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.
Air bags, Equipment, Aug 23, 2010
KIA SORENTO-2007-FRONT PASSENGER-AIR BAG "IDIOT LIGHT". FOR 2 YRS. TRIPS BACK AND FORTH REGARDING THIS LIGHT TO DEALER. UNABLE TO ASSURE THAT AIR BAG SYSTEM IS REALLY WORKING. LIGHT IS ON WHEN SOMEONE IS SITTING IN SEAT AND INDICATES THE AIR BAG IS OFF. SEATS AND SENSORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED TO NO AVAIL. THEY JUST TOLD ME TODAY 8-23-2010 THAT THERE IS NO MORE THEY CAN DO. LIGHT IS STILL ON AND THEIR COMPUTER STILL SAYS THAT IT IS WORKING. YOU HAVE MANY COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME THING-IS ANYTHING BEING DONE? EITHER THE LIGHT,SENSOR,AIR BAG OR COMPUTER IS NOT RIGHT. THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR NEW. THIS IS AN INTERMITTENT OCCURRENCE-DOESN'T MATTER WHEN OR WHO IS SITTING IN THE SEAT, IF THE CAR IS WARM OR COLD. THE SEAT(SENSOR) HAS BEEN CHANGED,COMPUTER HAS DIAGNOSED AND KIA HAS TALKED TO THE TECH'S. THEIR MACHINES ARE NOT TELLING THEM THAT SOMETHING IS WRONG BUT THE SERVICE MANAGERS AND SALES PEOPLE HAVE WITNESSED IT. ARE YOU INVESTIGATING THIS? *TR
Power train, May 10, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORRENTO. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY BEGAN JERKING VIOLENTLY AND STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER YET THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS LEFT IN THE DEALER'S POSSESSION WHERE THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING FURTHER DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 58,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Air bags, Mar 1, 2010
OUR 2007 KIA SORENTO, PURCHASED NEW, AND NOW WITH 20,000 MILES, HAS, SINCE PURCHASE, HAD THE PASSENGER AIRBAG NOT ON SIGNAL GO ON, ALMOST EVERY TIME WE USE IT. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THEY MUST SEE IT HAPPEN, AND CANNOT REPLICATE IT. WHEN WE MADE OUR WAY TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHILE THE SIGNAL WAS LIT, THEY SAW IT, VISUALLY IT, AND MADE A NOTE, HOWEVER, THE "COMPUTER" DID NOT RECOGNIZE IT AS A PROBLEM, SO THEY WILL NOT CORRECT THE "PROBLEM". WE HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT IF THAT IS LIT UP AND SOMEONE IS IN THE SEAT DURING AN ACCIDENT, THE AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY. I AM TOLD THAT KIA AND THEIR DEALERSHIPS ARE AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM, AND COULD REPLACE THE SEAT BOTTOM TO FIX THIS PROBLEM, YET NONE OF THE DEALERSHIPS WE HAVE TAKEN IT TOO, WILL REPLACE IT, UNLESS THE MAIN OFFICE MAKES IT A RECALL. OUR SECOND COMPLAINT THAT THEY ARE NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IS THE STRONG ODOR OF ANTIFREEZE, WHICH LITERALLY MAKES ME SICK ON MY STOMACH WHEN IT HAPPENS, WHICH IS NOT ALL OF THE TIME. I AM AFRAID THESE FUMES COULD BE HARMFUL. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 9, 2010
