Complaints & Recalls
Official Safety Recalls - Important!
12 RecallsThese are official manufacturer recalls ordered by NHTSA for safety defects. If you own this vehicle, contact your dealer immediately for free repairs.
Kia America, Inc.
Safety Issue:
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
Potential Risk:
FREE Recall Solution:
Additional Details:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Mfg Campaign: SC249
Recall Date: Sep 19, 2022
Kia Motors America
Safety Issue:
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.
Potential Risk:
FREE Recall Solution:
Additional Details:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Mfg Campaign: SC172
Recall Date: Dec 19, 2018
Kia Motors America
Safety Issue:
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017 Sorento vehicles equipped with 3.3L engines. The engine crankshaft may have been improperly heat treated and may fail.
Potential Risk:
FREE Recall Solution:
Additional Details:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Mfg Campaign: SC153
Recall Date: Sep 21, 2017
Kia Motors America
Safety Issue:
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Sorento vehicles manufactured October 27, 2014, to August 25, 2016, and 2017 Sportage vehicles manufactured December 10, 2015, to August 26, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness that, due to a malfunction of the tow hitch module, may result in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Potential Risk:
FREE Recall Solution:
Additional Details:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Mfg Campaign: SC142
Recall Date: Nov 30, 2016
Consumer Complaints
894 ComplaintsKia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
Driving down the interstate to pick my children up from school and all of a sudden the car made a weird bubbly grinding sound and stopped accelerating. I had to pull off and park as the car would not go any further. My vehicle has had regular maintenance and oil changes since I purchased it. I had in fact just put a full quart of oil in it. The first mechanic stated that there was metal shards in the oil. In between oil changes, I have to add several quarts of oil because it seems to just disappear. There’s no oil leak yet the oil would be almost completely gone not even a full month after a complete oil change. My car has currently been sitting at the Kia dealership for a lot now waiting for repair. I paid for the extended warranty yet. Kia is dragging their feet and won’t even offer me a rental car while I wait for my car to be repaired, no one returned my calls. No one updates me on what’s going on. I am fed up.
Corrective Action:
Driving down the interstate to pick my children up from school and all of a sudden the car made a weird bubbly grinding sound and stopped accelerating. I had to pull off and park as the car would not go any further. My vehicle has had regular maintenance and oil changes since I purchased it. I had in fact just put a full quart of oil in it. The first mechanic stated that there was metal shards in the oil. In between oil changes, I have to add several quarts of oil because it seems to just disappear. There’s no oil leak yet the oil would be almost completely gone not even a full month after a complete oil change. My car has currently been sitting at the Kia dealership for a lot now waiting for repair. I paid for the extended warranty yet. Kia is dragging their feet and won’t even offer me a rental car while I wait for my car to be repaired, no one returned my calls. No one updates me on what’s going on. I am fed up.
Additional Notes:
Driving down the interstate to pick my children up from school and all of a sudden the car made a weird bubbly grinding sound and stopped accelerating. I had to pull off and park as the car would not go any further. My vehicle has had regular maintenance and oil changes since I purchased it. I had in fact just put a full quart of oil in it. The first mechanic stated that there was metal shards in the oil. In between oil changes, I have to add several quarts of oil because it seems to just disappear. There’s no oil leak yet the oil would be almost completely gone not even a full month after a complete oil change. My car has currently been sitting at the Kia dealership for a lot now waiting for repair. I paid for the extended warranty yet. Kia is dragging their feet and won’t even offer me a rental car while I wait for my car to be repaired, no one returned my calls. No one updates me on what’s going on. I am fed up.
Mfg Campaign: 11624357
Recall Date: Nov 9, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
STEERING
Potential Consequences:
While driving a red wheel icon with exclamation mark appeared on the dash. This caused for my car steering wheel to become increasingly hard to maneuver and drive while on the highway driving about 60mph.
Corrective Action:
While driving a red wheel icon with exclamation mark appeared on the dash. This caused for my car steering wheel to become increasingly hard to maneuver and drive while on the highway driving about 60mph.
