10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
39,082 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2015 Kia Sorento electrical problems

electrical problem

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2015 Kia Sorento Owner Comments (Page 1 of 3)

problem #50

Oct 202023

Sorento

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Check engine light started coming on at about 39,000. miles took to local mechanic who preformed lots of repairs and called Kia for information concerning engine issue. Received notice of recall from Kia on the HECU -instructing me to park truck away from home due to fire. Check engine light back on again at 41,000 miles, took to dealership where they replaced the HECU and fuel pump and fuel lines. Picked up truck and noticed when braking the truck shook all over and seem to almost stall when taking off. Check engine was back on and the alert of the system telling me I had an engine failure. Took truck back next day, again repairs of the PVB valve was done. Someone drove the truck of 180 miles on a check engine light and unplugged the battery. Got truck back and within 10 minutes the check engine light was back on and the system telling me engine failure and truck was unsafe to drive. Truck now at another Kia dealership, after many conversation with Kia the representative instructed me to tell the dealership where the truck was that the truck had a recall (supposedly) fixed. Called the dealership now tells me there is no fix for the HECU issue and they can not tell me the truck is safe to drive. I have not had the truck for now 4 months and Kia doesn't know how to fix it. I have filed 4 cases against Kia, they have not offered me a rental car or loaner and they do not have any expected date for me to get the truck back. I have files but it won't let me upload them for the receipts/ information from Kia

- Stafford, VA, USA

problem #49

Jul 092023

Sorento

  • miles
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.

- Lakeland, FL, USA

problem #48

Sep 202022

Sorento

  • miles
Unknown

- Cambridge, OH, USA

problem #47

Oct 142022

Sorento

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

traveling back from Panama City Beach, on 10/14/2022 Florida with a destination of 354 Foster Drive, Ringgold, Georgia 30736. 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.

- Ringgold, GA, USA

problem #46

Feb 112023

Sorento

  • miles
Engine seized while I was driving

- Philly , PA, USA

problem #45

Dec 222022

Sorento

  • miles
Lights are very dim, had to put in a brighter lightbulb. All of the sudden today the radio FM/AM Satellite and blue tooth stopped working. 12/22/22 - Driving home the lights stopped working and I was driving in the dark with no lights.

- Southfield, MI, USA

problem #44

Jan 012016

Sorento

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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

- Sandy, OR, USA

problem #43

Feb 212022

Sorento

  • miles
My vehicle was stuck in park. I noted that module 2 fuse was blown. I replaced the fuse and smelled smoke. I took my Sorento in to the local KIA dealership for diagnosis. It was determined by a technician that the headlight level sensor and harness pigtail were both significantly melted. It was suggested by the tech to remove the level sensor and that has created a safety issue with the headlights pointing significantly low. The level sensor or headlight leveling system and harness connection are a potential fire hazard and if the component fails, this creates an additional unsafe driving condition with the headlights aiming low.

- Duvall , WA, USA

problem #42

Dec 102021

Sorento

  • miles
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!!!

- Guyton, GA, USA

problem #41

May 202021

Sorento

  • miles
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 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.

- Myrtle Beach, SC, USA

problem #40

Aug 012021

Sorento

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Valdosta, GA, USA

problem #39

Jul 022021

Sorento

  • miles
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.

- Weaverville, CA, USA

problem #38

Jun 232021

Sorento

  • miles
On June 23rd my 2015 Kia Sorento with a 3.3 l engine V6 started making noises and I called a dealership and they asked if it sounded like knocking noises and I said no it sounded more like exhaust noise within an hour my car was losing power it was idling very rough and I took it into the dealership and they said that I need ed an entire new engine. However I had been in there on June 14th and they told me that my oil level was good and there were no leaks but on June 23rd suddenly I had 0 oil in my engine and they were claiming that it was my issue however it is The exact issue that Kia has had with this model and make but different engine. My car has 91000 miles on it I use full synthetic oil I had it changed 6000 miles ago it was fine then I have had the maintenance done on my car and there were 0 warning lights on my - for either oil or engine that is why I checked electrical I was told by the dealer that there Oil lights and engine lights often don't come on when they have a problem with the car. This is a huge safety issue and if it's starting to happen on the 3.3 engine this needs to be looked at immediately I know someone who owns the exact same year exact same engine and they have been dealing with this type of thing as well

- Lake Stevens , WA, USA

problem #37

Jun 012021

Sorento

  • miles
This is a continuing problem. I have previously reported this issue to KIA and it has fallen in silent ears. For whatever reason my vehicle has been bone dry of oil. There is no warning that the oil is low. No indicator comes on., nothing! This can happen immediately after an oil change. The oil does not leak on the ground and it is known where the oil goes. The only way I know that there-€™s is no oil is that the car smells as though something is burning. I have spent hundreds of dollars in oil trying to keep up with when it dry-€™s out. Also, the rear brake light (right) burns out at least twice a month. At one point the light burned into the housing unit and had to be pulled out with needle nose pliers. I have again spent a lot of money on replacing bulbs. This car is extremely unsafe and I feel at anytime the car will catch on fire.