WHEN I PRESS ON THE ACCELERATOR TO INCREASE MY SPEED (LIKE WHEN MERGING, FOR INSTANCE), THE CAR REACTS AS IF I PUT IT IN NEUTRAL. IT STOPS ALL FORWARD MOTION FOR AT LEAST A SECOND. SOMETIMES AS LONG AS FIVE SECONDS. THIS HAS ALMOST RESULTED IN BEING HIT FROM BEHIND OR THE SIDE SEVERAL TIMES. I HAVE HAD IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES, AND HAVE TAKEN THEIR MECHANICS FOR DEMONSTRATION RIDES SEVERAL TIMES. I'VE EVEN CONTACTED THEIR HOME OFFICE. EACH TIME THE ANSWER IS THE SAME, "WE CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. IT MUST BE YOU." I FULLY EXPECT TO BE INVOLVED IN A COLLISION IN THE FUTURE CAUSED BY THIS DANGEROUS DEFECT. I CAN'T AFFORD TO BUY A NEW CAR, SO I'M STUCK WITH IT. I HOPE YOU CAN HELP. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Wheels, Oct 20, 2009
WARP ROTORS ON VEHICLE OCCURS EVERY 3000 - 6000 MILES OF DRIVING CAR. CONSEQUENCE: CAR WHEELS VIBRATE HEAVILY WHEN ATTEMPTING TO STOP VEHICLE PART WERE TURNED AND THEN REPLACED AND PROBLEM CONTINUES TO RECUR. *TR
Air bags, Equipment, Electronic stability control (ESC), Aug 22, 2009
HAD A RECALL ON KIA SORENTO- 2007. A YEAR LATER THEY CALL ME ON IT. I TOLD THEM ABOUT RECALLS WHEN I FIRST RECEIVED THE VEHICLE. THEY WANT ME TO PAY FOR IT FIRST. THEN THEY FIXED IT A YEAR LATER AND NOW ONE OF THE RECALLS IS ACTING UP AGAIN. NOW IT IS SOMETHING WITH THE ITU CONTROL ???? SO AFTER THEY DEFAULT ON OUR CONTRACT ABOUT MY PERSONAL INFO THEY HAD EXTRA FINANCE CHARGE BECAUSE I WAS SICK AND HAD A WARRANTY. THEY REFUSED ON THAT TOO! SO THEY REPO MY CAR AFTER I TOLD THEM TO COME AND GET IT. TOTAL OF 4 RECALLS ON A CAR I BOUGHT TWO YEARS AGO. *TR
Electrical system, Service brakes, Electric, Aug 13, 2009, fire
VEHICLE IGNITED FROM REAR LEFT TAIL LIGHT. IT WAS NOT RUNNING NOR WERE THE KEYS IN THE IGNITION. UPON CONTACTING KIA, THEY ASKED FOR PHOTOS OF THE DAMAGED VEHICLE TO SUBMIT TO ENGINEERS. THE ENGINEERS SAID THAT THE FIRE DIDN'T HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH RECALL AND OFFERED NO OTHER EXPLANATION TO WHAT STARTED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS JUST SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY. *TR
Air bags, Apr 2, 2009
THE PASSENGER AIR BAG SENSOR IN THE VEHICLE IS POORLY DESIGNED AND WILL FREQUENTLY DISABLE THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG WHILE AN ADULT PASSENGER IS RIDING IN THE PROPER MANNER, AS DISPLAYED BY THE VEHICLES OWNER MANUAL. MOREOVER, THE AIR BAG SENSOR DOES NOT CONTINUOUSLY MONITOR THE PASSENGER AFTER IT HAS DETERMINED THAT THE AIR BAG SHOULD BE OFF - THE ONLY WAY TO RESET THE AIRBAG IS TO HAVE THE PASSENGER LIFT THEMSELVES OFF OF THE SEAT (WHILE REMAINING BUCKLED) FOR OVER 2 SECONDS. EVEN TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF, REMOVING THE KEY, AND TURNING THE VEHICLE BACK ON DOES NOT WORK VERY RELIABLY - RESETTING THE SENSOR ~35% OF THE TIME. THE AIRBAG SENSOR ON THIS VEHICLE IS A KNOWN ISSUE (TSB# KT2008022001), AND REPEATED CALLS TO SERVICE CENTERS RE-ENFORCE THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAS NO INTENTIONS OF ISSUING A RECALL OR EVEN A SIMPLE SOFTWARE UPDATE TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. INSTEAD, THEY INSTRUCT THAT THE SERVICE MEMBERS FIND A 'SUFFICIENTLY LARGE' MECHANIC, INSTRUCT THEM TO SIT IN THE SEAT TO ENSURE THAT THE DEVICE WORKS CORRECTLY. OBVIOUSLY, IF YOU SIGNIFICANTLY EXCEED THE MINIMUM WEIGHT, THE SENSOR WORKS CORRECTLY. HOWEVER, I'VE HAD THE PROBLEM WITH ADULT PASSENGERS WITH WEIGHTS RANGING FROM 120-170 LBS AND CONSIDER IT TO BE A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY FLAW WITH THE VEHICLE. *TR