Additional Notes:
While driving a red wheel icon with exclamation mark appeared on the dash. This caused for my car steering wheel to become increasingly hard to maneuver and drive while on the highway driving about 60mph.
Mfg Campaign: 11624068
Recall Date: Nov 7, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
While driving my vehicle going up a hill, I all of a sudden had a loss of power and heard a bunch of noise. I had to pull over as well as possible while people were speeding past because the noise turned out to be a piston rod blew apart causing catastrophic engine failure
Corrective Action:
While driving my vehicle going up a hill, I all of a sudden had a loss of power and heard a bunch of noise. I had to pull over as well as possible while people were speeding past because the noise turned out to be a piston rod blew apart causing catastrophic engine failure
Additional Notes:
While driving my vehicle going up a hill, I all of a sudden had a loss of power and heard a bunch of noise. I had to pull over as well as possible while people were speeding past because the noise turned out to be a piston rod blew apart causing catastrophic engine failure
Mfg Campaign: 11623108
Recall Date: Nov 1, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Potential Consequences:
While in auto mode my headlights turn on and off randomly. This is very dangerous at night and has happened several times. When the head lights go off I can not see and no one can see me. There is no warning when this happens. The first occurrence was on August 4, 2024. Kia dealers say it has to be happening when I bring it in but the problem is intermittent. Many other owners have stated they have this same problem in online forums. Canada has issued a recall for this problem (Kia Canada: RC184).
Corrective Action:
While in auto mode my headlights turn on and off randomly. This is very dangerous at night and has happened several times. When the head lights go off I can not see and no one can see me. There is no warning when this happens. The first occurrence was on August 4, 2024. Kia dealers say it has to be happening when I bring it in but the problem is intermittent. Many other owners have stated they have this same problem in online forums. Canada has issued a recall for this problem (Kia Canada: RC184).
Additional Notes:
While in auto mode my headlights turn on and off randomly. This is very dangerous at night and has happened several times. When the head lights go off I can not see and no one can see me. There is no warning when this happens. The first occurrence was on August 4, 2024. Kia dealers say it has to be happening when I bring it in but the problem is intermittent. Many other owners have stated they have this same problem in online forums. Canada has issued a recall for this problem (Kia Canada: RC184).
Mfg Campaign: 11621992
Recall Date: Oct 25, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
Heard light knocking coming from engine compartment while on a trip. The knocking become louder while driving home on County Roads. Knocking was very loud when I reached a populated area. While attempting to get to an auto store the vehicle drove very slowly and then a huge plume of black smoke discharged from the rear and front of the vehicle. The car stopped on an entrance ramp and would not start again. I had the vehicle tow on a flat bed tow truck to a vehicle repair shop in our hometown. This was on a Tuesday after normal business hours. The following morning I took the key to the shop and explained what happened. The shop called me later the same day and told me the engine was blown and not salvageable that there was a hole in the engine. I am in the process of looking for a new car due to the unreliability of installing a rebuilt engine. There have been several documented cases of KIA engine failures. I do not know if this has been reported, but I would like a record of this failure reported and documented. Thank you.
Corrective Action:
Heard light knocking coming from engine compartment while on a trip. The knocking become louder while driving home on County Roads. Knocking was very loud when I reached a populated area. While attempting to get to an auto store the vehicle drove very slowly and then a huge plume of black smoke discharged from the rear and front of the vehicle. The car stopped on an entrance ramp and would not start again. I had the vehicle tow on a flat bed tow truck to a vehicle repair shop in our hometown. This was on a Tuesday after normal business hours. The following morning I took the key to the shop and explained what happened. The shop called me later the same day and told me the engine was blown and not salvageable that there was a hole in the engine. I am in the process of looking for a new car due to the unreliability of installing a rebuilt engine. There have been several documented cases of KIA engine failures. I do not know if this has been reported, but I would like a record of this failure reported and documented. Thank you.
