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: other or unspecified
113 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 5, 2021
GOSSETT KIA ON MT. MORIAH IN MEMPHIS, TN REPLACED MY ENGINE IN 2019 DUE TO A RECALL BUT AFTER MY ENGINE WAS REPLACE MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS CONSTANTLY BEEN COMING ON. I HAVE TAKEN MY KIA SORENTO BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP NUMEROUS TIME ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT I AM NOT PUTTING MY GAS CAP ON RIGHT OR TAT MY GAS CAP NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I HAVE PURCHASED 3 GAS CAPS FROM THIS DEALER SHIP. I WILL BE DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL JUST COME ON. THIS ISSUE DID NOT START UNTIL THEY PUT IN THE NEW MOTOR. HOWEVER NO ONE AT THE DEALERSHIP CHECKED THE CENSOR. I HAVE REPLACE NUMEROUS PARTS ON MY CAR AND ALL THE REPLACEMENTS WERE DONE AT THE DEALERSHIP. I HAVE REQUESTED FROM THE DEALERSHIP A PRINT OUT OF ALL THE REPAIRS TO MY KIA AND AS OF TODAY'S DATE I HAVE NOT RECEIVED IT. I HAVE MAD THE REQUEST 3 TIMES. ONCE OVER THE TELEPHONE AND 2 TIMES IN PERSON . I FEEL DEFEATED BUT I AM NOT GIVING UP. THEY NEED TO FIND OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. I AM 71 YEARS OLD AND THEY SEEM TO THINK I DON'T KNOW WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT. MY NAME IS [XXX] AND I LIVE AT [XXX] MY PHONE # IS [XXX] I HAVE AN APPOINT TO TAKE MY TRUCK TO KIA AGAIN TO CHECK THE ENGINE LIGHT 01 08 2020. IF THEY HAD CHECKED THE CENSOR WHEN T HIS FIRST HAPPENED IT WOULD PROBABLY STILL BE COVERED UNDER MY WARRANTY. NOW I WILL PROBABLY BE OUT OF POCKET TO REPLACE THE CENSOR. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Other or unspecified, Dec 21, 2020
PEARL WHITE PAINT IS PEELING FROM THE BASE COAT. STARTED PEELING AT 90K MILES. PAINT WARRANTY ENDED AT 40K MILES. THERE IS A CURRENT LAWSUIT IN PROGRESS ON THIS ISSUE. I AM NOT A PART OF THAT YET.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Oct 27, 2020
2015 KIA SORENTO 2.4 HAS HAD LIGHT BULB REPLACED TWICE IN THE YEAR
Other or unspecified, Oct 16, 2020
THE PAINT ON MY PEARL WHITE KIA SORENTO IS FALLING OFF. I CONTACTED THE KIA DEALERSHIP IN MOBILE, AL WHERE I PURCHASED IT FROM THE SERVICE MANAGER CAME OUTSIDE TOOK PICTURES AND NEVER CONTACTED ME. I CALLED AND CALLED AND HE NEVER RETURNED MY CALLS. I ALSO CONTACTED KIA CORPORATE AND WAS GIVEN A CASE# 13187397. NOONE EVER RETURNED MY CALLS. I PAID OVER $700 TO HAVE MY CAR PAINTED MYSELF AND THE PAINT STARTED TO PEEL OFF AGAIN IN LESS THAN 90 DAYS. THE STORE REPAINTED TO FAULTY AREAS AT NO CHARGE. THIS IS RIDICULOUS.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 7, 2020