Air bags, Feb 23, 2009
THE SENSOR FOR THE PASSENGER AIR BAG IS NOR WORKING RELIABLY. MOST OF THE TIME IT EITHER DOES NOT DETECT MY WIFE AT ALL, OR, WHILE I AM DRIVING, IT SUDDENLY SIGNALS THAT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG IS OFF, EVEN THOUGH SHE IS STILL SEATED. WHEN IT DOES NOT DETECT HER, THE SIGN 'PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF' IS LIT. THERE IS NO PROBLEM WHEN I (210 POUNDS) SIT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, ONLY FOR MY 148 POUND WIFE. I AM AFRAID THAT OUR 2007 SORENTO WILL NOT BE CAPABLE OF PERFORMING A POSSIBLY LIFESAVING ACT IN THE CASE OF AN ACCIDENT. AS A PASSENGER, SHE IS UNPROTECTED. A FRIEND OF OURS HAS A 2008 SPORTAGE THAT ALSO HAS A SENSOR FOR THE AIR BAG IN THE PASSENGER SEAT CUSHION AND THERE IT WORKS EVERY TIME MY WIFE GETS IN THE CAR. WE HAVE VISITED OUR LOCAL DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES; HAVING THE PROGRAM REFLASHED THREE TIMES AND EVEN THE SEAT CUSHION WAS REPLACED WITH A NEW ONE WITH A NEW SENSOR. UNFORTUNATELY, THE PROBLEM WAS NEVER RESOLVED. OUR DEALERSHIP INFORMED US AFTER OUR LAST VISIT THAT THEY HAVE DONE ALL THEY CAN DO. *TR
Air bags, Dec 1, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATES WHILE THE PASSENGER SEAT IS OCCUPIED. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER APPROXIMATELY FOUR TIMES; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT THE FAILURE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY NEEDED TO ORDER A PART FOR THE THIRD TIME. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,634 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 9,654. UPDATED 01/09/09. *LJ UPDATED 01/09/09*JB
Air bags, Oct 7, 2008
ATTEMPT TO FIX AIRBAG SYSTEM MODULE AND SEATBELT ASSY FAILED THREE TIMES BY AUTHORIZED KIA DEALERSHIPS (03/08/08, 09/22/08, 10/01/08). VEHICLE WAS SOLD TO ME BY AUTHORIZED KIA DEALER AS A PRECERTIFIED USED CAR WITH MANUFACTURER WARRANTY WITH 12000 MILES ON 09/05/08. KIA MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED OF FAILED ATTEMPTS ON 10/02/08 & HAVE BEEN ASKED TO PURCHASE OR REPLACE THE VEHICLE UNDER CA CIVIL CODE(S) 1792, 1794. *TR
Air bags, Aug 30, 2008
I LEASE A 07 KIA SORENTO WITH 8700 MILES ON IT. THE PROBLEM THAT I CAN'T GET RESOLVED THROUGH THE DEALER OR WITH KIA'S CUSTOMER SERVICE IS THE PASSENGER AIRBAG DOESN'T ALWAYS WORK. THEY SAY WE LIKE TO COMPLAIN, BUT I DON'T WANT TO TAKE A CHANCE OF BEING IN AN ACCIDENT AND HOPE THE AIRBAG WILL DEPLOY. THIS IS A VERY BIG SAFETY ISSUE! THE 1ST TIME MY HUSBAND (WHO HAS WORKED AS A MECHANIC FOR 15 YEARS) TOOK IT TO THE DEALER HE WAS TOLD WE WEREN'T THE ONLY ONE COMPLAINING BUT AS SOON AS THE SEAT SOFTENED UP IT WOULD START TO WORK. 10 MONTHS LATER IT STILL ISN'T WORKING. THE SECOND TIME WE TOOK IT BACK THEY SAID THERE WASN'T ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. THE SERVICE REPORT SAYS THE SWITCH