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.
Air bags, Aug 6, 2022
Air bag light stays on now…
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 1, 2022
The vehicle has stalled 3 separate times in the rain.
Engine, Jul 24, 2022
The engine on my well-maintained 2015 Kia Sorento went into limp mode a few weeks ago in the desert of SW Utah. I was fortunately near a small town with a gas station, where I limped in and checked the oil. I had recently been in for routine oil change so I was surprised to find it was completely out of oil. I added oil and it seemed to operate normal again, and I made it back home to Des Moines where a week later the engine began knocking upon startup and acceleration. I didn’t even have the opportunity to bring it in to a mechanic because it died on the road (no injuries or traffic incidents, fortunately). I made some calls and learned that this was an issue for many Sorento models. My Sorento didn’t qualify for the new engine, but the local Kia dealership did offer me $200 for a trade-in.
Structure, Jul 20, 2022
Delamination of SWP paint. Paint all over the front of the vehicle is peeling off.
Engine, Jul 14, 2022
2015 Kia Sorento w/ 69k miles- All routine maintenance records. Engine started acting sluggish & making a loud knocking with no indication light displayed on dashboard. Thankfully was not on major highway or outcome would have be dangerous. Took it in to independent mechanics was told needs new engine, decided to take to local Kia dealership where new engine diagnosis confirmed. Was informed engine was not covered due to lack of code and quoted $8,500 for complete manufactured long block replacement, would take 4+ weeks & rental car at own expense. I own two other kia vehicles (2015 forte & 2021 kia soul GT- which I will be forced to trade in for safer vehicle.) I am outraged to find all 3 are being recalled for the similar issues and that Kia is not taking responsibly for these issues and sticking previously loyal customers to pay for their mistake. Please do not risk yourself, your children and other drivers getting one of these dangerous vehicles which are designed to fail.
Other or unspecified, Jul 12, 2022
My 2015 Kia Sorento LX is peeling paint on the passenger side pillar after a hard rain. I have found many other complaints about the same thing from other Kia Sorento owners after some looking. There should be no reason for the paint to be peeling like this and needs to be repaired before rust begins. My Sorento is available for assessment at any time. This began the night of July 9th, 2022.
Suspension, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 9, 2022
SUV started making a strange noise and the rear started dragging before 70K miles. Needed a new axle and a rear differential. Total cost was $3800.00 and not covered under warranty. The rear differential oil wasn't even due to be changed yet.
Electrical system, Air bags, Engine, Jun 19, 2022
My car first off is a LEMON Kia has dragged me along from the beginning. My engine was replaced due to a smoke fire no flames they have yet to take blame for it and had my car for a month in the shop and wouldn't tell me anything they still don't admit it was a car fire but I know it was I had witnesses trying to pull me out of the vehicle which I had towed to kia. Before that happened I took it in twice letting them know I had shortage problems with my lights turning off and bulbs going out over and over with the headlights it happen one time at night at a speed of 70mph they told me to change the blub that was the problem treated me like I was crazy I've been pulled over for one headlight and officers told me to sue and trade or turn in my vehicle it was a lemon. I knew nothing about lemon laws until it was to late and Kia knew exactly what to say to keep me at bay for almost two years now I'm still having issues and no carlot will take it as a trade due to fire hazard issues and they don't want the risk and I have 4 recalls on this year. It was the worst year for kids. I bought this SUV new planning to take trips I have yet to take one trip with my family because we're afraid . Kia could have taken it back and gave us a year newer to make our troubles go away but instead have avoided the situation and drag it out as my fault my vehicle has lost value and if resold all the things will pull up and I don't feel safe selling this to another family so I am stuck I paid $35,000 for this vehicle they should have taken it back now the airbag light is on doesn't go off it's a recall I found out so another safety hazards I have a newborn baby I'm due in September I can't risk anymore time with what this vehicle has been said to do last week in Oregon just the city next to me the same year kia caught fire I have the pictures thank goodness no one got hurt it was a horrible scene. I have leaking of some sort that has damaged my driveway and I have low oil all the time
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal however, the vehicle failed to respond; instead, the vehicle gradually lost forward momentum and decelerated. The contact pulled off the highway. The contact turned off the vehicle and attempted to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to restart. The contact opened the hood and smelled a burning odor. The contact checked the oil dipstick and saw that the dipstick was dry. The contact had recently had an oil change performed. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 186,000.
Other or unspecified, Jun 16, 2022
Snow White Pearl Paint has started peeling from roof by windshield and on driver door pilar causing rust spots.
Engine, Jun 9, 2022
This car goes into "limp mode" with no warning. You will be driving along and all of a sudden, you lose power. So, you can go from 55mph down to 28mph with no warning that this is going to happen. It just does. The engine in this vehicle was junk when it came off of the line, due to sub par metal used in the engine bearings. Knock sensor has been replaced to no avail. Harness has been replaced twice. At this time it's been at my local dealership for over 3 weeks and they still haven't diagnosed the problem this time. This vehicle isn't safe.
