2015 Kia Sorento
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 750 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 7th highest complaint count among 23 Sorento model years with reports.
Of the 2015 reports, 20 involved a crash and 14 involved a fire. 24 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
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
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
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
Representative owner complaints: structure
100 reports, newest first. Show all
Structure, Jul 31, 2023
Snow white pearl paint is chipping on the front end. Started on driver side front quarter panel now its on hood and front bumper. This is so irritating!!!! I can't even wash my car without something chipping!!! The cost to repaint those areas is around $5500.00. Kia really needs to get this issue fixed. They are about to loose a cash paying customer if not.
Structure, Jul 30, 2023
The paint peeling on my PEARL WHITE Kia sorento
Structure, May 9, 2023
paint coming off. peeling, flaking
Structure, May 4, 2023
Unknown Paint started chipping little by little and a big chunk just came off.. I'm concerned became new chips are appearing.
Structure, Apr 6, 2023
Snow white pearl paint has suddenly started peeling on passenger door and around windshield
Structure, Engine, Apr 4, 2023
While driving at night on 2 lane highway at speed limit the engine seized as I pressed acceleration. Had to get to safe spot to pull off while just coasting as other drivers got upset so glad I didn’t get hit from behind. Had to be towed home had mechanic look at it he said engine is needing replaced. Kia knows they have a recall on engines but won’t fix unless something happens that’s dangerous! I was told when I had their knock sensor put on that would just slow the engine down before it became a danger but no that didn’t happen it literally seized at full speed limit. I called Kia said to have it towed in and they would look at it but it will take 4 weeks before they get to it. Also the paint is chipping bad on hood and above windshield on driver side I’m seeing more and more 2015 Kia Sorento with same issue all those in my town are the same spots as mine this should be a recall and repaired by Kia we spend good hard working money to have a nice vehicle and this makes it look like crap. Do better by your customers Kia!
Steering, Structure, Feb 22, 2023
I own a 2015 Kia Sorento in Snow White Pearl. I have 2 Complaints: 1.) The paint is peeling off of the hood. I have read many reviews online where similar issues are happening with Kia vehicles manufactured in a similar timeframe that have issues with SWP peeling off of the hood and the pillars. My car, specifically, is peeling in both the hood and the pillar. Photos attached. 2.) Our vehicle's steering wheel, when we travel over 60mph, squeaks as if it is loose metal. It sounds like a sharp squeak. It only happens when we are traveling at high speeds on the highway. Not while turning or at slow speeds. It is not a rodent or anything like that because we've had a dealership check it out. The dealership did not know the source of the squeak and recommended we got a new steering column and replaced a few other components to fix this squeak (Over $1,500, I'll be happy to share the estimate receipt). Upon searching on Google, I've seen there were more than enough posts about Kia vehicles' steering wheels squeaking to think it's a problem specific to our vehicle. This is s forum of Kia owners who have a Kia vehicle squeaking:: https://www.kia-forums.com/threads/2022-kia-sorento-x-line-s-squeaking-noise-in-steering-wheel.355478/ This is a video I stumbled upon of a Kia vehicle squeaking: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgdf7d2NQYg
Structure, Feb 3, 2023
Rear passenger door handle came apart. Handle clicked in place, but came apart each time attempted door opening. Auto shop replaced door handle assembly. Door was unusable. No warning other than handle falling off
Structure, Jan 30, 2023
2015 Kia Sorento with Snow White Pearl Paint is just peeling off of car in various areas. This is a manufacturer defect and should be repainted by Kia or reimbursed for a repaint. Several other complaints regarding this same paint color. I have filed a couple complaints to Kia who states that its out of warranty. The warranty should be extended as this is a defect. Your paint should not just peel off while you are driving down the road.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jan 18, 2023
Paint is peeling.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Nov 21, 2022, crash
My friend was driving my car this am and an unknown driver ran the stop sign on a side street off from Stuyvesant and hit my vehicle my friend proceeded to get out my vehicle to exchange ins with the other driver as she declined my friend tried contacting me numberous times by FaceTime and phone when I finally answered the FaceTime she snapped a picture of the back of her vehicle as she was proceeding to leave I told my friend I will contact the police department to do a report because we have her license plate number and car as well
Structure, Oct 7, 2022
The Kia has been having paint that just comes off around the windshield at the top and now on the hood. I’ve seen several other Kia’s (white) having the same issues. Why won’t Kia stand behind this issues? I know this is not owners fault. Something is wrong with the paint on these white 2015 sorentos.
Structure, Sep 30, 2022
My Kia is pearl white and the paint is peeling off. I've taken it to a body shop and they said it is a factory prep issue and the paint will continue to peel. And it won't be long before the windshield starts leaking. Upon doing research, I've seen many complaints about the problem I am having. I don't think the mileage should matter.....defective paint job is a big issue. What is Kia doing to resolve this? I'm not paying over $4,000 to fix it when it's not a fault of mine.
Structure, Sep 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that paint was peeling off from the vehicle roof frame, causing it to rust. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the paint was defective and it was a known failure. The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Sep 5, 2022
My 2015 KIA Sorento at around 90,000 miles started getting areas where the paint is bubbling. At 98,975 miles after a hard rain (no hail) a large spot of paint peeled off on the passenger side pillar around window. It is also starting on hood and above windshield. The color of my is Snow White Pearl. I have reported it to KIA and have a case # [XXX]. They are not responding to my emails. August 29. 2022 is the date of the major peeling. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Structure, Sep 3, 2022
Snow white pearl paint has peeled after a rain storm. No evidence of issues before hand. Several other complaints on this paint color doing the exact same thing. Paint should not peel off after rain.
Structure, Aug 30, 2022
The paint (white pearl) is bubbling and peeling. I currently have several rust spots that appeared where the paint peeled. I have researched this issue online and found that it is a common occurrence with this particular paint color on Kia cars for this time frame. Also, the Kia dealership that I have been to is aware that this is a problem as well. I recently had the unfortunate experience of my engine seizing up and this was replaced by the manufacturer and I feel this this paint problem is a manufacturer defect as well and should be repaired by the manufacturer.
Structure, Aug 29, 2022
2015 Kia Sorento Pearl White There is delamination and numerous areas that the paint is peeling, and have continued to get steadily get worse. Areas so far affected: Hood, Side Mirrors, Door Posts and fenders. There are are other owners that have reported similar issues. My vehicle is a available for inspection.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Aug 28, 2022
Paint chipping of pearl white paint. Paint is bubbling, confirming that she isn’t just getting hit with foreign objects. Metal underneath is beginning to turn a rust color.
Structure, Aug 26, 2022
2015 Kia Sorento with Snow White Paint has large areas of paint rapidly pealing off. In various spots the paint is pealing off in large chunks and has had no prior damage to the area. After going to multiple body shops I was informed that this is a common problem with this color and model year of this car. It is due to a defect in the painting process.
Structure, Aug 12, 2022
Paint is peeling off the frame on passenger side and on the window frame on top
Structure, Jul 20, 2022
Delamination of SWP paint. Paint all over the front of the vehicle is peeling off.
Structure, May 1, 2022
Large amounts of paint falling off of vehicle.
Structure, May 1, 2022
Paint chipping on hood and on roof above windshield in huge flakes. Down to primer and possibly starting to rust.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Apr 23, 2022
Paint is delaminating