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.
Exterior lighting, Engine, Sep 28, 2022
Two things- 1) Headlights replaced in March and dim again, cannot see 50’ in front of the car. 2) Driving on interstate the car sputtered and skipped and missed beats, would not go 55 mph. I left the interstate because it was night and cats were flying up on me. I was 140 miles from home and had to take a regular road at 10pm until 2am.
Other or unspecified, Sep 27, 2022
My 2015 Kia Sorento began peeling paint on the roof top and side window panels and is continually getting worse. When communicating with my dealership, they stated it was out of warranty and to contact a local body-shop. I believe this is a Latent Defect, and should not be treated under the standard paint warranty in the owners manual. Please let me know the next steps.
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.
Engine, Sep 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while her husband was driving 40 MPH, the engine started sputtering and failed to accelerate upon depression of the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel during the failure. The contact's husband was able to drive the vehicle home and later had the vehicle towed to a dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with a blown head gasket which resulted in engine failure. The manufacturer was notified about the failure and the contact was provided a case number. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine, Sep 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle overheated with the temperature gauge indicating that the engine was hot. The contact also stated that smoke was coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure; the vehicle was no longer operable. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) which she linked to the failure. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the issue and the contact was informed that the recall was not related to the engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed back to the residence. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
Engine, Sep 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made knocking sounds and a burning odor was detected. The contact pulled over before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who advised her to tow the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to tow the vehicle to the dealer for the diagnostic test. The failure mileage was approximately 173,023.
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).
Exterior lighting, Visibility/wiper, Sep 5, 2022
Low beam headlights are so dim, Si don't allow my wife to drive at night. Had dealer look at them and change bulbs with a small improvement, but after a while they have gotten so dim that even I don't like driving at night.
Other or unspecified, Sep 3, 2022
The paint is peeling off of my car all the way to the metal in multiple places. Causing rusting.
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.
Other or unspecified, Sep 1, 2022
The paint is chipping off my 2015 Kia Sorrento. It’s especially bad right above my windshield but it’s chipping in a couple other areas and progressing quickly. It only has 90,000 miles on it. This should not be happening.
Exterior lighting, Engine, Sep 1, 2022, crash
SC197 completed 11/06/2020, SC212 completed 07/272021. recently found brake fluid leak results on my garage floor several times, but not after each use of vehicle? Also having to replace brake light bulbs often ,because apparently one will fail and all remaining stay on as if one was riding the brake pedal?
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.
Engine, Aug 30, 2022, fire
Engine caught fire while driving out of state with family on highway. Recall notice said to repair only if ABS light turns on. Light never appeared. Kia refusing to repair/replace engine.
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.
Engine, Aug 22, 2022
I was driving when the car did a complete stop and the tires was smoking
Engine, Aug 22, 2022
2105 KIA SORENTO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO NUMEROUS SAFETY RECALLS FOR THIS VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER DECLINED TO HONOR THE RECALL. THE DEALER CHARGED THE CONSUMER A FEE FOR THE REPAIRS. *JS
Power train, Air bags, Visibility/wiper, Aug 19, 2022
Airbag lights remain on regardless of what’s in the passenger seat. Engine smells like burning metal when driven longer than 15minutes. Ticking noises when the steering wheel is turned. Acceleration issues Vehicle lags when initially starting after being off for hours. Mechanics have looked at them KIA dealership WONT assist.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Visibility/wiper, Aug 19, 2022
The vehicle is leaking water inside the car cabin. The front passenger and driver side are soaked with water. If the air conditioner comes on, it sounds like I’m boiling water. It also fogs the windows from the inside.
Other or unspecified, Aug 16, 2022
Paint on hood peeling. Warranty cover paint on roof recall. Car was painted at the same time why is the hood not covered?
Other or unspecified, Aug 14, 2022
Paint is delaminating on hood and roof of vehicle due to defective paint. https://www.facebook.com/DefectiveKiaPaint
Structure, Aug 12, 2022
Paint is peeling off the frame on passenger side and on the window frame on top
Other or unspecified, Aug 11, 2022
Kia’s ignition on older models is insufficient with standards. They are refusing to do anything about the fact that there is not an immobilizer on the ignition and the vehicle can be stolen with a USB. A recall needs to be made so that they are required to install a fix for those that own Kia models affected. If there is a different agency this should be reported to please respond so I may contact them.