2014 Kia Sorento

Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues

Engine is the leading concern among 987 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 3rd highest complaint count among 23 Sorento model years with reports.

Complaints by model year
  1. 987

Of the 2014 reports, 23 involved a crash and 46 involved a fire. 24 people were injured and 1 person died.

Primary concernEngine388 reports · 39% of complaints
Owner complaints987Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship6 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Engine388
  2. Structure160
  3. Electrical system153
  4. Other or unspecified147
  5. Exterior lighting86
  6. Service brakes84
  7. Power train72
  8. Air bags51

Recalls and investigations

  1. Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/modulePark outsideSep 25, 2023

    Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.

    An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

    Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.

    Campaign 23V652000 on NHTSA.gov

  2. Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/modulePark outsideMay 10, 2021

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles previously recalled under recall 20V-519. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.

    An electrical short in the HECU increases the risk of a fire while parked or driving.

    Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. Dealers will install a new multi-fuse, and inspect the HECU for leaks, replacing the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 2, 2021. This recall supersedes previous NHTSA recall number 20V-519. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC212.

    Campaign 21V331000 on NHTSA.gov

  3. Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/modulePark outsideAug 27, 2020

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.

    If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.

    Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the HECU for leaking brake fluid and replace the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. The recall began October 20, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC197.

    Campaign 20V519000 on NHTSA.gov

  4. Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsDec 19, 2018

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.

    A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

    Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.

    Campaign 18V907000 on NHTSA.gov

  5. Engine and engine cooling, engineMar 31, 2017

    Kia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.

    Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly, and replace the engine if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC147.

    Campaign 17V224000 on NHTSA.gov

  6. Power train, axle assembly, axle shaftAug 13, 2013

    Kia Motors Corp. is recalling certain model year 2014 front wheel drive Sorento vehicles manufactured January 7, 2013, through March 12, 2013; and equipped with 2.4 liter engines. Due to a manufacturing issue, the right front axle shaft may fracture.

    A fractured front axle may result in a loss of power to the wheels. Additionally, if the vehicle is parked without the parking brake applied, it may roll away. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.

    Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front axle shaft assembly, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2013. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542 . Kia's recall number is SC099.

    Campaign 13V356000 on NHTSA.gov

Representative owner complaints: engine

406 reports, newest first. Show all

  1. Power train, Engine, Dec 25, 2017

    WHILE REVERISING INTO A DRIVEWAY THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED LOW POWER, WHEN THE GAS PEDAL WAS PRESSED FOR ADDITION POWER THERE A CLUNKING NOISE WHICH RESULTED FROM A BROKEN AXLE AND ENGINE MOUNTING POINT ON THE ENGINE ITSELF.

  2. Engine, Dec 18, 2017

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. A LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE OF THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

  3. Engine, Sep 14, 2017

    KIA SORENTO OWNER FOLLOW-UP LETTER ON SAFETY RECALL. *BF UPDATED 09/26/2017*JS

  4. Electrical system, Engine, Aug 23, 2017

    VEHICLE FREQUENTLY WILL NOT START AND A MESSAGE POPS UP SAYING: " BATTERY DISCHARGE WARNING" "PLEASE USE THE SYSTEM WHEN THE IGNITION IS ON". IT TAKES ANYWHERE BETWEEN 10-20 MINUTES BEFORE THE CAR FINALLY STARTS. KIA SAID THEY DIDN'T KNOW WHAT IT WAS, BUT IT HAS HAPPENED AGAIN TODAY.

