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.
Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Engine, Sep 25, 2012
2008 KIA SORENTO START-UP STALLING TEMPERAMENTALLY FOR THREE WEEKS. ON 9/11/2012 THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND ESC OFF LIGHT APPEARED, FOLLOWED WITH A "PUTTING" ENGINE AND LIMP MODE. THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE WHEN FOOT APPLIED TO GAS PEDAL. KIA DEALERSHIP CONFIRMED TPS AND BRAKE SENSOR FAILURE AND ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL NEEDED REPROGRAMMING. (ERROR CODES READ: P2135, P0638, AND P2A00 OR P2A03.) KIA PUBLISHED BULLETIN TSB 044: HTTP://WWW.KIA-FORUMS.COM/ATTACHMENTS/KIA-CARENS-RONDO-FORUM/5552D1272512047-ENGINE-RACING-STOP-TSB-TPS.PDF DANGER ASPECT: THE CAR SEEMED DRIVABLE, HOWEVER, THE LIMP MODE DOES NOT ALLOW THE CAR TO ACCELERATE TO THE SPEED LIMIT OR FLOW OF TRAFFIC. RESEARCHED MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS -- PLEASE ISSUE AN INVESTIGATION FOR A RECALL. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Aug 27, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH THE RPM READINGS INCREASED AND THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED TO 20 MPH. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT THE BRAKES WERE HESITANT TO RESPOND. THE CONTACT ALSO USED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,455.
Air bags, Aug 24, 2012
THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG IS TURNED OFF WHEN AN ADULT SETS IN THE SEAT. THE OCS MISS CLASSIFIES THE ADULT IN THE FRONT SEAT AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON WHICH TURNS THE FRONT AND THE SIDE AIR BAG OFF. KIA HAS A RECALL CAMPAIGN FOR CERTAIN SORENTOS TO BE REPROGRAMMED. HOWEVER WHEN I TOOK MY CAR TO THE KIA DEALER I WAS TOLD THAT MY VIN NUMBER WAS NOT IN THE RECALL EVEN THOUGH I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. THEY TOLD ME THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPROGRAMMING MY SELF. THIS DOESN'T MAKE SENSE TO ME BECAUSE MY SORENTO WAS MANUFACTURED WITHIN THE RECALL DATES AND HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. I FEEL THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN AND SHOULD ME PAID FOR MY KIA MOTORS. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Aug 23, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSE THAT THE ACCELERATION SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 76,000.
Power train, Aug 22, 2012
WHILE DRIVING, THE CHECK ENGINE AND ESC LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. VEHICLE HAD SUDDEN LOSS OF ACCELERATION AND WOULD NOT GO BEYOND 40MPH. SPEED DECREASED BELOW 40MPH ON HILLS. VEHICLE CONTINUED TO HAVE PROBLEMS EVEN AFTER RESTARTING. A CHECK OF THE ODB-II CODES GAVE P2138, P2127 AND P2106. ALL OF THE CODES REFLECT A MALFUNCTION IN THE ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEM. AWAITING REPAIRS BY LOCAL KIA DEALER. *TR
Electronic stability control (ESC), Jul 30, 2012
WE ARE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH OUR 2008 KIA SORENTO. THE ESC LIGHT, BRAKE LIGHT, BATTERY LIGHT, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, AND ABS LIGHTS HAVE COME ON. I HAVE CHANGED BRAKES, CHECKED THE BATTERY AND THESE LIGHTS GO OFF AND ON. MY CAR HAS EXPERIENCED REDUCING SPEED WHEN ESC LIGHT HAS COME ON AND STARTED MALFUNCTIONING AT AROUND 64,000 MILES. ABS LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE HAVE WENT OFF. ESC LIGHT IS STILL GOING OFF AND ON. THE BRAKE LIGHTS HAVE FAILED ON US. I AM CONCERNED FOR MY WIFE'S SAFETY TO ALL THESE DEFECTS THAT ARE HAPPENING, AND WOULD LIKE FOR YOUR HELP IN RESOLVING THESE ISSUES WITH KIA. I HAVE READ OF OTHER PEOPLE HAVING COMPLAINTS WITH THE SAME ISSUES AND SAW TO REPORT THIS TO NHTSA. FURTHERMORE I TOLD KIA OF AN OIL LEAK I WAS HAVING AND ASKED IF IT WOULD BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND THEY FAILED TO ANSWER, AND DID NOT FIX IT. NEVER HAD ANY TROUBLE WITH THE CAR UNTIL I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE TRANSMISSION FLUID CHANGED AND AFTER THAT IS WHEN ALL THE PROBLEMS STARTED HAPPENING. PLEASE HELP. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jul 9, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING INTO A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THERE WAS ONE REPORTED INJURY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AWAY FROM THE LOCATION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 27,000.
