MY HEAD LIGHTS AND BLINKERS SEVERAL TIMES. IT'S AS IF THERE IS A SHORTAGE INSIDE THE CAR SOMEWHERE. I HAVE BEEN READING MANY CONSUMERS HAVING THE SAME ISSUES WITH THE SAME VEHICLE I HAVE 2012 KIA SOENTO. I'VE SPENT SO MUCH MONEY TRYING TO GET THIS PROBLEM HANDLED BUT I AM CONVINCED THIS IS SOMETHING ELECTRICAL THAT HAS TO DO WITH MANUFACTURING.
SINCE I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE BRAND NEW IN DECEMBER 2011 I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE HEADLIGHT WIRING 4 TIMES AND HAVE TO CHANGE THE HEADLIGHT BULB AT LEAST ONCE EVERY 2-3 MONTHS. EACH TIME I HAVE HAD THE WIRING HARNESS REPLACED AFTER THE THIRD LIGHT BULB CHANGE THE WIRING HARNESS BEGINS TO MELT AND THEN LOSES CONNECTION WITH THE BULB THEREFOR MY HEADLIGHTS ARE INTERMITTENT.
I DRIVE KIA SORRENTO 2012, ITS AT 117,000 MILES. FOR THE LAST 6000 MILES MY CAR HAS STARTED BURNING THROUGH ABNORMALLY HIGH AMOUNTS OF OIL. IT DOESN'T GIVE ANY WARNING SIGNS AND THE LOW OIL WARNING LIGHT NEVER COMES ON. FOR MY LAST 3 SERVICES WHICH WERE IN JUNE, AUGUST AND NOVEMBER, ALL WELL BEFORE I WAS DUE FOR OIL CHANGE, I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NEXT TO NONE OIL LEFT IN MY CAR. ON NOV 16TH, WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A FREEWAY MY CAR WITHOUT GIVING ME ANY WARNING OR INDICATION THAT OIL WAS RUNNING LOW, DECELERATED FROM 60MPH TO 30MPH AND THE CHECK ENGINE SIGN STARTED FLASHING. I PULLED ASIDE AND GOT IT TOWED TO A NEARBY CAR AUTO REPAIR SHOP. I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NEXT TO NONE OIL IN MY CAR AND BECAUSE IT HAD BEEN RUNNING WITHOUT ANY OIL MY ENGINE WAS ALL DAMAGED. I WAS TOLD THAT MY KIA NEEDED ENGINE REPLACEMENT. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THE MECHANIC DIDN'T FIND ANY LEAKS OR OTHER REASONS WHY OIL MIGHT BE GETTING CONSUMED SO QUICKLY. I SEARCHED ONLINE ABOUT WHY I MIGHT BE HAVING THIS PROBLEM AND FOUND THAT MANY OTHER KIA OWNERS ACROSS AMERICA ARE EXPERIENCING SAME PROBLEMS WITH ABNORMALLY HIGH AMOUNT OF OIL CONSUMPTION. SINCE THEN I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET IN TOUCH WITH KIA CORPORATE TO SEE IF THEY MIGHT BE ABLE TO HELP ME FIGURE OUT WHAT HAS BEEN HAPPENING BUT I HAVE BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL.
Mileage: 117,000
ON A BUSY HIGHWAY RT.70 VEHICLE DECALS GOT TO FLASHING ON THE DASH BROAD ALL OF THEM. THAN LOST ALL POWER.COULDN'T USE FLASHERS OR ANYTHING. AND GOT OVER TO THE SHOULDER .WAIT A FEW MINUTES NOTHING HAD TO GET IT TOW BACK TO MY SONS. TRY A JUMP AFTER 3 MINUTES THE VEHICLE SHUT BACK DOWN .BATTERY SHOW GOOD .
Mileage: 83,586
LAST JULY MY HUSBAND HAD CHANGED MY BRAKES AND THEN WENT FOR A TEST DRIVE JUST TO MAKE SURE EVERYTHING WAS WORKING PROPERLY. WELL, THE ENGINE SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING. CALLED KIA AND HAD IT TOWED THERE(UNREIMBURSED) REPLACED ENGINE TOLD THEM THAT SOMETIMES THE TRANSMISSION WOULD HESITATE TO SHIFT INTO GEAR. KIA SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG. NOW, A YEAR LATER STILL TRANS PROBLEM. TOOK TO MASTER MECHANIC THAT HAS A TRANS SHOP AND THAT HAS BEEN IN BUSINESS FOR OVER 40 YEARS. HE SAID IT NEEDED A SOFTWARE UPDATE FROM KIA FOR A HARD TRANSMISSIKN SHIFT. CALLED KIA THEY SAID THEY HAD TO "RESEARCH PROBLEM", BUT HAD NEVER HEARD OF THIS HAPPENING. ALSO, MY CAR SHUTS OFF IF I HAVE TO DO A HARD BRAKE EVEN AFTER MY ENGINE BEING REPLACED. ALSO, MY GAS LID WONT OPEN, MY MIRRORS HAD STOPPED MOVING AND MY WINDOWS ALL STOPPED WORKING. HAVING MAJOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WITH FUSE BOX. APPARENTLY SOMETHING IS NOT GROUNDED CORRECTLY KIA AND IS SHORTING OUT ALL MY FUSES. BUT I HAVE TO PAY ALL THIS MONEY TO HAVE A CAR THAT IS BARELY THAT OLD HAVE SO MANY PROBLEMS. IF I COULD SUE THEM FOR DAMAGES UNDER LEMON LAW I WOULD. VERY UPSET AND SCARED TO DRIVE CAR AND I HAVE A TEN YEAR THAT IS ALWAYS IN THE CAR WITH ME. PLEASE INVESTIGATE
Mileage: 122,000
DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE OR IN TOWN, I LOSE ALL POWER WITH NO WARNING OTHER THAN A JERK THAT FEELS LIKE I HAVE BEEN HIT IN THE REAR. THEN IT GOES DEAD. I CRANK IT BACK UP AND IT RUNS FOR A WHILE THEN REPEATS. I TOOK TO KIA DEALERSHIP AND LEFT IT TODAY, BUT THEY ARE SAYING IT IS NOT PART OF A RECALL, AFTER KIA CORP. TOLD MY FATHER LAST WEEK THAT IT WAS A RECALL ON THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE. IT IS THERE NOW TO BE CHECKED 1ST THING IN THE MORNING.
Mileage: 165,000
2ND COMPLAIN FOR KIA ENGINE. DEC. 2017 MY ENGINE SEIZED. I SPENT ON 5GRAND FOR A REBUILT ENGINE. ORIGINAL COMPLAINT WAS ELECTRICAL SYSTEM DID NOT GIVE ME ANY INDICATION THAT THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH MY OIL OR ENGINE. DRIVING DOWN A MAIN STREET WHERE MY CAR SUDDENLY DIED. I HAD TO PULL OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I WAS ABLE TO RESTART IT. ONCE IT WAS RESTARTED YOU CAN HEAR LOUD CLICKING FROM THE ENGINE. FAST FORWARD TO A YEAR AND 4 MONTHS LATER. REBUILT ENGINE ON FEB 2018.. CAR DIED AGAIN ON 7/16/19. ONCE AGAIN NO INDICATION THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH MY CAR. NO OIL LIGHT. I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN MY CAR WAS NOT PICKING UP ON ACCELERATING. I DECIDED AFTER WORK I PUT SOME OIL INTO MY ENGINE. SCHEDULE AN APPT WITH MY MECHANIC TO HAVE MY OIL CHANGED. THE NEXT DAY MY CAR WOULD NOT START. HAD MY MECHANIC TOW MY CAR AND LATER TELLS ME THAT IT WAS MY ENGINE AGAIN. STATED HE COULD FIND AN ENGINE FOR OVER 3GRAND FOR ME. UNFORTUNATELY I DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY. I AM NOW OUT OF A CAR AGAIN WITH A NEWBORN AND TRYING TO FIND RIDES TO AND FROM WORK. I JUST RECENTLY MOVED AND CANNOT AFFORD THIS. MY VIN IS NOT LISTED IN THE RECALLS AND IT SHOULD BE. KIA HAS FAULTY ENGINES AND IT IS NOT JUST THE ONE ENGINE. LAST ENGINE FAILURE WAS AT 65000 MILES. THIS TIME IT IS AT 69000 MILES. WHY ARE MY OIL LIGHTS NOT COMING ON WHEN THERE IS LOW OIL? WHY WAS THIS PROBLEM NOT FIXED TO BEGIN WITH??? OTHER PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR IS MY HANDLE IN THE BACK SEAT PULLED OFF (I AM NOT THAT STRONG) ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (OIL LIGHT NOT COMING ON, CRUISE CONTROL KNOCKS OUT WHILE DRIVING, VOLUME CONTROL FOR RADIO RANDOMLY CALLS CONTACTS) KIA IS A LEMON BUT I DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO REPAIR A 2ND AND PROBABLY 3RD ENGINE. I DON'T EVEN TRUST MY CAR WITH MY KIA DEALERSHIP ANYMORE BECAUSE THEY ARE CROOKS AND LIARS. I STILL HAVE 10GRAND LEFT TO PAY FOR THIS CAR!
Mileage: 69,000
2012 KIA SORENTO, WHEN DRIVING AT 30MPH AVERAGE, STRAIGHT OR TURNING, SLOWING DOWN TO A STOP SIGN, OR DRIVING IN PARKING LOTS, AT THE MOMENT OF PRESSING THE BRAKES, THE ENGINE CUTS OFF.
