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
750 reports, newest first.
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 20, 2023
I have had nothing but problems out of this car since I purchased it. I purchased it used from Chevy and within a week I was in a rental car due to issues. Now after only having the car for 3 years still making payments, after having the oil changed within a month the engine showed no oil when I took it back to the shop with complaints of a engine knock. They replaced the oil however within 4 days the car could not be moved. Why is it my car is doing everything in the case action lawsuit yet I don't qualify for the engine replacement. Now they refuse to give me my car back due to this recall, it's been at kia since last November. Without anything being done with it. I have cancer and can't hardly get to my appointments. This is the worst car I could own someone please tell me what to do. Start a new class action law suit. You should have to honor your cars if they are still being paid for from a dealership.
Engine, Feb 19, 2023
I went to have the recalled item fixed for the engine failure. However Kia informed me that an issue must be heard before they can fix the issue. Around 3 months went by and I had my oil changed. I went out of town and when I came back my car started to make a tapping noise. I had someone check my oil and it showed I needed over 3 quarts. I took my car back to the oil place and they said they didn't know what happened. Did another oil change and added more oil. The next day my engine was knocking. I took it to kia and they told me I needed to replace the engine. However now they will nor release the car due to an issue with it blowing up. I'm with out a vehicle and about to loose my job due to issues getting back and forth from work.
Exterior lighting, Feb 18, 2023
The headlights on this vehicle you can’t even tell they are on after dark even after kia of Cape Coral florida tried adjusting them it’s so bad I ended up installing a light bar on there just to be able to drive this after dark if I get in a accident because of this who is liable I just think there should be a repair they should have to do
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, he heard an abnormal rattling sound before the vehicle started to lose motive power. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal, but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact then depressed the accelerator pedal with much more force and the vehicle responded. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that nearly all the engine oil had been consumed. The mechanic determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the Failure to Kia Technical Service Bulletin Number: 222 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
Engine, Feb 13, 2023
Engine suddenly stalled while driving, causing unsafe conditions as we could not maneuver out of traffic safely. Car has approx 70,000 miles on the engine, and has had all regular oil changes on time. When the engine started to shake the oil/engine light flashed and we pulled over as quickly as possible. When I checked, there was zero oil in the car. We had never seen evidence of an oil leak and the previous oil change was approx 3,500 miles ago. I called Kia and they said my car was not covered by their warranty or recall. I had it towed to an independent mechanic who confirmed that the engine was blown and irreparable.
Exterior lighting, Feb 10, 2023
The low beam headlights on the 2015 Kia Sorento has made it very difficult in viewing the road at night. It is hard to visualize objects within short distance. The socket to install the headlight bulbs point more to the ground instead of outwards. Your assistance in this matter would be greatly appreciated.
Engine, Feb 4, 2023
On Thanksgiving day, the vehicle loss POWER while driving on the highway to Anniston Alabama, endangering the lives of myself and my four children. NO WARNING LIGHTS. I was giving it gas and it would not go. I was able to get some good Samaritans to push it off the road into an empty parking lot. It would not restart, it started SMOKING, would not take a jump start. Left it over night, came back the next day, had to jump start it but it was now making a TICKING NOISE. STILL NO WARNING LIGHTS ever came on the day of the incident or after. Had it towed to a Repair Shop and was told the Engine NEEDED REPLACEMENT. Had it towed back to Georgia, had another mechanic look at it and was told it was the engine also. Finally had it towed to Kia Moters in Athens GA, and was unable to get recalls fixed because the engine is bad and was told it's not part of the recall. The car is available to be inspected.Had no warning of failing engine prior to this.
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.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Jan 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she smelled a fuel odor throughout the vehicle. The check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine failed to turn over immediately. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone and diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine oil level was low. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that a high-pressure fuel line needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 157,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Exterior lighting, Jan 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at night at various speeds, the headlights were very dim. The contact stated that the viewing distance was short. The contact used the high-beam headlights to see the road clearly. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the headlight bulbs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The contact called the local dealer and was informed the chrome reflectors might not be aligned. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 77,553.
Air bags, Jan 18, 2023
I have the airbag and check engine light on and the code SC212
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jan 18, 2023
Paint is peeling.
Air bags, Jan 16, 2023
2015 Kia Sorento - Airbag light came on. Mechanic diagnosed as a faulty clock spring assembly. Checked Carfax for recalls and nothing came up with his error code, however, there IS a recall for 2011-2015 Sorento Airbag Clock Spring Assembly. The same repair, but not coming up for my VIN #. Cost of repair is $$$$ out of pocket.
Engine, Dec 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contacted stated while driving 50 MPH, the accelerator pedal failed to function as needed and the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 116,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Dec 23, 2022
Lights are very dim, had to put in a brighter lightbulb. All of the sudden today the radio FM/AM Satellite and blue tooth stopped working. 12/22/22 - Driving home the lights stopped working and I was driving in the dark with no lights.
Engine, Dec 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power, with the electric power steering (EPS) warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the VIN was included in an engine class action lawsuit. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at a storage lot. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 103,000.
Engine, Dec 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was confirmed that the engine had failed. The engine was replaced with an OEM engine. On another occasion, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the same independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the catalytic convertor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure; however, no assistance was provided because the mileage had exceeded 100,000. The failure mileage was 106,000.
Exterior lighting, Nov 23, 2022
The low beam headlights are VERY dim when driving at night. Very hard to see unless high beams are activated. Even replaced bulbs with LED's. Helped some, but not much.
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
Power train, Oct 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while trying to shift the vehicle out of the park(P), the vehicle failed to shift as intended. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the mechanic stated that an unknown lamp switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was 84,209.
Engine, Oct 19, 2022
My 2015 Kia Sorento has had issues on and off for years and I have poured so much money into it. I have taken it to the mechanic so many times. It has had the check engine light on for awhile and the mechanic suggested it may just be faulty. He checked it constantly. On Monday my fiancé was taking my son to kindergarten and the car died. This could have been very dangerous. My two sons (6 and 4) were inside. Luckily my fiancé was able to be parked in a safe place. Once we got the car started back up again it began making a Klanking sound and so we decided to park it at home. I looked up the car and after doing some research I found that certain Kia’s in that time frame had recalls for the SAME ISSUES. I looked my specific Kia up and it said I did have a recall. So I called the Kia dealership and we took it in today. The mechanic there said the issues related to the recall on my Kia looked fine (relating to fuel leakage or the spontaneous fires). He said that there was rod bearing failure in the engine and we could take it back because it is not covered under our warranty. We do not have the recall for the engine issues on our specific Kia. I believe we should. We have not been negligent in the issues. This is the same thing many Kia owners are facing right now under that recall. We need help to place that recall and warranty on our Kia as well. I have contacted Kia costumer service and started a claim tonight with them as well. But I want to cover all my bases. We need this car. We have two kids and we don’t have the finances to fix this on our own. This is obviously a Kia issue. This needs to be rectified by Kia. We have had nothing but problems. And spend thousands already. We can’t afford anymore money or time. This Kia is faulty just like the others of it’s time. I’m not sure why ours never had the recall. Please help!!
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.