2008 Kia Sorento
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 217 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 14th highest complaint count among 23 Sorento model years with reports.
Of the 2008 reports, 15 involved a crash and 9 involved a fire. 17 people were injured and 3 people died.
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
Representative owner complaints
217 reports, newest first.
Air bags, May 3, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE AND IN PARK, THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED LEFT ARM INJURIES AND LEFT LEG INJURIES DUE TO DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAGS. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT REQUIRED AND NO POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,000.
Electrical system, Apr 14, 2016
MY 2008 KIA SORENTO HAS HAD NUMEROUS INSTANCES OF THE REAR TAILLIGHT/SIGNALLIGHT FAILING TO OPERATE CORRECTLY. THE VEHICLE DOES HAVE A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE FOR WHICH IT WAS TAKEN IN FOR SERVICE AND THE DEALERSHIP HAS SINCE WORKED ON THE VEHICLE TO REMEDY THE SITUATION A NUMBER OF TIMES. THEY HAVE SAID AND NOTED THAT IN A PRIOR VISIT THEY REPLACED THE STOPLIGHT SWITCH. HOWEVER THE PROBLEM CONTINUES AND I HAVE BEEN CITED A NUMBER OF TIMES WITH A WARNING FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT. ATTACHED IS ONE OF THE RECEIPTS FROM THE DEALERSHIP NOTING THE RECALL AND PROBLEM. NOW, THE DEALERSHIP IS INSISTING THAT WE SHOULD PAY FOR THE LATEST ATTEMPT TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM, ALTHOUGH THE ISSUE HAS NEVER BEEN FIXED WITHOUT A RECURRENCE OF THE ISSUE. THE REAR TAILLIGHT/SIGNAL LIGHT FAILS TO ILLUMINATE.
Air bags, Feb 24, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT'S WIFE, WHO WAS 5 FOOT 6 INCHES TALL AND WEIGHED 130 LBS, WAS SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED, INDICATING THAT THE AIR BAG SYSTEM WAS DEACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE SEAT CUSHION AND RE-FLASHED THE SOFTWARE, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,648.
Air bags, Feb 4, 2016
AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT ON. DEALER TEST SHOWED PROBLEM IS WITH THE SENSOR LOCATED INSIDE THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT. THEY SAY THE SOLUTION REQUIRES ME TO REPLACE THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT FOR $2500.
Air bags, Engine, Dec 3, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE ESC, PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG, AND MOTOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED BEFORE THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V473000 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.
Air bags, Nov 13, 2015
AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON IN DASHBOARD AFTER STARTING THE CAR AND STAYED ON, ALSO LIGHT STATING PASSENGER AIRBAG IS OFF GOES ON AN OFF. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERS BACK ON 8/9/12 FOR PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT, SUPPOSEDLY IT WAS REPAIRED BUT STILL HAPPENING. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR AIR BAG LIGHT IN DASH WAS ADVISED B1448 OCS, PASSENGER BOTTOM SEAT WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED WHICH WOULD COST $2219.34. INFORMED DEALER CHOOSING NOT TO HAVE REPAIRED, FEEL IT SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER RECALL 11V473000, THEY STATED MY VEHICLE IS NOT PART OF RECALL
Other or unspecified, Nov 9, 2015
I'VE OWNED THIS VEHICLE FOR LESS THAN A YEAR AND HAVE OBSERVED SEVERAL AFFECTED PARTS THAT PRESENT SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUES AND SUBSTANTIAL CONCERNS TO MY OVERALL WELFARE. MOST ALARMING IS THE VEHICLE LOSES POWER DURING OPERATION EITHER IN AND INABILITY TO ACCELERATE OR THE COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER WHILE MERGING OR DRIVING WITH THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC ON THE HIGHWAYS AND INTESTATES. THE ESC AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY AND REMAIN ON UNTIL ENGINE IS TURNED OFF. THE DASH PANEL LIGHTS FLICKERS OFF/ON WHEN BRAKE PEDAL IS ENGAGED. THE BACK DRIVERS BRAKE LIGHT GOES OUT SPORADICALLY. IN THE EVENT THAT THERE IS A NEED TO CUT THE HEAD LIGHTS OR WINDSHIELD WIPERS ON WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION, THERE IS A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER OR ACCELERATION AND THE CAR WILL SLOW TO A COMPLETE STOP IN THE MIDST OF HEAVY TRAFFIC CONDITIONS. THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT IS CONSISTENTLY ON. THE CRUISE CONTROL FUNCTION COMES ON WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT PROMPTING AND THE PANEL KEYS ARE NON RESPONSIVE TO OFF ON COMMANDS. THERE IS ALSO A HEAVY SHAKING THAT OCCURS ON THE FRONT END WHEN TRAVELING AT SPEED OF 55 MPH OR GREATER.
