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.
Electrical system, Aug 28, 2021
almost all of my tire/brake lights are on my dash, dealership said its the speed sensors in my back tires. A week later (with those lights still on) my parking brake light came on while driving and started a dinging noise, parked turned it off and back on the noise had stopped but all lights were still on. dealership said speed sensors arent a serious issue to fix, however, my UVO diagnostics says its my ABS/EBS system. Ive already had a blown engine and now have a lifetime warranty but, they are picking and choosing whats covered and what isnt.
Exterior lighting, Aug 24, 2021
The headlights are very dim on my 2015 Kia Sorento, when compared to other vehicles. They only illuminate about 10 feet in front of the car. They need to be replaced with a stronger bulb as it is dangerous driving at night.
Engine, Aug 24, 2021
My 2015 V6 Kia Sorento's engine seized absent any warning on 08/14/21. I was in the car with my dog and 3 young daughters at a stop light. The light turned green and I pushed the gas and the car did not move. It was frozen. I pushed it again and the entire car shut down. I police officer had to push our car out of the way after another motorist called 911. We were stuck. My auto shop said my car had extremely low and dirty oil, despite the fact I had just gotten a $90 synthetic oil change 2 weeks earlier. I had the car towed to Tasca Kia in Rhode Island and they told me the engine was covered under a lifetime warranty. They later called me and told me the recall was only related to V4 engines & denied any problem with V6's. I am learning MANY people have had this same problem. I called KIA Consumer Affairs and they denied the issue and refuse to help. My car was impeccably maintained and had 77,000 miles on it. The dealership told me to "scrap" the car. At the time of the engine seizure there were NO warning lights on and the temperature gauge was in the middle. KIA is refusing to accept responsibility.
Structure, Aug 21, 2021
2015 KIA Sorento Paint peeling & chipping away from door pillars, roof where windshield meets, both let & right front fenders, hood. The color is "Snow While Pearl". Started to norice small chipping around 2017 & in April 2019 a large piece peeled off the passenger side front pillar which I had repaired. Many of the chips were touched up but it continues to occur to this day.
Engine, Aug 19, 2021
Bought the vehicle used, from dealership had little over 91,000 miles on vehicle when purchased and purchased extended warranty as well, only had 11months, at little over 109 thousand miles on vehicle noticed white exhaust coming from tail pipe, was having to put oil in the vehicle 1-2 quarts a week. At one time, during a week, vehicle seemed to be stalling/slow to accelerate, engine sounded different, when got home, checked oil, the dip stick showed barely any oil. Put oil in the vehicle. NO warning light ever has came on about low oil, no warning light about engine has come on. I called local Kia dealership about the issue. Took 2 weeks to get appointment to take my Sorento in to get looked at. Once in the Kia dealership, service department manager says they did an oil consumption test on the engine. Multiple points of the inspection show engine failure. Dealership has more in depth description of what all has failed with the engine and oil consumption. Also had to provide the copies of when and where the vehicle had its regular maintenance such as oil changes done so it could be sent to the Extended warranty to approve engine replacement. My vehicle has been sitting at the dealership since July 20,2021 with no working being done, not even the safety recalls, because I was told engine is on back order. At time writing this it is August 19, 2021, so my sorento has been just sitting at Kia dealership with nothing being done. I have called once a week to Kia dealership, as they have yet to call me for updates. I reached out to Kia customer hotline, they were able to pull up the info on vehicle, find out exactly what part/engine was needed from dealership and shows it back ordered because the engine is coming from Korea to US, No actual ETA on when it will actually be sent/shipped to US to then be sent to dealership to put in my vehicle. Was told it could be months..unacceptable! was never sent any information on possible oil consumption problems or engine problems.
Other or unspecified, Aug 18, 2021
2015 Sorento has paint peeling and chipping due to air and weather. The peeling paint started December 2019. The condition has gotten worse. The chipping started this year.