  5. Engine, Aug 21, 2017

    MY CAR STARTING TO BEGIN TO SHOW LACK OF POWER AT FIRST, WHICH I HAD MENTIONED IN ADVANCE IN SERVICE APPOINTMENTS. TWO DAYS BEFORE MY ONE YEAR OF OWNING IT, THE CAR BEGAN TO STALL OUT WHEN I STOPPED FOR TRAFFIC LIGHTS WITHIN THE SAME DAY A OIL LIGHT WARNING FLASHED, AND THE CAR STARTED TO HAVE A KNOCKING NOISE. I WENT AND ADDED TWO QUARTS OF OIL. ONCE THE OIL LIGHT DISAPPEARED BUT THE KNOCKING CONTINUED . I TOOK THE CAR TO MY REGULAR KIA SERVICE PROVIDER THE SAME DAY AND IN THE PROCESS OF GOING THERE THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I WAS TOLD TO BRING IT IN THE NEXT DAY, THE ATTENDANT TOLD ME THAT HE COULD HEAR THE KNOCKING, WHICH SOUNDED CONCERNING. I BROUGHT THE CAR BACK THE NEXT DAY AS INSTRUCTED AND WAS TOLD THAT I SHOULD BE ABLE TO PICK IT UP AT END OF DAY. TIME PASSED BY AND IT WAS GETTING LATE TOWARDS CLOSING, SO I CALLED THE SHOP. I WAS TOLD THAT THE ENGINES HAD SEIZED AND THAT THE OIL BAY WAS DRY. I HAVE NEVER SEEN SOMETHING HAPPEN SO FAST. I HAD NO WARNING OF ANY KIND OF OIL ISSUES UNTIL THE DAY BEFORE, AND I HAD BEEN TAKING THE CAR IN FOR IT'S REGULAR SERVICES. THE CAR WAS IN THE KIA SERVICE SHOP, AND MOVED BY THEM. IT WAS RUNNING WHEN I BROUGHT IT IN BUT I AM BEING TOLD THAT THE ENGINE IS SHOT.

  6. Electrical system, Engine, Aug 8, 2017

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE SEIZED WHILE DRIVING 80 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER (THE KIA STORE, 5325 PRESTON HWY, LOUISVILLE, KY 40213, (888) 214-1809) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED NO SOLUTION OTHER THAN THE DEALER REPLACING THE PART. IN ADDITION, THE DEALER REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH PER AN UNKNOWN RECALL. THE CONTACT HAD TWO KEYS AND THE DEALER LATER PROVIDED ONE KEY, STATING THAT THE CONTACT WOULD NEED TO PAY FOR THE SECOND KEY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

  7. Steering, Engine, Aug 1, 2017

    1ST OCCURRENCE: ON JULY 10, 2017, AT ABOUT 11:30 A.M., I MADE A LEFT TURN ON A CITY STREET IN LAS CRUCES, NM, WHICH TOOK ME THROUGH AN UNDERPASS. IT WAS A 'WIDE' TURN AND I WAS PROBABLY MOVING AT ABOUT 25 MPH. ABOUT HALF WAY THROUGH THE TURN I LOST POWER STEERING AND BY BRUTE FORCE, WAS ABLE TO TURN MY CAR AND AVOID THE WALL OF THE UNDERPASS. HAD THERE BEEN ANOTHER CAR TO MY RIGHT, I WOULD MOST LIKELY HAVE HIT IT ON THE DRIVER SIDE. I BROUGHT MY SORENTO TO A STOP AND WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE. I AM UNSURE WHICH CAME FIRST, THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING OR THE ENGINE STOPPING. LATER THAT DAY, I TOOK THE CAR TO THE LOCAL KIA SERVICE FACILITY WHERE NO PROBLEM(S) COULD BE FOUND. I WAS THE SOLE OCCUPANT OF MY SORENTO AT THE TIME OF THIS FIRST INCIDENT. 2ND OCCURRENCE: ON JULY 27, 2017, AT ABOUT 2:00 P.M., I MADE A RIGHT TURN ON A CITY STREET IN LAS CRUCES, NM. IMMEDIATELY AFTER COMPLETING THE TURN AND JUST BEGINNING TO MOVE STRAIGHT AHEAD AT ABOUT 30 MPH, I ONCE AGAIN LOST MY POWER STEERING. FORTUNATELY THERE WERE NO OTHER CARS IN CLOSE PROXIMITY AND I WAS ABLE TO COAST INTO A PARKING LOT, ONCE AGAIN USING BRUTE FORCE TO STEER. THE ENGINE WAS NOT RUNNING WHEN I BROUGH MY SORENTO TO A STOP, BUT I WAS ABLE TO RESTART AND DROVE DIRECTLY TO THE SAME KIA SERVICE FACILITY. NO PROBLEMS COULD BE FOUND THIS TIME EITHER. THOUGH I AM NOT 100 PERCENT CERTAIN, I BELIEVE THE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER PRECEDED THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING. MY WIFE WAS WITH ME WHEN THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED.

