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.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 2, 2022
Engine shut off without warning while driving. My wife was driving and Was able to roll off road thankfully. She was on a very busy road and was in serious risk of injury along with the cars behind her. Did not start back up. Battery had power. Found out ENGINE FAILED! Verified by mechanic. Called Kia Corporate Customer Service number and was told the engine will not be repaired. 125,000 miles. No warning lights came on. This is absolutely wrong of Kia! Shame on them!
Engine, Feb 1, 2022
December 28, 2021 On Hwy 85 right next to Auburn, Alabama, on my way to Houston, Texas, I began to notice that as I accelerated with my 2015 KIA Sorento there was a sound as if my muffler had a hole in it. Within just a couple of minutes, the car wouldn’t accelerate well. I then pulled off the highway onto a ramp and at the intersection the oil indicator light lit up and then the engine light and then there was a rattling noise and then the car quit. I checked the oil and it was a little bit low….not much though. A passerby took me in his car to an auto parts store where I purchased two quarts of oil. I put in the oil and started the car. The oil indicator light was now no longer on but there was a little bit of a rattling sound or knocking sound. The passerby said he knew a mechanic that was just a quarter mile down the road at a full auto service shop and that he would follow me if I wanted to take the car there. It was very close so I drove there. As I got closer the rattling/knocking sound got a little louder and then as I was about ready to pull in to the shop the car shut off and wouldn’t turn on. I had the car pushed the rest of the way into the auto shop. The mechanics looked at it and said it was “locked up” and would need a whole new engine. One mechanic said that KIA engines sometimes do this with little to no warning. I was shocked. I had never had any problems with my 2015 Kia Sorento before. It had now 96,000 miles on it and I only really had to do the oil changes every four months or so. A few hours later I had it towed to the KIA dealership in Auburn and they looked at it and determined it needed a whole new engine and new starter. The price would be $9,700 dollars. The KIA service people mentioned a Theta Engine Class Action Lawsuit that I might be eligible for. I filed a claim and the website showed that my VIN indicated I was eligible for this claim. I have been told KIA will make a determination on the claim in 60 days.
Engine, Jan 31, 2022
Kia is refusing to replace my engine related to a product improvement issued in 2018. I never received a notice about the required product improvement. The vehicle simply failed while I was driving. I was luckily able to get to safety. There were no warning lamps or messages or symptoms. The vehicle has been inspected by Kia and a Kia dealer.
Exterior lighting, Jan 31, 2022
Both low beam headlights no longer work although all fuses and bulbs have been verified to work. The high beam headlights do work. This appears to be the identical issue that 2011-2013 owners were dealing with. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2019/MC-10159259-0001.pdf. In this instance, the headlight connectors required replacement and Kia extended the warranty to cover that work. Kia will not extend the warranty to 2015 model owners who are having the same problem and the dealership quotes a price of $1880 for just the parts alone.
Other or unspecified, Jan 31, 2022
I have the Sorrento with the white pearl paint for last couple years I’ve had small flakes come off and I’ve tried to cover them up with the ink pen. But the spots are just getting bigger. So Disappointed. This is my second Kia I did not have a problem on the black when I had before this
Engine, Jan 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 10 MPH, he heard knocking sounds coming from the engine. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact continued to drive the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while driving at 50 MPH and the vehicle stalled. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the engine seized and that the rod bearing might have failed. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in any recalls related to the failure. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The contact stated that he was able to start the vehicle, but he would still hear abnormal sounds coming from the engine. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer also referred the contact to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,062.
Structure, Jan 27, 2022
HELLO, THIS PROBLEM STARTED SICE 2020 WITH THE PEELING ON TOP OF THE WINDSHIELD BUT I THOUGHT IT WAS NORMAL. THEN THE OTHER BIG ONES JUST STARTED LAST WEEK AND I WAS VERY SURPRISED BECAUSE THEYRE LIKE A FEET LONG. I WOULD LIKE TO GET IT FIX BECAUSE MY TRUCK LOOKS LIKE NEW FROM THE INSIDE BECAUSE I TAKE REALLY GOOD CARE OF IT. PLEASE LET ME KNOWIFYOU CAN HELP. ATTEN: [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Engine, Jan 25, 2022
Car continually trying to over-heat. Had to keep pulling to shoulder every 1/4 mile or so, and letting car cool down again. Mechanic diagnosed as a head gasket problem, but upon further research it looks like it may have actually warped the engine block itself. When mechanic calls around to multiple junkyards, found many 2015 kia sorentos, but no engines available due to the same problem. Vehicle is at approx 133,000 miles, and Kia is stating that the vehicle is not in the extended engine warranties effected by this problem (apparently happens more so in another model of kia, I believe they said Optima, but I didn't pay that close of attention since my car is a Sorento.)