Power train, Aug 18, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated from the time the vehicle was purchased, it would make an abnormal popping sound when started and while driving. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact that they could not duplicate the failure. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring and the check engine warning light illuminated while driving. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer several times and the dealer diagnosed that the oil and the transmission needed to be replaced, and advised the contact that he would be responsible for the cost of the repair since the warranty had expired. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to Kia of Streetsboro (835 Classic Dr, Streetsboro, OH 44241) who diagnosed that the transmission and the steering wheel had failed. The contact stated that the vehicle was not repaired. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the dealer informed the contact that they were not aware of the recall. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised that the VIN did not exist. A case was opened and closed. The approximate failure mileage was 300. Parts distribution disconnect.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Aug 11, 2021
The paint is blowing off.
Structure, Aug 6, 2021
I own a 2015 Kia Sorento LX AWD and it's painted in the pearl white finish, over the last year the paint has been peeling off on the hood and the top edge closest to the windshield, and it's even started rusting in those spots now, which range in from the size of a match tip, to the size of my palm.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 6, 2021
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 contact attempted to schedule a recall repair appointment with the local dealer however, the dealer had to reschedule each time because the part was not available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 6, 2021
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 and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Engine, Aug 4, 2021
Hello. Prior to receiving the Recall letter around mid-July 2021, we had complained to the dealership about the engine humming after a ride and AC going on and off On July 17, I was scheduled to visit the dealership and take care of the Recall. Although, I was scheduled for an appointment, nothing happened! The dealership did not have the component required for the recall. We then left and insisted to return the following day and requested that a diagnostic be conducted in addition to the recall on July 23. Following the diagnostic, the dealership told us we needed a new engine. It was a big surprise and a shock that a car which was serviced twice a year at this dealership, had 104, 000 miles and was only 5 years old, had a complete failure. The dealership provided a quote for the repairs and never mentioned the recall or how it could be related to the diagnostic they had just made. Upon consulting with my insurance company, USAA, their adjuster was able to establish that the mechanical failure my car was facing was closely related to the recall. Based on the assessment made by USAA on August 4, 2021, we now know the dealership knew that failure to receive the recall caused the mechanical failure. The quote the dealership presented me included and was consistent with damages reported in the Recall. why don't they contact KIA, which is clearly liable, and want me to pay for a new engine? I need help to unpack this issue that has strained my resources, time and brought stress to the family car. A major risk associated with this overheating is fire. In light of this new information, I have contacted the dealership to discuss August 8, 2021. I also contacted KIA USA on July 28 prior to establishing the connection between the recall and the mechanical engine. No response. I need help as school is reopening. We need the car to go the work. No help has been provided. Dealership is Southwest Kia#451/ Lithia 39650 LBJ, Freeway South, Dallas, TX 75237, tel: 469-772-7252
Exterior lighting, Aug 4, 2021
Low beam headlights are dangerously too dim on my 2015 Kia Sorento LX. This is a well known reported issue by many owners. All drivers in my family had many close calls due to poor visibility when driving in the night. Yes I have changed lightbulbs several times, made sure that lenses and reflectors are clean and ground wire is not corroded. A simple search on the internet will tell you the extent of this problem. Many have reached to dealers and Kia but they are told -this is normal. Well it is absolutely NOT normal. It’s dangerous. feeling helpless. LX trim level don’t have fog lights too. Do something please.
Engine, Aug 3, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 30-35 mph, he heard an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine before the vehicle inadvertently loss power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts and drove to his residence. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced due to rod bearing failure. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while the vehicle was at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact that they could not cover the repair of the vehicle as the service campaign for the failure had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 83,000.
Structure, Jul 30, 2021
My white paint is chipping horribly!!!
Exterior lighting, Jul 28, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at night, the headlamps were too dim, and the contact was unable to see the roadway. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they informed the contact that the headlamp assemblies needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided the contact a case number. The approximate failure mileage was 153,048.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 28, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that while attempting to turn on the vehicle, the vehicle would not start. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the next available appointment was in September. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact to not drive the vehicle as it could catch on fire. The failure mileage was unavailable.