Mileage: 90,000
AS I WAS DRIVING, I NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER MY HOOD AND WHEN I PULLED OVER TO CHECK, MY CAR BLEW UP IN FLAMES.
WHILE MY VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON THE HIGHWAY GOING OVER 70MPH MY ENGINE SHUT OFF, MY SPEEDOMETER DROPPED FROM 70 TO 40 CAUSING THE VEHICLE BEHIND ME TO HAVE TO PULL INTO ON COMING TRAFFIC (TWO LANE ROAD GOING DOWN MOUNTAIN) TO AVOID SLAMMING INTO MY VEHICLE. PRIOR TO THIS OIL, CHECK ENGINE, AND FOUR WHEEL DRIVE LIGHTS ALL BEGAN TO FLASH. PULLED OVER, SHUT OFF VEHICLE AND VEHICLE STARTED AFTER SOME STRUGGLE. DROVE WITH HAZARDS ALL THE WAY HOME. BEFORE THIS MY VEHICLE WOULD LOSE POWER WHILE DRIVING. MY RPMS WOULD DROP AND HITTING THE GAS DID NOTHING. EVERY TIME VEHICLE STARTS MAKING KNOCKING SOUND BEFORE RATTLING AND STALLING OUT. VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN MOTION EVERY SINGLE TIME IT LOSES POWER, OR THE ENGINE STALLS OUT. IMMEDIATELY PURCHASED CAR FAX TO SEE ALL OPEN RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE. THIS IS ONE OF THE MAJOR ONES. ENTIRE REPLACEMENT OF ENGINE. KIA REFUSES TO REPLACE MY ENGINE AND ONLY KEPT MY VEHICLE IN THE SHOP FOR 56 MINUTES BEFORE TELLING ME IT WAS READY FOR PICK UP. WHEN ENGINE IS ACTING UP, REMOVING MY FOOT FROM THE GAS DOES NOT SLOW THE VEHICLE. THIS VEHICLE IS INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS AND UNPREDICTABLE.
Mileage: 98,000
I HAVE REPLACED THE PASSENGER SIDE LOW BEAM LIGHT MULTIPLE TIMES BECAUSE OF IT BURNING OUT PREMATURELY. I BOUGHT ANOTHER BULB TO HAVE IT REPLACED AND THE OLD BULB WAS STILL GOOD. THE NEW BULB WAS PUT IN TO VERIFY THAT WASN'T THE ISSUE. THE AUTO PARTS STORE CHECKED THE FUSES AND ALL ARE OK.
Mileage: 117,200
KIA RECALL. ON MAY 22, 2014, MY 2012 KIA SORENTO CAUGHT FIRE AND WAS TOTALED. THERE WAS NO EXPLANATION AT THIS TIME, BUT NOW IT IS COMING TO SURFACE THAT THESE VEHICLES ARE SPONTANEOUSLY CATCHING FIRE.
Mileage: 45,000
I WAS DRIVING THE TRUCK WHEN I HEARD A LOUD NOISE LIKE A FIRE GUN THAN I SAW SMOKE COMING OUT FROM THE ENGINE, I PULLED OVER AND SAW THAT THE ENGINE WAS ALREADY ON FIRE, I GOT MY TWO DAUGHTERS OUT OF THE TRUCK AND FIVE MINUTES LATER THE WHOLE TRUCK EXPLOTED
Mileage: 20
WHILE DRIVING ALL WARNING LIGHTS ON DASHBOARD TURNED ON AND MY CAR STARTED SHAKING AND I HEAR THE ENGINE TURN OFF WHILE IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING. I WAS IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA GOING DOWN HILL AND SPEED LIMIT WAS 25 MPH SO I WAS ABLE TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE LIGHTS WOULD STAY ON AND WOULD NOT TURN OFF. THE GEARS WERE STUCK AS WELL, IT WOULD NOT LET ME PARK THE CAR. I WAITED A FEW MINUTES TO TURN CAR OFF AND IT WORKED. I USED THE EMERGENCY BRAKES TO KEEP CAR FROM ROLLING. I THEN WAITED A FEW MINUTES TO TURN CAR ON LIGHTS ON AGAIN AND WAS ABLE TO SHIFT THE CAR INTO PARK. I HAVE MY CAR SERVICE ROUTINELY AND NO WARNING OF SOMETHING LIKE THIS COULD HAPPEN.
Mileage: 140,000
UPON EXITING THE FREEWAY ON AN OUT OF TOWN TRIP, MY ELDERLY FATHER, 9 YEAR OLD SON AND I BEGAN TO SMELL A STRONG GASOLINE SMELL. THERE WERE NO PREVIOUS SYMPTOMS OR SIGNS OF AN ISSUE AND WE JUST TRAVELLED ABOUT 250 MILES. I TYPICALLY DRIVE ALOT IN THE CITY AS WELL. IN THIS CASE, I PULLED INTO THE HOTEL PARKING LOT (RIGHT OFF THE FREEWAY) AND THERE WAS A LARGE AMOUNT OF SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF THE CAR. BECAUSE THIS OCCURRED ON SATURDAY EVENING AND WE WERE COMING INTO TOWN FOR AN EVENT, WE WERE NOT ABLE TO CONTACT WARRANTY FOREVER UNTIL MONDAY. FEARFUL, BECAUSE I HAVE HEARD OF THE MANY SPONTANEOUS FIRES THAT HAVE OCCURRED ON MY VEHICLE TYPE, WE HAVE TO WAIT TO HAVE IT TOWED AND INSPECTED. THE ENGINE WAS REPLACE IN MY VEHICLE, UNDER RECALL, JUST LAST YEAR. THANKFULLY, NO ONE WAS INJURED. IT COULD HAVE BEEN WORSE, VERY SCARY. I WILL BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO UPLOAD ANY NEEDED DOCUMENTATION AFTER AN INSPECTION HAS BEEN COMPLETED.
Mileage: 164,500
I NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR MY VEHICLE. I WAS DEPLOYED FROM 2013-2015 AND DIDN'T HAVE A PHYSICAL ADDRESS AND I WOULD LIKE TO GET THE ISSUE FIXED.
DRIVERS SIDE FRONT TURNING SIGNAL KEEPS GOING OUT. I'VE REPLACED THE BULB NUMEROUS TIMES AND IT'LL WORK FOR A FEW DAYS AND THEN IT WILL STOP WORKING AGAIN.
TAKATA RECALL: I PURCHASED MY CALL FEB. 11, 2017 AND STARTING MAY I STARTED HAVING ALL KIND OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. FUSED KEPT BLOWING OPEN EVERY OTHER DAY. NOW FAST FORWARD TO 2018 I GO IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND FIND THAT MY ENGINE IS LEAKING OIL. THE MECHANIC TELLS ME THAT I NEED TO REPLACE THE ENGINE ASAP. MY CAR HAS BEEN PARKED FOR THE PASSED TWO WEEKS.
FRONT HEADLIGHT FAILED, UPON INSPECTION THE HARNESS WIRE TO HEADLIGHT BURNED AND MELTED AND BRAKE LIGHTS DON'T WORK WHEN THE HEAD LIGHT WIRE BURNED. THIS IS MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE WITHOUT BRAKE LIGHTS. WENT TO COMPUTER AND THIS PROBLEM IS ALL OVER THE INTERNET, EXACT SAME ISSUE HAPPENING TO KIA OWNERS OF NUMEROUS MODELS. APPARENTLY KIA INSTALLED A ODD SYSTEM THAT CONTROLS HEADLIGHTS AND BURNS OUT WIRING . VERY DANGEROUS ISSUE CAUSING TO VEHICLE TO LOSE BRAKE LIGHTS AS WELL. TOOK CAR TO DEALERSHIP BUT THEY WON'T REPAIR THIS SAFETY PROBLEM CREATING A EXPENSIVE REPAIR FOR OWNER FOR A BADLY DESIGNED ARRANGEMENT. THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT ON I 95 IN DELAWARE THIS IS NOT A ISOLATED INCIDENT BUT IT'S ALL OVER THE INTERNET HAPPENING ONLY ON KIA VECHICLES
Mileage: 112,000
THIS KIA SORENTO CAUGHT FIRE WHILE BEING DRIVEN. THE DRIVER REPORTED THAT THE STEERING LOCKED UP AND SHE COULD SEE SMOKE AND A FLAME COMING FROM THE ENGINE. SHE LEFT THE VEHICLE UNHARMED HOWEVER THE EXPERIENCE WAS FRIGHTENING. THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES AND THE CAR IS NOW A TOTAL LOSS. THE CAR WAS PURCHASED FROM DALLAS AUTO AUCTION BY MAS MOTORS IN DALLAS TX. THE ORIGINAL OWNER WAS KIA OF ARLINGTON.