  8. Engine, Jul 31, 2017

    KIA SAFETY RECALL (#17V224) I HAD PREVIOUSLY FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE NHTSA REGARDING AN ENGINE FAILURE. PLEASE SEE COMPLAINT #10993259. THE PURPOSE OF THIS COMPLAINT IS A FOLLOW-UP TO THE PREVIOUSLY FILED COMPLIANT. AS YOU ARE AWARE, KIA FAILED TO TIMELY NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS THAT THEIR VEHICLE MAY HAVE AN ENGINE DEFECT. AS YOU WILL SEE FROM MY PREVIOUSLY FILED COMPLAINT, I EXPERIENCED MY FIRST ENGINE FAILURE ON APRIL 1, 2017. BETWEEN APRIL 1ST AND MAY 31ST, I HAD EXPERIENCED THREE TOTAL FAILURES. HOWEVER, AS A RESULT OF THE APRIL 1ST FAILURE, I HAD THE VEHICLE REPAIRED AT MIDAS. I WAS NOT AWARE OF THE POTENTIAL RECALL AT THIS PARTICULAR TIME. THE REPAIR SHOP REPLACED THE TIMING GEAR AND CLEANED THE ENGINE, BUT INFORMED ME THAT THEY COULD NOT GUARANTEE THE WORK. THE COST FOR THESE SERVICES WAS $1,488.50. I ALSO NEEDED TO REPLACE THE TIMING SOLENOIDS (I DID NOT HAVE THIS DONE AT MIDAS AT THE TIME BECAUSE I DID NOT HAVE THE MONEY). I PURCHASED THESE AT AUTO ZONE FOR $123.42. THEY WERE INSTALLED BY A DIFFERENT MECHANIC AT THE COST OF $125. ONCE THE INTERIM RECALL INFORMATION WAS DISSEMINATED, IN JUNE, AND ONCE I RECEIVED MY VEHICLE BACK, WHICH WAS JUNE 25TH, AFTER HAVING THE ENGINE REPLACED, I FILED A CLAIM FOR REIMBURSEMENT. KIA HAS DENIED PAYMENT BECAUSE THEY STATE THE ENGINE WAS NOT REPLACED AS PER THEIR "LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENTION." I LATER APPEALED AND THE REPRESENTATIVE LEFT ME A VOICE MESSAGE (THAT I STILL POSSESS) WHICH STATES THAT IT WAS DENIED BECAUSE THE ENGINE WAS NOT REPLACED AND THE WORK WAS NOT DONE BY KIA. PROBLEM: IF I DID NOT KNOW ABOUT THE RECALL AT THE TIME OF FAILURE, WHY AM I BEING PENALIZED FOR THEIR FAULTY ENGINE? ADDITIONALLY, THE REIMBURSEMENT IS NOT UNDER A WARRANTY PROGRAM BUT IT IS FOR A SAFETY RECALL. WHY AM I BEING PENALIZED. KIA NEEDS TO PUT FORTH A GOOD FAITH EFFORT AND MAKE ITS CUSTOMERS WHOLE.

