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.
Structure, May 9, 2023
paint coming off. peeling, flaking
Structure, May 4, 2023
Unknown Paint started chipping little by little and a big chunk just came off.. I'm concerned became new chips are appearing.
Power train, May 2, 2023
Transmission failed, unable to shift vehicle gears. Vehicle repaired by Certified Manufacturer's dealer. Unknown if part available for further inspection. No lamps or warnings prior to vehicle failure.
Other or unspecified, Apr 28, 2023
UNKNOWN My issue is PAINT DELAMINATION. I own a 2015 KIA Sorento, color is PEARL WHITE. I understand that this type of factory paint defect is not uncommon with a 2015 KIA Sorento, especially with the color being pearl white. Here is a description and timeline of my paint delamination: Sept 2022, I noticed a relatively small paint chip (1" x 4" long) on the drivers side pillar. Very unusual but I didn't overthink this paint peeling scar. Feb 2023, on the same pillar, the delamination enlarged to 4" x 10" and I became fully aware of this factory defect. A few weeks later, Feb 2023, I noticed paint had chipped off and peeled off the roof , located directly above the windshield. Now I'm considering a visit to my KIA dealership, in West Covina, to show them my car. I'm totally confused and worried about the paint condition of my car. In late March 2023, I noticed a small paint chip on the passenger side pillar. I touched it gently and the paint delamination in this area did what it does. It easily peeled off with the slightest touch. Now, I'm convinced that I need to discuss this factory defect with KIA. A week later, April 2023, while washing my car the water pressure from my garden hose literally peeled off enormous amounts of paint from the defected areas. In fact, some paint chipping started on the hood. I also noticed paint blisters and bubbles on the side doors. Those blisters will soon peel off with wind or water. I will download pictures of the delamination infested car. This is undoubtedly a factory defect issue. Any car company that values their product and their reputation would own (admit) the obvious facts regarding the paint defect issues and recall the Sorentos (Pearl White). Honor and product integrity is a basic characteristic for a major automobile company like KIA. My Dad is a KIA owner, myself and my grandson are KIA Sorento owners. I trust that my complaint will not fall on deaf ears.
Engine, Apr 26, 2023
Kia doesn't whant fix my kia sorento . Say i m not firt owner. The extended cover that . the Kia engine recall extended warranty? The warranty has been extended to 15 years/150,000 miles for engine long block assembly repairs due to connecting rod bearing damage. As previously mentioned, the warranty only kicks in once the knock sensor software update has been completed.Jan 19, 2023 https://www.fixdapp.com › kia-engi... Kia Engine Warranty Extension - FIXD
Engine, Apr 26, 2023
Engene damage by the problem have in the oil pump. Kia doesn't whant give warranty they say im not firs buyer. But is oficial this car has extende warranty by demant government about replacement fix engine.
Engine, Apr 20, 2023
Engine had adequate oil 2 days prior to complete engine failure. Vehicle is available for inspection. In terms of safety, the driver was suddenly stranded on the highway. While driving we experienced loud noises from the engine. Upon inspection, the dip stick showed no oil. We added required oil before starting the engine but soon after starting and driving the engine seized. There were no apparent leaks and no warning lamps. The mechanic confirmed seized engine due to the lack of oil.
Electrical system, Engine, Apr 19, 2023, fire
traveling back from Panama City Beach, on 10/14/2022 Florida with a destination of [XXX]. At approximately 2:15pm, I had to pull off on the median of interstate 65 North bound at mile marker 123 in Greenville, Alabama due to mechanical failure of my 2015 Kia Sorento. The vehicle was smoking/caught fire and had become inoperable. I had my kids get out A.S.A.P. A good citizen called for help. Two Law enforcement cars and a fire engine arrived. Due to the trauma it caused on my kids a police officer provided transportation for us to the Quality Inn Hotel in Greenville, Alabama. Later that evening we ordered a pizza from Papa John’s for something to eat (receipt information included along with bank transaction page). We attempted to leave Greenville, Alabama and return home in a rental car while repairs were done to the Kia. We were informed by Enterprise rental in Greenville, Alabama that they were closed over the weekend and would not have anything available until Monday, October 17th, 2022. Unfortunately Enterprise Rental was the only rental car business in Greenville, Alabama and we would be stuck at the Quality Inn until Monday, October 17th, 2022. It was at that point that Amy my father drove down from Ringgold, GA to pick my kids up and take them home while I waited for repairs to be done to the Kia or to get a rental car, whichever would come first. On Monday, October the 17th, I was informed that repairs to the 2015 Kia Sorento would be prolonged. I then obtained a rental car from Enterprise Rental in Greenville, Alabama , and I continued onto to my original destination towards Ringgold, GA. I arrived at our intended destination late on the night of October 17th, 2022. During our trip home, we were advised that the 2015 Kia Sorento would be towed to Brewbaker Kia at 222 Eastern Blvd, Montgomery, AL 36117. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Engine, Apr 17, 2023