Mileage: 154,601
2012 KIA SORENTO WAS SERVICED AT DEALERSHIP ON REGULAR BASIS. OCTOBER 7, 2017 CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNT TO THE GROUND. CALLED KIA AND THEY WOULD DO NOTHING! STATED THEY DID NOT DEAL WITH CONSUMERS AND TO DEAL WITH MY INSURANCE. INSURANCE ONLY PAID BOOK VALUE AND WAS UNABLE TO PURCHASE A VEHICLE WITH THAT AMOUNT! I DID EVERYTHING BY THE BOOK AND KEPT MY KIA IN EXCELLENT SHAPE AND THEY DID NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT! I HAD A APPOINTMENT TO SERVICE ON MONDAY AND IT BURNT ON SATURDAY! I FOUND OUT THAT THEY HAD ISSUED A RECALL AND I AM SURE THAT THE DEALERSHIP WOULD HAVE TAKEN CARE OF IT AT SERVICE ( I DID NOT RECEIVE A RECALL NOTICE). MY NIECE WAS DRIVING FROM KENTUCKY TO MY HOME IN VIRGINIA (HER VEHICLE WAS BROKE DOWN AND THE DRIVE WAS A HOUR AWAY). THE VEHICLE STARTED MAKING A NOISE AT WHICH TIME SHE PULLED OFF THE ROAD AND THEN THE VEHICLE DIED AND STARTED SMOKING. IT WAS NIGHT TIME AND SHE CALLED ME AND I STARTED ON MY WAY TO MEET HER. SHE EXITED THE VEHICLE AND WENT TO RAISE THE HOOD BUT TWO GUYS HAD STOPPED TO SEE IF THEY COULD HELP AND ONE SEEN THE RED OF THE FIRE IN THE CRACK OF THE HOOD AND ADVISED HER TO GET AWAY. WITHIN SECONDS FLAMES ENGULFED THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND BURNT COMPLETELY BY THE TIME THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED. THE FIRE CHIEF TOLD ME WHEN I ARRIVED THAT IT WAS DEFINITELY ELECTRICAL. WE WERE BLESSED THAT MY NIECES 6 MONTH OLD WAS WITH ME AND NOT IN THE VEHICLE WITH HER BECAUSE SHE WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO GET HER OUT! VERY DISAPPOINTED IN KIA AND I WAS A HUGE FAN BUT NOT ANYMORE AFTER DEALING WITH CUSTOMER SERVICE! I DO NOT FEEL IT IS FAIR THEY ARE NOT HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR PRODUCT! THEY WOULD NOT HELP ME AT ALL!
Mileage: 100,000
MY HEADLIGHT PIGTAIL CAUGHT ON FIRE...I HAD IT REPLACED ...REPLACED THE HEADLIGHTS IN IT AND NOT EVEN 2 WEEKS LATER THE PIG TAIL CAUGHT ON FIRE AGAIN...THEY SAID IT MUST NE A SHORTAGE IN THE WIRING SOMEWHERE AND IT WILL START AT 200$ TO LOOK AT IT TO FIX....MU CAR ISNT THAT OLD TO HAVE THIS ISSUE.
Mileage: 90,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE AND THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE INCREASED TO HIGH. MINUTES LATER, THE TOP OF THE HOOD NEAR THE WINDSHIELD CAUGHT ON FIRE AND THE ENTIRE HOOD ERUPTED INTO FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT THE BATTERY APPEARED TO BE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS AND WAS TOWED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 78,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.
Mileage: 78,000
CAR REPAIRED BY RECALL DUE TO NOISES IN THE MOTOR. MOTOR CHANGED. NOISES CONTINUED. CAR BROKE DOWN IN THE HIGHWAY. LOST POWER AND IT WAS IN FUMES AND SMOKE. LIVES IN DANGER. CAR TOWED TO KIA SERVICE IN LIBERTYVILLE , IL. STAFF INDICATED THAT PISTONS BLEW UP.. WHOLE MOTOR CHANGED AGAIN. AFTER THREE WEEKS CAR DID NOT WORK AT AND.. BROKE IN THE NIGHT WHILE MY WIFE WAS GOING TO TAKE CARE OF AN EMERGENCY CALL TO A HOSPITAL. KIA TOWED AGAIN. MOTOR CHANGED THIRD TIME. AT SERVICE SINCE JULY 19, 2018. IT HAS BEEN PROMISED TO BE DELIVERED TO ME AGAIN TOMORROW WEDNESDAY 8/14/208. FAMILY AND MYSELF AFRAID TO RIDE THE KIA SORENTO AGAIN. CAR WITH NOISES SINCE 2016. THEY HAVE BEEN USING REBUILT PART TO CHANGE THE MOTOR. CURRENT MILES 82,000.
Mileage: 20
THE BREAK LIGHTS STOPPED WORKING AND THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL ESC AND DOWNHILL BREAKING CONTROL DHC LIGHTS CAME ON. I WAS ALERTED TO THE BREAK LIGHT ISSUE WHEN I WAS STOPPED BY A FORT WORTH POLICE OFFICER. I TRIED TO FIX THE PROBLEM BY CHECKING THE BREAK LIGHT BULBS (THEY WERE GOOD), THE FUSES WERE ALL GOOD. I REPLACED THE BREAK SWITCH WITH ON BOUGHT FROM O'REILLY AUTO PARTS. IT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. I TOOK IT TO MECHANIC WHO TOLD ME THAT THE SWITCH WAS BAD, SO I RETURNED THAT SWITCH AND CHANGED IT AGAIN BUT STILL THE LIGHTS DIDN'T WORK. I TOOK IT TO SOUTHWEST KIA IN MESQUITE AND WAS CHARGE $312.95 TO FIX A $19.41 PART: ANOTHER BREAK SWITCH. I FOUND THIS PREPOSTEROUS. AS I WAS WAITING IN THE WAITING ROOM I LOOKED UP KIA RECALLS AND I FOUND THAT PREVIOUS YEAR MODEL VEHICLES HAD BEEN RECALLED FOR THIS ISSUE. I BELIEVE THAT THIS IS A RECURRING ISSUE AND THAT 2012 AND OTHER MODEL YEARS HAVING THIS SAME ISSUE SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL...
Mileage: 129,000
I WAS DRIVING A 2012 KIA SORENTO WITH THREE OTHER PASSENGERS AND OUR FAMILY DOG. I SEE SMOKE COMING FROM BACK OF MY CAR THOUGHT IT WAS THE CAR PASSING ME SINCE MY CAR WAS IN MINT CONDITION WITH A NEW ENGINE AND NEW TRANSMISSION. I LOOK AGAIN THERE IS NO CAR GOING THE OPPOSITE WAY AND NOW I SEE A LOT MORE SMOKE. CARS COMING THE OPPOSITE WAY ARE FLASHING ME AND WAVING SO I FIGURED I'M PROBABLY OVER HEATING. I STEER TO THE RIGHT ON A STEEP HILL THE BRAKES AND EMERGENCY BRAKE DOESN'T WORK I QUICKLY THROW IT INTO PARK THE GEARS ARE GONE SO NO PARK. AT THAT POINT WE SEE FLAMES SHOOTING AT US. MY DAUGHTER AND I OPEN OUR DOORS THE CAR IS SLOWLY ROLLING DOWN THE HILL, THE DOOR HITS HER SHE GOES FLYING THE CAR ALMOST RUNS HER OVER. I TAKE THE CAR AND I'M HOLDING THE 4,000 POUND CAR BACK FROM ROLLING DOWN THE HILL SO THE KIDS AND DOG IN THE BACK SEAT CAN GET OUT. THEY FINALLY FIGURE OUT HOW TO MANUALLY UNLOCK THE DOORS, GRABBED THE DOG BY THE COLLAR. I LET GO OF THE CAR IT WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES ROLLED DOWN THE HILL AND STARTED TO EXPLODE. WHAT A HORRIFYINGLY EXPERIENCE.
Mileage: 65,000
I HAD A FEW PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR, ONE OF THEM IS THAT MY CAR MADE A BIG RATTLE NOISE WHILE DRIVING AT ABOUT 45MPH IN THE STREET, I CALL KIA MADE AN APPOINTMENT TOOK THE CAR AND WHEN THEY GOT BACK TO ME THEY SAID IT WAS THE THROTTLE NEED IT TO BE REPLACE ($500) THEN THE STARTED ($600) I HAVE REPLACE THIS 2 TIMES ALREADY, THEN THE DRIVE BELT IDLER PULLEY AND THE BRAKE LIGHTS GO OFF VERY OFTEN, AND SO ON. MAKE STORY SHORT MY CAR WAS IN THE SAFETY RECALL, MY CAR AS SHOWED ALL THE SIGNS, RATTLE NOISE, THE OIL LIGHT GOES ON AND OFF THE DASHBOARD I HAVE SPEND A LOT OF MONEY IN THIS CAR BUT THEY REFUSE TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. I RECEIVED A SECOND SAFETY RECALL NUMBER 17V224 ON OCTOBER 17, 2017. AND THEN ANOTHER NOTICE FROM KIA SAYING THEY EXTENDED THE WARRANTY ON MY CAR TO 120,000 MILES. ON MY POINT OF VIEW THAT DOESN'T FIX THE PROBLEM.
