2007 Kia Sorento
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 154 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 16th highest complaint count among 23 Sorento model years with reports.
Of the 2007 reports, 10 involved a crash and 5 involved a fire. 10 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Electrical systemFeb 14, 2020
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2006-2010 Sedona and 2007-2009 Sorento vehicles. Moisture may enter the Anti-lock Brake (ABS) Module and result in an electrical short.
An electrical short within the ABS Module may cause an engine compartment fire, even when the vehicle is turned off, increasing the risk of an injury.
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will install a relay in the main junction box to prevent power from being directed to the HECU when the vehicle's ignition switch is turned off, free of charge. The recall began June 5, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC186.
Campaign 20V088000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, brake lights, switchApr 1, 2013
Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul, model year 2008-2011 Optima, model year 2010 Forte, model year 2007-2009 Amanti, and model year 2009 Borrego vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Kia recalled 623,658 model year 2007-2010 Rondo and Sportage, model year 2007-2011 Sorento, model year 2007 Sedona, model year 2010-2011 Soul, and model year 2011 Optima vehicles. In September 2013, Kia informed the agency that it was adding an additional 356,719 vehicles to this campaign. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 980,377. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake-transmission shift interlock feature preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.
Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of PARK without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.
Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall campaign number is SC098.
Campaign 13V114000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, sensor/control module-inactiveSep 7, 2011
KIA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2008 SORENTO PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 15, 2006 THROUGH NOVEMBER 27, 2007. THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG MAY BE TURNED OFF WHEN AN ADULT IS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG IS DESIGNED TO BE TURNED OFF IN LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES INCLUDING WHEN CHILDREN AND SMALL ADULTS ARE SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, THERE IS A CHILD RESTRAINT IN THAT SEAT OR THE SEAT IS NOT OCCUPIED. THE VEHICLE'S OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS), WHICH CLASSIFIES THE OCCUPANT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, MAY MISCLASSIFY AN ADULT PASSENGER AS A CHILD OR CHILD SEAT AND IMPROPERLY TURN OFF THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG. WHEN THE AIR BAG IS DEACTIVATED THE "PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF" LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE ON THE CENTER INSTRUMENT PANEL.
THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG IS TURNED OFF WHEN THE OCS MISCLASSIFIES AN ADULT PASSENGER. WITH THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF, THE FRONT PASSENGER WILL NOT HAVE THE PROTECTION OF THE PASSENGER AIR BAGS IN SOME FRONTAL COLLISIONS, THUS INCREASING THE RISK OF OCCUPANT INJURY.
KIA WILL UPDATE THE PROGRAMMING IN THE SORENTO OCS CONTROL MODULE AT NO CHARGE. THE RECALL REMEDY IS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE UNDER SERVICE CAMPAIGN SC076. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-333-4542.
Campaign 11V473000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, brake lights, switchApr 17, 2009
HUYNDAI-KIA IS RECALLING 139,844 MY 2006-2007- SEDONA, SPORTAGE, SORENTO AND MY RONDO AND AMANTI VEHICLES. THE STOP LAMP SWITCH IN THE AFFECTED VEHICLES MAY MALFUNCTION. A MALFUNCTIONING STOP LAMP SWITCH MAY CAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED OR MAY CAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO REMAIN ILLUMINATED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS RELEASED. A STOP LAMP SWITCH MALFUNCTION MAY ALSO AFFECT THE OPERATION OF THE BRAKE-TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERLOCK FEATURE SO THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTER WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO BE SHIFTED OUT OF THE PARK POSITION. IT MAY ALSO CAUSE THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) MALFUNCTION LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE, AND IT MAY NOT DEACTIVATE THE CRUISE CONTROL WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED.
ANY OF THESE MALFUNCTIONS, ALONE OR IN COMBINATION, MAY LEAD TO A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STOP LAMP SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 17, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA'S CONSUMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-333-4542.
Campaign 09V130000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
154 reports, newest first.