Vehicle speed control, May 16, 2012
FOR THE 3RD TIME MY WIFE'S CAR ESC LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AS THE VEHICLE SPEED CAME TO ALMOST A STOP. THIS IS VERY DANGERS FOR UP HILL OR IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. SHE ALSO HAD PREVIOUS PROBLEMS WITH THE ESC LIGHT AND TPS LIGHT COMING ON. TAKEN TO DEALER SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE LAST YEAR. WE WERE TOLD TODAY IT WAS A THROTTLE SENSOR PROBLEM. IT WAS REPLACED TODAY AND HOPEFULLY THAT FIXES THE PROBLEM, ALTHOUGH I SEE ON THE INTERNET WHERE THIS IS A COMMON OCCURRING PROBLEM. I HOPE SOMEONE DOES NOT HAVE TO GET HURT BEFORE THIS IS A RECALL ISSUE.
Power train, Apr 11, 2012
I PURCHASED THIS KIA BRAND NEW IN 2008. HAD TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES WITHIN THE FIRST 6 MONTHS BECAUSE WHEN I REACHED BETWEEN 40 AND 50MPH THE VEHICLE JERKED. WAS TOLD EACH TIME THERE IS NOTHING WRONG. ON THE FINAL TIME THE SERVICE MANAGER RODE WITH ME AND TOLD ME IT WAS THE WAY I DROVE. I HAVE NOW HAD THIS VEHICLE FOR 3 AND HALF YEARS. IT HAS 67,000 MILES. I AM STILL HAVING THE JERKING ISSUE AND NOW THE ENTIRE REAR DIFFERENTIAL NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I HAVE RESEARCHED DIFFERENT FORUMS ON DIFFERENT WEBSITES AND HAVE FOUND THAT THIS SEEMS TO BE AN ISSUE FOR A LOT OF KIA SORENTO OWNERS. THE DEALERSHIP WILL NOT HONOR MY WARRANTY BECAUSE I DID NOT HAVE THE SERVICE DONE AT AUTHORIZED KIA SERVICE ESTABLISHMENT SO I HAD TO OUT OF POCKET PAY $1100 TO HAVE MY 3 AND HALF YEAR OLD VEHICLE FIXED. I HAVE OWNED MANY NEW CARS AND HAVE NEVER HAD THIS MUCH OF AN ISSUE AS I HAVE HAD WITH A KIA WITH UNDER 100,000 MILES ON IT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 19, 2012
I HAVE A 2008 KIA SORENTO I HAVE HAD 6 SERVICE ISSUES WITH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND ESC COMING ON. KIA DEALERSHIP HAS REPLACED GAS PEDAL X2, THROTTLE SENSORY ASSY, TIGHTENED CONNECTIONS, CLEARED CODES, APPLIED STABULANT, TIGHTENED PINS, RESET CODES, CLEARED FAULTS, CLEANED GROUND STATION AND NUMEROUS OTHER THINGS. I ONLY HAVE THESE ISSUES WITH THE CAR IN THE WARMER MONTHS (MAY-AUGUST)? IT LOSES POWER AND WON'T ACCELERATE. *JS
Power train, Mar 5, 2012
ON 3 OCCASIONS MY CAR HAS SLIPPED OUT OF PARK AFTER STOPPING & REMOVING MY KEY... IT IS POSSIBLE THAT MY KIA HAS ALLOWED ME TO REMOVE THE KEY WHEN IT IS NOT IN PARK, BUT I THINK IT IS THE FORMER.. *TR
Air bags, Jan 6, 2012
THIS VEHICLE HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG INDICATOR AND AUTO SHUT OFF FEATURE. THE VEHICLES OF THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL MANUFACTURED ONLY 6 MONTHS PRIOR TO MIND HAVE A RECALL. THE PROBLEM LIES THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT HAS A SENSOR TO TURN ON THE AIR BAG. THE FEATURE WILL ONLY TURN ON IF THE PASSENGER IS 130 LBS OR MORE. SO MY WIFE THAT WEIGHS 120LBS WILL NOT ACTIVATE THE AIR BAG, AND THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG OFF REMAINS ON. I WAS TOLD OF THIS BY MY LOCAL KIA TECHNICIAN THAT SAID THIS IS A PROBLEM ON ALL THE SORENTO OF THIS YEAR. SO THERE IS NOTHING HE CAN DO. MY VEHICLE IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. KIA SAID THEY ARE UNWILLING TO FIX. SO THEY MAY HAVE A LAWSUIT ON THEIR HANDS LATER. THIS NEEDS TO BE RESOLVED ARE THERE ARE MANY ADULTS THAT WEIGH LESS THAN 130LBS. *TR