Mileage: 85,000
MY FRONT "LOW BEAM" HEAD LAMPS GO OUT FREQUENTLY. IT HAS HAPPENED AT NIGHT ON A DARK ROAD, WITH MY CHILDREN IN THE CAR. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS! I HAVE JUST CONTINUED TO BUY NEW LIGHTS, REPLACE & DO OVER & OVER. FINALLY IT NO LONGER WORKED. I HAD IT CHECKED OUT & THE CONNECTOR AND SOME WIRING WAS MELTED. I PAID TO HAVE THIS FIXED, ONLY TO HAVE IT HAPPEN AGAIN 2 - 3 WEEKS LATER. I JUST HAD IT FIXED AGAIN, BUT AM SCARED TO DRIVE THIS CAR! 1ST ENGINE FAILED WHILE GOING DOWN THE ROAD @ 45 MPH... IT COULD HAVE ENDED FAR WORSE. THAT HAS BEEN FIXED, BUT MY WIRING/HEADLAMPS ARE A HUGE PROBLEM & CONCERN. I HAVE ALSO HAD TO REPLACE MY BRAKE LIGHTS MORE TIMES IN THE PAST 5 YEARS THAN I HAVE IN 20 YEARS I'VE OWNED MY 1998 CAMRY. THIS HAS TO FALL UNDER A RECALL TO BE FIXED BY KIA. IT'S DEFECTIVE PARTS & ASSEMBLY AND COULD BE FATAL! THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES WHILE DRIVING LATE AT NIGHT AND ALMOST CAUSED ME TO SLAM INTO A DEER. I HAVE EVEN RENTED A CAR WHEN DRIVING ON VACATION FOR FEAR OF MY CAR HAVING THIS MALFUNCTION OR WORSE. PLEASE HELP ME. MY FAMILY IS SURVIVING ON BASICALLY 1 INCOME & THIS NEWEST HURDLE IS THAT " PROVERBIAL STRAW"... DATE LISTED BELOW IS TODAY'S DATE OF THE MOST RECENT REPAIR. I CAN GET THE DATE ABOUT 3 WEEK'S AGO IF YOU NEED IT. I HAVE ALSO BOUGHT ALL OF THE HEADLAMPS AND BRAKE LIGHTS THAT I HAVE REPLACED FROM THE SAME AUTO SUPPLY STORE TO MY KNOWLEDGE. SO I CAN GET THOSE RECORDS AS WELL IF NEEDED.
Mileage: 129,900
VEHICLE STALLS WHILE IN MOTION AND WHEN STOPPED. WHEN IT STALLS IN MOTION, THERE IS NO STEERING OR BRAKES. AWD KICKS IN FOR NO REASON AND WILL NOT GO OFF. I HAD THE VEHICLE CHECKED AND BOTH THE MAP SENSOR AND VCMA ACTUATOR WERE BOTH REPLACED AS RECOMMENDED BY THE DIAGNOSTIC COMPUTER. I DID HAVE A TUNE UP ON THE VEHICLE ONE DAY PRIOR SO I HAD HOPED THE SPARK PLUGS WERE THE PROBLEM. PROBLEM RESUMED ONE DAY AFTER BRINGING HOME FROM SHOP. I CALLED KIA AFTER SEEING THERE WAS A RECALL IN MAY OF 2017 THAT COVERED CERTAIN SORENTO MODELS THAT WERE STALLING, HOWEVER I WAS TOLD MINE WAS NOT A PART OF THIS RECALL. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO NOW OTHER THAN TO TAKE IT TO KIA AND SPEND ENORMOUS AMOUNTS IN REPAIRS.
Mileage: 112,000
EXISTED THE FREEWAY, STOPPED AT 2 STOP LIGHTS WITH OTHER CARS WITH NO INDICATION OF TROUBLE. STARTED FORWARD FROM LIGHT 100+ YARDS AND MAYBE 20 MPH WHEN FIRE ERUPTED FROM UNDER THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WITH LARGE FLAMES. I PULLED TO SIDE OF THE ROAD AND FIRE BURNED FROM MOTOR COMPARTMENT INTO DASH AND CEILING OF PASSENGER AREA. VEHICLE IS TOTALED! THE ENGINE HAD BEEN REPLACED BY KIA ON A RECALL JUST 5 MONTHS AGO. ONLY ABOUT 9000 MILES ON THE NEW ENGINE!
Mileage: 108,500
MY MECHANIC SAID MY ENGINE SEIZED ON ME. I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY WHICH TURNS INTO A CITY STREET AND THE CAR STOPPED ON ME AND WHEN I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL RIGHT TO GET OFF OF THE BUSY STREET IT WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN. I THEN TRIED TO START THE ENGINE, ALL THE LIGHTS CAME ON BUT THERE WAS NO NOISE WHEN I TURNED THE KEY. SMOKE STARTED COMING OUT OF THE ENGINE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. I HAD TO GET THE CAR TOWED AND THE MECHANIC SAID THE ENGINE SEIZED ON ME. THERE WERE NO WARNING SIGNS. I CALLED KIA BUT THEY SAID MY CAR DOES NOT QUALIFY FOR A RECALL BECAUSE IT IS NOT A GDI MODEL, EVEN THOUGH IT FALLS INTO THE SAME YEAR FOR THE ENGINE RECALL. I CALLED KIA TO SEE HOW MUCH IT WOULD COST TO GET THE ENGINE REPLACED AND WAS TOLD THEY DISCONTINUED MY ENGINE MODEL. SO THEY TOLD ME MY BEST BET WOULD BE TO SEARCH FOR A USED ENGINE IN A JUNK YARD.
Mileage: 104,000
MY CAR WILL INTERMITTENTLY STALL WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO EITHER THE LEFT OR RIGHT LOCK POSITION. THIS OCCURS WHEN GOING EXTREMELY SLOWLY LIKE WHEN GOING IN OR OUT OF A PARKING SPACE.
Mileage: 80,000
DRIVERS ROCKER COVER LIGHT MALFUNCTIONED AND SHORTED OUT STARTING A FIRE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE FLOOR WE WERE JUST PULLING INTO THE DRIVEWAY AT OUR HOME. THEN THE CAR FILLED WITH SMOKE.
Mileage: 71,329
PURCHASED CAR IN APRIL 2016 USED. A WALMART BATTERY WAS IN CAR. I MENTIONED TO SALES PERSON THAT IT HAD A WALMART BATTERY, HE SAYS "O YEAH, THEY HAVE GOOD BATTERIES". SO, CAR IS AT LEAST ON SECOND BATTERY. THAT BATTERY DIED IN APRIL 2017. NEW BATTERY FROM O'RIELLY'S. THAT BATTERY IS NOW LOSING IT'S CHARGE WITHIN 5 DAYS OF NOT DRIVING. NOT NORMAL. ALTERNATOR IS THROWING 14.1 TO BATTERY. NOTHING IN CAR IS EVER LEFT ON.
BATTERY IS GOOD. HAVE TO JUMP START EVERY TIME.
Mileage: 85,000
NAVIGATION SYSTEM ON THE VEHICLE IS FROZEN AT THE STARTUP SCREEN. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERS ONLY 3 YEAR WARRANTY ON THE NAV DISPLAY UNIT. IN MY CASE THIS IS THE SECOND FAILURE.
Mileage: 58,000
WHILE DRIVING THE ABS, TRACTION CONTROL, AND DOWN HILL BREAK ASSIST LIGHT BEGAN TO COME ON NORMAL HIGHWAY DRIVING. WOULD STOP AND RESTART THE CAR THE LIGHTS WOULD GO OFF, AFTER A FEW DRIVING MILES THE LIGJTS CAME BACK ON AND STAYED. NOW THE BREAK WARNING LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE SOMETIMES. I OWNER VEHICLE 52,000 THOUSANDS ON VEHICLE. ALL SERVICE UP TO DATE AND PERFORMED BY KIA DEALERSHIP.
ENGINE FAILURE ENGINE STOPPED IN MIDDLE OF HIGHWAY TRAVELING AT 55 MPH STRAIGHT HIGHWAYPUT FAMILY IN DANGER 2016 JUNE OIL LEAKING ALL OVER GROUND AND ELECTRICAL FAILURE PUSHED CAR TO SIDE OF HIGHWAY .140000 MILE PAST WARRANTY KIA REFUSE TO FIX.
Mileage: 55
I PURCHASED A NEW 2012 KIA SORENTO AND WAS VERY EXCITED ABOUT THE 10 YR / 100,000 MILES WARRANTY ( A BIG PART IN THE DECISION ) TO PURCHASE THIS VEHICLE. IN SEPTEMBER 2016 THE CAR WAS UNABLE TO START , THE MECHANIC STATED THE STARTER WAS THE PROBLEM. I CALLED KIA AND WAS TOLD I SHOULD HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO A KIA DEALER FOR EVALUATION, AND FURTHER MORE THE STARTER WAS NOT COVERED, EVEN. THOUGH THERE IS A LIST OF ITEMS NOT COVERED AND THE STARTER IS NOT ONE OF THEM.
Mileage: 85,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT FAILED. THE CONTACT HAD TO SWITCH TO THE HIGH BEAMS IN ORDER TO GET HOME. THE SAME FAILURE OCCURRED THREE OTHER TIMES ON THE SAME SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE MANUFACTURER UTILIZED THE WRONG SIZE WIRE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER THREE TIMES FOR THE SAME FAILURE THIS MONTH AND THE HARNESS HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,500.
Mileage: 56,500
THE GAUGES ON THE DASHBOARD RANDOMLY CHANGE TO INCLUDE THE MPG GOING UP AND DOWN LIKE A ROLLER COASTER. THIS HAS OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. I'VE INFORMED THE DEALER ABOUT IT MULTIPLE TIMES. THEY STATE THEY DO NOT SEE ANY PROBLEM.
Mileage: 40,000
THE VEHICLE GROSSLY LOST POWER AND CAME TO A NEAR STOP WHICH ALMOST CAUSED COLLISION WITH VEHICLES TRAVELING AT SPEED LIMIT BEHIND ME. WHILE TRAVELING NORMALLY AT THE POSTED 55 MPH SPEED THE VEHICLE SLOWED IMMEDIATELY TO NEARLY MOVING. THIS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES WHICH I REPORTED TO THE KIA DEALER EACH TIME. THE DEALER DID NOT CORRECTLY DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM UNTIL AFTER THE THIRD REPORT.