Structure, Mar 25, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN TRYING TO OPEN THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR PASSENGER DOOR, THE HANDLE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. AFTER DIAGNOSIS, THEY ADVISED HER THAT THE DOOR HANDLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. APPROXIMATELY THREE MONTHS LATER, THE OTHER THREE DOOR HANDLES FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 85,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 91,000. *TR
Electronic stability control (ESC), Mar 21, 2013
IN FEBRUARY OF 2012 I TOOK MY 2007 KIA SORENTO INTO THE LOCAL KIA DEALERSHIP BECAUSE MY "ESC OFF" LIGHT KEPT COMING ON WHEN I WOULD MAKE A RIGHT HAND TURN. THE STEERING SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS GROANING AS I WAS IN THESE TURNS. WHEN THEY READ THE CODE IT CAME UP AS "P1739 ENCODE FAULT", WHICH ON MY PAPERWORK STATES CAN SIGNAL A COMMUNICATION ERROR. FURTHER INSPECTION SHOWED THAT THE TRANSFER CASE MOTOR WAS SEIZING UP AND CAUSING THE ISSUE. THE MOTOR WAS REPLACED AT THAT TIME. ON MARCH 11TH AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 75 MPH, THE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN AND THE ENGINE SORT OF LOST POWER. I DROVE ON, TRIED TO TURN THE LIGHT OFF TO NO AVAIL. WHEN I WAS ABLE TO EXIT THE INTERSTATE, I SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AND WAITED A FEW MINUTES. I TURNED THE ENGINE BACK ON AND THE LIGHT WENT OFF. THIS HAPPENED AGAIN SIX DAYS LATER, ONCE AGAIN AT HIGHWAY SPEED. BOTH TIMES I HAD CRUISE CONTROL ON. BOTH TIMES THE ENGINE REACTED STRANGELY WHEN THE LIGHT CAME ON. AS BEFORE, WHEN THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF AND THEN BACK ON, THE LIGHT WENT OFF. I TOOK THE VEHICLE INTO THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN ON 3/21/13 AND ONCE AGAIN THE TRANSFER CASE MOTOR WAS THE ISSUE. THIS TIME IT HAD AN INTERNAL OPEN CIRCUIT. TRANSFER CASE MOTOR HAS BEEN REPLACED ONCE AGAIN. PART HAS A 12 MOS OR 12,000 MILE WARRANTY. FIRST INCIDENT HAPPENED AT 52,870 MILES AND SECOND INCIDENT AT 62,173 MILES. THIS PART FAILED AT LESS THAN 10,000 MILES, BUT OVER 12 MONTHS. FROM WHAT I HAVE READ, I AM ONE OF THE LUCKY ONES THAT HAS NOT ENDED UP IN A CRASH. DEFINITELY SCARY WHEN THIS HAPPENS AT 75-80 MPH. *TR
Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Jan 14, 2013
THE ESC LIGHT TURNS ON CAR STALLS, STOPS. MECHANIC DIAGNOSIS SHOWS NOTHING WRONG WITH CAR. CAR CONSTANTLY STALLS, OR STARTS TO BEGIN STALLING AND LIGHTS ON AFTER 10 OR MINUTES OF DRIVING. MECHANIC CANT FIND PROBLEM. THIS HAS HAPPEN SINCE I PURCHASE CAR AT DRIVE TIME 10-31-12. MANY PEOPLE HAVE SAME PROBLEM NOT FIXED CLASS ACTION SUIT IS CONSIDERED BUY ALL. PLEASE HELP ASAP. THIS PROBLEM SHOULD BE A RECALL SITUATION. THIS PROBLEM CAN CAUSE A DEATH WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE!!!. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Exterior lighting, Oct 18, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AS THE VEHICLE DECELERATED TREMENDOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V130000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000.
Service brakes, Aug 6, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO SET THE CRUISE CONTROL AND UNABLE TO ACTIVATE THE STABILITY CONTROL. THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS ALSO WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE SWITCH WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000.
Latches/locks/linkages, Jul 6, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT OPENED THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR AND NOTICED A LOAD CLICKING SOUND UPON CLOSING THE DOOR. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT THE DOOR HANDLE HAD FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE DOOR HANDLE. AFTER THE REPAIR, THE CONTACT NOTICED THE SAME CLICKING SOUND UPON CLOSING THE FRONT DRIVER'S DOOR. THE DOOR HANDLE ALSO FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000.