Air bags, Dec 18, 2011
1. A WHINING NOISE DEVELOPED AROUND 40K AND PROGRESSIVELY GOT WORSE. WAS TOLD THE DIFFERENTIAL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. COME TO FIND OUT IT WAS A FAULTY BEARING. 2. PASSENGER SIDE SEAT AIRBAG LIGHTS COME ON FOR NO REASON STATING THAT AIRBAGS ARE OFF EVEN WHEN THERE IS AN ADULT PASSENGER IN THE SEAT 3. SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER AND CAR IS LITERALLY NOT ABLE TO ACCELERATE, DUE TO SENSOR THAT CONTROLS ACCELERATOR, HAPPENED TWICE BEFORE BEING REPLACED. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Dec 14, 2011
I HAVE NO REAR BRAKE LIGHT. THE ESC OFF LIGHT COMES ON IN THE DASH. I CAN TURN ON THE CRUISE CONTROL BUT I CAN'T SET A SPEED FOR CRUISE CONTROL. I HAVE A REMOTE STARTER THAT HAS A SAFETY SWITCH WHEN THE BRAKE IS PRESSED TURNS THE REMOTE STARTER OFF THAT ISN'T WORKING CORRECTLY CAUSE THERE IS NO SIGNAL THAT THE BRAKE HAS BEEN PRESSED. *TR
Air bags, Nov 10, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG OFF WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND A COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO ADVISED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER DEALER FOR A SECOND OPINION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 31,700.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Nov 8, 2011
THE FUEL GAUGE NEEDLE DROPS DOWN FROM FULL TO EMPTY AND THE LOW/OUT OF GAS INDICATOR LIGHT COMES ON, BUT GOES OFF AFTER NEEDLE MOVES FROM THE LOW FUEL GAUGE MARKING. THIS MALFUNCTION OF THE FUEL GAS NEEDLE HAPPENS AT NO SPECIFIC TIME INTERVAL OR SPEED RATE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electronic stability control (ESC), Nov 8, 2011
MY 2008 KIA SORENTO LX LOSES POWER & WILL NOT ACCELERATE TO 60MPH. I FEAR DRIVING MY VEHICLE BECAUSE I WAS ALMOST REAR ENDED ON 2 SEPARATE OCCASIONS BY AN 18-WHEELER DIESEL DUE TO THE FACT THE POWER IS LOST UPON ACCELERATION ATTEMPTS. IN ADDITION TO THE LOSS OF POWER, THE CHECK ENGINE & ESC OFF LIGHTS STAY ILLUMINATED. LIKE MANY OF THE OTHER COMPLAINTS, I HAVE TRIED TURNING MY ENGINE OFF & WAITING 10 MINUTES BEFORE RESTARTING THE ENGINE TO SEE IF THAT CLEARS THE STATUS OF THE LIGHTS BUT HAD LIMITED SUCCESS. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AT LEAST 3 TIMES, WHILE UNDER WARRANTY, FOR RESOLUTION. THE DEALERSHIP HAS ADVISED THAT CERTAIN SENSORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED AS WELL AS THE GAS PEDAL BUT YET EITHER HAS RESOLVED THE ISSUE. THE DEALERSHIP EVEN WANTED TO CHARGE ME $2800 FOR ONE TRIP & $1800 ON THE NEXT. THIS WAS TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE & CORPORATE WAS CONTACTED IMMEDIATELY. I AM CURRENTLY WAITING ON A RESPONSE FROM THEM. THE BRAKES ON THIS VEHICLE AS WELL HAVE BEEN AN ISSUE & ARE ANOTHER REASON FOR WHY I FEAR FOR THE SAFETY OF ME & MY PASSENGERS WHEN THIS VEHICLE IS DRIVEN. *TR