  9. Engine, Jul 25, 2017

    CAR BEGAN RANDOMLY NOT STARTING. NEW BATTERY INSTALLED IN NOVEMBER 2016. REPEATED ISSUE 6 DAYS LATER AND AGAIN 6 DAYS AFTER THAT. REMEMBERING BACK TO FIRST TIME I PUSHED THE START BUTTON TWICE, PUT FOOT ON BRAKE AND PUT CAR IN REVERSE AND BACK INTO PARK. CAR STARTED. FIRST TIME ON A RELATIVELY STEEP DRIVEWAY. ALL OTHER TIMES ON FLAT GROUND. ALL INCIDENCES IN A DRIVEWAY/GARAGE. TOOK TO SOUTHWEST KIA ROUND ROCK (TEXAS) WHERE IT WAS NOT ABLE TO BE DUPLICATED. REPLACED BRAKE SWITCH SINCE DIAGNOSTICS WAS SHOWING A HISTORY. ALSO FIXED A RECALL ITEM (REAR WHEEL SPEED SENSOR) WHICH I NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER FOR. TOOK CAR HOME AND THAT EVENING IT WOULD NOT START. PERFORMED THE WORK AROUND AND IT STARTED. IT HAS BEEN WITH THE DEALER 7 DAYS NOW AND THEY HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO REPLICATE IT. CLAIMED THEY OPENED A TECH LINE BUT WHEN I CALLED KIA CONSUMER AFFAIRS TO OPEN MY OWN FILE CASE I WAS TOLD THEY SHOW NO RECORD OF A TECH LINE BEING OPENED. MY CONSUMER AFFAIRS CASE NUMBER IS 12421090. I HAVE NOW EMAILED THE GM, SERVICE MANAGER AND THE SERVICE ADVISOR AFTER HAVING NO COMMUNICATION FROM THEM AT ALL FOR THE LAST WEEK. I AM CONCERNED IT WILL FAIL WHILE DRIVING AND FEAR THE SAFETY ISSUE THIS COULD CAUSE - BEING HIT BY ANOTHER CAR, ETC.THE CAR IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. IT HAS 40K MILES ON IT AND I'VE OWNED IT FOR 3 YR AND 8 MO.

  10. Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 18, 2017

    9/15/15- BROUGHT IN FOR MISFIRING AND ROUGH IDLING TO LUPIENT KIA BROOKLYN PARK, MN. 11/19/15 - BROUGHT IN FOR ROUGH IDLING AND ENGINE STALLING WHILE DRIVING TO LUPIENT. CLEANED ENGINE GROUNDS. 12/30/15 - LUPIENT - BROUGHT IN FOR MISFIRES AND CEL ON; REPLACED INJECTOR AND COMPUTER. 7/13/16 - LUPIENT - BROUGHT IN CEL ON, STARTS HARD, IDLES ROUGH; REPLACED INJECTOR (SAME INJECTOR); 8/18/16 - LUPIENT - TOWED IN - WON'T START CEL ON; REPAIR PIN TENSION; 8/17/16 LUPIENT - WAS IN FOR THE SAME PROBLEM AND WAS TOLD THAT I DIDN'T PUT THE GAS CAP ON TIGHT ENOUGH. 1/11/17 - LUPIENT - TOWED IN WOULD NOT START; LIGHTS AND HORN WERE FLASHING. TOWED FROM HOME DRIVEWAY. WAS TOLD IT WAS THE KEY FOB BATTERY. 6/12/17 - BARNET KIA - TOWED IN; CAR STALLED AND WOULD NOT RESTART. STALLED AT RED STOP LIGHT LEFT TURN LANE. COULD NOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND CARE STARTED UP ON 6/14/17 FINE. TOLD TO COME GET MY CAR. 7/17/17 - BARNET KIA - VEHICLE TOWED; STALLED AT RED STOP LIGHT LEFT TURN LANE. HAVE NO IDEA WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN BECAUSE NO ONE IS CONTACTING ME FROM KIA.