Mileage: 6,000
I WAS DRIVING MY SON TO SCHOOL ON A CITY STREET AND STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN THEN TRIED TO ACCELERATE AND ALL OF THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH BEGAN FLASHING AND THE CAR JUST SHUT-OFF. I PUT MY CAR IN PARK AND RESTARTED IT. THIS TYPE OF INCIDENT HAS HAPPENED TWICE BEFORE AND THE DEALERSHIP JUST TELLS ME TO KEEP BRINGING IT IN. THEY CAN NEVER FIND WHAT THE PROBLEM IS.
Mileage: 59,000
KIA OCCASIONALLY FAILS TO START USING THE ELECTRONIC IGNITION BUTTON.
Mileage: 43,000
WHILE DRIVING AT 45MPH MY CAR SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD (CITY.) NO WARNING WHATSOEVER, NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, NO CHECK OIL LIGHT...NOTHING. I COULD NOT STEER IT NOR RESTART IT. MY LIGHTS ALL DIMMED. HAD IT TOWED TO A GARAGE AND THEY SAID THEY'VE HAD 3 OF THE SAME CARS WITH THE SAME ISSUE IN THEIR SHOP. THEY TOLD ME THERE WAS NO OIL IN IT , BUT NO LEAK. THEY PUT OIL IN IT AND JUMPED IT, THEN TOOK IT FOR A TEST RUN AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE OIL BECAME THICK AND DIRTY, WITH METAL IN IT AS WELL. I WAS LUCKY THAT I WAS ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK AT MIDNIGHT AND THERE WASN'T MUCH TRAFFIC. I'M SCARED TO DRIVE IT NOW, ESPECIALLY SINCE I HAVE A 150 MILE DRIVE IN A FEW WEEKS. CALLED KIA AND THEY TOLD ME I NEED DOCUMENTATION OF ALL OIL CHANGES...FINE, I CAN GET THAT. FROM WHAT I'VE BEEN READING THOUGH I DON'T FEEL KIA WILL PROVIDE A SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM THAT HAS, FROM WHAT I'VE READ, PLAGUED MANY OWNERS. I BOUGHT MY CAR NEW IN 2011. IT HASN'T EVEN HIT THE 5 YEAR MARK YET, THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AND VERY DANGEROUS. WHAT IF I HAD BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY WITH A TRACTOR-TRAILER BEHIND ME? TOO SCARY. CONSIDERING ALL THE PEOPLE WITH THE SAME ISSUE...WHY HASN'T THERE BEEN A RECALL?
Mileage: 73,500
AFTER SITTING FOR TWO DAYS, THE UNIT WOULDN'T RESPOND TO SMART KEY. INITIALLY THOUGHT SMART KEY BATTERY WAS DEAD. I REPLACED BATTERY IN SMART KEY, BUT THE VEHICLE STILL WOULDN'T RESPOND. I HAD TO USE MECHANICAL KEY TO UNLOCK AND ENTER UNIT WHEN I NOTICED THAT NEITHER THE INTERIOR LIGHTS WERE WORKING NOR WOULD THE 'START' BUTTON ACTIVATE ENGINE OR ANY AUXILIARY FUNCTIONS. BOOSTED UNIT AND TOOK TO A NEARBY SHOP. SHUT OFF ENGINE AND WAITED A FEW SECONDS, AND IT DID RESTART; BUT LEFT WITH SHOP TO SEE IF BATTERY HAD A BAD CELL (THE REASON IT WOULDN'T START). THE SHOP INDICATED THAT BOTH THE ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY NEEDING REPLACING. THE SHOP SUPERVISOR STATED THAT THE ALTERNATOR WASN'T PROPERLY CHARGING THE BATTERY. I MENTIONED THAT THE ALTERNATOR/CHARGE LIGHT NEVER CAME ON WITH ME; BUT HE STATED THAT IT WILL NOT ALWAYS COME ON UNLESS THE ALTERNATOR HAS REALLY GOTTEN BAD. REPLACEMENT ALTERNATOR COST $500 (EXCLUDING LABOR) FOR A UNIT THAT IS ONLY JUST OVER 4.25 YEARS OLD, AND WITH ONLY 83,700 MILES.
Mileage: 83,704
FRIDAY 9/18/15 10:40 AM, BACKING OUT OF PARKING SPOT SLOWLY INTO A ROAD. ENGINE SUDDENLY FAILED, ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, AND THE BRAKES COMPLETELY FAILED. WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE CAR AND PARK IT AGAIN, BUT BRAKES STILL FAILED AND HAD TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND THE CURB AND TREE AT CURB TO STOP VEHICLE. TOWED TO ED VOYLES KIA ON PEACHTREE INDUSTRIAL BLVD IN ATLANTA WHO FOUND NO RECORD OF THE INCIDENT IN COMPUTER AND THAT ALL DIAGNOSTICS WERE NORMAL AND THEY COULDN'T REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM, SO THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. I SENT THEM THIS LINK WITH OTHERS EXPERIENCING SIMILAR ISSUES AND TOLD REP ABOUT OTHERS' EXPERIENCES:HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/KIA/SORENTO/2012/ENGINE/ENGINE.SHTML. THEN HAD IT TOWED TO COBB COUNTY KIA IN KENNESSAW, GA. THEY MAINTAINED NEGLECT ON OUR PART B/C OIL LEVEL WAS AT 0 (PREVIOUS DEALERSHIP SAW NO PROBLEM HERE), ENGINE HAD MAJOR SLUDGE AND PARTICLES OF METAL IN IT, NEEDED FULL ENGINE REPLACEMENT FOR $6500 DIDN'T MAKE SENSE WITH OUR REGULAR OIL CHANGES AND DIDN'T EXPLAIN THE BRAKE FAILURE, THOUGH REP SAID IT DID. HAD IT TOWED TO AAA CAR CARE PLUS IN MARIETTA. COULD NOT REPRODUCE THE ISSUE AND SAID THE CAR, INCLUDING THE ENGINE, WAS IN GREAT SHAPE, WAS FULL OF ALL FLUIDS. MECHANIC ALSO SAID THAT THERE WERE 0 RECORDS ON COMPUTER AND THAT ONE OF DEALERSHIPS LIKELY WIPED IT COMPLETELY CLEAN. HAVE RENTED A CAR IN MEANTIME BECAUSE MY, MY HUSBAND'S, MY TWO KIDS' AND OTHER DRIVERS AND PEDESTRIANS SAFETY WOULD BE COMPROMISED. OTHER COMMENTS ONLINE MENTION PROBLEM MORE THAN ONCE, SOME ON THE HIGHWAY. ALSO REMEMBERED THAT MY HUSBAND HAD HAD TROUBLE STARTING THE CAR A COUPLE OF MONTHS BACK, WITH NO LIGHTS COMING ON AT ALL. HE GOT THE BATTERY CHECKED OUT, AND HE WAS TOLD IT WAS FINE. WE RELAYED THIS TO THE MECHANICS TOO, BUT THEY SEEMED NOT TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE INFO. WE CANNNOT AND WILL NOT DRIVE THE CAR UNTIL IT'S RESOLVED.
Mileage: 43,000
CAMERA MALFUNCTIONING. ORIGINALLY TOOK VEHICLE IN WITH CAMERA PROBLEMS IN 09/2013. SERVICE CHECK COULD NOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM. SAID EVERYTHING WAS FINE. HAVE HAD SAME ISSUES WITH CAMERA WORKING AND NOT WORKING OFF AND ON. TOOK IN FOR SERVICE AGAIN FOR SAME ISSUE WITH CAMERA. TOLD AT FIRST BY SERVICE TECH. OUR WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED ON ITEM. MILEAGE ON VEHICLE IS 60,550. INFORMED THEM WE PURCHASED EXTENDED WARRANTY. HAD TO GO HOME AND BRING IN PROOF OF WARRANTY TO SERVICE DEPT. WHICH I DID THEN WAS TOLD I HAD TO TAKE IT TO DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED IT. FOR REPLACEMENT PART. MATT CASTRUSSI IN DAYTON, OHIO (DEALERSHIP CLOSEST TO WHERE I LIVE) WOULD NOT REPLACE PART. HAD TO TAKE IT TO KIA OF DAYTON, OHIO FOR REPLACEMENT PART.
Mileage: 23,900
UPON ARRIVAL AT MY DESTINATION THE CAR WOULD NOT TURN OFF. I HAD TO PRESS THE IGNITION OFF BUTTON SEVERAL TIME BEFORE THE CAR WOULD SHUT OFF. THERE WERE TIMES WOULD HAVE TO SIT IN THE CAR ABOUT 5-7 MINUTES TRYING TO GET THE CAR TO TURN OFF.
Mileage: 48,000
HAVE TO REPLACE THE BULB IN MY HEADLIGHT. USED TO BE EVERY 4-5 MONTHS. NOW, IT'S 3 TIMES IN THE LAST TWO WEEKS. AFTER TAKING IT TO SHOP, WIRING IS SHORTING OUT, MELTING PLASTIC AROUND BULB AND CONNECTION TO CAR. CAN NOT JUST REPLACE LITTLE SOCKET, LIKE IN MOST CARS, KIA WANTS YOU TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE WIRING HARNESS, TO THE TUNE OF OVER $500 FOR THE PART ALONE, NOT COUNTING LABOR. AFTER SEARCHING ONLINE, FOUND THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE FOR THE LAST 9-10 YEARS.