Engine, Jan 25, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. The contact veered to the side of the road but was unable to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that she would be responsible for the cost of the repair because the vehicle was out of warranty. Additionally, the VIN was not under recall. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Engine, Jan 23, 2022
On October 6, 2021, I was driving my 2015 Kia Sorento to deliver work. I was driving through a mountain region when I heard a slight "ticking" noise coming from the engine. There was no safe place to pull over on the busy highway. There were mountains on each side of the highway no pull offs. There were lots of Semi trucks and Coal trucks driving fast on this highway. I kept driving looking for safe place to pull over. The ticking noise kept getting louder. There were no warning lights on the dashboard indicating any problem. Suddenly, the engine stopped. There was no power and no lights. It was all I could do to hold the steering wheel and coast the vehicle to a safe place. Finally, I found a safe pulloff. I coasted into it and called AAA. I waited three hours for AAA to show up. The AAA mechanic tried the start the engine with no success. He towed the vehicle to my home. I contacted a mechanic. The Ki would start and make loud knocking noises and then shut down again. The mechanic gave me an estimate for a new engine for $6,900 and told me he has seen this problem with this engine in this model Kia before. He said the manufacturer failed to debur the engines when they put the vehicles together causing metal fragments to filter through the engine causing engine failure. The mileage was approximately 151,000. I never received any recalls for the (KSDS) Knock Sensor Detection System.
Exterior lighting, Jan 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle at night, the low-beam headlights were extremely dim, creating a visibility hazard for the driver. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who examined the vehicle but found no issues with the vehicle. The low-beam headlights were replaced however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 87,000.
Other or unspecified, Jan 19, 2022
Severe paint chipping on the hood of car and roof. Causing rust to build by windshield. Kia refuses to fix the issue
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 14, 2022
I just got my car back from overtuf which had it for a month due to after the recalls where done my engine failed and had to be replaced that day I got it back I drove it home and on the way home the check engine light came on and my smelled of gas really bad so I pulled over looked under vehicle to see if there was anything leaking under car and no leaks so i checked the oil and it was filled over filled with gas which could of damaged my engine again or worse caught fire with me and my kids in it or hurt someone else
Air bags, Jan 10, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the air bag warning light illuminated, and the front passenger's side air bag was turned off. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Engine, Jan 9, 2022
My vehicle had two safety recalls regarding the possibility of a sudden engine fire due to a defective Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU). Additionally, in Milwaukee, theft of Kias has increased exponentially. The number of Kia models stolen increased 25 times higher in the first six months of 2020 by a gang calling themselves the "Kia Boys." The thefts have risen because Kia models 2011 or newer do not have an immobilizer which could prevent thefts. As a senior, my safety is placed at risk because of a combustible engine fire that could start without warning. Moreover, my vehicle is at risk of being stolen at any time because it lacks an immobilizer to prevent easy access. I want KIA or CarMax to buy back and refund me for these two latent defects that I could not have been aware of upon purchasing. Even though I had the CarFax report, I could not have been aware that the HECU recalls could cause an engine fire until I read articles about the recall from car experts. Further, as a layperson and unwary consumer, I could not have been aware of the latent defect of the steering column defect that could make theft of the vehicle easier.
Engine, Dec 28, 2021
Vehicle was being driven when the engine blew-up and became inoperable. After taking it to a mechanic, they said that the oil had stopped flowing through the engine and caused it to malfunction. There were no lights that appeared on the dashboard warning us of a problem.
Air bags, Dec 28, 2021
Since the beginning of November, 2021, without incidence or prior warning, the airbag warning light came on when the vehicle is started and stays on the entire time the vehicle is on. The vehicle was brought to a KIA dealership on November 18th to diagnose the issue under extended 15 year warranty for two airbag recalls (one for clock spring and the other for ODS sensor). The diagnosis determined that the clock spring and ODS sensor were not causing the warning light to remain on, and the cause was a airbag code B1473, Driver Curtain Airbag Circuit Resistance High, and the dealership stated that it needed a driver side curtain airbag, estimated at $1,800.00, and not covered by warranty. Since this condition results in the airbag warning light to remain lit while the car is on and running, this causes a safety issue in that the driver does not know if the airbag will deploy if needed. Further, there is no way the driver would know if another airbag fault, for example, a front airbag issue, occurs, because the airbag light is already on. This condition poses a serious safety concern and should be addressed by the manufacturer.
Engine, Dec 28, 2021
Three days after getting my regular oil change , my engine started getting this loud knocking noise and I was not able to speed , I was coming into the freeway when my car suddenly got a loss of power , I checked my vehicle diagnostics and it wasn’t showing anything about the engine no warning or anything when I took it to get seen by a mechanic they told me I had to get my engine replaced
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Dec 20, 2021
The running lights on the front and rear drivers side work half of the time, the plate light seems to turn off when they do. They'll come on for a split second and then go out, or on a good day they'll stay on. Seems like a short in the wiring. It could be a safety issue at night!!!