  11. Electrical system, Wheels, Engine, Jul 17, 2017

    I RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER #17V224 ON MY KIA. I RECENTLY TOOK IT BACK TO THE KIA DEALSHIP I LEASED IT FROM AND SERVICE DEPARTMENT RAN A TEST ON IT AND CHANGED THE OIL WHICH WAS CHANGED IN APRIL. I WAS ADVISE I NEED TO BUY A CABIN AIR FILTER OF $60.00. WHICH I CAN'T AFFORD BECAUSE I'M ON SHORT TERM ON MY JOB.I HAVE COMPLAIN ABOUT RATTLE NOISE FROM THE ENGINE AND SOUNDS FROM THE BEARING OR AXLE. I LATELY BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH AIR BLOWING AND ONLY ONE AUX PLUG WORK. I ALWAYS HAVING TO GET TIRES FIX AND AIRED UP. MY SISTER WAS KILLED LAST YEAR IN A SUV THAT HAD A RECALL ON IT SAME AS MY KIA DOES AND THIS KINDY HAVE ME NERVOUS OF DRIVING MY KIA BUT THIS IS MY ONLY TRANSPORTATION. I ASKING FOR ANY HELP TO RESOLVE THIS I MAKE MY PAYMENTS AND NEED A RELIABLE RIDE FOR ME AND MY KIDS AND MOTHER.

  12. Exterior lighting, Engine, Jul 11, 2017, fire

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA SORENTO. WHILE THE CONTACT'S SON WAS DRIVING, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO MAKE A KNOCKING NOISE. THE CONTACT'S SON NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THE HEADLIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE PREVIOUSLY REPLACED THE LIGHTS SEVERAL TIMES, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A KIA AND HYUNDAI DEALER AT 601-914-4200 WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE HAD BURNED OIL AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE HEADLIGHT AND TAIL LIGHT FAILURES COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED AND WOULD BE REPAIRED AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 12391217. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

  13. Engine, Jul 3, 2017

    I RECEIVED A MANUFACTURE RECALL NUMBER SC147 NOTICE FROM KIA. AS OF TODAY 7/3/2017. I HAVE NOT RECEIVED A REPAIR NOTICE FROM KIA FOR THE REPAIRS.

  14. Engine, Jun 30, 2017

    HAD OIL CHANGED ON THURSDAY. WENT ON TRIP ON FRIDAY. ON SATURDAY, THE VEHICLE STARTED ACTING LIKE IT WASN'T GEARING UP GOING UP A HILL. ON SUNDAY, IT WAS LOSING POWER GOING UP HILLS. HAD TO TAKE FOOT OFF EXCELLOATOR AND PAT IT AND THEN HOLD IT DOWN TO GET UP TO 70MPH. USING A LOT OF GAS FROM 25 MILES PER GALLON TO 14 MPG. COULDN'T DRIVE OVER 65 ON THE WAY HOME. TOOK IT TO DEALER. HE SAID OIL WAS 2.5 QRTS LOW EVEN THOUGH I JUST HAD IT CHANGED. THEY CHECKED THE RECALL AND OIL AND GAS FILTERS BUT CANNOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. NOW IT WILL ONLY GO 40 MPH. THEY ARE CONFUSED AND CALLING KIA MASTER MECHANIC. THE RECALL STATES THIS EXACT THING HAPPENING BUT THEY SAY IT IS NOT THE RECALL.