Mileage: 90,000
THE FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. I WENT TO ACCELERATE AND REALIZED THAT THE CAR HAD SHUT ITSELF OFF. I PUT IT IN PARK, AND RESTARTED IT WITHOUT INCIDENT. WHEN I BROUGHT IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP, THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO AND THAT I SHOULD BRING IT IN AS SOON AS IT HAPPENS NEXT TIME. THE SECOND TIME, MARCH 28, 2015, I WAS TRYING TO PULL INTO A PARKING SPOT WHEN I WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL. AGAIN, I REALIZED THAT THE CAR HAD STALLED, SO I PUT IT INTO PARK, AND RESTARTED IT. WHILE THERE WAS NO HARM DONE, MY MAIN CONCERN IS THAT SOMETHING LIKE THIS WILL HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING AT A HIGHER SPEED, AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE SEEN THIS SAME OCCURRENCE IN OTHER REVIEWS AND WONDER WHY THIS IS NOT MORE OF A CONCERN FOR THE MANUFACTURERS. WHAT WILL IT TAKE FOR A RECALL? *TR
ON MONDAY, MARCH 23 AT 8 PM, I ARRIVED HOME AND PARKED MY CAR IN OUR DRIVEWAY CLOSE TO OUR HOUSE. I LOVED UP AND WENT INSIDE. AT 4:30 AM WEDNESDAY MORNING, MY SON CAME INTO OUR BEDROOM SAYING BE THOUGHT SUNSHINE WAS TRYING TO BREAK INTO MY CAR BECAUSE THE CAR ALARM WAS GOING OFF. I WENT TO THE WINDOW TO LOOK OUT, AND IMMEDIATELY SEE THAT THE CAR WAS ON FIRE. THE FLAMES APPEARED TO BE COMING FROM THE LEFT DRIVER'S SIDE TAIL LIGHT. WE CALLED 911. BY THE TIME THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED THE WHOLE BACK HALF OF THE CAR WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE WAS ROARING. THE CAR WAS TOTALED. AN ARSON INVESTIGATOR ROLLED OUT ARSON. IT WAS THE CRAZIEST THING I HAVE EVER WITNESSED AND IT WAS TERRIFYINGLY CLOSE TO OUR HOUSE. THE FIRE WAS ALREADY IN OUR YARD WHEN THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED. I SHUTTER TO THINK WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF MY SON HAD NOT WOOLEN UP WHEN HE HAD. THE FIRE WAS SO CLOSE TO THE GAS TANK, WE ARE LUCKY THERE WANT A FULL ON EXPLOSION. THE WEATHER WAS MILD AND DRY WHEN IT HAPPENED AND THERE WAS NO DEFERRED MAINTENANCE ON THE CAR. I SIMPLY CAN'T IMAGINE WHAT COULD HAVE CAUSED THE FIRE. MY BEST GUESS IS THAT SOMETHING SET OF THE CAR ALARM WHICH ON TURN SHORTED AND SPARKED THE FIRE IN THE FLASHING REAR LIGHTS. IT WAS A CERTIFIED USED VEHICLE AND IN PERFECT CONDITION THAT I PURCHASED IN SEPTEMBER 2014. *TR
Mileage: 60,000
I WAS DRIVING AT 55 MPH WHEN MY BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON. WITHIN SEVERAL MINUTES EVERY WARNING SYMBOL LIGHT BEGAN TO LIGHT UP. MY RADIO EVENTUALLY SHUT DOWN AND THE FRONT DASH LIGHTING WENT OUT. I GOT OFF THE HIGHWAY AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE FOR ANOTHER COUPLE OF MILES, BUT THE ENGINE POWER WAS DWINDLING. I EVENTUALLY LOST ACCELERATION AND POWER BRAKES AND STEERING. MY CAR HAS A PUSH BUTTON START AND I WAS UNABLE TO SHUT IT OFF. THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING VERY ROUGHLY. I WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT THE CAR INTO PARK- ONLY DRIVE OR NEUTRAL AND COULD NOT GET MY FLASHERS TO COME ON. AFTER 5-7 MINUTES, THE CAR FINALLY DIED AND I COULD SHIFT IT INTO PARK AND THE HAZARD LIGHTS CAME ON. I HAD MY CAR TOWED TO A KIA DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THE FOLLOWING BUSINESS DAY THAT MY BATTERY WAS COMPLETELY DEAD AND WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED BEFORE ANYTHING ELSE COULD BE CHECKED. AFTER THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED I WAS TOLD THE ALTERNATOR WAS WORKING FINE. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THIS INCIDENT AS IT CREATED A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. *TR
Mileage: 36,120
AT DEALERSHIP TO POSSIBLY PURCHASE USED 2012 KIA SORENTO. VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. DEALER HAD TO JUMP START. EVERYTHING SEEMED OK AND DROVE TO NEARBY PARKING LOT TO LOOK OVER THE CAR. LEFT THE CAR RUNNING IN PARK AND AFTER 5 MINUTES VARIOUS DASH LIGHTS BEGAN TO LIGHT UP, ENGINE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE, AND THE STOP BUTTON WOULD NOT SHUTDOWN THE CAR. EVENTUALLY THE ENGINE LABORED AND THEN STOPPED. CALLED DEALER AND WE JUMP STARTED THE ENGINE. ON THE WAY BACK TO DEALERSHIP (LESS THAN A MILE) THE ENGINE LABORED, THROTTLE WOULD NOT RESPOND, POWER STEERING GOT VERY HEAVY, AND THEN THE ENGINE QUIT. THIS HAPPENED TWICE REQUIRING JUMP STARTS. IT DIED AGAIN ENTERING THE DEALERSHIP. BATTERY HAD BEEN REPLACED BY DEALERSHIP BUT TROUBLESHOOTING DETERMINED THE ALTERNATOR WAS NOT CHARGING. SENT TO KIA DEALERSHIP AND THEY REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR. *TR
Mileage: 36,000
I WAS DRIVING TO WORK AT 55 MPH AND ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH CAME ON AND MY HEAD LIGHTS SHUT OFF. MY CAR RESTARTED RIGHT AFTER THAT AND NOW IT HAS DONE IT THREE TIMES SINCE THEN. I AM NERVOUS WHEN I DRIVE BECAUSE, I FEAR I WILL BE STALLED SOMEWHERE AND IT WILL BE WINTER. I DRIVE 47 MILES ONE WAY TO WORK. I AM SERIOUSLY THINKING OF TRADING THE CAR OFF. I KNOW I WON'T GET ANYTHING FOR IT BUT, AT LEAST I WILL BE SAFE. WE WERE TOLD BY KIA THAT IF THE CAR SHUTS OFF IT IS RESETTING THE COMPUTER AND THEY WILL BE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE IF A DUMMY LIGHT DOESN'T STAY ON. I SEE THERE ARE MORE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE I AM HAVING WITH MY KIA AND I THINK KIA SHOULD DO A RECALL ON THEM. THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE AND I THINK IT NEEDS TO BE RESOLVED ASAP. *TR
Mileage: 98,000
WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS ALL DASHBOARD INSTRUMENTATION, A/C AND HEADLIGHTS WERE LOST. IT WAS LATER DETERMINED THAT A SHORT IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT WIRING HARNESS HAD BLOWN THE FUSE FOR CONTROL MODULE #2 RESULTING IN THE AFOREMENTIONED INSTRUMENTATION AND SAFETY EQUIPMENT. *TR
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR IN A PARKING GARAGE AND WITHOUT WARNING AS I WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN THE CAR SHUT DOWN COMPLETELY, NO LIGHTS, NO ENGINE, NO POWER STEERING, STIFF BRAKES. I WAS UNABLE TO EVEN TURN ON MY HAZARD LIGHTS. SOMEONE WAS KIND ENOUGH TO HELP PUSH MY VEHICLE TO THE SIDE AND EVENTUALLY I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE CAR. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, THEY FOUND NOTHING AND WERE UNABLE TO RECREATE THE PROBLEM. THIS COULD BE A REAL DANGER ON THE ROAD AND NOW MY TRUST IN THE CAR IS SHAKEN! SCARY TO SEE OTHER PEOPLE REPORTING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. *TR
Mileage: 25,000
I WAS DRIVING MY 2012 KIA SORENTO ON A FLAT RESIDENTIAL ROAD IN FAIR WEATHER AND CAME TO STOP AT A STOP SIGN. AFTER GOING FORWARD ABOUT 20FT AFTER THE STOP SIGN MY CAR JUST DIED. IT COMPLETELY TURNED OFF, ALL ELECTRICAL, THE ENGINE, EVERYTHING AND I HAD TO PUT IT IN PARK TO RESTART THE ENGINE. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON 4 SEPARATE OCCASIONS, 1 TIME ON A HILL, 1 TIME IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC WITH A TRACTOR TRAILER BEHIND ME, AND AGAIN ON MY WAY HOME IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE KIA DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY COULD NOT RE-CREATE THE PROBLEM AND NO ERROR CODES CAME UP. I DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO. I AM SCARED FOR MY LIFE DRIVING THIS CAR. *TR
Mileage: 45,564