Additional Notes:
Heard light knocking coming from engine compartment while on a trip. The knocking become louder while driving home on County Roads. Knocking was very loud when I reached a populated area. While attempting to get to an auto store the vehicle drove very slowly and then a huge plume of black smoke discharged from the rear and front of the vehicle. The car stopped on an entrance ramp and would not start again. I had the vehicle tow on a flat bed tow truck to a vehicle repair shop in our hometown. This was on a Tuesday after normal business hours. The following morning I took the key to the shop and explained what happened. The shop called me later the same day and told me the engine was blown and not salvageable that there was a hole in the engine. I am in the process of looking for a new car due to the unreliability of installing a rebuilt engine. There have been several documented cases of KIA engine failures. I do not know if this has been reported, but I would like a record of this failure reported and documented. Thank you.
Mfg Campaign: 11620768
Recall Date: Oct 19, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
My vehicle has a 2.4l GDI engine that is excessively burning oil. I burn 2 qts every 1000 miles. I took it to the Kia dealership since I’m still under warranty and they refused to do an oil consumption test. They want 3k miles worth of readings and it will put me over the 100k warranty. I was instructed to keep putting oil in my car and eventually the engine will die. When I asked they told me it will lose power when I’m driving. I’ve done a lot of research and I don’t understand how a vehicle that may stall out on a highway, and potentially cause a car crash, is safe. I am shocked and appalled. The oil consumption has rapidly increased and it’s not safe to be driving with these engines.
Corrective Action:
My vehicle has a 2.4l GDI engine that is excessively burning oil. I burn 2 qts every 1000 miles. I took it to the Kia dealership since I’m still under warranty and they refused to do an oil consumption test. They want 3k miles worth of readings and it will put me over the 100k warranty. I was instructed to keep putting oil in my car and eventually the engine will die. When I asked they told me it will lose power when I’m driving. I’ve done a lot of research and I don’t understand how a vehicle that may stall out on a highway, and potentially cause a car crash, is safe. I am shocked and appalled. The oil consumption has rapidly increased and it’s not safe to be driving with these engines.
Additional Notes:
My vehicle has a 2.4l GDI engine that is excessively burning oil. I burn 2 qts every 1000 miles. I took it to the Kia dealership since I’m still under warranty and they refused to do an oil consumption test. They want 3k miles worth of readings and it will put me over the 100k warranty. I was instructed to keep putting oil in my car and eventually the engine will die. When I asked they told me it will lose power when I’m driving. I’ve done a lot of research and I don’t understand how a vehicle that may stall out on a highway, and potentially cause a car crash, is safe. I am shocked and appalled. The oil consumption has rapidly increased and it’s not safe to be driving with these engines.
Mfg Campaign: 11620038
Recall Date: Oct 16, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
On February 13th, while driving from a restaurant to our residence with our children, the vehicle experienced a complete shutdown, accompanied by an engine failure alert. This incident posed a significant safety risk to both myself and my children, necessitating that we push the vehicle to a safe location. Subsequently, the vehicle was towed to a KIA dealership for diagnostic evaluation. It was determined that KIA had previously misdiagnosed the issues with the KIA Sorento, and it was confirmed that the engine required replacement, after several tests. Prior to this incident, the engine exhibited symptoms of excessive oil consumption and irregular jerking. Despite multiple visits to the KIA service center, we consistently received inaccurate diagnoses. Most recently, the vehicle ceased operation once again, and I have been informed that the engine wiring harness is compromised. However, KIA has declined to acknowledge responsibility for this issue. KIA has been the subject of prior reports regarding engine failures and refrains to replace the engine or the harness .
Corrective Action:
On February 13th, while driving from a restaurant to our residence with our children, the vehicle experienced a complete shutdown, accompanied by an engine failure alert. This incident posed a significant safety risk to both myself and my children, necessitating that we push the vehicle to a safe location. Subsequently, the vehicle was towed to a KIA dealership for diagnostic evaluation. It was determined that KIA had previously misdiagnosed the issues with the KIA Sorento, and it was confirmed that the engine required replacement, after several tests. Prior to this incident, the engine exhibited symptoms of excessive oil consumption and irregular jerking. Despite multiple visits to the KIA service center, we consistently received inaccurate diagnoses. Most recently, the vehicle ceased operation once again, and I have been informed that the engine wiring harness is compromised. However, KIA has declined to acknowledge responsibility for this issue. KIA has been the subject of prior reports regarding engine failures and refrains to replace the engine or the harness .