Exterior lighting, Nov 2, 2015
I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT BULBS AT LEAST 3 TIMES IN THE 3 YEARS I HAVE OWNED MY CAR. JUST HAD MY RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE REPLACED AGAIN, WAS WORKING IMMEDIATELY AFTER BEING REPLACED, AND NOW THE NEXT MORNING WHEN I GET IN MY CAR NEITHER HEADLIGHT WORKS. I AM A SINGLE MOM ON A FIXED INCOME AND I CANNOT AFFORD TO KEEP REPLACING THESE BULBS AT $20 EACH TIME.
Vehicle speed control, Oct 28, 2015, crash
AFTER STOPPING AND LOOKING FOR ONCOMING CARS AND STARTING AGAIN, THE CAR JETTISONED CAUSING ME TO HIT ANOTHER CAR AND THE CAR WOULDN'T STOP FOR ABOUT A HALF BLOCK.
Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Oct 19, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE BRAKE LAMP FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH GROUND WIRE WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V114000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 02/05/16*LJ UPDATED 4/23/18*JB *CN
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Oct 18, 2015
EVERY 6 MONTHS THE ENGINE LIGHT AND ECS OFF LIGHTS COME ON AND THE CAR LOSES POWER INTERMITTENTLY. THIS IS DANGEROUS WHEN IT HAPPENS ON THE FREEWAY. I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM CARMAX IN JULY 2014. BY NOVEMBER, IT STARTED TO HAVE THE ISSUE, IT PROGRESSED AT I CHECKED IT ON THE INTERNET AND SAW A RECALL AND BROUGHT IT IN TO CITY KIA IN ORLANDO. THE MECHANIC COULD NOT FIND AN ISSUE WHY THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON AND THERE WAS NO CLEAR CODE. HOWEVER, WHEN HE REPLACED THE RECALL LAMP SWITCH PART IT WENT AWAY UNTIL NOW (OCT 2015). IT IS CLEAR TO ME THAT THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM THAT CAN CAUSE THE LOSS OF POWER. THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMMENTS FROM OTHERS WITH THE SAME ISSUE AND THE SAME SYMPTOMS. I EXPECT CARMAX AND KIA UNDERSTAND THERE IS AN ISSUE. I BOUGHT THE CAR WITH 32K MILES ON IT FROM CARMAX AND IT ALREADY HAD 2 PREVIOUS OWNERS. THE AVERAGE KIA MECHANIC SEEMS INCAPABLE OF DIAGNOSING AND RESOLVING THIS ISSUE. THEY WILL JUST CHANGE OUT PARTS EVERY 6 MONTHS AND HOPEFULLY RESET THE ELECTRONICS SOMEHOW. I AM A LICENSED MECHANICAL ENGINEER AND SAFETY ENGINEER WORKING IN THE RIDE INDUSTRY FOR 30 YEARS. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND I WOULD LIKE KIA TO EITHER FIX IT OR TAKE MY CAR BACK OR CARMAX TO TAKE THE CAR BACK. THE LOSS OF POWER CAN OCCUR WHEN YOU START OR WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING. THE ENGINE LIGHT AND ECS LIGHT COME ON AND ALWAYS ACCOMPANY THIS ISSUE. TYPICAL POSTS ON INTERNET JUN 30, 2014 - CHEEKTOWAGA, NY - POWER TRAIN TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE SLOWLY DECELERATED TO 20 MPH. THE SERVICE ENGINE AND ESC SENSORS ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
Air bags, Oct 13, 2015
THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON WITH THE TROUBLE CODES OF B1511, B1513, AND B1448 ALL AT THE SAME TIME. I FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THAT ALL THIS GOES WRONG AT THE SAME TIME.