  15. Engine, Jun 5, 2017

    ON APRIL 1ST, THE ENGINE ON MY VEHICLE FAILED. I HAD IT TOWED TO MIDAS FOR REPAIR. THE MECHANICS INFORMED ME OF EXCESSIVE SLUDGE IN THE ENGINE THAT RESULTING IN THE TIMING GEAR AND TIMING SOLENOIDS FAILING. ON APRIL 7TH, I LEARNED THAT KIA WAS RECALLING SPECIFIC MAKES AND MODELS FOR ENGINE FAILURE THROUGH A FRIEND. UPON INVESTIGATION ONLINE, I SAW SEVERAL STORIES PUBLISHED ABOUT THE INFORMATION. SUBSEQUENTLY, I CONTACTED THE DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. SINCE PURCHASE, I MOVED OUT OF STATE. I WAS TOLD TO CONTACT THE NEAREST DEALER, WHICH I DID. I HAD EXPECTED A RETURN CALL, BUT NEVER RECEIVED ONE. I ALSO CONTACTED KIA DIRECTLY. THEY INFORMED ME THAT A RECALL NOTICE WOULD BE SENT TO MY HOME THE WEEK OF MAY 19TH (KEEP IN MIND IT IS APRIL 7TH). NONETHELESS, MIDAS REPLACED THE TIMING GEAR AT APPROXIMATE $1,500 AND ANOTHER MECHANIC REPLACED THE SOLENOIDS AT $175 PLUS PARTS. HE ALSO NOTED THAT THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR AND CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR. I CONTACTED THE LOCAL KIA DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE VEHICLE LOOKED AT. WHEN I EXPLAINED TO THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE THAT THERE WAS AN RECALL ON THE VEHICLE FOR POSSIBLE ENGINE FAILURE, SHE ADVISED ME THAT IT WAS ONLY A BULLETIN AND TO BRING THE CAR IN TO BE INSPECTED. THE NEXT WEEK, WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PASS A CAR WITH AN 18-WHEELER COMING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION, THE ENGINE FAILED. I HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE IT HAS BEEN EVER SINCE. I WAS INFORMED BY THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAT THEY WERE WORKING WITH KIA BECAUSE I NEEDED A NEW MOTOR, AND THEY ASKED FOR SERVICE RECORDS. I DID EXPLAIN THAT I DID NOT HAVE A COMPLETE RECORD OF OIL CHANGES. SEE ATTACHED EMAIL. I WAS INFORMED TODAY THAT KIA HAS DENIED MY CLAIM. THE DEALER IS ATTEMPTING TO GET THE DISTRICT MANAGER TO PUSH FOR APPROVAL.

  16. Power train, Electrical system, Engine, May 27, 2017

    I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND WHEN I CAME TO A POINT WHERE I SLOWED ALL THE WAY DOWN MY ENGINE FROZE. LUCKILY IT RESTARTED BUT AS SOON AS IT DID THERE WAS THIS TERRIBLE SOUND LIKE A BIG ROCK WAS FLYING AROUND IN MY ENGINE. ALSO NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS CAME ON SO THERE WAS NO WARNING. ALSO THE A/C STOPPED WORKING ABOUT 1 YR AGO. I HAD FREON PUT IN AND IT STOP WORKING ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO.

  17. Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 24, 2017, fire

    I PICKED UP THE CAR ON APRIL 28TH FROM MONROEVILLE KIA FOR SOME WARRANTY WORK ON THE OIL PAN AND TIMING BELT COVER. ABOUT AN HOUR LATER, THE CAR STARTED SMOKING AND I COULD SMELL OIL BURNING. I WAS ADVISED BY THE DEALERSHIP TO BRING THE VEHICLE BACK TO THEM. I TURNED AROUND AND STARTED HEADING BACK THERE. I MADE IT ABOUT A MILE WHEN THE GAS PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND COMPLETELY LOST POWER AND THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I PUT MY FLASHERS ON AND COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. WHEN THE CAR CAME TO A STOP, I NOTICED FLAMES CREEPING UP BETWEEN THE HOOD AND THE WINDSHIELD. I PUT THE CAR IN PARK, SHUT THE CAR OFF AND REMOVED THE KEYS, AND GOT OUT OF THE CAR. WITHIN 30 SECONDS OR SO THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. I HAD ALREADY STARTED CALLING 911 TO REPORT THE FIRE. THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT SHOWED UP WITHIN 6 MINUTES, BUT THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE CAR WAS ON THE SIDE OF A MAIN ROAD. THE CAR WAS TOWED AS PER MY CAR INSURANCE COMPANY AND THEY WERE SENDING AND INVESTIGATOR TO LOOK TO DETERMINE A CAUSE. THE CAR WAS A COMPLETE LOSS, INCLUDING EVERYTHING INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THIS INCLUDED KIDS SPORTS EQUIPMENT, TOYS, CAR SEATS, CLOTHES, BOWLING EQUIPMENT, ETC. THE ONLY THING THEY HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DETERMINE IN 3.5 WEEKS IS THAT THE FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I'M UNSURE IF THIS HAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE CURRENT RECALL OF 17V224000 DEALING WITH THE MOTOR AT THIS TIME. I'M AWAITING WORD FROM KIA MOTORS INC. ABOUT ANY INVESTIGATION THEY MAY WANT TO DO.