Additional Notes:
On February 13th, while driving from a restaurant to our residence with our children, the vehicle experienced a complete shutdown, accompanied by an engine failure alert. This incident posed a significant safety risk to both myself and my children, necessitating that we push the vehicle to a safe location. Subsequently, the vehicle was towed to a KIA dealership for diagnostic evaluation. It was determined that KIA had previously misdiagnosed the issues with the KIA Sorento, and it was confirmed that the engine required replacement, after several tests. Prior to this incident, the engine exhibited symptoms of excessive oil consumption and irregular jerking. Despite multiple visits to the KIA service center, we consistently received inaccurate diagnoses. Most recently, the vehicle ceased operation once again, and I have been informed that the engine wiring harness is compromised. However, KIA has declined to acknowledge responsibility for this issue. KIA has been the subject of prior reports regarding engine failures and refrains to replace the engine or the harness .
Mfg Campaign: 11619634
Recall Date: Oct 14, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
While driving on the interstate i starting hearing a rattling/slapping like noise that I originally thought was outside my car. It was a soft sound but there wasn't any change in performance and no lights came on. I was in the middle of no where so I drive the additional 20 miles and pulled off into town. The sound seemed louder but still no lights appeared on the dash but as I accelerated from a stop light to pull off and see what may be going on, my car engine died, immediately lost power steering and brakes were difficult to push, the battery light came on then the check engine light and oil light came on at the same time. I was able to pull into a parking lot by coasting in and had my car towed. All illumination lights worked outside and in and the tow truck driver tested my battery and it was fully charged. My motor seized. This is a class action suit for other engines in this model car but not this one even though it's doing the same thing. This could have been dangerous had the motor seized at a higher speed.
Corrective Action:
While driving on the interstate i starting hearing a rattling/slapping like noise that I originally thought was outside my car. It was a soft sound but there wasn't any change in performance and no lights came on. I was in the middle of no where so I drive the additional 20 miles and pulled off into town. The sound seemed louder but still no lights appeared on the dash but as I accelerated from a stop light to pull off and see what may be going on, my car engine died, immediately lost power steering and brakes were difficult to push, the battery light came on then the check engine light and oil light came on at the same time. I was able to pull into a parking lot by coasting in and had my car towed. All illumination lights worked outside and in and the tow truck driver tested my battery and it was fully charged. My motor seized. This is a class action suit for other engines in this model car but not this one even though it's doing the same thing. This could have been dangerous had the motor seized at a higher speed.
Additional Notes:
While driving on the interstate i starting hearing a rattling/slapping like noise that I originally thought was outside my car. It was a soft sound but there wasn't any change in performance and no lights came on. I was in the middle of no where so I drive the additional 20 miles and pulled off into town. The sound seemed louder but still no lights appeared on the dash but as I accelerated from a stop light to pull off and see what may be going on, my car engine died, immediately lost power steering and brakes were difficult to push, the battery light came on then the check engine light and oil light came on at the same time. I was able to pull into a parking lot by coasting in and had my car towed. All illumination lights worked outside and in and the tow truck driver tested my battery and it was fully charged. My motor seized. This is a class action suit for other engines in this model car but not this one even though it's doing the same thing. This could have been dangerous had the motor seized at a higher speed.
Mfg Campaign: 11619511
Recall Date: Oct 12, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
Excessive oil consumption, and I can’t believe this is not a recall because this is a known problem with Kia and Kia knows this!!! My oil light came on when I literally had no oil in my vehicle, took it to the Kia dealer and i basically got the run around because they want you to jump through hoops to figure out what’s wrong with it even though they really know what’s wrong !!! They have a bunch of Kia’s out back waiting for new engines when I was there, I have no warranty on my vehicle except for the extended warranty because I bought out right, it came as is no warranty, I’m on disability so I barely drive it now because of the oil consumption and don’t know what to do or go about this, it has 71,000 miles on it, I’ve read thousands of stories online about this same exact thing, how is there not a recall or something not being done about this???