OUR KIA SORRENTO HAS THE METAL SHAVINGS IN THE OIL PASSAGE WHICH HAS CAUSED THE ENTIRE ENGINE TO FAIL AT $50K MILES. THERE IS A KIA RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE; HOWEVER, KIA IS REFUSING TO COVER THE COST BECAUSE OUR VEHICLE VIN IS NOT PART OF THE SPECIFIC RECALL. THE ESTIMATED COST FOR REPAIR IS $8K, PLUS OUR OUT OF POCKET COSTS FOR RENTING A CALL. WE ALSO HAD ISSUES WITH THE CAR THAT REQUIRED AIR CONDITIONER REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT OF THE ENTIRE CENTER CONSOLE, BUT ARE NOT SURE IF THEY ARE RELATED TO THE MANUFACTURING DEFECT AT ISSUE CURRENTLY. IN ADDITION, WE RECEIVED A LETTER SAYING OUR AIRBAG INDICATOR IS FAULTY BUT A RECALL IS NOT COMING UP FOR THIS ITEM.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Sep 30, 2020
THE PEARL WHITE PAINT IS CHIPPING OFF OF MY KIA SORENTO ON THE WINDSHIELD PILLARS, ABOVE THE WINDSHIELD AND THE HOOD AND VARIOUS OTHER LOCATIONS.... THE PAINT FINISH IS FAULTY AND WAS NOT PROPERLY APPLIED
Other or unspecified, Sep 22, 2020
ABS LIGHTS KEEP COMING ON AND OFF WHEN TAKING IT TO THE SHOP THE CODE READER IS GIVING NO CODES
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 3, 2020
A JERKS WHEN YOU TRYING TO PARK WHEN YOU GOING SLOW ON THE PARKING LOT IT HAS A KOOL 2098 FUEL TRIM IT KEEPS IDLING HIGH AND I'M STALLING
Other or unspecified, Equipment, Jun 27, 2020
CAR MULTIMEDIA SYSTEM INCLUDES BLUE TOOTH RADIO A GPS STOPPED WORKING AND I CAN NOT USE BLUE TOOTH AND DIRECTION MAPS MY MECHANIC ASKED THE KIA MECHANIIC AND WAS TOLD IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM. *TR
Other or unspecified, Apr 28, 2020
I WAS DRIVING ON A RURAL HIGHWAY, ON A SATURDAY MORNING, SUN SHINING AND A BRISK 70 DEGREES, WHEN I HEARD WHAT I THOUGHT WAS A GUNSHOT AND MY EARS RINGING FROM THE SOUND. MY SUNROOF STARTED SHATTERING AND THEN RAINING GLASS DOWN INTO MY CAR. I THOUGHT MAYBE SOMETHING HAD HIT MY CAR AND STOPPED AS SOON AS SAFE. NEEDLESS TO SAY I WAS SCARED TO DEATH. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK MY CAR TO THE KIA DEALERSHIP BECAUSE MY ROOF WAS BLOWN OPEN. I CALLED THE INSURANCE COMPANY TO MAKE A CLAIM AND THEY WILL FIX MY SUNROOF. I THEN SAW ONLINE THAT THIS WAS AN ISSUE WITH A KIA SORENTO AND JUST WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW THAT THIS EXPLODING SUNROOF IS HAPPENING AND IT IS SCARY AND DANGEROUS!
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Apr 1, 2020
MY VEHICLES REAR FACING CAMERA HAS A BLACK SCREEN. THE LINES ARE STILL THERE AND IT SEEMS LIKE THE SENSOR IS WORKING BUT THE SCREEN IS COMPLETELY BLACK. AT FIRST THIS SEEMED TO BE AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM ONLY HAPPENING ONE OR TWO TIMES A WEEK. NOW IT WILL NOT COME ON AT ALL. THE VEHICLE STARTS IN PARK AND WHEN PUT IN REVERSE THE SCREEN TURNS BLACK BUT SHOWS THE LINES FOR MY CAR.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jan 19, 2020
MY 2015 KIA SORENTO IGNITION WENT OUT AND I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED INTO THE DEALERSHIP AND COST ME RIGHT AT $500 FOR A NEW IGNITION. MAKING ME LEAVE WITH TWO KEYS, MY ORIGINAL KEY WILL ONLY OPERATED THE DOOR AND THEN NEW KEY OPERATES ONLY THE IGNITION. MY FACTORY FOB IS NO LONGER A PART OF THE WORKING IGNITION. I AM SERIOUSLY UNHAPPY AND FIND THIS HARD TO BELIEVE BEING THAT MY KIA HAS LESS THAT 88K MILES ON IT.