It’s burning oil engine
Exterior lighting, Apr 12, 2023
Hi my vehicle is very dangerous and unsafe when driving at night. I can't see at all when I drive at night. The factory headlight bulbs has not burn out but they was so dim. I replaced them with new ones and still could not see. I WANT AND GOT THE BRIGHTESS headlight bulb for my car and still are dim. I clean the headlight and still did not fix the problem. I drive at night with my high beams on and i still can barley see I and thousands of others have the same problem with a kia sorento and ask the dealership for help and nothing hibings nothing was done I'm afraid to drive my car when the sun goes down I cannot see at all I can't even see when I have my bright lights on I looked online and I see there's thousands of people complaining about this issue and nothing has been done. I AM SCARED TO DRIVE MY CAR at night I am a single parent kia is putting my life my family and others in danger because they don't want to fix the problem but they know they have one but don't care please help me and others kia sorento is a very popular car and the more on the road with dim headlights the more people or at risk
Engine, Apr 11, 2023
On June 20, 2022 my KIA Sorento with 137,170 miles stopped suddenly in traffic on the interstate during morning rushhour. I had no engine light warning. The vehicle would not restart. I inspected under and behind the vehicle for any issues and found none. I motor was locked up and upon checking the oil, the stick was dry. I had the vehicle towed to the KIA dealership that has serviced the vehicle since it was purchased. I was present when they put the vehicle on the lift and found no fluids on the underbody. I had them drain any remaining oil. 1.5 qts were left. Upon additional inspection the passenger side of the engine had some oil residue near the pressure sensor. The vehicle was due for an oil change within 2k miles. One month prior I checked the oil and the level was fine. The vehicle had never used oil before. Dealership wanted to charge $12k for a motor that had 165,000 miles on it. I was able to replace motor with another that had 64K miles for $8,500 at my personal mechanic. I've notified KIA numerous times and they deny any issues with the motor. I received a letter from KIA six months prior to the motor locking explaining there might be an issue with the Oil Pressure switch and sudden loss of oil, It stated they would cover any chages. I'm still fighting with KIA. I've owned five KIA's, this is my last one.
Suspension, Power train, Engine, Apr 8, 2023
Hello my name is [XXX] . Approximately [XXX] my 2015 Kia Sorento practically stopped performing on [XXX] highway nearly having to dodge an accident. At first, I noticed a burning scent which I thought was just in the air until my car started to slow down by itself followed by coming to a complete stop amid 70 miles per hour traffic. I had my car towed in to the nearest Kia dealership which was located in Meridian Mississippi. Upon my arrival I was told by Service department manager Monty that my 2015 Kia Sorento had engine and transmission recalls. However since this date I have continued to have issues with the ABS transmission system and engine. I took my car back to Kia dealership in Meridian Mississippi and was told that they were no longer responsible for the recall issues. I paid out over a thousand dollars again on approximately February 9th, 2022 for repair work that should have been covered by warranty... only to have the same issues to reoccur this year. I have grown infuriated with this service department at this Meridian Mississippi Kia dealership!!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Structure, Apr 6, 2023
Snow white pearl paint has suddenly started peeling on passenger door and around windshield
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Apr 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. After replacing the engine, the vehicle started experiencing several engine failures. The transmission also slipped while in 6th gear. Additionally, the engine was consuming coolant. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.
Structure, Engine, Apr 4, 2023
While driving at night on 2 lane highway at speed limit the engine seized as I pressed acceleration. Had to get to safe spot to pull off while just coasting as other drivers got upset so glad I didn’t get hit from behind. Had to be towed home had mechanic look at it he said engine is needing replaced. Kia knows they have a recall on engines but won’t fix unless something happens that’s dangerous! I was told when I had their knock sensor put on that would just slow the engine down before it became a danger but no that didn’t happen it literally seized at full speed limit. I called Kia said to have it towed in and they would look at it but it will take 4 weeks before they get to it. Also the paint is chipping bad on hood and above windshield on driver side I’m seeing more and more 2015 Kia Sorento with same issue all those in my town are the same spots as mine this should be a recall and repaired by Kia we spend good hard working money to have a nice vehicle and this makes it look like crap. Do better by your customers Kia!
Engine, Mar 27, 2023
No warning lights or signs of anything, my car is up to date with all services have receipts in hand. Car just jerked a little and sounded like a loud banging noise under the hood. Went and brought it to Kia to determine I needed an engine. Car only has 108,000 miles on it.