Corrective Action:
Excessive oil consumption, and I can’t believe this is not a recall because this is a known problem with Kia and Kia knows this!!! My oil light came on when I literally had no oil in my vehicle, took it to the Kia dealer and i basically got the run around because they want you to jump through hoops to figure out what’s wrong with it even though they really know what’s wrong !!! They have a bunch of Kia’s out back waiting for new engines when I was there, I have no warranty on my vehicle except for the extended warranty because I bought out right, it came as is no warranty, I’m on disability so I barely drive it now because of the oil consumption and don’t know what to do or go about this, it has 71,000 miles on it, I’ve read thousands of stories online about this same exact thing, how is there not a recall or something not being done about this???
Additional Notes:
Excessive oil consumption, and I can’t believe this is not a recall because this is a known problem with Kia and Kia knows this!!! My oil light came on when I literally had no oil in my vehicle, took it to the Kia dealer and i basically got the run around because they want you to jump through hoops to figure out what’s wrong with it even though they really know what’s wrong !!! They have a bunch of Kia’s out back waiting for new engines when I was there, I have no warranty on my vehicle except for the extended warranty because I bought out right, it came as is no warranty, I’m on disability so I barely drive it now because of the oil consumption and don’t know what to do or go about this, it has 71,000 miles on it, I’ve read thousands of stories online about this same exact thing, how is there not a recall or something not being done about this???
Mfg Campaign: 11619087
Recall Date: Oct 10, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Potential Consequences:
When in auto-mode, the headlights randomly just turn off while driving which is a huge safety risk. This has been happening randomly every once in a while since at least 2021. It seems to be happening more often now. Also, the taillights are randomly turning on at night when the car is off.
Corrective Action:
When in auto-mode, the headlights randomly just turn off while driving which is a huge safety risk. This has been happening randomly every once in a while since at least 2021. It seems to be happening more often now. Also, the taillights are randomly turning on at night when the car is off.
Additional Notes:
When in auto-mode, the headlights randomly just turn off while driving which is a huge safety risk. This has been happening randomly every once in a while since at least 2021. It seems to be happening more often now. Also, the taillights are randomly turning on at night when the car is off.
Mfg Campaign: 11618414
Recall Date: Oct 7, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
I was driving down an interstate when my check engine light came on and began to flash. The car then began to shake violently. I was able to pull it into a parking lot successfully. There was a smell & it felt hot. During my routine oil changes, the shop had notified me a couple of times that I had low oil. No low oil lights or any other warnings ever came on my dashboard to say I was having issues until that day. I had it towed to a local dealership on 09/29/2024z Local Kia dealership confirmed on 10/04/2024 that the whole engine needs replaced.
Corrective Action:
I was driving down an interstate when my check engine light came on and began to flash. The car then began to shake violently. I was able to pull it into a parking lot successfully. There was a smell & it felt hot. During my routine oil changes, the shop had notified me a couple of times that I had low oil. No low oil lights or any other warnings ever came on my dashboard to say I was having issues until that day. I had it towed to a local dealership on 09/29/2024z Local Kia dealership confirmed on 10/04/2024 that the whole engine needs replaced.
Additional Notes:
I was driving down an interstate when my check engine light came on and began to flash. The car then began to shake violently. I was able to pull it into a parking lot successfully. There was a smell & it felt hot. During my routine oil changes, the shop had notified me a couple of times that I had low oil. No low oil lights or any other warnings ever came on my dashboard to say I was having issues until that day. I had it towed to a local dealership on 09/29/2024z Local Kia dealership confirmed on 10/04/2024 that the whole engine needs replaced.