Tires, May 11, 2012
TIRE BLOW OUT NO INJURY. *TR
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Apr 24, 2012
SUNDAY MORNING, I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE AT A SPEED OF LESS THAN 45 MPH. THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT AND "ESC OFF" LIGHT CAME ON SIMULTANEOUSLY. AT THE SAME TIME, MY VEHICLE LOST POWER AND WOULD NOT CHANGE OUT OF 2ND GEAR. I PULLED INTO A NEARBY PARKING LOT, TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE, AND WAITED FOR ONE MINUTE. I RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND IT CRANKED JUST FINE. I PULLED OUT OF THE PARKING LOT AND WENT NO MORE THAN 30 YARDS WHEN THE LIGHTS CAME BACK ON AND MY VEHICLE LOST POWER COMPLETELY - NO RESPONSE WHEN PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL. I COASTED INTO A LOADING AREA WHERE I WAS FORCED TO CALL AAA TO HAVE MY VEHICLE TOWED TO THE NEAREST CAR REPAIR CENTER. I COMMUNICATED WITH THEM THROUGHOUT THE DAY MONDAY, AND THE END RESULT WAS THIS: MY VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE CHARLOTTE KIA DEALERSHIP AND A TEST WAS DONE TO READ AND DETERMINE THE ERROR. THE DIAGNOSIS WAS A FAULTY "TRANSFER CASE DECODER MOTOR", SOMETHING I HAD NEVER EVEN HEARD OF. THE REPAIR IS GOING TO COST APPROXIMATELY $1,000 BECAUSE OF ASSOCIATED DIAGNOSTIC TESTS AND THE PART ITSELF COSTING $570. ACCORDING TO WHAT I READ ON THE INTERNET, THERE IS A "SERVICE" FOR THIS COMPONENT THAT IS TO BE DONE AROUND 45,000 MILES. MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE SAME KIA DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES AND THIS COMPONENT HAS NEVER BEEN ADDRESSED. NOT ONCE WAS THE "SERVICE" MENTIONED TO ME BY THE SERVICE TEAM. THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE THAT COULD RESULT IN INJURY OR DEATH IF IT OCCURRED ON AN INTERSTATE OR IN AN INTERSECTION. THANKFULLY, I WAS IN A SAFE AREA AND NO ONE WAS AT RISK OF ACCIDENT OR INJURY. THIS PROBLEM IS WIDESPREAD AMONG KIA VEHICLES - THE SERVICE MANAGER AT AAA STATED HE HAS A 2007 KIA SEDAN IN THERE RIGHT NOW WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I FEEL KIA IS AT FAULT AND NEGLIGENT FOR THIS MALFUNCTION. *TR
Air bags, Apr 18, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, HER VISION BECAME BLURRED AND SHE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN DRIVEN OFF INTO A DITCH AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A CONCRETE BLOCK. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT SUFFERED MAJOR INJURIES TO HER BACK AND SUSTAINED A FRACTURED RIB. THE VEHICLE HAD MAJOR DAMAGES TO THE FRONT END. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 120,000. ..UPDATED 05/23/12 *BF
Air bags, Feb 19, 2012
THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG SENSOR IN MY 2007 KIA SORENTO HAS FAILED INTERMITTENTLY EVER SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN 2009. IT FAILS AT LEAST 50% OF THE TIME WHEN A PASSENGER IS IN THE SEAT (SOMETIMES >200 LBS.) UPON COMPLAINING TO THE DEALER, THEY CONTINUED TO INSIST THAT THE PASSENGER WAS NOT SITTING PROPERLY IN THE SEAT. THIS IS RIDICULOUS. I KNOW OF NO OTHER CARS WHERE THAT IS AN ISSUE. THE DEALER SAYS TO GET OUT AND BACK IN AGAIN, BUT THAT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN WHEN YOU ARE ON A BUSY HIGHWAY GOING 65 MPH AND REALIZE THE AIRBAG IS NOT ON. SO, THEN THEY SAY TO LIFT YOUR BUTT UP FOR 10 SECONDS AND THEN SIT BACK DOWN. IT SOMETIMES WORKS, BUT TAKES A FEW TRIES. AND, DO YOU KNOW HOW EMBARRASSING THAT IS TO ASK A GUEST (PARTICULARLY IF A BUSINESS GUEST) TO DO THAT? AGAIN, IT IS JUST SO RIDICULOUS THAT I FEAR OWNERS WILL IGNORE IT THUS PUTTING THEIR PASSENGERS AT RISK. SO, I WAS THRILLED TO SEE THAT THERE WAS FINALLY A RECALL OF THE 2007 SORENTO PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR IN THE FALL OF 2011. FINALLY, THEY ADMIT THERE IS A PROBLEM. HOWEVER, THEN THE DEALER SAYS THAT MY VIN IS NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL. REALLY??? THIS RECALL NEEDS TO BE EXPANDED. I AM TAKING MY CAR BACK AGAIN NEXT WEEK AND IF IT IS NOT REPLACED BY KIA, I WILL BE CALLING THE KIA HEADQUARTERS LEGAL DEPARTMENT TO COMPLAIN. IF YOU CAN HELP GET THIS RECALL EXPANDED SO THAT I AND OTHERS DO NOT HAVE TO GO THROUGH THIS, I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE IT. *TR
Air bags, Jan 26, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. WHILE THE CONTACT STARTED THE IGNITION, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR BEGAN TO ILLUMINATE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHENEVER AN OCCUPANT WAS POSITIONED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AND WEIGHED 115 POUNDS OR LESS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON FIVE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS FOR THE SAME FAILURE. THE COMPUTER SOFTWARE WAS UPDATED AND ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, THE SIDE AIR BAG DETENTION SENSOR WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR AFTER EACH REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,000.