I WAS IN TRAFFIC AND THE ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING. I NOTICED THAT ENGINE STOPPED WITH ALL THE INDICATORS ON INCLUDING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON BUT MY CAR WAS NOT RUNNING ANYMORE AND WILL NOT DRIVE EVEN WHEN I PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL. I PUT IT ON PARK AND TURNED IT OFF AND RESTARTED. IT STARTED. THIS HAPPENED TWICE WITHIN 10 MINUTES OF EACH OTHER. *TR
Mileage: 34,853
INCIDENT #1: I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE EAST BOUND ON A ST IN THE DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO AREA, APPROACHING FRONT STREET (EXACT STREET INTERSECTION UNKNOWN). I WAS IN THE CENTER LANE WHEN THE CAR, WITHOUT ANY WARNING OF IMMINENT FAILURE (NOT EVEN AN ODD NOISE OR ELECTRICAL GLITCH BEFOREHAND) JUST COMPLETELY SHUT OFF AND STOPPED ABRUPTLY. I HAD NO WAY TO EVEN MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL TO TRY TO MOVE OUT OF THE WAY. I PLACED THE VEHICLE IN PARK, TURNED ON MY WARNING LIGHTS, TURNED OFF THE IGNITION AND THEN TRIED TO RE-START THE VEHICLE. IT RESTARTED WITHOUT ANY COMPLICATION AS IF NOTHING HAPPENED. INCIDENT #2: ON 05/13/2014, AFTER APPROXIMATELY 6 WEEKS OR 550 MILES OF USE (MY PERSONAL ESTIMATE), THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN. THIS TIME, I WAS DRIVING WEST BOUND ON CEDAR STREET IN DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO, AT APPROXIMATELY 15-20 MPH (DECREASING SPEED TO STOP AT A LIGHT) WHEN AT THE CORNER OF 5TH STREET AND CEDAR ST., THE CAR SHUT OFF COMPLETELY AGAIN WITHOUT WARNING OR ANY PRIOR INDICATION OF IMMINENT FAILURE. I WAS ABLE TO VEER THE CAR OFF TO THE SIDE A BIT BECAUSE OF THE MOMENTUM AND ANGLE OF THE STREET BUT COULD NOT MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL MUCH. I PLACED THE CAR IN PARK, TURNED ON MY WARNING SIGNALS, AND TURNED OF THE IGNITION. I THEN SHIFTED THE VEHICLE TO NEUTRAL THEN BACK TO PARK, AND THEN TRIED TO TURN ON THE CAR AGAIN AND IT DID WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS. THE FOLLOWING DAY, I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE KIA DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THEY TOLD ME THEY RAN DIAGNOSTICS AND WERE NOT ABLE TO IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM AND THAT THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE CONCERN. THEIR ONLY RECOMMENDATION WAS TO TAKE THE CAR IN IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN. *TR
Mileage: 24,000
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS THE VEHICLE HAS EITHER STALLED WITH A TOTAL LOSS OF STEERING, BRAKES AND ACCELERATION OR WITH THE ENGINE STILL RUNNING A TOTAL LOSS OF STEERING, BRAKES AND ACCELERATION. *TR
Mileage: 30,000
AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN ABOUT 15 MPH MAKING A RIGHT TURN. AT THE TIME OF TURNING THE VEHICLE'S STEERING WHEEL THE CAR SHUT OFF UNEXPECTEDLY SHUTTING THE ENGINE OFF. LOSS OF CONTROL THEN OCCURRED OF THE STEERING WHEEL (TO STIFF TO TURN) ALONG WITH A DIFFICULT BREAKING PROCESS CAUSING THE CAR TO VEER OFF THE ROADWAY. FORTUNATELY, THE VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO A STOP BY PLACING AN EXTREME AND INCREASED FORCE ONTO THE BREAK PEDAL BEFORE A BRICK PILLAR WAS STRUCK HEAD ON. *TT
Mileage: 44,000
AT 5:40PM MST ON 03/20/2014, I WAS APPROACHING A 4-WAY INTERSECTION IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA AT APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH INTENDING TO STOP AND THEN MAKE A RIGHT TURN. TRAFFIC GOING MY DIRECTION HAD STOP SIGNS AND CROSS TRAFFIC DID NOT. THERE WAS ONE OTHER CAR APPROACHING THE INTERSECTION FROM MY LEFT. WITHOUT WARNING, MY 2012 KIA SORENTO COMPLETELY SHUT OFF (ENGINE, ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC).IT HAPPENED SILENTLY AND WITHOUT DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS OR ENGINE NOISE. I WAS NOT ABLE TO FULLY STOP OR TURN AT THE INTERSECTION AS MY CAR HAD LOST POWER BRAKES, POWER STEERING AND ANY ABILITY TO ACCELERATE. WHEN THE CAR CAME TO A REST, IT WAS AT A DIAGONAL, PARTIALLY BLOCKING THE INTERSECTION AND FACING THE WRONG WAY TOWARD ANY ONCOMING TRAFFIC TO MY RIGHT (THERE WAS NONE AT THE TIME). THE CAR WAS STILL IN DRIVE AND THE IGNITION WAS STILL IN THE FULLY-FORWARD ENGAGED POSITION, BUT THERE WERE NO DASHBOARD LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AND THE MOTOR WAS DEAD. THE OTHER CAR THAT HAD BEEN APPROACHING TO MY LEFT WAS ABLE TO STOP IN TIME TO AVOID MY CAR, AND HE DROVE AROUND ME AND CONTINUED ON. I PUT ON MY HAZARD LIGHTS. FOR THE FIRST 15 SECONDS OR SO, I WAS UNABLE TO GET THE CAR TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL OR PARK. EVENTUALLY, I WAS ABLE TO GET THE GEAR SHIFT TO MOVE TO PARK, BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT TURN ON DESPITE MY TURNING THE THE IGNITION OFF AND ON MULTIPLE TIMES. I WAS ABOUT TO GET OUT AND CALL A TOW TRUCK WHEN THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS SUDDENLY CAME BACK ON. AT THAT POINT, I WAS ABLE TO RESTART TO CAR AND DRIVE TO MY DESTINATION. THE CAR DID NOT SHOW ANY SIGNS OF A PROBLEM IN THE TIME IMMEDIATELY BEFORE OR AFTER THIS INCIDENT. WE DROPPED OFF THE CAR AT THE DEALERSHIP THE NEXT MORNING 3/21/2014. AT THE TIME OF THIS WRITING, THE DEALER HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO RECREATE THE PROBLEM, NOR HAVE THEY FOUND ANY CODES ON THE CAR'S COMPUTER. THIS IS POTENTIALLY AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS PROBLEM.
Mileage: 37,000
WHILE DRIVING MY CAR ON 4 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS MY VEHICLE HAS SHUT OFF WHILE IN MOTION. THE CAR LOCKS OUT AND I HAVE NO CONTROL OF IT. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE 3 DIFFERENT TIMES TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER IS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE REASON FOR THE SHUTDOWN. THIS IS MY FAMILY CAR WHERE 3 SMALL CHILDREN ARE TRANSPORTED IN AND I AM SCARED THAT THIS ISSUE COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE BODILY INJURY OR DEATH TO MYSELF, MY FAMILY OR THE PUBLIC. WHEN THE VEHICLE SHUTS OFF THERE IS NO ADVANCE WARNING. IN ONE OCCASION A VEHICLE HAD TO SWERVE TO PREVENT FROM COLLIDING INTO ME. THE DEALER HAS SIMPLY SAID THAT THEY ARE UNABLE TO FIX A PROBLEM THEY HAVE NO CODES ON. KIA MADE A RECOMMENDATION TO CHANGE THE BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR TO SEE IF THAT WILL SOLVE THE ISSUE, BUT ARE UNSURE WHAT THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM IS. *TR
Mileage: 29,044
ON 12-25-2013, NOTICED THAT THE SIDE MARKET LIGHTS REMAINED ON FOR SEVERAL HOURS AFTER THE ENGINE WAS SHUT OFF. COUPLE OF DAYS LATER, CAR WOULDN'T START AFTER PUSHING ON THE KEY-LESS ENTRY PUSH BUTTON START. CAR FINALLY STARTED AFTER SEVERAL PUSH BUTTON ATTEMPTS. NEXT DAY THE CAR WOULDN'T STOP AFTER PUSHING ON THE KEY-LESS ENTRY STOP BUTTON. ENGINE FINALLY TURNED OFF AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS BY PLAYING WITH THE GEAR SHIFT KNOB AND DRIVING AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD. "UNABLE TO STOP THE ENGINE BY PUSHING ON THE KEY-LESS ENTRY PUSH BUTTON STOP" PROBLEM CONTINUED, SO IT WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP COULDN'T DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, SO THE CAR WAS RETURNED TO US W/O A FIX. TOMORROW I WILL BE CONTACTING KIA MAIN OFFICES REGARDING THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Mileage: 11,600
KIA SORENTO STALLED WHEN APPROACHING A STOP SIGN AT LOW SPEEDS OF 10-15 MILES PER HR. THERE WAS NO SOUND OR DAMAGE. DEALER NOT ABLE TO RECREATE SITUATION SO NO REPAIRS. THIS HAS HAPPENED COUPLE OF TIMES IN LAST TWO YEARS. SYMPTOMS ARE YELLOW ENGINE LIGHT TURNS ON AND CAR ENGINE STALLS. AFTER PUTTING CAR IN PARKING AND PRESSING IGNITION BUTTON ON WOULD RE-START THE ENGINE. PLEASE FOLLOW UP AS THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AS CAR CAN STALLS IN MOVING TRAFFIC. *TR