Vehicle speed control, Sep 2, 2015
WHEN DRIVING UP HILL AT 35 MPH IN AUTOMATIC DRIVE OUR VEHICLE LOSES POWER. WHEN PUSHING DOWN ON GAS PEDAL, IT DOES NOT RESPOND. WE TOOK IT TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO TEST DROVE IT AND EXPERIENCED SAME PROBLEM. WHEN USING MANUAL SHIFT THE CAR DOE NOT LOSE POWER AND RESPONDS WHEN GOING UP HILL. WE WERE TOLD IT GOES FROM FIRST GEAR TO FIFTH GEAR IN ABOUT 500 FEET WHEN IN AUTOMATIC DRIVE. LOCAL MECHANIC CALLED KIA DEALS IN SPOKANE AND I WENT TO EDMARK KIA IN NAMPA EACH DEALERSHIP CLAIMS TO KNOW NOTHING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. ESC LIGHT IS ALSO ON.
Vehicle speed control, Aug 31, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND HESITATED TO RESPOND. THE ESC AND THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON FIVE SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. MA 10/15/2015 *CN
Other or unspecified, Aug 21, 2015
MY GRANDDAUGHTER OPENED THE REAR PSGR DOOR ON THE DRIVERS SIDE AND IT BROKE OFF AND THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR IS ABOUT TO BREAK OFF I TOOK IT TO LUTHER KIA IN INVER GROVE HEIGHTS AND THEY SAID THAT IT WOULD COST $322.00 TO FIX THE BROKEN HANDLE. I TOOK IT TO A BODY SHOP AND THEY TOLD ME THAT IN HIS 12 YEARS WORKING WITH CARS THAT A DOOR HANDLE WOULD BREAK OFF LIKE THAT AND HE ALSO SAID THAT THE FRONT PSGR DOOR WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED ALSO. AND THEY WOULD CHARGE $368.00 FOR BOTH DOORS. I TALKED TO A LADY AT MY JOB SHE JUST BOUGHT A 2013 KIA SORRENTO AND SHE SAID THAT WHEN SHE PURCHASED IT THE DOOR HANDLES WERE MISSING AND THEY WERE GOING TO REPLACE THEM FOR FREE SINCE SHE JUST BROUGHT THE CAR. BUT THEY SOLD HER THE CAR WITH 2 HANDLES MISSING I FEEL THAT THERE IS DEFINITELY SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE THE DOOR HANDLES ON THESE CARS. HAVE THERE BEEN ANY OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT DOOR HANDLES MISSING. I ALSO HAD TO REPLACE MY REAR BRAKE LIGHT TWICE AND MY SISTER WAS FOLLOWING ME AND SHE SAID THAT MY BRAKE LIGHT WOULD SOMETINE GO ON THEN NOT. I WAS ALSO STOPPED BY A POLICE OFFICER ABOUT THE SAME REAR BRAKE LIGHT AND I GOT IT FIXED THEN MONTH LATER IT DID THE SAME THING.
Engine, Jun 12, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED TO 20 MPH WITHOUT THE BRAKE PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED. THE SEC AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000.