Engine, Dec 20, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The failure occurred on three separate occasions. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with engine failure. The engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the independent mechanic. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that they had sent out a manufacturer's recall notification for the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software update; however, the contact had not received the recall notification. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Dec 17, 2021
While operating my vehicle I experienced sluggishness and power failure. Sorento became disabled on main road while driving to work. Vehicle was towed to the closest Kia dealership where they performed a diagnostic test. Maintenance test and Parts Department revealed the that the power shortage was possibly from a Brake fluid leakage inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU). This also caused the engine to seize and the only remedy was a new engine. He also stated that the repair was not covered under warranty due to the open recall that was not completed. I did explain to the repair center that I was never made aware of any on going recalls from the dealer where I purchased the vehicle either by mail, phone call or email as well as from Kia corporate. The parts department provided me with the contact information for Kia Headquarters to assist me. Kia Headquarters provided me with a case number 14188680 and that they would contact the dealer and get back to me. After a couple days with no response, I called back with the case number, however, I got a new customer service rep. who said that nothing has been completed yet. This went on for a couple weeks with me calling to try to get updates and contacting the dealership parts department who said that their headquarters has not contacted the dealership and that according to their policy with Kia corporate the replacement of the engine would be at my expense. The estimated cost was quoted at about $8,000.00 dollars. I told the parts department at the dealership that I did not understand, how could I be responsible if the engine was a defect and I received no word of a recall from Kia. The parts department response was that is Kia Headquarters policy that they recall had to be completed or Kia was not responsible.
Power train, Exterior lighting, Engine, Dec 12, 2021
Upon accelerating causes a lot of exhaust smoke and bogs down so I can’t get out of the way and others behind me cannot see a thing. Two Kia dealerships refused assistance. The first after I called 12/3 to report that my vehicle issue made additional hazard involving a semi (thank goodness no one wreaked) and it was still smoking and smelled as if something was burning. The other telling me it would be six months at least. The warning dashboard lights did not trigger during or after incidents. The only light that came on ever was the oil light the prior weekend. I had the oil changed, filters replaced as well as the headlights for the third time. Around 44k miles when issues started and escalated quickly. Other problems reported to Arapaho Kia a few years ago consisted of back passenger door not latching. Someone flagged me down on the highway as I had my daughter in her car seat on that side. No warning lights triggered, dealership unable to duplicate issue. Steering control keys controlling opposite functions or not working intermittently. Was told steering control harness needed replacement. Think that was at 18k miles but not sure. Did not have replaced at that time as it mainly affected radio functions hands free calling did stop working. I usually didn’t make calls in the car anyway. I was left with no other choice but to trade the vehicle in before something really bad happened or it self destructed leaving me without out a car still paying on. I could not be without a car for six months as Peak Kia quoted timeframe. Untimely fixing of recall on vehicle likely manifesting these other issues and causing additional damage to vehicle.
Structure, Dec 9, 2021
I woke up this morning to discover that a foot long chunk of my Kia Sorento SX-L's pearl white paint had de-laminated and peeled off the driver's side front door pillar. I've come to find out this is a common due to a paint defect. I'm reporting this per instructions from other Kia owners with the issue.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 9, 2021
This 2015 KIA Sorrento was purchased new 8/14. It has been regularly serviced/maintained since.In Nov 2018 the AWD would not engage during a snowstorm, I was left stranded and had to be towed to the Dealership. The AWD coupler needed to be replaced. October 1, 2021, the car was inspected and passed with no major issues. November 6, 2021, the car would not start. It was jump started and brought to a local Auto Repair Facility where I was advised it needed a new battery. New battery installed and on November 8, 2021, the car would not start. I returned to the same facility & had them check the battery, alternator and starter. All was fine. They recommended I return to Healy KIA, Newburgh, NY, and have them check the computer board. December 1, 2021, Healy KIA informed me that the head gasket was shot and that I needed an engine rebuild. I questioned this as the car was only 5 years old, I only drive the car locally, and that I have done no extensive travel in over 2 years since Covid-19. Healy KIA never offered to replace the engine, only the rebuild for $11K. I contacted KIA Corporate on December 2, 2021 to file a concern (Case #14515621) and was advised by that Rep I was out of warrantee, admitted there had been engine recalls in the past, but a Manager would review my case and call me w/in 2-3 business days. To date, no return call. I began calling KIA(800)333-4542 for these past 3 days & the automated phone system either dropped the call or transferred me to Road Side Assistance. December 8, 2021, I finally got through to another KIA Rep, who confirmed my case number and stated my case was still under review awaiting verifying information from Healy Kia confirming the damage and the estimate. I advised the KIA Rep that I had a copy of that estimate so he instructed me to upload this information at www.KIA.com. Ironically, the case number KIA provided, my name/email is invalid according to the KIA website. I need your help and guidance. Please advise. Thank you!
Engine, Dec 7, 2021
The engine failed and is available for inspection. My daughters and my safety were put at risk when trying to accelerate onto the interstate on ramp and was slow to do so. The car never made it to the speed limit and actually started slowing down. When trying to speed up it started making a knocking sound which ended up leaving us stranded on the side of the interstate on Easter Sunday, so there was more than the normal traffic. The engine light or any other warning lights came on before this happened. The engine was inspected by a Kia service center. And as this was a mechanical issue, the insurance would not do anything.