IS "FICKLE" BUT THEY DON'T CALL THAT A MALFUNCTION. HOW DO I KNOW THE AIRBAG WILL DEPLOY IF THE LIGHT SAYS IT IS TURNED OFF? THEY SAID WE NEED TO MOVE AROUND IN THE SEAT BY BOUNCING ON IT, SITTING BACK IN THE SEAT MORE, MOVE THE SEAT FORWARD OR BACKWARDS TO FIND THE RIGHT SPOT FOR THE AIRBAG TO WORK. I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO AND IT DOESN'T MAKE A DIFFERENCE ANYHOW! THE 3RD TIME WAS TO A DIFFERENT DEALER BECAUSE THE CAR BECAME INOPERABLE DUE TO A MAJOR ELECTRONIC PROBLEM AND HAD TO BE TOWED. THEY HAD MY CAR FOR ALMOST 2 WEEKS AND SAID THEY FOUND SOME CODES AND REPLACED THE SWITCH. IT STILL ISN'T WORKING. I WAS GOING DOWN INTERSTATE WITH MY 160 LB SON AND AN HOUR INTO THE TRIP WE NOTICED THE AIRBAG SWITCH SAID AIRBAG TURNED OFF. I HAD TO PULL OVER TURN THE CAR OFF, HAVE HIM GET OUT, TURN THE CAR BACK ON, HAVE HIM GET BACK IN, BEFORE THE AIRBAG WOULD TURN ON. I WAS IN THE CITY FOR AN APPT. THIS WEEK AND BEFORE I LEFT THE HOSPITAL PARKING LOT, THE AIRBAG SWITCH TURNED TO OFF. WE HAD TO SHUT THE CAR OFF, AND RESTART IT. THE SWITCH WOULD SAY AIRBAG TURNED ON, DRIVE 15 FEET, AND NOW SAYS OFF. TURN CAR OFF, GET OUT, RESTART CAR, GET IN AIRBAG ON, DRIVE 20 FT, AIRBAG OFF. WE DO THIS 3 OR 4 TIMES BEFORE SWITCH SAYS AIRBAG ON AND STAYS ON. CAN YOU PUT PRESSURE ON THEM TO HELP US OUT? *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Electrical system, Aug 27, 2008
I HAVE TAKEN THIS VEHICLE TO THE PURCHASING DEALER 7 TIMES FOR MULTIPLE ISSUES INCLUDING TRANSMISSION OR TORQUE CONVERTER DIFFICULTY SWITCHING GEARS, THE MAIN WIRING HARNESS FELL DOWN INTO THE DASH, POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE. THE MAJOR ISSUE HAS BEEN THE RANDOM, BUT DAILY ESC OFF LIGHT COMING ON AND OFF. THE DEALER SEEMS EITHER UNWILLING OR INCAPABLE OF CORRECTING THIS ISSUE. I HAVE FILED A CUSTOMER SERVICE REQUEST WE KIA TWO WEEKS AGO, RANDY EXT 45295 KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE ASSURED ME HE WOULD 'GET BACK TO ME' IN TWO BUSINESS DAYS. TODAY IS THE SEVENTH BUSINESS DAY AND NO REPLY. IT'S MY OPINION THAT THE ESC ISSUE, WIRING HARNESS, AND POOR BRAKING ARE ISSUES THAT SHOULD BE ADDRESS IN VIA RECALL SINCE KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE AND WARRANTY COMMITMENT ARE MEANING LESS TO KIA CORPORATION. *TR
Power train, Aug 6, 2008
I BOUGHT THIS 2007 SORENTO OCTOBER 10, 2007. TRANSMISSION WAS MESSED UP FROM THE START. I HAVE POSTED EARLIER ABOUT MY PROBLEMS (ODI ID NUMBER : 10222227). SOME OF MY PROBLEMS WERE FIXED. THE PROBLEM WITH THE UP-SHIFTING AND DOWN-SHIFTING AT THE SAME TIME WERE FIXED. BUT I STILL HAVE TO MUCH PLAY IN DRIVE-LINE WHEN SHIFTING FROM FORWARD TO REVERSE. AND THAT PLAY COMES IN TO EFFECT WHEN OTHER SHIFTS HAPPEN. WHEN GOING DOWN A HILL AND THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION CATCH UP WITH EACH OTHER, I CAN FEEL THE KER-KLUNK OR SHUTTER WHEN THEY DO. AND ALSO AT TIMES I FEEL THE SAME THING WHEN THE CAR GET ALMOST TO THE TOP OF A HILL AND IT'S TIME FOR THE TRANSMISSION TO UP-SHIFT, I FEEL THAT SAME SHUTTER. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR THOSE PROBLEMS A WEEK OR SO AGO AND THEY HAD MY CAR FOR 9 DAYS. NOW THE CAR DOES A HARD SHIFT INTO ALMOST EVERY GEAR. STARTED WITH FEELING THE HARD SHIFT INTO THE FIRST 2 GEARS AND NOW FEEL IT EVEN IN 5TH GEAR. THESE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM HAVE BEEN GOING ON SINCE OCTOBER 10, 2007. PLUS AS POSTED BEFORE, THE SPORT-A-MATIC PORTION OF THE TRANSMISSION IS STILL SCREWED UP. WHEN TRAVELING AT 65 MILES AN HOUR AND MOVING SHIFTER FROM LEFT TO RIGHT INTO SPORT-A-MATIC POSITION, THE TRANSMISSION AUTOMATICALLY DROPS TO 4TH GEAR. I'VE DROVE 3 OTHER MODELS OF THERE CARS AND NONE OF THEM DO THIS. THEY STAY IN THE GEAR THAT THEY WERE IN ON THE LEFT SIDE. THIS TYPE OF TRANSMISSION ARE REAL POPULAR NOW. I'VE CHECKED WITH ANYBODY I KNOW WITH THAT TYPE OF TRANSMISSION AND THERE'S ALL WORK PROPERLY. KIA TELLS ME SINCE THAT YEAR, THAT MODEL DOES THAT, THAT I HAVE TO LIVE WITH IT. ALSO THE CAR HAS A SLIGHT VIBRATION AT TIMES AT HIGHER SPEEDS. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Air bags, Seat belts, Tires, Equipment, Jul 22, 2008, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. THREE DAYS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED, WHICH INDICATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WAS DEACTIVATED. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 40-45 MPH, THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND JERKED. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN OR A RED LIGHT, THE EXTERIOR LIGHTS SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT HAS HAD TO STRIKE THE DASHBOARD IN ORDER TO GET THE AIR CONDITIONING TO WORK. IN ADDITION, NONE OF THE WINDOWS WILL ROLL DOWN. THE BLINKERS, TURN SIGNAL, AND CRUISE CONTROL DO NOT WORK. AFTER OWNING THE VEHICLE FOR TEN MONTHS, THE ALTERNATOR HAD TO BE REPLACED AND IT CURRENTLY NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. THE RAILS TO STEP UP INTO THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE REPLACED TWICE. DURING A CRASH WITH A DEER, BOTH THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOYED AND THE SEAT BELTS DID NOT WORK. AS A RESULT, THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED A BROKEN ARM. ON TWO OCCASIONS, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TIRES NEEDED TO BE ROTATED AND ALIGNED. ON THE THIRD OCCASION, SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. SINCE OWNING THE VEHICLE, SHE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES WITH MANY COMPLAINTS, BUT THEY HAVE NEVER MADE ANY REPAIRS. A HYUNDAI INSPECTOR STATED THAT THE ENTIRE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF SPECIFICATIONS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 600. UPDATED 09/23/08. *LJ THE CONSUMER HIT A DEER AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELTS DID NOT PERFORM AS THEY WERE DESIGNED. THE TRANSMISSION WOULD DELAY IN SHIFTING AND WOULD NOT SHIFT IN THE CORRECT GEAR. UPDATED 09/24/08. *JB
Air bags, Jul 17, 2008
THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG SENSOR MALFUNCTIONS INTERMITTENTLY ON MY 2007 KIA SORENTO. THERE ARE TIMES WHEN A NORMAL SIZED PERSON IS SEATED PROPERLY, BUT THE AIRBAG SENSOR INDICATES THE AIRBAG IS NOT ACTIVATED. PREVIOUSLY, IF I RESTARTED THE CAR WITH THE PASSENGER SEATED THE ISSUE WAS CORRECTED, BUT I HAVE SINCE ENCOUNTERED TIMES WHEN RESTARTING THE CAR DOES NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. I HAVE BROUGHT MY VEHICLE TO TWO KIA DEALERSHIPS AND CONTACTED KIA CORPORATE, BUT WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO TO HELP ME. *TR
Air bags, Jul 14, 2008
2007 KIA SORENTO PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG INDICATES OFF WITH ADULT IN FRONT SEAT. *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, Jun 9, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. AFTER OWNING THE VEHICLE FOR A WEEK, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR SEAT PASSENGERS COULD NOT ENTER OR EXIT THE VEHICLE WITHOUT ELECTRONICALLY OPENING THE DOOR. IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO MANUALLY OPEN THE DOOR AND REQUIRES GREAT STRENGTH. HE CONSIDERS THIS TO BE A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH OR LOSS OF ELECTRICAL POWER, THE DOORS WOULD BE DIFFICULT TO OPEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY IT FOR OVER SIX DAYS. WHEN THE CONTACT RETRIEVED THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THAT THE REAR DOORS AND SIDE PASSENGER DOORS WOULD NO LONGER LATCH IN THE FORWARD POSITION. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY WERE ABLE TO REPAIR THE LATCH FAILURE, BUT THE DOORS ARE STILL DIFFICULT TO OPEN MANUALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER ONCE MORE, BUT THE SALES MANAGER EXPLAINED THAT THE VEHICLE DOORS WERE WORKING AS THEY WERE DESIGNED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 300 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 1,050.
Structure, Jun 4, 2008
HAVE A 2007 NEW SEDONA FROM KIA. IT COMES WITH A KEY REMOTE THAT CLOSES THE TWO BACK PASSENGER DOORS. THESE SLIDING DOORS DO NOT STOP UNTIL IT DETECTS A STRONG RESISTANCE AGAINST IT WHICH MAKES IT VERY UNSAFE FOR CHILDREN. MY CHILD GOT HER ARM CAUGHT IN THE DOOR FOR A BRIEF SECOND LEAVING A NICE BRUISE. LUCKILY SHE PULLED HER ARM OUT BEFORE IT CLOSED ALL THE WAY. WHEN I CALLED SMITHTOWN KIA IN NY, THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY DO NOT HAVE SENSORS AND IT WILL STOP WHEN THERE IS ENOUGH RESISTANCE AGAINST IT. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AND A HUGE SAFETY PROBLEM. IMAGINE IF A CHILD DOES NOT GET THEIR ARM CAUGHT, BUT THEIR HEAD? PLEASE ADVISE ON WHAT CAN BE DONE WITH THIS. THANKS. *TR
Air bags, Apr 22, 2008
AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT ON PASSENGER SIDE OF 07 KIA RIO WAS ON AFTER REPAIRS FROM AN ACCIDENT. TOOK TO KIA OF CONYERS FOR DIAGNOSIS. ALMOST A MONTH LATER, MY CAR IS STILL AT THE DEALERSHIP. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT IT WAS A WARRANTY ISSUE WHICH I AM REPORTING IN CASE MORE PEOPLE HAVE THIS SAME PROBLEM. SAFETY IS MY MAIN CONCERN. *TR
Air bags, Apr 7, 2008, crash
WHILE TRAVELING ABOUT 35 MPH, HIT BRAKES BUT WAS UNABLE TO AVOID FRONTAL COLLISION IN KIA SPECTRA RENTED FROM ALAMO. THE CRASH WAS HEAD ON. THE KIA'S AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I WAS WEARING A SEATBELT. ALAMO HAS BEEN COMPLETELY UNRESPONSIVE, SO NOTHING FURTHER CAN BE LEARNED ABOUT THE CAR. I HAVE PICTURES TAKEN AT THE SCENE WITH A CELL PHONE CAMERA CLEARLY DEPICTING THE FAILURE. *TR