Steering, Service brakes, Engine, Jul 26, 2021, crash
Motor shuts down completely disabling the car electronically. I lose my brakes and my steering. In February 2020, I almost died driving the vehicle the car engine seized while driving and was replaced by KIA. I never received an itemized bill from Dealership they stole the rental from my private driveway to and stole $5,000 and my belongings from the vehicle. One June 29.2021 I almost died again driving the car. The New Engine shuts down and I lose breaks and steering and hit an animal trying to get off the road for safety since I no longer have breaks to my vehicle. The animal ripped off my undercarriage and dented my radiator. The car was smoking and the engine would start and when driven 50 feet keep shutting down and locking no breaks no power no steering becoming a hazard to myself and others. I have had no resolve with any dealership I have been to 4 different Kia dealerships and The Hyundai Certified Pre Owned Used Car Sales Dealer I purchased the car from. Instead of helping me and not placing my life and other lives in danger. I was threatened, antagonized, slandered, Defamed, and Had the police called to remove me because I refused to commit a crime and set my car on fire like the Dealership told me to do. I need help.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 26, 2021
Upon receiving Recall NOTICE , Vehicle Is A Fire Danger and I can Not Drive it.Living in the middle of the Forrest makes having this vehicle in this HIGH FIRE DANGER TOWN for 2 months put not only my family and home in danger but my entire FIRE VULNERABLE COMMUNITY AT RISK. The company headquarters or Dealership would not loan me a safe car nor remove this FIRE HAZARD from this community.
Other or unspecified, Jul 26, 2021
I am making a complaint due to the paint chipping above the windshield. The paint started to chip and now in growing larger. Every time it rains the paint chips more and more. I have noticed not only that my car pillars on the siding around the windshield peeled that I have repainted but now it is above the wind shield. There are alot of Kia Sorentos in my area that the top of their vehicle are peeling as well so this has to be a manufacturer problem. I have spoken with a few shops in the area and they stated to inform Kia that is an ongoing issue with all the kia's. I have pictures of the top of my vehicle.
Other or unspecified, Jul 25, 2021
Intermittently and unpredictably, my V6 Sorrento just loses all power when trying to accelerate. This occurs when trying to accelerate from a stop or slow roll, but not when moving along at over, say, 20 mph. Obviously, this can be a very dangerous thing when trying to cross or pull out onto a street when there’s oncoming traffic. The car will move just enough to place it in the path of oncoming traffic and then nothing more until after I’ve released and depressed the accelerator enough times for it to finally decide go. The car has been to the dealer several times for this, and they’ve had no remedy. They said that they couldn’t do anything because they couldn’t duplicate the problem, which is no surprise because it’s totally unpredictable. I’ve had the car into the dealer for this enough times that they finally opened a case with Kia corporate, who also had no answers. My private mechanic found a service bulletin (online, and not from Kia) that said a hose in the fuel system was the issue. After I took the car back to the dealer yet again and told them about the bulletin, they supposedly checked the hose and said that it was okay, but they didn’t try replacing it. After all that I’d been through dealing with this, the dangerous situations it has put me in numerous times, and the fact that they had no answers, it seems to me that they should at least have tried replacing the hose. I’ve been dealing with this for years, and it's disconcerting and dangerous to not be able to trust the car. The car is a 2015 Sorrento SX V6 that I bought in July of 2017 with 31,094 miles on it, and I paid extra to have it “certified.” There is a thread on Kia-Forums.com where others have expressed having the same issue, also with no resolution. Thank you.
Exterior lighting, Jul 23, 2021
Headlights keep burning out. I've replaced the driver's side low-beam bulb seven times in the last year and the passenger side twice. Both are currently blown out again.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 22, 2021
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 local dealer and the manufacturer were made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Other or unspecified, Jul 19, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while reversing out of a parking space and making a left turn, the contact heard an abnormal popping. The contact felt the vehicle was dragging something underneath the vehicle. The contact was able to pull over and restart the vehicle however, the engine was shaking and the contact saw that there was oil leaking on to the ground. The contact put the vehicle in neutral and had her son push the vehicle to her residence. The dealer was contacted but the service department was unavailable. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 123,050.
Engine, Jul 15, 2021
I was driving down the highway when the battery light came on and the engine died. I had the vehicle towed to Kia. The informed that the engine di not meet the recall requirements for replacement. The engines are obviously not well made and Kia needs to replace them when they fail. Thank you for your time.