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.
Engine, Nov 9, 2023
We just got my wife’s Sorento SXL back from our Kia dealership in Kennesaw Georgia Yesterday.we took it in because of a clicking sound in the engine.they kept the car for a diagnostic They said the car had low or no oil,My wife informed the service Rep.that we have all the oil changes and we’ve never ,ever drove the car without oil ! They kept the car another week We found out yesterday what it is.Metal debris in engine,rod bearing wore,oil leaking In engine ! We were told to buy a New Engine! The car has 105,000 miles on it the price on the engine was to be 14,000 dollars we can’t even trade it in because of this a get what the car actually worth ! 3.3 L V-6 Kia engines Also check CarComplaints web.Starting in Jan.2023
Structure, Nov 8, 2023
Paint peeling rapidly on each side of windshield.
Engine, Nov 2, 2023
The engine quit/shut down while traveling at 65mph on freeway. We replace engine, now 50,000 miles later we are replacing the connector rod bearings.
Structure, Engine, Nov 2, 2023
Paint started peeling off
Other or unspecified, Oct 31, 2023
Paint peeling/rapid delamination (bubbling) on 2015 Kia Sorento (Snow White Pearl color) on FRONT PASSENGER PILAR AND CENTER ROOF. Great condition, 109,000 easy miles. Large chunk of paint came off today 10/31. Cost - estimate 10/2023 $5000. Why is this allowed? Obviously Kia has errors in the painting process - too many people with same complaint - seems only for Snow White Pearl. These cars are not worth it.
Exterior lighting, Oct 30, 2023
The low beam headlights are very dim even after replacing bulbs. Have replaced 2 sets in less than a year. Not sure if issues are related but I have seen multiple people have posted about dim headlights on this model
Structure, Oct 14, 2023
paint peeling/rapid delamination on 2015 Kia Sorento (Snow White Pearl color) on both passenger side front and passenger side rear doors. Prior rapid delamination on "A" pillar of both passenger and driver sides and center roof (repaired 2021, out of pocket cost $2000). Rapid delamination began approximately October, 2022, 105,000 miles on vehicle; increasingly becoming worse.
Engine, Oct 5, 2023
On 8/19/23 driving cross country moving from MN to AZ. Heard a clunk and my engine went into limp mode. Called nearest Kia Dealership and advised not to drive. 8/21/23 had to have car towed 100 miles to Kia Dealership in Cheyenne, WY. Rented car from Avis to get to AZ in time for closing on new home. Car inspected at dealership and confirmed a new engine was necessary. To date, car is still in WY.
Engine, Oct 4, 2023
engine is smoking , but is not showing over heating on gauge. just had oil changed on Thursday 9-28-23 by NTB, It has happened 3 times before oil change and once since(today),
Other or unspecified, Structure, Sep 27, 2023
The paint is delamanating and flaking cause value to drop daily. A 2015 should not have this issue, Toyota recalled for the same issues. It start with a very small spot and has incresed daily in size and new spots are appearing daily.
Structure, Sep 15, 2023
The paint on this vehicle is aggressively peeling and I was told by a local Kia dealership to submit a complaint as it is a common problem with the snow white colored Kia Sorrento in this year. There is nothing I can do to stop the paint from continuing to peel, and it has continued to get worse over time.
Engine, Sep 14, 2023
Without vehicle warning lights, I was driving on a highway and my engine began making loud noises. My safety was put at risk as my car did not indicate any warning there were any vehicle issues and I was on a major highway which could have potentially not only affected my safety but the safety of others.
Engine, Sep 13, 2023
Engine failed and started knocking on 8/29/2023. Had it towed to dealership where it has been sitting ever since. I am being told that its taking 8+ weeks to get approval on a new engine from KIA due to the defects of their engines. They will not supply a loaner or rental car until (IF) the engine replacement is approved.
Other or unspecified, Sep 11, 2023
Paint is peeling. Snow White pearl
Air bags, Structure, Sep 6, 2023
Pearl white paint is peeling off on both sides of windshield and hood. Air bag light stays on.
Other or unspecified, Aug 26, 2023
On Thurs 8/24/23 approx.5/5:30 I was driving home on highway 290 and my Kai Sorento 2015 just quit. No warning of any kind it just quit. I had no steering so had to hang on tightly to the wheel. It was rush hour and I was on a highway doing speed limit of 55. How I and anyone behind me was not in a serious serious accident is unbelievable. The car would not start again and has not started since. Had to be towed home. Since it is the weekend I haven't been able to have it towed to a shop. This is a very serious problem to have nothing wrong and no warning at all and your vehicle just quits in the middle of rush hour doing 55mph. I can't believe there is no recall abt this issue. Looking on the internet I am not the only one that has had this very dangerous problem. The vehicle is available for inspection. Posted 8/26/23
Engine, Aug 26, 2023
Without warning, engine stalled while in motion. Electrical system was still functioning and on. Loss of power steering and power brakes. This continued to happen at random times during driving, putting all passengers at risk. Kia dealership looked in to the problem and diagnosed it as a faulty PCM/ECM module and replaced. Rolling engine stall continued and continues to happen at intermittent times. We are now 6 months in to the process of trying to determine the issue. The car has been taken back to Kia dealership for inspection. The problem has been reproduced by another auto repair shop but they are unwilling to work on it since there is no check engine light or corresponding code to work from.