Air bags, May 31, 2015
THE PASSENGER SIDE "AIR BAG TURNED OFF" SIGN COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY EVEN WHEN AN ADULT IS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT AT THE STARTING THE VEHICLE AND TAKES SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO GET DOWN AND GET BACK IN TO TURN THE SIGN OFF. OCCASIONALLY, THIS SIGN LIGHTS UP WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND IT IS SCARY AT THAT TIME AND NOT POSSIBLE TO TAKE ANY MEASURES AT THE TIME. I HAVE COMPLAINED TO KIA DEALERSHIP AND DIRECTLY TO KIA COMPANY. I WAS TOLD TO GIVE THEM PICTURES TAKEN OF THE LIGHTED SIGN WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND THERE WAS PASSENGER IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. I PROVIDE SUCH PICTURES TOO. HOWEVER, THE DEALER AFTER KEEPING THE VEHICLE FOR OVER A WEEK AT A TIME TOLD US THEY ARE UNABLE TO REPEAT THE PROBLEM AND THAT WE SHOULD KEEP THE LEATHER SEATS TREATED WITH SMOOTHING TREATMENT. THIS IS SCARY SITUATION THAT KIA IS AWARE OF BUT NOT WILLING TO ADDRESS IT.
Other or unspecified, May 17, 2015
VEHICLE LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING 30MPH SINCE THEN IT WILL START NOW BUT SHUTS OFF AFTER A BLOCK'S DRIVE. LIMPED IT HOME AND HAVE BEEN READING ON LINE THIS IS NOT AN UNCOMMON PROBLEM. WE'VE HAD IT IN FOR RECALL (FRONT SEATBELT LIGHT) AND THE ESC LIGHT ILLUMINATION WAS DISMISSED AT THAT TIME.
Suspension, Apr 18, 2015
WE HEARD GRINDING NOISES WHEN DRIVING OUR 2008 KIA SORENTO. WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN PULLING, JERKING, AND LUNGING. WE NOTICED NICKEL-SIZE CHIPPED PIECES OF METAL IN THE DRIVE THAT HAD FALLEN FROM UNDERNEATH THE CAR. WE TOWED THE CAR TO OUR LOCAL AUTO REPAIR SHOP. THE MECHANIC DISCOVERED THAT THE RIGHT WHEEL BEARING HAD DISINTEGRATED; THE ROTOR AND HUB TO RIDE INTO THE CALIPER AND SEIZE--THE WHEEL WAS WITHIN SECONDS OF FLYING OFF THE AXLE. THEY HAD DIFFICULTY FINDING PARTS BECAUSE THIS SEEMED TO HAVE BEEN A COMMON PROBLEM WITH KIA SORENTOS. I CONTACTED THE NEWLY OPENED KIA DEALERSHIP ABOUT THE RECENT CAR REPAIR AND THAT AFTER HEARING OF THE DIFFICULTY IN FINDING PARTS AND BEING TOLD THAT THIS HAS BEEN A COMMON PROBLEM, I WAS EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THIS REPAIR. I WAS TOLD THAT THE ENTIRE REPAIR IS COVERED UNDER THE 100,000 MILE WARRANTY (MILEAGE ON THE KIA WAS 90,317). I WAS DIRECTED TO KIA OF AMERICA (1-800-333-4542) TO SUBMIT A REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST FOR THE REPAIR. MY CLAIM WAS DENIED SIMPLY BECAUSE WE HAD NOT TAKEN THE CAR TO A KIA DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR. I ASKED FOR AN APPEAL AND WAS DIRECTED TO THE REGIONAL OFFICE. THE KIA REPRESENTATIVE MISTAKENLY STATED THAT WE HAD SAID WE KNOWINGLY WERE AWARE THAT THE CAR WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY BUT WE TOOK THE CAR ELSEWHERE. I STATED THIS WAS INCORRECT--THAT WE HAD NO IDEA WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS AND THAT WE TOOK IT TO THE SAME PLACE WE ALWAYS GO. I ASSURED KIA OF AMERICA, IF WE HAD KNOWN THAT THE REPAIR WAS COVERED BY A WARRANTY, WE WOULD HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE NEWLY OPENED KIA DEALERSHIP. BOTTOM LINE: KIA OF AMERICA DOES NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR WARRANTY. OUR MAJOR CONCERN IS WITH THE SAFETY OF OUR FAMILY AND DRIVING A WELL-MAINTENANCED CAR. OUR REQUEST IS THAT KIA OF AMERICA HONOR THE WARRANTY. PLEASE INVESTIGATE WHY A RECALL HAS NOT BEEN ISSUED ON THIS CONCERN. *TR