Electronic stability control (ESC), Oct 16, 2011
THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT HAS COME ON AND STAYS ON. ALSO, THE "ESC OFF" LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY. THE CAR IS ONLY DRIVEN SHORT DISTANCES A COUPLE OF TIMES A WEEK, HOWEVER WE ARE AFRAID TO DRIVE IT AT ALL BECAUSE OF THE REPORTS OF POWER AND CONTROL FAILURE. THE BRAKE LIGHTS ARE ALSO NOT WORKING, WHICH COMPOUNDS THE PROBLEM. *TR
Electronic stability control (ESC), Aug 21, 2011
2008 KIA SORENTO TPS PROBLEM CAUSING MY VEHICLE TO HAVE NO ACCELERATION VERY DANGEROUS WHILE DRIVING ESC AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COME ON WHEN PROBLEM OCCURS. TOOK TO LOCAL AUTO ZONE TO SEE WHY ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THERE CODE READER SAID I HAD 3 DIFFERENT CODES WRONG WITH THE CAR WHICH ALL WERE RELATED TO THE TPS SENSOR. THIS NEEDS TO BE A SAFETY RECALL ASAP. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 13, 2011
2008 KIA SORENTO LOSES POWER. ESC LIGHT ILLUMINATES AS WELL AS CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. VEHICLE WILL NOT ACCELERATE TO MORE THAN ABOUT 40-45 MPH. IF I PULL OVER TO A STOP AND TURN THE ENGINE OFF AND THEN RESTART THE ENGINE THE PROBLEM SOMETIMES RESOLVES ITSELF. SOMETIMES I FIND THE FUEL CAP IS LOOSE AND WITHOUT TURNING THE ENGINE OFF I TIGHTEN THE CAP AND THIS RESOLVES THE PROBLEM. I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE IN JUNE 2009. IT WAS USED WITH ABOUT 12,000 MILES ON IT. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED MY SON HAD IT ON A TRIP AND HE CALLED IN A PANIC WHILE DRIVING IN A LARGE CITY WITH HEAVY TRAFFIC. THAT WAS IN THE SUMMER OF 2010. THE PROBLEM WAS RESOLVED BY TIGHTENING THE FUEL CAP AS HE TOLD ME HE HAD JUST FILLED IT WITH FUEL. DURING THE SUMMER OF 2011 THE PROBLEM HAS BECOME MUCH MORE FREQUENT, NEARLY A WEEKLY EVENT FOR EITHER MY WIFE OR ME. THANKFULLY WE LIVE IN A SMALLER CITY WHERE TRAFFIC IS LIGHTER AND IT IS EASY TO PULL OFF ON A SIDE STREET TO DO THE "SHUTDOWN/RESTART" PROCEDURE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electronic stability control (ESC), Aug 11, 2011
BOUGHT THE CAR IN DECEMBER OF 2008. PROBLEMS BEGAN WITH THE ESC OFF LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE ABOUT A YEAR LATER. MULTIPLE PARTS WERE SUPPOSEDLY FIXED AND REPLACED BUT THE LIGHTS KEPT COMING ON, EACH TIME LOOSING ALL ACCELERATION SOMETIMES ON THE HIGHWAY! A FEW DAYS AGO, DRIVING UP A HILL, BOTH LIGHTS ARE ON, MY CAR STALLS OUT, STEERING LOCKS AND STARTS ROLLING DOWN THE HILL, LUCKILY IN A QUIET, SLOW TRAFFIC NEIGHBORHOOD. AFTER THAT MY CAR WON'T EVEN START. HAD TO GET IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY HAVE SINCE CALLED CORPORATE... WE WILL SEE WHAT THAT DOES. *TR
Power train, Aug 9, 2011