Other or unspecified, Jan 10, 2020
TRANSMISSION TAKING TIME TO LOAD OR NOT PICKING AT INITIAL MOVE UNTIL YOU PRESS MORE GAS PEDAL.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Dec 26, 2019
I WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT IN A GRAIN SILO TOWN IN KANSAS (COMING UP ON OAKLEY FROM COLORADO SPRINGS) AND THERE WERE NO CARS AROUND ME. THE WEATHER WASN'T DRASTICALLY CHANGING AND THERE WAS NO ADVERSE WEATHER. SUDDENLY, IT SOUNDS AS THOUGH THERE WAS AN EXPLOSION ON THE TOP OF MY CAR. THE FABRIC PARTITION THAT SEPARATES THE SUNROOF FROM THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR STARTS SHAKING VIOLENTLY IN THE WIND AND THERE WAS SOME GLASS SHARDS THAT FELL INTO THE CAR. IT GOES WITHOUT SAYING THAT THE INCIDENT SCARED BOTH ME AND MY TWO KIDS WHO WERE IN THE CAR WITH ME. I PULLED OVER TO THE CLOSEST GAS STATION AND TOOK A LOOK AT THE DAMAGE (SEEN IN THE PICTURE BELOW). AS I HAD THE REST OF MY ROAD TRIP TO ACCOMPLISH (KANSAS CITY, MO), MY HUSBAND MET ME IN OAKLEY, KS WITH HIS CAR AND WE MADE THE EXCHANGE. I AM A VERY METICULOUS DRIVER WHO INSPECTS EVERYTHING BEFORE A ROAD TRIP: TIRE PRESSURE, WINDOW CRACKS, INTERIOR IS INTACT, DRASTIC CHANGE IN WEATHER ALONG THE TRIP, ETC. I WOULD HAVE NEVER THOUGHT TO LOOK AT THE SUNROOF AND EVEN IF I DID, I'M NOT SURE I WOULD HAVE FOUND ANYTHING. IF I WERE DRIVING ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY I COULD WRITE THIS WHOLE INCIDENT OFF AS MAYBE A STRAY ROCK. HOWEVER, THERE WAS NOTHING AROUND ME.
Other or unspecified, Oct 29, 2019
MY KIA SORENTO SOMETIMES WON'T START. WHILE PARKED IN OUR DRIVEWAY, WE'LL TRY AND TURN ON AND FOR SOME REASON, WON'T START AND COME BACK LATER IN THE DAY, IT'LL START. MY KIDS DRIVE THIS CAR AND I DON'T WANT THEM STRANDED SOMEWHERE BECAUSE IT WON'T START. IN FACT, MY 17 YEAR OLD WAS STRANDED DUE TO THE CAR NOT STARTING AND HE HAD SIT AROUND AND WAIT FOR CAR TO BE READY TO TURN ON. I'VE READ MANY COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THIS SAME ISSUE BUT NO REAL SOLUTION. ONE TIME WHEN IT DID NOT START, I SPENT $160 TO TOW IT TO A KIA DEALERSHIP. WHEN THE CAR ARRIVED, THE DEALER TURNED ON THE KEY AND IT STARTED. THEY SAID THEY CAN'T DIAGNOSE IT UNTIL IT FAILS TO START AGAIN WHICH MEANT LEAVING THE CAR THERE UNTIL IT DECIDES NOT TO TURN ON. THIS IS UNPREDICTABLE SO WE TOOK THE CAR AND IT STARTED FINE FOR TWO WEEKS AND AGAIN, IT FAILED AFTER THAT TWO WEEKS. WITH SO MANY ONLINE COMPLAINTS AND KIA CLAIMING THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT THE ISSUE IS, THIS HAS TO BE UNSAFE. ONLINE, SOME REFER TO THE ISSUE AS HAVING TO DO WITH THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM. DOESN'T KIA KNOW THIS? SOME COMPLAINTS NOTED THAT THEY'VE FIXED THE BATTERY AND STARTER AND STILL HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. WHEN IS KIA GOING TO ACKNOWLEDGE THESE COMPLAINTS AND RECALL THE INTERMITTENT START ISSUE?