Air bags, Mar 30, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF WAS DISPLAYED ACROSS THE MESSAGE BOARD. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE SENSOR IN THE PASSENGER SEAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V473000 (AIR BAGS) BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
Air bags, Mar 9, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS WITH THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPIED, THE PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG SYSTEM FAILED AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 151,000. UPDATED. 06/09/15 *TA THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE SEAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO THE LIGHT NOT GOING OFF. UPDATED 08/04/15*JB
Steering, Engine, Feb 25, 2015
WE WERE DRIVING ON A BUSY FREEWAY ON THE WAY TO WORK, THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED GETTING STIFF SO WE SLOWED DOWN AND MOVED OVER TO THE FAR RIGHT. THE CAR DIED BUT WE WERE ABLE TO COAST OVER OUT OF TRAFFIC THOUGH THE BACK OF THE CAR WAS STILL NOT OUT ALL THE WAY DUE TO THE ANGLE. WE WERE NOT ABLE TO STEER AND STRAIGHTEN THE CAR. THE CAR WOULD NOT START. WE CALLED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO JUMP THE CAR. IT WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC. THE ENGINE WAS LOCKED. THE MECHANIC SAID A SCREW BROKE OFF. THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE CRANKSHAFT. I HAD TO GET A NEW ENGINE PUT IN AT THE COST OF JUST OVER $2400. *JS
Service brakes, Feb 21, 2015, crash
WAS DRIVING AT A 35 MPH SPEED WHEN I TRIED TO BREAK AND INSTEAD THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED CAUSING ME TO HIT THE VEHICLE I FRONT OF ME. IT WAS AT THE SHOP FOR REPAIR FOR A WEEK THE BREAKS WHERE CHECKED. 2 HOURS AFTER THE CAR WAS OUT THE SHOP I WAS TURNING WHEN INSTEAD OF BREAKING IT ACCELERATES AGAIN CAUSING THE VEH TO LOOSE CONTROL AND HIT THE CURB. I ONLY HAD THE SUB FOR 3 MONTHS AND NEARLY CAUSE ACCIDENTS 3 TIMES... ALSO ON THE HIGHWAY THE BRAKES WON'T WORK I HAVE TO PRESS ON THE BRAKE PEDAL VERY HARD AND STILL TAKES A LONG TIME TO BRAKE. THE VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE AT ALL. *TR
Exterior lighting, Nov 19, 2014
DIM LIGHTS BOTH QUIT AT THE SAME TIME IN EARLY MORNING (DARK) DRIVING. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Visibility/wiper, Nov 2, 2014
FOR YEARS NOW I HAVE REPLACED LIGHTS ON THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE REPLACED HEADLIGHTS AT LEAST 15 TIMES AND BRAKE LIGHTS ABOUT 20 TIMES. ON AT LEAST 5 OCCASIONS ALL LIGHTS BURNED OUT AT ONCE.. THE FUSES AND RELAYS HAVE NEVER BEEN BAD BECAUSE WHEN I REPLACE THE LIGHTS THEY WORK.SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE AND I HAVE KNOWN MANY OTHER KIA OWNERS TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM BUT THE DEALERSHIP SAYS NOTHING IS WRONG. I CAN'T AFFORD ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. *TR