Engine, Mar 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal flapping noise, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle lost motive power but was able to restart. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was then towed to Monroeville Kia (3721 William Penn Hwy, Monroeville, PA 15146) where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained at the dealer awaiting the repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
Other or unspecified, Mar 21, 2023
Our kia has problems with the camshaft sensor and when we described the issues we were having to our dealer he immediately said it was the camshaft sensor and apparently there are a lot of issues with this model with the sensor. Our car kept on stalling and when my husband was stopped at a red light yesterday the car wouldn't start and was a safety concern for him, luckily he wasn't hit from behind just made a lot of other drivers mad. I believe kia knows about this problem but hasn't acknowledged it yet. When we left it with the dealer he said parts are on backorder but you could drive the car if you want, we feel that is so unsafe and total disregard for his safety. I'm hoping someone could look into this and the total disregard of the dealership for advising us to keep driving this unsafe vehicle until they can repair it for us. The car started having issues a week ago, it wouldn't start, then it was fine until last Saturday night and the engine light came on. So when we were bringing it to the dealership to have a look at it, it stalled again at the red light. We feel this could have been a serious issue had the other vehicles behind is not stopped and hit us while in the car. Also the repair mechanic automatically knew the issue so obviously it's not the first car in there with this problem
Other or unspecified, Mar 16, 2023
The car's paint has been peeling off. I purchased the vehicle when it had 49,000 on it in 2020. A few months later i noticed some chipping on the hood and above the front window. I called Kia and they said there was no recall. More and more paint had chipped and today i was at the dealership for service no paint chip on my door and when i got home a big chunk of paint was missing. I did not notice it before leaving the dealership because my door was open for me to sit in. The paint is snow white pearl. The 2014 sorento was recalled for this and the paint on the 2015 is chipping in the same areas. It is evident that something is clearly wrong with this paint. I have seen other kia sorentos in my area with the snow white paint and they also had paint chipping in the same areas. Please help. I love my vehicle but this is making my Kia look horrible.
Service brakes, Mar 15, 2023
brake caliper failed and destroyed brakes, rotors and caused vehicle to shake when brakes applied
Exterior lighting, Mar 2, 2023
I bought this car used and never thought to check any problems associated with headlights. The first time I drove it at night, I stopped to see if the lights were even working. I took it to my local garage who has taken care of all my vehicles from Chevrolet S10 to BMW X5. They changed out the bulbs and made no difference. He then contacted various auto parts companies to order the housing for both headlights. The part is priced approximately $600 to $700 each plus his labor. I don’t take this car on the road at night unless absolute necessity. I planned to drive this car for a short period and then give to my grandson. Now, not a chance. He would be safer on the road with a skateboard and a flashlight and he lives in the city of Atlanta. Never have I driven a vehicle that felt more unsafe than this car. In the past, I had a commercial drivers license so I am capable of driving day, night, rain, and shine. Not in this car! This is a problem identified and reported for many years and appears no action has been taken to require Kia to make the cars safe for drivers of their cars as well as the risk to other vehicles and drivers on the road.
Engine, Feb 27, 2023
I was driving down the freeway and my engine seized and I lost power to the engine. My safety was put at risk because I was on a busy freeway and it happened on a bridge and I had nowhere to go. Someone could have rear ended me very easily. My car is available for inspection at the dealer now, who says it needs a complete engine replacement. Prior to the engine failing there were no lights on my dashboard. After the engine failed all the lights were on.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Engine, Feb 26, 2023
Engine seized while I was driving
Steering, Structure, Feb 22, 2023
I own a 2015 Kia Sorento in Snow White Pearl. I have 2 Complaints: 1.) The paint is peeling off of the hood. I have read many reviews online where similar issues are happening with Kia vehicles manufactured in a similar timeframe that have issues with SWP peeling off of the hood and the pillars. My car, specifically, is peeling in both the hood and the pillar. Photos attached. 2.) Our vehicle's steering wheel, when we travel over 60mph, squeaks as if it is loose metal. It sounds like a sharp squeak. It only happens when we are traveling at high speeds on the highway. Not while turning or at slow speeds. It is not a rodent or anything like that because we've had a dealership check it out. The dealership did not know the source of the squeak and recommended we got a new steering column and replaced a few other components to fix this squeak (Over $1,500, I'll be happy to share the estimate receipt). Upon searching on Google, I've seen there were more than enough posts about Kia vehicles' steering wheels squeaking to think it's a problem specific to our vehicle. This is s forum of Kia owners who have a Kia vehicle squeaking:: https://www.kia-forums.com/threads/2022-kia-sorento-x-line-s-squeaking-noise-in-steering-wheel.355478/ This is a video I stumbled upon of a Kia vehicle squeaking: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgdf7d2NQYg
Steering, Power train, Engine, Feb 21, 2023
I only had it 2 weeks and I was driving it and it mad a loud noise you couldn’t give it no gas and it shut off so we’re trying to start it. It sounded like a rod rattling in the engine. And I just had a new oil change, and when I reject all it was black as dirt. I don’t understand because I just got the car never made a first car payment yet that was very unsafe. I had to pay for 2 different tows that’s not right I was in New Jersey and I live in Kernersville nc and had to pay someone 900 to get back home