- Houston , TX, USA

problem #36

Jan 062021

Sorento

  • 87,000 miles
Monitor that displays defogger & defroster is not displaying information.......... this monitor is part of the vehicle's "multimedia system"......which displays :: gps, radio channels, heating, air conditions, defrosting-defogger..... I paid $700 & $65. 10/05/2018 to replace this same "navigation/ multimedia system".....vehicle mileage then was 48,600.... this unit stopped working/ no longer displaying information January 2021. Then mileage of 87,000.. elk grove Kia said I would have to personally pay to have the multimedia system replace. The new system only lasted approximately 1 year, 6 months..... I asked the Kia dealership to replace or offer discount to replace this needed system.....the answer was no ! I said to Kia dealer that obviously the product installed was inferior..(lasting less than a year....the reply was the dealer is not responsible for the products installed in Kia vehicles. I made a complaint to the BBB national programs- auto line...re: Kia2115737....BBB said my complaint does not qualify per their guidelines.. I am still without visual assist of the "multimedia system".....defogger/ defroster.., gps,

- Elk Grove, CA, USA

problem #35

Apr 172021

Sorento

  • 143,000 miles
While driving my car down the freeway going 77mph my car failed to shift while going up a hill and started making a knocking noise while in cruise control. Then out of cruise control the car made a loud bag and pop and smoked. We pulled over and the car motor had then been seized and would not start. Kia motor is declining to replace my motor based on the product improvement campaign of 18V907000 because they state that I failed to have the car inspected with this campaign. Kia motors told me that they sent the product improvement campaign notice to the previous owner in 2018 but that it was still my fault that the inspection was not done and the knock sensor wasn't added. I let them know I knew nothing about this because I never received the letter because it was not sent to me and I was not notified and the Consumer Affairs supervisor said it was still my fault for not calling Kia when I purchased the car in 2015 to let them know I am the new owner and to give them my information.

- Buhl, ID, USA

problem #34

Dec 052020

Sorento

  • 117,000 miles
Took my car to the mechanic for a second opinion regarding low beam lights shutting off when I turn on the high beams. This occurred frequently when using high beams. Also, my headlights (low beams) consistently burnt out. Had to install 2-3 new bulbs in each headlight (within 1 yr.). mechanic said problem is more than just the lights, the knock sensor was bad and needed more work than what they were willing to do and recommended me going back to Kia. Driving home from my mechanic, I was on the surface streets to get on the freeway, a knocking noise occurred when accelerating, sounded like it was going to throw a rod, which led me to check the oil. My oil changes are completed on schedule and was not due for another oil change for 3,000 miles. The oil was bone dry. I put in 4 quarts of oil and drove on surface streets, back to my mechanic. Mechanic said it is about to throw a rod and that I needed to drive it slowly and get it to Kia. As I drove the car home on the freeway, I was in the number one lane, passing a semi-truck in the number two lane, car started shaking, all the lights started blinking, the orange steering wheel warning light went on and the entire car completely shut down. I had to coast to the shoulder on the freeway. I had no hazards or blinkers. Tow truck arrived and checked my oil, he said there were metal shavings and barely any oil. Towed the car back to the mechanic and they said I needed a new engine. Had the car towed to my home and it now sits in my driveway. Prior and during all of this, not one time did any warning lights on the dashboard go on (other than the one steering wheel light when the car shut down).

- Ojai, CA, USA

problem #33

Oct 012020

Sorento

  • 118,000 miles
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, a revving noise was present coming from the engine and the vehicle would not properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. Also after using the remote starter to start the vehicle, the engine would not turn-off. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the starter however, the failure persisted. The local dealer bayside Kia located at 3188 crain hwy, waldorf, md 20603 and the manufacturer were notified of the failure however, no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 118,000.

- Waldorf, MD, USA

problem #32

Dec 192020

Sorento

  • 96,000 miles
I purchased this vehicle less than 2 months go. I was driving on the highway and came to a red light. The car jerked and did not want to move when the light turned green. I came to a second red light and the light turned green as I press the gas the car shut off in the middle of heavy traffic. I could not get the car to crank again. I finally got help from someone who help push the car to a near parking lot.

- Swainsboro, GA, USA

problem #31

Feb 022020

Sorento

  • miles
Electrical malfunctions inside the vehicle when you start up (I.e. driver seat heating up, panel flashing, fuel ignition taking off sparadically when the car is in motion on city street, rear brakes screehing when in motion, (city street) car constantly requiring a charge up of the battery and replacement of batteries when stationary, exterior lights remaining on excessively after car is turned off, hood of car extremely hot to touch, liquid residue on driveway from rear brakes after the car is parked after use. When the car is stationary for 1 day or more the battery shorts out. When the car is in motion on city street the accelerator has a tendency to idle up and then resume back to normal.

- Delray Beach, FL, USA

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