Air bags, Jan 13, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM COULD NOT DETERMINE WHEN THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS OCCUPIED AND WOULD ERRONEOUSLY DEACTIVATE THE AIR BAG. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V473000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE) BUT WAS ADVISED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED TO THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT RECALLED. NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55,736 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,325.
Power train, Nov 5, 2011
THIS CAR WAS PURCHASE NEW FROM THE DEALERSHIP. IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN SERVICED BY THE DEALERSHIP. AFTER A RECENT OIL CHANGE I HEARD A "WHINE" NOISE IN THE REAREND SO I TOOK IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP. AFTER INSPECTION THEY SAY I NEED A NEW REAR END FOR $2000 AND THAT IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE ON PREVIOUS WORK THEY MENTIONED THAT A CHANGE IN FLUID WAS REQUESTED. IF THIS CHANGE IN FLUID WAS SO IMPORTANT WHY WAS I NOT INFORMED. THIS IS LIKE A DOCTOR SAYING IF YOU DO NOT DO THIS YOU WILL DIE. I ALSO HAVE PURCHASED A SECOND KIA FROM THIS DEALERSHIP AND AM VERY LOYAL. NOW I FEEL THAT BOTH KIA AND THE DEALERSHIP HAVE THROWN ME UNDER THE BUS. WHO CAN ONE TRUST IN TODAY'S WORLD. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Vehicle speed control, Oct 15, 2011
AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, VEHICLE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND THE POWER FROM ACCELERATOR GREATLY REDUCES. APPEARS TO GO INTO 1ST GEAR, AND VEHICLE ONLY ABLE TO DRIVE AT 5MPH. STOPPED CAR ON SHOULDER, TURNED ENGINE OFF AND PARKED. RESTARTED VEHICLE WITH NO POWER OR TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS; CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINED ON. AFTER 5 MINUTES OF DRIVING, REPEAT IN ACTIVITIES. OCCURRED 5 TIMES WITHIN 20 MILE DRIVE. VERY UNSAFE TO HAVE OCCUR ON HIGHWAY. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Vehicle speed control, Oct 11, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 35 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE ABNORMALLY WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE ESC AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND INFORMED HER THAT THE BRAKE SWITCH AND THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO STATED THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE VEHICLE AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,436.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 13, 2011
DURING ACCELERATION, THE "ESC OFF" LIGHT COMES ON, THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT COMES ON, AND I LOSE POWER SIMULTANEOUSLY. WHEN I TURN THE CAR OFF AND RESTART IT, THE ESC OFF LIGHT DOES NOT COME BACK BUT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON. THIS HAPPENED 3 TIMES ON DURING MY HOUR COMMUTE TO WORK. IF I WAS IN A PASSING SITUATION OR WERE IN THE MIDDLE OF CROSSING TRAFFIC, THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Aug 11, 2011