  18. Engine, May 22, 2017

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATED AND THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE PROGRESSING FROM THE ENGINE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND RECOMMENDED THAT IT BE TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR SERVICING. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM A MANUFACTURER RECALL. THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN OF WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN PARKED FOR MONTHS DUE TO THE CONDITION AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

  19. Engine, May 16, 2017

    CAR JUST STOPPED RUNNING WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE STREET. ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I RESTARTED CAR, DROVE IT TO A PEP BOYS, THEY PLUGGED IT IN TO GET THE ERROR CODE FOR WHY THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, BUT BY THAT TIME THE LIGHT HAD GONE OFF SO THEY WEREN'T ABLE TO GET THE CODE. I TOOK IT TO THE KIA DEALERSHIP I BOUGHT IT FROM, BUT THE SERVICE PERSON WAS DISMISSIVE. THIS WAS A YEAR AGO, BUT NOW I SEE THAT THERE IS AN IMPENDING RECALL ON THAT MODEL.

  20. Engine, May 15, 2017

    ON MAY 5, WHILE DRIVING ON THE 5 FWY, I FELT MY CAR LOOSING POWER AND WHEN I STOP, MY CAR SHUT OFF, I TURN THE CAR ON, HEAR A CLICKING SOUND BUT WAS ABLE TO PULL TO THE LEFT LANE EMERGENCY LANE. TOW THE CAR HOME AND WORKED ON THE CAR, FOUND THAT THE ENGINE BEARING GAVE OUT. I CHECK FOR REPLACEMENT PARTS AND FOUND IT WAS ON A RECALL. TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND DEALER WOULD NOT FIX IT DUE TO TRYING TO FIX ISSUE. IT WILL COST 8000 DOLLARS TO FIX OUT OF POCKET.

  21. Engine, Apr 9, 2017

    FOR ABOUT A YEAR MY CAR WOULD STALL WHEN I WOULD TURN. IT WOULD HAPPEN OCCASIONALLY. SOMETIMES IT WOULD BE MORE FREQUENT THAN OTHERS. THEN LAST WEEK I WAS DRIVING AND THE ENGINE CUT OFF AGAIN AND I HAD TO PULL OVER AND PUT IT IN PARK AND RESTART START THE CAR AGAIN. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. IF I WERE ON THE HIGHWAY AND THIS HAPPENED IT COULD CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT.