Mileage: 12,000
I AM BEYOND DISAPPOINTED IN MY 2012 KIA SORENTO. IT ALL STARTED WHEN MY SORENTO BEGAN TO VIBRATE WHEN TRAVELING AT INTERSTATE SPEED, THEN IT JUST LED TO MORE COMPLEX PROBLEMS. I CAN BE DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AT NORMAL INTERSTATE SPEED OF 70 OR GOING 50 AND IT WILL GO CRAZY MAKING UNUSUAL SOUNDS AND ALL THE LIGHTS START GOING CRAZY. THEN THE WHOLE VEHICLE SHUTS OFF. THIS IS VERY CONCERNING SINCE I HAVE A 2 YEAR OLD AND 1 YEAR OLD IN MY BACK SEAT AND IT ALWAYS SEEMS TO HAPPEN WHEN I AM IN A HIGH TRAFFIC AREA. I PURCHASED THE SORENTO BECAUSE IT IS SUPPOSE TO BE CONSIDERED A FAMILY VEHICLE. THAT'S ISN'T IT. I CAN BE TRAVELING IN TOWN OR WHERE EVER AND WHEN AT A YIELD ENTRANCE WAY I CAN PULL INTO THE MAIN ROAD AND WHAT DO YOU KNOW. THE SORENTO STALLS OUT. IT DOESN'T WANT TO INCREASE SPEED. THIS SAME THING ALSO HAPPENS WHILE I AM SPEEDING UP AS WELL. IT GETS UP TO 5RPM BEFORE CHANGING GEARS. I CAN'T LET OFF OR I WILL GET REAR ENDED. MY SORENTO ALSO HAS A HORRIBLE PULL TO THE RIGHT. I HAVE PUT NEW TIRES, HAD NUMEROUS ALIGNMENTS AND ALL. NOTHING HELPS IT. IT HAS NEVER BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENT WHATSOEVER, BUT IF THESE PROBLEMS KEEP UP THERE SEEMS TO BE ONE IN THE NEAR FUTURE. I HAVE ALSO TOOK IT TO SEVERAL DEALERSHIPS TO GET THE OTHER ISSUES CHECKED OUT BUT I GET THE SAME RESPONSE. "THEY NEVER CAN FIGURE ANYTHING OUT" I HAVE GOT SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE TO DRIVE IT AS WELL JUST TO BE SURE IT WASN'T THE WAY I DROVE. I AM TO THE POINT WHERE I AM TERRIFIED TO DRIVE IT AND ESPECIALLY ALLOW MY CHILDREN TO RIDE IN IT. I'M SURE ALL OF US WITH THE SIMILAR ISSUES ARE NOT IMAGING THINGS. I AM SO FRUSTRATED AND TO THE POINT I WANT TO CONSIDER A LAWSUIT BECAUSE I REALLY DON'T WANT A FATAL WRECK RESULTED FROM THESE MALFUNCTIONS TO FINALLY MAKE SOMEONE DO SOMETHING ABOUT THESE ISSUES. NOT MY FAMILY, YOUR FAMILY, OR ANYONE ELSE'S. PLEASE HELP US! OUR LIVES AND OUR CHILDREN'S LIVES ARE AT RISK! *TR
I LEASED MY KIA SORENTO 2012 LX V6 AWD NEW, AFTER ABOUT 5 OR 6 MONTHS I NOTICED WHEN BREAKING TO SLOW DOWN THE CAR THE ENGINE SOMETIMES STALLS COMPLETELY, ONCE I SHIFT BACK IN N I CAN RESTART THE ENGINE. THIS HAPPENS COMPLETELY RANDOMLY, THERE IS NO RHYME OR REASON, THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING PRECEDING THIS INCIDENT, IT HAPPENS ON ITS OWN, ONCE ACTUALLY IT HAPPENED WHILE THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY STOPPED AT RED LIGHT. I HAVE BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP MANY MANY TIMES, THEY EVEN WENT SO FAR AS TO CALLING A KIA FIELD TECH TO COME INSPECT THE CAR, LASTLY THEY INSTALLED AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE WHICH WAS APPARENTLY RECORDING ANYTHING HAPPENING TO YOUR ENGINE, AND SURE ENOUGH ABOUT A WEEK AFTER INSTALLATION I HAD THE SAME ISSUE, I PRESSED THE BUTTON BUT UPON RETURNING TO KIA DEALERSHIP I WAS TOLD THE DEVICE HAD NOT RECORDED ANYTHING, APPARENTLY NO CODES ARE GENERATED WHEN THE ENGINE STALLS THIS WAY. I HAVE NO IDEA HOW THIS CAN BE RESOLVED SINCE NO ONE KNOWS HOW EXACTLY THIS OCCURS AND THE ISSUE CANNOT EVEN BE REPLICATED. *TR
Mileage: 6,000
WHEN I AM SLOWING DOWN TO AROUND 20 MPH, THE CAR COMPLETELY SHUTS DOWN. NO POWER, AT ALL. *TR
Mileage: 8,244
MY FAMILY AND I (WIFE, 4 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER AND 9 MONTH OLD DAUGHTER) HAD JUST EXITED THE FREEWAY AND ENTERED OUR HOUSING COMPLEX. WHILE DRIVING THROUGH THE NEIGHBORHOOD OUR VEHICLE'S ENGINE AS WELL AS ALL ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS TURNED OFF. WE WERE IN MOTION AT THE TIME IT TURNED OFF. WE HAD ANOTHER VEHICLE BEHIND US, BUT LUCKILY THEY SAW OUR VEHICLE SLOWING DOWN AND DROVE AROUND US. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING AND STATED EVERYTHING LOCKED UP AND, AS EXPECTED, SHE HAD TO MUSCLE THE STEERING TO PULL TO THE SIDE AND OUT OF THE WAY OF TRAFFIC. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ALSO DEPRESSED ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR, AND HAD NO ABS. WE HAD TO WAIT FOR THE VEHICLE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP THEN PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND START THE ENGINE BACK UP. I INITIALLY TOLD MY WIFE TO PUT IT IN NEUTRAL BUT AFTER TRYING THAT, IT DID NOT WORK. AFTER WE GOT THE VEHICLE BACK ON WE DROVE STRAIGHT HOME. I CONTACTED CITRUS KIA THAT DAY AND TOLD THEM WHAT HAD HAPPENED. I WAS TOLD THAT THEY HAVE NOT HEARD OF THAT ISSUE AND WOULD HAVE NO WAY CONFIRMING WHAT HAPPENED UNLESS IT DID IT WHILE THEY WERE INSPECTING IT. MY VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED FROM 4/10/13- 4/13/13. THE END RESULT IS THAT THEY COULD NOT LOCATE THE PROBLEM BUT DID DO A NUMBER OF INSPECTIONS TO "HOPEFULLY" PREVENT THE PROBLEM FROM RE-OCCURRING. THEY TOLD ME THERE IS NOTHING MORE THEY COULD DO AS THEY HAVE NO WAY OF ACTUALLY VERIFYING WHY THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WHILE IN MOTION. AS OF THIS WRITING I WAS ADVISED I COULD COME DOWN AND PICK UP MY VEHICLE, BUT WILL REFUSE UNTIL THE PROBLEM IS FOUND AND RESOLVED, AS THIS IS MY WIFE'S VEHICLE AND I DO NOT WANT THIS SAME PROBLEM HAPPENING AND IT RESULTING IN A INJURY OR FATAL COLLISION. I HAVE READ EDMUNDS.COM (HTTP://TOWNHALL-TALK.EDMUNDS.COM/DIRECT/VIEW/.F13B7CA/40) AND SEE SIMILAR COMPLAINTS WITH NO RESOLUTION. PLEASE PLEASE HELP. *TR
Mileage: 18,500
WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE IT WOULD NOT START. THE 2012 SORENTO HAS A PUSH BUTTON START. THE ISSUE STARTED THE DAY WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AND IT SEEMS LIKE IT IS A REPEATED ISSUE. THE KIA DEALER IN OMAHA NEBRASKA REPLACED THE SWITCH TWICE AND THE DEALER IN FAIRVIEW HTS, IL HAS REPLACED THE SAME PART AT LEAST THREE TIMES. I'M THINKING LEMON. IT IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER IN FAIRVIEW HTS, IL FOR THE SAME ISSUE AGAIN. *TR
Mileage: 10,321
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SUCCESSFULLY RESTART THE VEHICLE AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE MAY BE RELATED TO THE ELECTRONIC SYSTEM. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE KEY MIGHT HAVE DISCONNECTED FROM THE VEHICLE AND CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF HAVING THE KEY SYNCHRONIZED WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,000.
Mileage: 6,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PUSH START FEATURE DID NOT PROPERLY FUNCTION AND WOULD NOT TURN THE VEHICLE OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE DEALER DISCONNECTED THE IGNITION FROM UNDER THE HOOD, BUT HAD NOT BEEN ABLE TO REPAIR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 38. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Mileage: 38
AFTER PARKING THE CAR FOR 72 HOURS AT AN AIRPORT, UPON RETURN THE CAR STARTED NORMALLY, BUT THE WARNING LIGHT SHOWING A BATTERY APPEARED. WHILE DRIVING HOME, APPROX 8 MILES, THE CAR'S DASH FLASHED MORE WARNING SYMBOLS... ANTIBRAKES, AIRBAG, ETC AND THE WIPERS BEGAN TO SLOW. I PULLED OVER AS THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND STALLED. I USED KIA'S ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE TO GET A TOW TO THE DEALERSHIP. ON 2/13/2012 THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR AT NO CHARGE. THIS REPAIR, NECESSARY ON THIS 2012 KIA SORENTO, OCCURRED AT 6,607 MILES. *TR