Mfg Campaign: 11618431
Recall Date: Oct 7, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
I was driving down an interstate when my check engine light came on and began to flash. The car then began to shake violently. I was able to pull it into a parking lot successfully. There was a smell & it felt hot. During my routine oil changes, the shop had notified me a couple of times that I had low oil. No low oil lights or any other warnings ever came on my dashboard to say I was having issues until that day. I had it towed to a local dealership on 09/29/2024z Local Kia dealership confirmed on 10/04/2024 that the whole engine needs replaced.
Corrective Action:
I was driving down an interstate when my check engine light came on and began to flash. The car then began to shake violently. I was able to pull it into a parking lot successfully. There was a smell & it felt hot. During my routine oil changes, the shop had notified me a couple of times that I had low oil. No low oil lights or any other warnings ever came on my dashboard to say I was having issues until that day. I had it towed to a local dealership on 09/29/2024z Local Kia dealership confirmed on 10/04/2024 that the whole engine needs replaced.
Additional Notes:
I was driving down an interstate when my check engine light came on and began to flash. The car then began to shake violently. I was able to pull it into a parking lot successfully. There was a smell & it felt hot. During my routine oil changes, the shop had notified me a couple of times that I had low oil. No low oil lights or any other warnings ever came on my dashboard to say I was having issues until that day. I had it towed to a local dealership on 09/29/2024z Local Kia dealership confirmed on 10/04/2024 that the whole engine needs replaced.
Mfg Campaign: 11618431
Recall Date: Oct 7, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
Oil consumption is astronomical. I have burned through 15 quarts of oil in 3,000 miles with no other obvious issues with the vehicle.
Corrective Action:
Oil consumption is astronomical. I have burned through 15 quarts of oil in 3,000 miles with no other obvious issues with the vehicle.
Additional Notes:
Oil consumption is astronomical. I have burned through 15 quarts of oil in 3,000 miles with no other obvious issues with the vehicle.
Mfg Campaign: 11617826
Recall Date: Oct 3, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Potential Consequences:
While I was driving at night, my headlights would turn completely off. Sometimes it would happen when I turned my blinkers on, sometimes when switching from high to low beam, and sometimes totally randomly. Lights were set to AUTO at the time. It’s been extremely dangerous because most of the time I’ve been driving on dark county roads. Have not taken it to a shop yet was trying to self diagnose the problem first. Found information online that this has been a common occurance with Kia Sorentos. No warning lamps light up.
Corrective Action:
While I was driving at night, my headlights would turn completely off. Sometimes it would happen when I turned my blinkers on, sometimes when switching from high to low beam, and sometimes totally randomly. Lights were set to AUTO at the time. It’s been extremely dangerous because most of the time I’ve been driving on dark county roads. Have not taken it to a shop yet was trying to self diagnose the problem first. Found information online that this has been a common occurance with Kia Sorentos. No warning lamps light up.
Additional Notes:
While I was driving at night, my headlights would turn completely off. Sometimes it would happen when I turned my blinkers on, sometimes when switching from high to low beam, and sometimes totally randomly. Lights were set to AUTO at the time. It’s been extremely dangerous because most of the time I’ve been driving on dark county roads. Have not taken it to a shop yet was trying to self diagnose the problem first. Found information online that this has been a common occurance with Kia Sorentos. No warning lamps light up.
Mfg Campaign: 11617970
Recall Date: Oct 3, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
When the headlights are in auto mode, they turn off and on sporadically. There are times that the car is not even on and the light turn on and I have to manually turn the headlights off. This has been ongoing for months. I've reported the issue to before to the dealership but they could not find any malfunction. This morning, I was driving with my lights on (not auto mode), and when I would use the turn signal (left and right), the lights would turn completely off and come back on. This new problem has been occurring off and on for about a week.
Corrective Action:
When the headlights are in auto mode, they turn off and on sporadically. There are times that the car is not even on and the light turn on and I have to manually turn the headlights off. This has been ongoing for months. I've reported the issue to before to the dealership but they could not find any malfunction. This morning, I was driving with my lights on (not auto mode), and when I would use the turn signal (left and right), the lights would turn completely off and come back on. This new problem has been occurring off and on for about a week.