Other or unspecified, Oct 2, 2019
SUNROOF EXPLODED GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Sep 24, 2019
I HAVE A SERIOUS ELECTRICAL/WIRING PROBLEM. WHENEVER IT RAINS OR I GO TO THE CARWASH, I AM GUARANTEED TO HAVE MY HEADLIGHT, BRAKE LIGHTS, TURN SIGNAL LIGHT TO GO OUT BECAUSE IT GETS WET. ALSO, I HAVE A BAD VIBRATION IN MY FRONT WHEELS WHILE I AM DRIVING. I HAVE HAD MY ROTORS REPLACED WITH NEW ROTORS AS WELL AS BRAKES. I HAVE HAD MY TIRES REBALANCED AND ROTATED AND IT STILL VIBRATES. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE KIA DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT FOR ISSUES. THE VIBRATION DOES NOT HAPPEN WHEN I HIT THE BRAKES, IT VIBRATES WHEN I ACCELERATE. IT DOES NOT MATTER WHAT THE SPEED, IT WILL VIBRATE.
Other or unspecified, Aug 27, 2019
WE WERE HEADED BACK FROM VACATION , JUST GOT INTO THE LITTLE TOWN OF PROVINCE LOUISIANA, AND THE MOON ROOF JUST EXPLODED ! THERE WERE NO OTHER CARS AROUND US NO DEBRIS! WE WERE DRIVING ABOUT 50 MPH ON A 2 LANE HIGHWAY.THE NOISE WAS SO LOUD IT SOUNDED LIKE A SHOTGUN WENT OFF IN THE CAR , WE NEARLY RAN OFF THE ROAD !
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 24, 2019
CAR STARTED MAKING KNOCKING NOISES FROM ENGINE AND GOT LOUDER AS MY HUSBAND ACCELERATED. CAR THEN HESITATED TO ACCELERATED AND EVENTUALLY STALLED. THIS IS DANGEROUS!
Other or unspecified, Aug 15, 2019
MY 2015 KIA SORENTO JUST SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING. NO WARNING NO ISSUES. SERVICED REGULAR. STILL HAS ANOTHER 2000 MILES BEFORE AN OIL CHANGE IS NEEDED. I WAS STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF A VERY BUSY MAIN ROAD. TURNED SIDEWAYS. THANK GOD I DID NOT GET ON THE TURNPIKE BEFORE THIS HAPPENE!
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Mar 20, 2019
CAR SHUT OFF REPEATEDLY IN THE MIDDLE OR DRIVING AND THE CAR SHAKES.THE CAR WILL NOT GO OVER 60 WHILE DRIVING. *TR
Other or unspecified, Feb 22, 2019
MY KEY FOB WAS SOUNDING LIKE THE DOORS LOCKED BUT THE CAR HEADLIGHTS DID NOT FLASH OR HORN SOUND TO SIGNAL THE CAR WAS LOCKED/SECURITY FEATURE. THE DEALER SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE BATTERY IN THE FOB, AND LET IT BE AS THAT. TODAY MY CAR IS IN THE SHOP BECAUSE I WAS IN THE REAR SEATS THIS WEEK AND NOTICED THE BACK DRIVER SIDE PASSENGER DOOR WAS NOT LOCKING. I HAD TROUBLE GETTING OUT TOO. THIS EXPLAINS WHY THE CAR HORN DID NOT BEEP NOR THE HEADLIGHTS FLASH, AS IT WAS NOT A LOCKED CAR, THERE IS A ISSUE AND THE CAR IS NOT SECURE, THAT IS WHY IT DID NOT BEEP. IT WILL SOUND LIKE THE DOORS LOCKED AND UNLOCKED BUT AT THIS TIME IT IS JUST THIS ONE DOOR THAT WILL NOT LOCK. IT IS NOT UNDER THE KIA WARRANTY NOW AND IT WAS NOTED, PER THIS TECH TODAY, THAT WHEN I FIRST MENTIONED THE KEY OR FOB ISSUE WAS AFTER THE REGULAR WARRANTY TOO. I SEE ONLINE LOTS OF COMSUMER COMMENTS ABOUT KIA DOOR LOCK ISSUES. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. THIS SHOULD BE A MAJOR RECALL. NOW I HAVE TO PAY ABOUT $280.00 FOR THIS ONE DOOR LOCK. AND PRAY THIS TAKES CARE OF IT