  22. Engine, Dec 26, 2016

    GOT A LETTER FROM KIA STATING THAT THEY ARE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE BEARINGS AND RODS IN THEIR 2012-2014 2.4L GDI MOTORS, THEY ARE EXTENDING THE WARRANTY TO 120,000 MILES. A FEW MONTHS LATER THE MOTOR SLUNG A ROD AND IS NOW TRASH. TOWED IT TO SONS KIA IN MCDONOUGH, GA, THEY CONFIRMED THEY WERE EXTENDING THE WARRANTY AND KNEW THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. IN FACT THERE ARE 9 OTHERS SITTING IN THE PARKING LOT WITH BLOWN MOTORS IN FRONT OF MINE AND THEY CAN'T EVEN BUILD THE NEW MOTORS FAST ENOUGH TO MEET THE DEMAND (THEY'RE ON BACK ORDER). THEY TOLD ME I NEEDED TO PRODUCE RECEIPTS FOR OIL CHANGES, FROM THE TIME I BOUGHT THE CAR. I BOUGHT IT USED AND HAVE ONLY PUT ABOUT 20,000 MILES ON IT (66,000 TOTAL). I CHANGED THE OIL MYSELF AND DIDN'T THINK ABOUT HANGING ONTO THE RECEIPTS. I WAS ABLE TO PRODUCE ONE RECEIPT AND ALL MY BANK STATEMENTS SHOWING WHEN I WENT TO AUTOZONE AND A LOG BOOK OF ALL THE OIL CHANGES, MILEAGE AND DATES. KIA TOLD ME THAT WASN'T GOOD ENOUGH AND DENIED MY CLAIM FOR THE WARRANTY. THEY TOLD ME THEY WOULD TEAR DOWN THE ENGINE AND GO THROUGH IT TO SEE IF THERE IS SLUG BUILT UP IN THE MOTOR (KNOWING THERE WILL BE DUE TO BAD BEARINGS AND RODS) AND IF THERE IS I'M RESPONSIBLE FOR THE LABOR WHICH WOULD BE ABOUT $500 DOLLARS OR SO. THEY ARE TRYING TO WEASEL THEIR WAY OUT OF FIXING A PROBLEM THEY KNOW THEY CREATED. THEY DON'T CARE THAT THEY ARE SCREWING THEIR CUSTOMERS OVER. THEY KNOW THEY ARE RESPONSIBLE AND NOT ONLY ARE THEY WEASELING OUT OF FIXING IT THEY ARE DOING EVERYTHING THEY CAN TO AVOID A RECALL BECAUSE THEY WOULD HAVE TO SWAP EVERY MOTOR FROM 2012-2014. THEY ARE HOPING THAT NO ONE CAN PRODUCE THEIR RECEIPTS SO THEY GET AWAY WITH AS LITTLE DAMAGE TO THEMSELVES AS POSSIBLE. INSTEAD OF DOING THE RIGHT THING AND TAKING CARE OF THEIR CUSTOMERS AND THE PROBLEMS THAT THEY CAUSED. THERE'S A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT ALREADY AGAINST KIA ALREADY FOR THIS PROBLEM. *TR

  23. Engine, Sep 17, 2016

    VEHICLE DESCRIBED WAS PURCHASED BY US 8/10/16. RECEIVED NOTICE FROM KIA ON 8/29/16 THAT ENGINE COULD "FAIL", BASICALLY COME APART. CONCERNED WITH SAFETY OF FAMILY IF WIFE WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD OR IN A REMOTE AREA AND THIS OCCURS WITH HER AND GRANDCHILDREN IN CAR. WHY WOULD THIS NOT BE A RECALL ITEM. PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHY IT WOULD NOT BE A RECALL ITEM. TRYING TO AVOID A POTENTIALLY SERIOUS ACCIDENT. TOLD TO KEEP PAPERWORK IN GLOVE BOX IF IT HAPPENS.....REALLY? PLEASE HELP.

  24. Engine, Sep 14, 2016

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED. WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED AND EMITTED A LOUD TICKING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS OIL SLUDGE IN THE ENGINE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE ENGINE WAS NOT REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

  25. Engine, Mar 10, 2016, fire

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE AND THE PRESENCE OF SMOKE EMITTED OUTSIDE AND INSIDE THE VEHICLE. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE CONTACT LIFTED THE HOOD AND NOTICED FLAMES NEAR THE MOTOR. THE VEHICLE WAS COASTED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT THE DEALER'S FOR WEEKS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT IT WAS UNCERTAIN AS TO WHEN THEY WOULD INVESTIGATE THE FAILURE AND PROVIDE A PERMANENT REMEDY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31,000.