ESC AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON MY 07 KIA SORENTO AND LOSES POWER. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN WHEN DRIVING ON FREEWAY SPEEDS. I EXPERIENCED THIS FOR THE THIRD TIME SINCE OWNING THE VEHICLE. DEALER REPAIRED THE THROTTLE POSITIONER TWO TIMES AND NOW FOR THE THIRD TIME, DEALER WILL CHARGE YOU IF MILEAGE IS +60K. I BELIEVE THIS IS A DEFECT THAT KIA IS TRYING TO BE MUM ABOUT IT. THERE ARE PLENTY OF CONSUMERS ON THE KIA FORUM EXPRESSING DISGUST ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND THE SAFETY IMPLICATIONS THAT CAN HAPPEN. I DEMAND AN INVESTIGATION ON THIS MATTER. *TR
Interior lighting, Aug 7, 2011
I JUST PURCHACED A 2007 KIA SORENTO 2 DAYS AGO . I GOT INTO THE CAR EARLY THIS MORNING TO GO TO WORK , IT WAS DARK OUTSIDE WHEN MY HEADLIGHTS CAME ON SO DID ALL OF MY INTERIOR DOME LIGHTS THEY WOULD NOT TURN OFF UNLESS I HAD MY HEADLIGHTS OFF. THIS WAS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS DRIVE TO WORK. I ARRIVED VERY UPSET AND WENT ON LINE AND FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS A SERIOUS LIGHT PROBLE THAT MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVE AND THEY HAVE BEEN TOLD THIS CAN BE FIXED AT THIER EXPENCE. I WANT TO KNOW WHY THERE HASNT BEEN A RECALL FOR THIS. *TT
Power train, Jul 21, 2011, crash
MY 2007 KIA SORENTO WAS INVOLVED IN TWO ACCIDENTS IN 2009-10. BOTH WERE AS A RESULT OF A FAULTY 4-WHEEL DRIVE MECHANISM. WHEN WE PURCHASED THE CAR IN 2007, WE REPORTED TO THE DEALERSHIP THAT WHEN THE CAR WAS IN 4-WHEEL DRIVE AND STOPPED TO TURN, IT MADE A JERKING MOVEMENT THAT WAS DANGEROUS. WE WERE TOLD IT OPERATED AS DESIGNED. ON FEBRUARY 21, 2010, I WAS TURNING INTO MY GARAGE IN CENTRAL OREGON ON ICE, THE CAR WAS IN 4-WHEEL DRIVE AND IT MADE A SERIES OF LURCHING MOVEMENTS WHICH CAUSED THE CAR TO SLIDE INTO THE GARAGE WALL. I STILL HAVE THE DENT IN THE PASSENGER DOOR FROM THAT INCIDENT. ON OCTOBER 27, 2009 ON MY WAY TO WORK, I NOTICED THE TEMPERATURE WAS 31 DEGREES, AND PUT MY ("ON THE FLY" 4-WHEEL DRIVE) CAR INTO 4-WHEEL DRIVE. I IMMEDIATELY WENT INTO A 360 SPIN ON A HIGHWAY. I WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MILES AN HOUR. ALL FOUR TIRES WERE FLAT WHEN I LANDED IN THE DIRT ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THIS CAR ISN'T AN "ON THE FLY" 4-WHEEL DRIVE EVEN THOUGH THE MANUAL SAYS IT IS. I REPORTED BOTH OF THESE ACCIDENTS TO KIA SAFETY HEADQUARTERS. THEY TELL ME THE CAR OPERATES AS DESIGNED, AND THEREFORE ARE NOT CONCERNED. I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT SOMEONE WILL DIE IN ONE OF THESE 2007 KIA'S WHEN USING 4-WHEEL DRIVE. I KNOW THAT KIA REDESIGNED THE SORENTO IN 2008 TO BE ALL WHEEL, AND IT DOESN'T HAVE THIS DESIGN DEFECT . HOWEVER, WHAT ABOUT ALL OF US WHO DRIVE IN COLD, ICY WEATHER MANY DAYS OF THE YEAR AND NEED OUR 4-WHEEL DRIVE? DO WE JUST HOPE THE JERKING MOTION WHEN WE ARE STOPPED AND TURNING WILL NOT CAUSE US TO SLIDE INTO SOMETHING? DO WE STOP EVERY TIME WE NEED TO PUT OUR "ON THE FLY" FOUR WHEEL DRIVE IN PLAY? KIA NEEDS TO FIX OUR CARS SO THEY ARE SAFE FOR THE ENTIRE 100,000 MILE WARRANTY PERIOD! *KB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 13, 2011
THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IN ABOUT TWO YEARS I HAVE HAD WARPED ROTORS ON THE FRONT BRAKES ON MY KIA. THIS PROBLEM HAVE COULD BE DANGEROUS FOR THE INEXPERIENCED DRIVER AND OR DEADLY FOR THE INATTENTIVE DRIVER. WHEN APPLYING BRAKES THE FRONT WHEELS WOBBLE AT SPEEDS ABOVE 45 WHEN APPLY BRAKES.