Additional Notes:
When the headlights are in auto mode, they turn off and on sporadically. There are times that the car is not even on and the light turn on and I have to manually turn the headlights off. This has been ongoing for months. I've reported the issue to before to the dealership but they could not find any malfunction. This morning, I was driving with my lights on (not auto mode), and when I would use the turn signal (left and right), the lights would turn completely off and come back on. This new problem has been occurring off and on for about a week.
Mfg Campaign: 11616113
Recall Date: Sep 24, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Corrective Action:
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Additional Notes:
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Mfg Campaign: 11615425
Recall Date: Sep 19, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Potential Consequences:
When in "auto" mode for headlights, the lights occasionally turn off while driving. I have to switch to "on" to get them to work again. Very dangerous obviously. Also, sometime the lights do not turn off, or turn on in the middle of the night when the vehicle is parked. Again, this is while in "auto" mode.
Corrective Action:
When in "auto" mode for headlights, the lights occasionally turn off while driving. I have to switch to "on" to get them to work again. Very dangerous obviously. Also, sometime the lights do not turn off, or turn on in the middle of the night when the vehicle is parked. Again, this is while in "auto" mode.
Additional Notes:
When in "auto" mode for headlights, the lights occasionally turn off while driving. I have to switch to "on" to get them to work again. Very dangerous obviously. Also, sometime the lights do not turn off, or turn on in the middle of the night when the vehicle is parked. Again, this is while in "auto" mode.
Mfg Campaign: 11614858
Recall Date: Sep 16, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
Vehicle over heated on vacation trip. Had mechanic check out vehicle to get it moving again. They removed the thermostat in hopes of a stuck thermostat. Once we arrived at our vacation house I set up appointment with KIA dealership to have them make repairs. I informed them that the thermostat was removed. They came back with it having a blown head gasket and it needed engine replaced. It took them 3 weeks to replace engine by that time we had to rent a vehicle and go back home. I had to pay over 1000 out of pocket for the temp repair, rental, and to have the vehicle shipped back to my home. Finally got the vehicle back and the check engine light was on and it was running rough. It would not reach operating temp. I knew that they must have not put a thermostat on with the new engine. Took it to my local dealership with the issue. They charged me 295 to tell me that it was a issue with the thermostat. They wanted 360 to put a thermostat in it. I declined. I put the new thermostat in and that took care of the check engine light and coolant temp problem but it is still leaking coolant and runs rough. I spoke with KIA and they are unwilling to help. They said the replaced the engine but the thermostat is not covered. That is like saying we replaced the engine but the coolant that leaked out is not covered so we won't replace that.
Corrective Action:
Vehicle over heated on vacation trip. Had mechanic check out vehicle to get it moving again. They removed the thermostat in hopes of a stuck thermostat. Once we arrived at our vacation house I set up appointment with KIA dealership to have them make repairs. I informed them that the thermostat was removed. They came back with it having a blown head gasket and it needed engine replaced. It took them 3 weeks to replace engine by that time we had to rent a vehicle and go back home. I had to pay over 1000 out of pocket for the temp repair, rental, and to have the vehicle shipped back to my home. Finally got the vehicle back and the check engine light was on and it was running rough. It would not reach operating temp. I knew that they must have not put a thermostat on with the new engine. Took it to my local dealership with the issue. They charged me 295 to tell me that it was a issue with the thermostat. They wanted 360 to put a thermostat in it. I declined. I put the new thermostat in and that took care of the check engine light and coolant temp problem but it is still leaking coolant and runs rough. I spoke with KIA and they are unwilling to help. They said the replaced the engine but the thermostat is not covered. That is like saying we replaced the engine but the coolant that leaked out is not covered so we won't replace that.