MY 2008 KIA SORENTO IS EXPERIENCING INTERMITTENT TRANSMISSION LUNGING. THERE IS ONLY 40,000 MILES ON THIS VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE DOES THIS EVERY DAY, EXCEPT WHEN I TAKE IT INTO THE DEALER. ONCE I DO TAKE IT IN TO THE DEALER, THEY SAY THAT NOTHING IS WRONG AND THAT THEY CANNOT GET THE CAR TO DO THE SAME THING I DO. I BELIEVE THAT NO DIAGNOSTICS WERE PERFORMED, AND I KNOW THAT A PROPER ROAD TEST WAS NOT PERFORMED. I HAVE TAKEN THIS VEHICLE IN 2 TIMES WITHIN THE LAST MONTH AND NO SOLUTION HAS BEEN DETERMINED. *TR
Air bags, Aug 4, 2011
SINCE WE PURCHASED OUR 2008 KIA SORENTO IN MARCH 2009, THERE HAS BEEN A PROBLEM WITH THE PASSENGER SEAT WHERE WHEN I AM SITTING THERE AND THE "PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF" LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED. I AM 150 POUNDS, AND MOVED MYSELF AROUND IN THE SEAT, WEIGHT CENTERED, SITTING PROPERLY. AT THE SAME TIME WE HAVE BEEN FIGHTING THE ISSUE OF THE ESC OFF AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AS WELL, SO THE 3 TIMES THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO SERVICE FOR THE ESC OFF PROBLEM, WE ALSO TOLD THEM ABOUT THE PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF. MY HUSBAND IS THE ONE WHO TOOK THE VEHICLE AND THE FIRST TIME THEY TOLD HIM THAT I WAS NOT POSITIONED IN THE SEAT PROPERLY. THE SECOND TIME THE VEHICLE WENT TO THE SERVICE DEPT, IT WAS AFTER I BASICALLY YELLED AT THEM ON THE PHONE AND TOLD THEM TO RIP OUT THE SEAT IF THEY HAD TO IN ORDER TO FIX IT. AGAIN, MY HUSBAND TOOK IT, THEY SAID THAT "THE AIRBAG WILL DEPLOY, BUT IT MIGHT BE SLOW." I KNEW THIS WAS INCORRECT. I KNOW THE WAY IT WORKS AND IF THE SENSOR IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY AND IT SAYS THE AIRBAG IS OFF, IT WILL NOT DEPLOY. THE THIRD TIME IT WENT TO SERVICE FOR THE ESC OFF LIGHT PROBLEM, MY FATHER WENT AND HAD A STERN CONVERSATION WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER AND ADVISED HIM THAT HE WAS A SERVICE MANAGER AND THAT HE KNOWS THAT IT IS HIS RESPONSIBILITY TO FIND OUT THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM AND FIX IT, ESPECIALLY BEING THE CAR IS UNDER WARRANTY AND THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. THEY SUPPOSEDLY FIXED THE ISSUE, I'M NOT SURE WHAT THEY DID, BUT WE HAVE ONLY HAD THE PROBLEM AGAIN ONCE IN THE PAST 6 MONTHS, AS OPPOSED TO TWICE A WEEK FOR OVER A YEAR. I HAVE FILED A SEPARATE COMPLAINT REGARDING THE ESC OFF AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. *TR
Electronic stability control (ESC), Aug 4, 2011
WE HAVE A 2008 SORENTO, PURCHASED IN MARCH 2009 (NEW). APPROXIMATELY A YEAR AND A HALF AGO, ONLY APPROX 15,000MILES, WE HAD OUR FIRST INCIDENT THAT THE ESC OFF LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH, AT THE SAME TIME, POWER WAS SIGNIFICANTLY DECREASED TO THE ENGINE. THANKFULLY, I WAS DRIVING IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD AND NOT ON THE HIGHWAY. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON AND THE ESC OFF LIGHT WAS NOW OFF, BUT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINED ON FOR THE REST OF THE DAY. WE DIDN'T THINK MUCH OF IT UNTIL IT HAPPENED AGAIN, ABOUT 2-3 WEEKS LATER. THIS TIME WE TOOK IT TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THEY INSISTED THAT THEY DIDN'T KNOW WHAT CAUSED IT AND THAT THERE WAS NO RECORD IN THE "COMPUTER" OF THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BEING ON. WE WERE BASICALLY DISMISSED BECAUSE THEY COULD NOT EVEN TELL THAT IT HAPPENED. THE THIRD TIME IT HAPPENED I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK, TURNING ONTO THE ENTRANCE RAMP OF I-95, I LOST POWER AND COULD NOT ACCELERATE TO MERGE ONTO THE HIGHWAY. I WAS FURIOUS AND FRIGHTENED OF THE POSSIBLE DANGER OF THE SITUATION, AND CALLED TO MAKE A SERVICE APPOINTMENT, THIS WAS THE 2ND TIME, WHICH BY THE TIME WE GOT THERE EVERYTHING WAS BACK TO "NORMAL" AND NO RECORD IN THE COMPUTER. I HAD PRINTED OUT RESEARCH FOR MY HUSBAND TO TAKE WITH HIM TO SHOW THEM THAT OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM AND THAT THE TCM WAS REPLACED, HOWEVER THEY DISMISSED HIM AND DID SOMETHING ELSE. IT WAS FINE FOR A WHILE, THEN HAPPENED AGAIN (APPROX DEC. 2010) WHEN MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING DOWN I-95, WE LOST POWER WHILE GOING 65 MPH AND THE ESC AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON. THIS TIME, MY DAD (WHO USED TO BE A SERVICE MANAGER) WAS AVAILABLE AND WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND HAD A STERN CONVERSATION WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER EXPRESSING HIS CONCERN FOR OUR SAFETY. THEY SUPPOSEDLY FIXED THE PROBLEM, I'M NOT SURE WHAT THEY DID, AND IT HAS BEEN FINE FOR THE PAST 6 MONTHS, UNTIL THE PAST 2 WEEKS, THE SAME PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED TWICE. WE ALSO HAD THE PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF WHEN I AM SITTING IN THE SEAT AS WELL. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jul 25, 2011
DRIVING 75 MPH ON HIGHWAY THE ESC OFF LIGHT LUMINATED AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. CAR LOST ACCELERATION AND POWER (WENT FROM 75 MPH TO 10 MPH INSTANTLY ON HWY). KIA REPLACED THE TPS SENSOR AND UPDATED ECM MODULE. ONE YEAR LATER SAME EVENT HAPPENED REPEATEDLY. DEALER WILL NOT FIX EVEN WITH TECH BULLETIN. TRIED TO CONTACT KIA MOTORS WITH NO RETURN RESPONSE. AT THE CURRENT TIME THE VEHICLE WILL NOT ACCELERATE. FASTEST IT WILL GO IS 45MPH EVEN WITH ACCELERATION PEDAL PUSHED ALL THE WAY DOWN. WHEN YOU TRY TO PULL OUT OR ACCELERATE THE VECHICLE LOOSES POWER. RANDOMLY THE CHECK ENGINE AND "ESC OFF" LIGHT WILL GO OFF AND CAR WILL ACCELERATE BUT ONCE OVER 65MPH WILL LOSE ALL POWER HAS ALMOSTED CAUSED SEVERAL WRECKS THAT WOULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT FROM BEHIND. THE LACK OF POWER IS DANGEROUS BUT NOT AS DANGEROUS AS THE VEHICLE LOSING POWER ON THE HIGHWAY OR WHILE TRYING TO PULL OUT FROM A COMPLETE STOP. VEHICLE HAS LOST POWER IN INTERSECTION NEARLY CAUSING SIDE WRECK. SEARCHED ON INTERNET AND TPS SEEMS TO BE COMMON PROBLEM