Electronic stability control (ESC), Apr 17, 2011
2007 KIA SORENTO...ESC LIGHT COMES ON, THEREBY DISABLING THE CRUISE CONTROL FUNCTION. CONSEQUENTLY, THE VEHICLE GOES INTO "LIMP" MODE, MEANING YOU DEPRESS THE ACCELERATOR AND YOU HAVE NO POWER. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING REPEATEDLY OVER THE LAST YEAR. IT HAS OCCUR AT LOW SPEEDS AND HIGHWAY SPEEDS. RECENTLY, IT OCCURRED WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN, EXPOSING THE VEHICLE INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. LUCKILY, THE OTHER VEHICLES WERE ABLE TO SLOW DOWN AND STOP. EVERY TIME IT HAPPENS, WE HAVE TO STOP THE VEHICLE, PUT IN PARK AND TURN IT OFF. EVEN THEN, IT WILL HAPPEN MULTIPLE TIMES DURING THE SAME TRIP. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 24, 2011, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKING THE VEHICLE WITH HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE IN THE DRIVEWAY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO WOULD INSPECT THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT A REPRESENTATIVE WOULD RETURN HIS CALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,456.
Electronic stability control (ESC), Nov 16, 2010
I AM AN OWNER OF A 07 KIA SORENTO EX. A FEW MONTHS AGO I NOTICED THE "ESC OFF" LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE AT RANDOM INSTANCES AND WOULD NOT TURN OFF UNTIL THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF AND THEN RESTARTED AGAIN. THIS ISSUE IS OF CONCERN TO MYSELF AS WELL AS OTHER KIA OWNERS I HAVE COME ACROSS. REASON BEING, WHEN THE "ESC OFF" LIGHT ENGAGES AND STAYS ON, THE VEHICLE LOSES POWER WHILE DRIVING. I HAVE HAD TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS WHERE THIS HAS HAPPENED ON THE FREEWAY. WHILE CHANGING LANES AND TRYING TO ACCELERATE, I WAS STUCK AT A SPEED OF 50MPH WITH TRAFFIC BEHIND ME AT 65MPH OR FASTER. ASSUMING THAT I WAS GOING TO ACCELERATE THE VEHICLES BEHIND ME HAD TO SLAM ON THEIR BRAKES INSTEAD. WHEN I TOOK MY KIA TO THE DEALER TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM I WAS INFORMED THAT I AM NOT THE FIRST CUSTOMER EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM AND THAT THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN POSTED REGARDING THE "ESC OFF" LIGHT ILLUMINATING AND VEHICLE THROTTLE LOSS. THE DIAGNOSTIC CHECK READ, THAT THERE IS A TRANSFER CASE DECODER MOTOR FAULT. I WAS TOLD KIA WAS OFFERING TO COVER THE REPAIRS UNDER 60000MI WARRANTY BUT THAT I CAME IN AT 62000 AND DID NOT COMPLY WITH RECOMMENDED TRANSFER CASE SERVICES LISTED IN THE MANUAL, THEY WOULD NOT COVER UNDER ANY WARRANTY. KIA BELIEVES THAT MY LACK OF TRANSFER CASE SERVICE TO MY VEHICLE IS THE REASON FOR THIS PROBLEM. I CAN'T HELP BUT TO THINK, THAT BASED ON HOW MANY KIA SORENTO CONSUMERS ARE HAVING THIS SAME PROBLEM THERE MAY BE A DEFECT IN KIA'S "ESC" SYSTEM. IN MY EXPERIENCE WITH THIS ISSUE I CAN SAY THAT I BELIEVE THIS TO BE A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD WHILE DRIVING. *TR
Visibility, Equipment, Sep 30, 2010
AIRCONDITIONER BLOWER MOTOR FAILURE ACCOMPANIED BY NOISE CAUSED BY THE (2)CABIN AIR FILTER ELEMENTS COMING LOOSE FROM FILTER ELEMENT HOUSING AND LODGING IN THE AIR CONDITIONER EVAPORATOR UNIT LOCATED BEHIND THE GLOVE BOX. THE KIA DEALER WAS UNABLE TO FIND THE FILTER ELEMENTS DURING INSPECTION OF THE EVAPORATOR UNIT WHILE DIAGNOSING THE SOURCE OF THE NOISE. THE KIA DISTRICT MANAGER FOR FLORIDA REFUSES TO ADDRESS THIS CONCERN AND DOES NOT CONSIDER IT A SAFETY CONCERN. THE COST TO FIX THIS ITEM IS $280.00. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 26, 2010
2007 KIA SORENTO ENGINE BLOWN UP. NO WARNING SIGNS HAD OCCURRED. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. WHILE DRIVING THE CAR LOST ALL POWER. UPON AN INSPECTION THE OIL HAD TURNED TO SLUDGE. OIL ONLY HAD APPROX. 900 MILES. NEEDED TO HAVE NEW ENGINE INSTALLED. *TR