Other or unspecified, May 31, 2022
Paint peeling following stone hit approximately January 2022
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine, May 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle overheated and the wheels were shaking. The vehicle also experienced brake failure. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and diagnosed with engine failure. The engine was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics). The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 27, 2022
The abs brake system malfunctioning. The vehicle component was inspected by the manufacture. Because light came on. They first said it was the brakes; so, we had the brakes repaired in February. In April the ABS light came back on again. This time the emergency brake light came on too. The KIA manufacturer said since our car was not listed with the other ABS recall, repairs of the system is on us. The cost for repair is $1,000 plus to fix the ABS system and EBS light issue. Although we explained about this being a known safety issue, the manufacturer refused to address and stated repair cost was on us.
Exterior lighting, May 21, 2022
My vehicle's headlights are dim and do not light the roadway properly, even when they are turned to the bright setting. I am unable to drive it at night or during rainy weather. I have paid hundreds of dollars for replacement bulbs, trying to get the lights adjusted, and for refurbishing the covers. It is available for inspection at any time. With me being unable to see the road at night, it endangers myself and my passengers when driving. This can also result in a danger to other people or property if my vehicle fails to illuminate for me to see them until I am too close to stop/avoid an accident. I have been told by two dealerships that this issue is common with my vehicle and they have not been provided a fix. They have informed me that everyone complains about it, because the headlights tilt in a way that prevents them from lighting the roadway properly. I have been stopped by police officers in the past for my lights appearing to be "wonky" and not lighting the roadway. There are no warning lamps or messages. The issue has been ongoing since it was purchased new in 2015. Unfortunately, I have yet to find a solution.
Engine, May 16, 2022
As I was driving 85mph, I received a kick back on the vehicle and couldn't drive more than 60mph. Took it to the nearst KIA dealership and their service technician stated I was out of oil. I was due for an oil change but was only over 200 mile at most from my previous oil change 5,000 miles ago. I had the vehicle towed to the KIA dealership where they perform all my service and maintenance work. They came to the conclusion that the oil was being burned through the engine and the only repair was a new engine. No lights ever came on on the dashboard to let me know that there was a problem with my vehicle.
Exterior lighting, May 13, 2022
The lowbeam headlights are extremely dim. The high beams are just fine, but the low beams are so dim that it's dangerous driving anywhere at night without the high beams on. I have replaced the bulbs, and a voltage test right before the headlight assembly show significantly less than the 12V standard. At night, when high beams are dangerous to other drivers, I mainly rely on the fog lights to provide at least a little bit of light. The fog lights are significantly brighter than the low beams, which seem nonexistent.
Engine, May 6, 2022
I was driving and engine started to loose power and knocking. Pulled over and discovered that no oil was in the engine. Oil has always been changed every 4000 miles. No oil meter warning displayed on the dashboard.
Engine, May 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving approximately 51 MPH, the vehicle experienced a rod bearing failure. There were no warning lights illuminated; however, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 127,000.
Exterior lighting, May 4, 2022
The low beam headights are extremely dim. The outer headlight cover is not degraded. It appears to be the inner light cover that is fogged over (just for the low beam light). The lights are aimed appropriately, but you can barely see the road and obstacles at night. It is even worse when raining. The high beam headlights are functioning normally. The low beam lights are significantly dimmer than when it was new. There are no warning lights on the dash or error codes. I don't know exactly when the condition started, but it has gotten worse over time. This is extremely dangerous.
Exterior lighting, May 2, 2022
The headlights do not illuminate down the road. Visibility at night is greatly impaired. Taken to dealers twice. First dealer in NM said it was just the way they were. Second dealer in Texas did realign the lights. Better but still very poor. I have installed the brightest bulbs allowed by law,
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.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 26, 2022
10/2021 Drove to store (about 20 minutes). Shopped for about 1 hour. Started to leave parking area and enter ramp to highway when the engine stopped. Everything went off. No warning. No check engine light, no maintenance light, nothing. I was able to steer back into the parking area. Put car in park and waited about 4-5 minutes. Started the car (it started without a problem) and began driving in the parking lot. when it began hesitating and feeling as if it would stall again. there was a gas station next to the parking area. pulled in & filled tank (tank was 1/2 full) and just barely pulled into a parking spot in front of gas station convenience store. Got towed to our local garage. They changed the oil and checked external systems and thought it was working fine. When my husband picked the car up it was still hesitating and almost stalling on the way home. Next, took it to local Kia dealer. Same situation. Couldn't find anything, said it drove fine for them. Same thing happened to my husband on the way home. Stalling in traffic. Having to restart the car in an intersection. Very dangerous. Brought back to dealer and they said it would cost $600-1000 to diagnose. Then it might cost $5000 - $10,000 to fix (replace or rebuild the engine). I reached out to Kia Customer Service but they did not offer any solutions other than to talk to the dealership in question. We are at a stand-still and have not been able to drive the car since October 2021.
Engine, Apr 24, 2022
I was driving down the highway going about 75-80 MPH, and my car started acting funny. No lights came on or smoking or anything to indicate something was wrong other then it acting funny. Pulled off the highway and my car died, had it towed (after waiting for awhile) got it towed to a AAA service center where they told me my engine was blown. Towed it back to Kansas (I was traveling on vacation when this happened and was 2.5 hours from home) to a kia dealership where now my car will not "throw the code" for the engine to be covered by warranty