It might not seem like a big deal but I've owned a 2016, 2018 and now 2019 Kia Sorento and all 3 yrs. the luggage lamp, or (dome light), does not work. I have brought this issue up about all 3 vehicles. Nobody has ever attempted to fix it. In fact I've been told at the dealership that it's a problem and has been for quite some t…
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It might not seem like a big deal but I've owned a 2016, 2018 and now 2019 Kia Sorento and all 3 yrs. the luggage lamp, or (dome light), does not work. I have brought this issue up about all 3 vehicles. Nobody has ever attempted to fix it. In fact I've been told at the dealership that it's a problem and has been for quite some time. In the owner's Manuel it states this problem could be due to other electrical systems. It does not state which ones. I'm under a recall for the tow package so I'm not sure which could be the culprit when I'm towing a trailer and the fuses blow under the hood or various blinkers or brake lights quit working when towing. You don't know if people behind you are getting the turn signals or brake signals. Has led to many close calls on the road while moving various weights. Would be nice to know if it was ,"other electrical issues", from the luggage lamp issues, or part of the tow package issues. I am by far not the only one who has had these issues with the Kia Sorento's. I would like to know how long these issues can go on before it's too long? Thank You
NHTSA ODI #11513343
Mileage unknown · Mar 20, 2023
Unknown Or Other
Recalled for manufacturer installed tow hitch harness that can cause fire. Causing fire to my home and other vehicles. I have had this vehicle since new and have been parking it in my garage all of these years and now Kia is just now notifying the owners. I contacted Kia dealership and twice have been told there is no fix figure…
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Recalled for manufacturer installed tow hitch harness that can cause fire. Causing fire to my home and other vehicles. I have had this vehicle since new and have been parking it in my garage all of these years and now Kia is just now notifying the owners. I contacted Kia dealership and twice have been told there is no fix figured out by Kia and to call back later. I wrote to Kia directly 2/12/23 Kia Customer Care - Case#[XXX] and they responded 3/20/23 - also talking about a reimbursement that may be my problem I am not sure what they are talking about. Regardless, they do not care if my vehicle might catch on fire and destroy my home or other vehicles. Dear [XXX], Thank you for contacting Kia Customer Care. At this time the remedy for the recall is not available please keep your letter with you. Once the remedy becomes available to the Kia dealerships for a repair, you will be notified. Once you have received this letter, you may contact us for a reimbursement review. At that time we will advise you of what documents we will need in order to start your process of review. Please make note, a request for reimbursement does not mean you are approved or will be approved, there is no guarantee. I also am very concerned that my auto and home insurer will dump me due to the fire hazard. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA ODI #11512828
Mileage unknown · Mar 8, 2023
Unknown Or Other
Paint peel off in my vehicle
NHTSA ODI #11510834
Mileage unknown · Dec 11, 2022
Fuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or OtherVehicle Speed Control
To whom it may concern: I am sending this email as an owner of a 2019 Kia Sorento for just 15 months, yet I am already experiencing significant mechanical issues. 3 weeks ago my car stopped accelerating while driving across a bridge, began shaking a making a weird noise once idle, and as expected my engine light came on. After c…
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To whom it may concern: I am sending this email as an owner of a 2019 Kia Sorento for just 15 months, yet I am already experiencing significant mechanical issues. 3 weeks ago my car stopped accelerating while driving across a bridge, began shaking a making a weird noise once idle, and as expected my engine light came on. After calling endless Kia dealers I was able to get it towed 2 weeks later to my local Kia. To my surprise it was a high pressure fuel pump issue which seems to be a common issue amongst Kia Sorento’s. After only having this car for 15 months it should not be costing me $1,700 in repairs. I am requesting that this issue be looked into further and that Kia provides me with assistance.
NHTSA ODI #11496920
Mileage unknown · Oct 30, 2022
Unknown Or OtherFire
While I was driving on the NJ Turnpike near Newark, NJ, I saw black smoke coming in the front windows that I had open about 3 inches each. I immediately pulled into the shoulder of the highway and turned the cars ignition off. By the time I got the car in Park and turned it off the entire front cabin of the car was so thick with…
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While I was driving on the NJ Turnpike near Newark, NJ, I saw black smoke coming in the front windows that I had open about 3 inches each. I immediately pulled into the shoulder of the highway and turned the cars ignition off. By the time I got the car in Park and turned it off the entire front cabin of the car was so thick with smoke that I couldn’t see or breathe. I was able to get out and away from the vehicle just as it completely went up in flames. Two truck drivers stopped and emptied their fire extinguishers on the fire but it did not help at all. By this time the NJ State Police had arrived to help with traffic and they had me sit in the back of one of their vehicles away from the heavy smoke. Prior to seeing the smoke, I had no warning lights on my dashboard, the temperature of the car never rose, and there were no emergency messages whatsoever. There also had not been any work performed on the car for at least 3 weeks prior to fire. Had I not been in a location where there was an accessible shoulder I don’t know that I would have been able to get out in time to escape being overcome by the thick smoke. I have no idea what caused the smoke and ensuing fire and I also have no idea if anyone has inspected the vehicle since the fire. The insurance company is not paying anything because of a clause in my policy indicating they do not pay if the vehicle was being used to transport for money when the incident occurred. They also knew that I had a courier service and used this vehicle for personal and work use. When I told them I wanted an investigation to find out what happened and who is at fault (because it’s NOT me) I was told that they don’t have to release the vehicle for any investigation because they wouldn’t be paying on it anyway! I believe Kia is responsible for this and I want them held accountable. There will be a police incident report but I checked on it today and it still is not ready. The vehicle was towed to Moran Towing in Kearny, NJ.