Steering, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 7, 2019
MY KIA LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING ON MARCH 17, 2017 ON THE HIGHWAY. AFTER KIA REPLACED THE MOTOR I REALIZED THAT DURING COLD WEATHER MY CAR WON'T START AT ALL. I'VE HAD SEVERAL DIAGNOSTIC TESTS DONE BUT NOTHING SHOWS UP. I'VE EVEN HAD THE MANAGER OF THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT COME TO MY LOCATION WITH THE DIAGNOSTIC DEVICE, BECAUSE I WAS ONCE AGAIN STRANDED AND HAD JUST PAID TO HAVE THE MACHINE PUT ON MY VEHICLE THE DAY BEFORE. AGAIN NOTHING SHOWED UP. IT ONLY HAPPENS DURING COLD HARD FREEZE WEATHER. I'VE FILED A REPORT WITH KIA AND TO THIS DAY NO ONE HAS CONTACTED ME. NEXT ISSUE IS A CLICKING NOISE WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL AND OF COURSE IT'S NOT COVERED. LASTLY, I JUST RECENTLY NOTICED THAT THE SMELL OF GASOLINE COMING THROUGH THE VENTS AFTER FILLING THE CAR WITH CAR AND DRIVING MINUTES LATER THERE'S A STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE CAR. KIA HAS THE WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE. THEY WONT GIVE YOU A RENTAL CAR NOR DO THEY RETURN OR FOLLOW UP ON COMPLAINTS.
Other or unspecified, Electronic stability control (ESC), Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 11, 2019
MY 2015 KIA SORENTO HAS METAL FLAKES IN THE ENGINE, BURNS 2 QUARTS OF OIL EVERY 2OOO MILES, IT HESITATES ON ACCELERATION, WHITE EXHAUST SMOKE, BURNS A LOT OF GAS, THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT AND UVO WARNINGS CONSTANTLY TURNS ON, IT CAN CATCH ON FIRE ANYTIME, THE ENGINE CAN LOCK ANYTIME. WE NEED MORE KIA RECALLS BEFORE LIVES ARE LOST.
Other or unspecified, Oct 12, 2018
I PURCHASED MY KIA IN APRIL OF THIS YEAR. A FEW WEEKS AFTER THE PURCHASE I NOTICED A BURNING SMELL. I PULLED OVER TO INVESTIGATE BUT COULD NOT FIND WHERE THE SMELL WAS COMING FROM. I CONTINUED TO NOTICE THE SMELL AFTER THE FIRST INCIDENT AND THERE WAS NO PATTERN TO CAUSE THE SMELL TO HAPPEN. I BROUGHT THE KIA IN FOR SERVICE TO FIND THE PROBLEM. KIAS MECHANIC SAID THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE SMELL AND THEY COULDNT FIND THE PROBLEM.I INSISTED SOMETHING WAS WRONG AND ASKED THEM TO SEARCH FARTHER. I GOT ANOTHER CALL FROM THE MECHANIC SAYING THEY COULDNT DUPLICATE THE SMELL AND TO BASICALLY BRING THE CAR IN IF ITS ACTUALLY SMOKING OR ON FIRE. I CONTACTED THE CORPORATE OFFICE AND AFTER THEIR INVESTIGATION I GOT A CALL SAYING BASED ON THE DEALERSHIPS REPORT THEY COULDNT DETERMINE A CAUSE FOR THE BURNING SMELL AND THE CASE WAS CLOSED.I HAVE 3 KIDS 2 IN CAR SEATS. MY SELF AND OTHERS CONTINUE TO SMELL THE BURNING. IAM TERRIFIED EVERYTIME IM IN THE KIA. I FEEL I WAS SOLD A DEATH TRAP AND KIA DOESNT CARE. I FEEL THEY WONT DO ANYTHING UNTIL THE CAR IS LITERALLY ON FIRE AND THEN IT WILL BE TOO LATE.