Power train, Mar 25, 2008
I PURCHASE A 2007 KIA SORENTO AT VANDEVERE KIA. IT CAME WITH THE 5-SPEED AUTO-MATIC SPORTMATIC SHIFTING. IT BANGS INTO GEAR, SLIPS INTO GEAR AND SLIDES INTO GEAR. IT HARDLY EVER SHIFTS 100%. PLUS IT PULSATES BETWEEN 40 & 50 MILES AN HOURS. NOT ALL THE TIME & NOT THE SAME WAY ALL THE TIME. ALSO WHEN IT'S IN 5TH GEAR AND I MOVE IT TO THE RIGHT IN THE SPORTAMATIC POSITION, IT DROPS TO 4TH GEAR. I'VE DROVE 2 OTHER KIA'S WITH THAT TYPE OF SHIFTER AND IF YOUR IN 5TH & MOVE IT TO THE RIGHT, YOUR IN 5TH GEAR. ALSO THERE IS PLAY EITHER IN THE TRANSMISSION OR THE DRIVE SHAFTS. YOU CAN FEEL IT WHEN YOU GO FROM FORWARD TO REVERSE. COMES INTO PLAY AS A DETRIMENT WHEN ON ICY ROADS. I TRADED MY BEAUTIFUL 2004 KIA SORENTO IN FOR THIS PIECE OF JUNK. I'VE PURCHASED 3 KIA'S NOW & FOUND OUT THAT CUSTOMER LOYALTY DOESN'T MATTER TO KIA. I'VE BEEN TRYING TO GET MY CAR FIXED FOR 6 MONTHS NOW. THEY KNOW THERE'S A PROBLEM & CAN'T FIGURE OUT HOW TO FIX IT. I DROVE ANOTHER 2007 SORENTO IN THERE LOT AND IT DOES THE SAME THING MINE DOES. *TR
Electrical system, Mar 24, 2008
SPEEDOMETER READ SLOWER THEN THE CAR IS MOVING. I HAVE BROUGHT THIS TO THE DEALERS ATTENTION, AND GOT NO GOOD RESULTS. *TR
Air bags, Mar 6, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE AIR BAG LIGHT WOULD NOT DIM. THE CONTACT SWITCHED PLACES WITH THE PERSON IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, BUT THE LIGHT STILL WOULD NOT DIM. THE DEALER STATED THAT HE HAD TO WAIT FOR A TECHNICIAN WHO SPECIALIZED IN AIR BAGS. THE CONTACT WENT BACK TO THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE REPAIR WAS STILL NOT COMPLETED. WHEN THE REPAIR WAS FINISHED, THE CONTACT TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE AND THE FAILURE STILL CONTINUED. THE TECHNICIAN THEN STATED THAT IT COULD NOT BE REPAIRED AND THE CONTACT WAS PROVIDED A RENTAL VEHICLE. THE SALES DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT TO RETURN THE RENTAL BECAUSE THEY COULD NOT REPAIR HIS VEHICLE, AND WOULD NO LONGER PAY FOR THE RENTAL. HE CALLED KIA AND THEY ISSUED CASE NUMBER 1421419. THE REPRESENTATIVE STATED THAT HE WOULD INVESTIGATE THE SITUATION AND THEN NOTIFY THE CONTACT. THE KIA REPRESENTATIVE CALLED BACK AND STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PROPER TOOLS. THE CASE WAS ESCALATED TO THE SUPERVISOR. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 7,500 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 7,400. UPDATED 03-19-08 *BF UPDATED 03/19/08 *TR
Power train, Mar 4, 2008
I BOUGHT A 2007 KIA SORENTO IN OCTOBER, 2007. THE CAR ONLY HAS 3,000 MILES AND HAS A HORRIBLE SHIFTING PROBLEM THAT I AM TOLD ALL 2007 SORENTOS HAVE. WHEN THE CAR IS GOING BETWEEN 40 AND 50, IT SOUNDS LIKE AND SHUDDERS LIKE A 10 YEAR OLD BEAT UP CAR. IT IS LIKE IT WON'T SHIFT GEARS. THE MOTOR IS EXTREMELY LOUDER THAN THE 2003 KIA SORENTO I OWNED (WISH I HAD IT BACK). I AM TERRIBLY UNHAPPY WITH THE TRANSMISSION AND SHIFTING PROBLEMS THIS CAR HAS. *TR