Other or unspecified, Aug 22, 2023
The paint just above my windshield at the center is bubbled up and stater peeling and is now rusting. It is also peeling on my drivers door just above the window. The paint color is Pearl White
Engine, Aug 22, 2023
Unknow
Engine, Aug 21, 2023
It is abusive to American consumers that Kia Motors America knowingly sold several Kia models from 2011-2019 with the Theta ii engine issues. They have not done enough as a car company to support the needs of customers that are affected by this problem. They are taking 2-3 months to diagnose and repair failed engines at dealerships. Additionally, they are not doing enough to help people when they don't have access to their car. I was forced for 2.5 months to have no car without a loaner vehicle offered to me. I experienced a Kia Sorento 2015 engine failure on 6/1/2023 and was not fully repaired until 8/18/2023. During that entire timeframe, I had to file a BBB report at 60 days to get an update on the diagnosis for my car. When I went to pick up my car on 8/19/2023 at Cochran Robinson Kia, they lost the key to my car and acted like it was no big deal. I am sick and tired of Kia Motors America being allowed to continue selling faulty vehicles in our country. They need to be shut down and charged to the full extent of the law as a car company.
Engine, Aug 17, 2023
Engine blew
Engine, Aug 14, 2023
The engine was inspected for a possible timing chain rattle/issue and was found to be consuming oil. The oil level was low with no obvious leaks from the engine, meaning that the engine has been burning oil for about 4 months since the last oil change at the very least. The oil consumption could cause engine to wear and fail during operation, causing obvious safety issues for this model, as is the case for other Kia models affected by a class action settlement. The issue has been confirmed by an independent mechanic, but has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or other individuals. There were no warnings of low oil levels prior to being informed of this oil consumption issue.
Engine, Aug 14, 2023
The engine of this vehicle has always rattled on start-up, but the sound goes away after a few seconds. Oil levels have always been maintained and the oil has been changed on a regular basis at the scheduled mileage intervals. Within the last month, the engine rattle is present when shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear, at approximately 30-40 mph. The engine rattle is coupled with a revving sound that would indicate that the engine is working hard to accelerate, yet the RPMs remain relatively low for the amount of sound made by the engine. To date this has not posed a safety risk, but I consider it to a potential safety issue if the engine failure problems present in other Kias of similar years are also present in this year and generation of Sorentos with V6 engines such as this vehicle. The engine issue is currently being inspected by a mechanic to see if they can replicate the issue and identify a specific problem. No inspections have been performed to date by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. No engine lights or warning signs were present before this started occurring.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Aug 14, 2023
Driving at night on an unlit rural road with the high beam lights engaged, a car was coming in the opposite direction, at which point the headlights were switched to low-beams to not impact the visibility of that driver. The headlights and lighting of the cluster turned completely off for a few moments before the low-beam headlights re-engaged and remained on for the remainder of the trip. The headlights throughout the trip were turned on by having the auto function engaged. This has happened a few times before, but the possibility of having reduced/no vision while driving prompted taking it to a mechanic to be checked out. The issue has not been replicated by a mechanic, and to date has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. No warning signs had been present before this and other instances where the lights cut out as headlights are switched from high to low beams or vice versa. The vehicle has also been experiencing a battery drain that has yet to be identified. This has occurred within the last month, and two batteries have been drained within a month.
Power train, Engine, Aug 13, 2023
August 11,2023 My 2015 Kia Sorento engine light came on, it started bogging down, and rattling noise came from the engine, when plugged in it was diagnosed as the exhaust crank shaft position timing-over-advanced (Bank 1) Code P0014. I had a hard time keeping the engine running it kept wanting to stall out while driving down the road to safely make it home. I'm lucky to have made it home and not stranded out on the highway. I'm told know the engine has failed. I will need rods replaced; I've had all my recalls done but yet this still has happened to me. I thought 1 of the recalls was for this very reason yet it still happened, how is this possible. As I've read through other people's issues, I'm also at 85,000 miles and had no warning that my engine would be shot. If you have a Kia 2015 Sorento sell it or trade it in now, especially if your mileage is hitting 80,000 mileages.