NHTSA ODI #11491543
Mileage unknown · Oct 10, 2022
Unknown Or Other
The pearl paint is chipping off exposing the metal underneath. I’ve contacted the dealer in Clermont, Fl twice trying to receive help with no results. I’ve also contacted KIA corporate and have been told my 2019 is no longer covered for paint. I have 40,000 miles on it and paint should not be peeling off leaving metal exposed. …
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The pearl paint is chipping off exposing the metal underneath. I’ve contacted the dealer in Clermont, Fl twice trying to receive help with no results. I’ve also contacted KIA corporate and have been told my 2019 is no longer covered for paint. I have 40,000 miles on it and paint should not be peeling off leaving metal exposed. Obviously something was not done correctly in the setting of the paint or an ingredient left out of the mixture. I am including an image.
NHTSA ODI #11488684
Mileage unknown · Oct 5, 2022
Unknown Or Other
The Transmission for my 2019 Kia Sorento V6 AWD stumbles and hesitates when accelerating. It is a safety issue. When I attempt to accelerate the transmission does not engage for a second or two which is critical in normal driving. This hesitation could easily cause an accident. It is available for inspection upon request. I have…
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The Transmission for my 2019 Kia Sorento V6 AWD stumbles and hesitates when accelerating. It is a safety issue. When I attempt to accelerate the transmission does not engage for a second or two which is critical in normal driving. This hesitation could easily cause an accident. It is available for inspection upon request. I have reported to KIA dealers on multiple occasions and to KIA consumer affairs and they have performed two Technical Service Bulletins that did not correct the problem. The dealer reproduced the problem but indicate that it may be a design flaw by KIA but they do not have a fix at this time. There are no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to failure. The issue first appeared since the vehicle was purchased in 2018. There are numerous complaints for the same concern on the NHTSA -Power Train Problems for 2019 Kia Sorento.
NHTSA ODI #11488103
Mileage unknown · Jul 24, 2022
Unknown Or Other
On July 21 year 2022 my Kia Sorento was stolen. I am Under the impression that Kia did not fix the problem of the ease of getting into a locked car as well as fixing the problem of how easy it is to start the engine and drive off. I am very disappointed and will never buy a Kia product again. This was my second and final Kia. I …
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On July 21 year 2022 my Kia Sorento was stolen. I am Under the impression that Kia did not fix the problem of the ease of getting into a locked car as well as fixing the problem of how easy it is to start the engine and drive off. I am very disappointed and will never buy a Kia product again. This was my second and final Kia. I feel Kia is responsible for my car being stolen because the problem Of accessibility was not fixed even though Kia was aware of the problem. I would like some kind of reimbursement for the anguish and trouble this has caused. A police report has been filed on this incident.
NHTSA ODI #11475620
Mileage unknown · Jul 13, 2022
Unknown Or Other
My vehicle was stolen in a parking lot full of other vehicles. I now know about the design flaw, making it easy for Kias to be stolen. This needs to be resolved immediately via a recall by Kia to fix this flaw and to prevent other Kia owners from going through this.
NHTSA ODI #11473670
Mileage unknown · Dec 22, 2021
StructureUnknown Or Other
My 2019 Snow White KIA Sorento paint started peeling up on the driver side hood and wasn't caused by any type of damage. Took the vehicle to the local KIA dealership and was told that my 3 year 36000 mile warranty was expired and there was nothing they would do to correct this issue.
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2019 Sorento vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, water may leak into the rearview camera, which can cause the rearview camera image not to appear on the display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rearview camera and add additional water proofing to the camera harness, or replace the camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 8, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC282.
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect the vehicle, and, as necessary, replace the fuse and/or tow hitch harness module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC249.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1
DP22003 · Loss Of Motive Power
Opened Sep 12, 2022 · Closed Dec 12, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing. There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.