Additional Notes:
Vehicle over heated on vacation trip. Had mechanic check out vehicle to get it moving again. They removed the thermostat in hopes of a stuck thermostat. Once we arrived at our vacation house I set up appointment with KIA dealership to have them make repairs. I informed them that the thermostat was removed. They came back with it having a blown head gasket and it needed engine replaced. It took them 3 weeks to replace engine by that time we had to rent a vehicle and go back home. I had to pay over 1000 out of pocket for the temp repair, rental, and to have the vehicle shipped back to my home. Finally got the vehicle back and the check engine light was on and it was running rough. It would not reach operating temp. I knew that they must have not put a thermostat on with the new engine. Took it to my local dealership with the issue. They charged me 295 to tell me that it was a issue with the thermostat. They wanted 360 to put a thermostat in it. I declined. I put the new thermostat in and that took care of the check engine light and coolant temp problem but it is still leaking coolant and runs rough. I spoke with KIA and they are unwilling to help. They said the replaced the engine but the thermostat is not covered. That is like saying we replaced the engine but the coolant that leaked out is not covered so we won't replace that.
Mfg Campaign: 11614561
Recall Date: Sep 14, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
This 2017 Kia Sorento is using an excessive amount of motor oil and looking online regarding this issue, there have been many complaints about this. The vehicle has just over 61K miles. The engine light came on (9/10/2024) and we pulled over. Unsure of what to look for, I checked the oil level and there was barely any oil on the dip-stick. The oil was changed this past May (2024) and should not be using this much to where its not registering. There doesn't seem to be any recalls for this but only complaints from other owners and not much help from KIA Corp. I'm not sure if there's any recourse here.
Corrective Action:
This 2017 Kia Sorento is using an excessive amount of motor oil and looking online regarding this issue, there have been many complaints about this. The vehicle has just over 61K miles. The engine light came on (9/10/2024) and we pulled over. Unsure of what to look for, I checked the oil level and there was barely any oil on the dip-stick. The oil was changed this past May (2024) and should not be using this much to where its not registering. There doesn't seem to be any recalls for this but only complaints from other owners and not much help from KIA Corp. I'm not sure if there's any recourse here.
Additional Notes:
This 2017 Kia Sorento is using an excessive amount of motor oil and looking online regarding this issue, there have been many complaints about this. The vehicle has just over 61K miles. The engine light came on (9/10/2024) and we pulled over. Unsure of what to look for, I checked the oil level and there was barely any oil on the dip-stick. The oil was changed this past May (2024) and should not be using this much to where its not registering. There doesn't seem to be any recalls for this but only complaints from other owners and not much help from KIA Corp. I'm not sure if there's any recourse here.
Mfg Campaign: 11614172
Recall Date: Sep 12, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Potential Consequences:
This 2017 Kia Sorento is using an excessive amount of motor oil and looking online regarding this issue, there have been many complaints about this. The vehicle has just over 61K miles. The engine light came on (9/10/2024) and we pulled over. Unsure of what to look for, I checked the oil level and there was barely any oil on the dip-stick. The oil was changed this past May (2024) and should not be using this much to where its not registering. There doesn't seem to be any recalls for this but only complaints from other owners and not much help from KIA Corp. I'm not sure if there's any recourse here.
Corrective Action:
This 2017 Kia Sorento is using an excessive amount of motor oil and looking online regarding this issue, there have been many complaints about this. The vehicle has just over 61K miles. The engine light came on (9/10/2024) and we pulled over. Unsure of what to look for, I checked the oil level and there was barely any oil on the dip-stick. The oil was changed this past May (2024) and should not be using this much to where its not registering. There doesn't seem to be any recalls for this but only complaints from other owners and not much help from KIA Corp. I'm not sure if there's any recourse here.
Additional Notes:
This 2017 Kia Sorento is using an excessive amount of motor oil and looking online regarding this issue, there have been many complaints about this. The vehicle has just over 61K miles. The engine light came on (9/10/2024) and we pulled over. Unsure of what to look for, I checked the oil level and there was barely any oil on the dip-stick. The oil was changed this past May (2024) and should not be using this much to where its not registering. There doesn't seem to be any recalls for this but only complaints from other owners and not much help from KIA Corp. I'm not sure if there's any recourse here.
Mfg Campaign: 11614172
Recall Date: Sep 12, 2024
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