Complaints & Recalls
Official Safety Recalls - Important!
10 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 2018 Kia Sorento vehicles. The cowl crossbar that connects to the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) steering column may be improperly welded, allowing the steering column to separate.
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: SC167
Recall Date: Sep 21, 2018
Kia Motors America
Safety Issue:
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2018 Kia Sorento vehicles. The side curtain air bags on these vehicles have a component that may detach during deployment of the inflatable curtain air bag.
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: SC159
Recall Date: Dec 8, 2017
Consumer Complaints
264 ComplaintsKia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
Excessive oil consumption, 4 quarts in 2000 miles
Corrective Action:
Excessive oil consumption, 4 quarts in 2000 miles
Additional Notes:
Excessive oil consumption, 4 quarts in 2000 miles
Mfg Campaign: 11675515
Recall Date: Jul 23, 2025
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
Engine oil is always law. Engine eats lots of oil.
Corrective Action:
Engine oil is always law. Engine eats lots of oil.
Additional Notes:
Engine oil is always law. Engine eats lots of oil.
Mfg Campaign: 11668658
Recall Date: Jun 23, 2025
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Potential Consequences:
The car is not able to shift out of park unless the shift interlock release button is depressed. This issue has occurred intermittently in the last year but has been consistent in the past few weeks of the submission of the complaint.
Corrective Action:
The car is not able to shift out of park unless the shift interlock release button is depressed. This issue has occurred intermittently in the last year but has been consistent in the past few weeks of the submission of the complaint.
Additional Notes:
The car is not able to shift out of park unless the shift interlock release button is depressed. This issue has occurred intermittently in the last year but has been consistent in the past few weeks of the submission of the complaint.
Mfg Campaign: 11668487
Recall Date: Jun 22, 2025
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Potential Consequences:
An intermittent error occurs where these services stop working. It was last for a day or two and then the error will clear. I am not able to be alerted to passing cars or cars in my blind spot when changing lanes. And if there is a situation to suddenly stop the emergency automatic braking system will not be engaged.
Corrective Action:
An intermittent error occurs where these services stop working. It was last for a day or two and then the error will clear. I am not able to be alerted to passing cars or cars in my blind spot when changing lanes. And if there is a situation to suddenly stop the emergency automatic braking system will not be engaged.
Additional Notes:
An intermittent error occurs where these services stop working. It was last for a day or two and then the error will clear. I am not able to be alerted to passing cars or cars in my blind spot when changing lanes. And if there is a situation to suddenly stop the emergency automatic braking system will not be engaged.
Mfg Campaign: 11668489
Recall Date: Jun 22, 2025
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Potential Consequences:
An intermittent error occurs where these services stop working. It was last for a day or two and then the error will clear. I am not able to be alerted to passing cars or cars in my blind spot when changing lanes. And if there is a situation to suddenly stop the emergency automatic braking system will not be engaged.
Corrective Action:
An intermittent error occurs where these services stop working. It was last for a day or two and then the error will clear. I am not able to be alerted to passing cars or cars in my blind spot when changing lanes. And if there is a situation to suddenly stop the emergency automatic braking system will not be engaged.
Additional Notes:
An intermittent error occurs where these services stop working. It was last for a day or two and then the error will clear. I am not able to be alerted to passing cars or cars in my blind spot when changing lanes. And if there is a situation to suddenly stop the emergency automatic braking system will not be engaged.
Mfg Campaign: 11668489
Recall Date: Jun 22, 2025
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
Potential Consequences:
An intermittent error occurs where these services stop working. It was last for a day or two and then the error will clear. I am not able to be alerted to passing cars or cars in my blind spot when changing lanes. And if there is a situation to suddenly stop the emergency automatic braking system will not be engaged.
Corrective Action:
An intermittent error occurs where these services stop working. It was last for a day or two and then the error will clear. I am not able to be alerted to passing cars or cars in my blind spot when changing lanes. And if there is a situation to suddenly stop the emergency automatic braking system will not be engaged.
Additional Notes:
An intermittent error occurs where these services stop working. It was last for a day or two and then the error will clear. I am not able to be alerted to passing cars or cars in my blind spot when changing lanes. And if there is a situation to suddenly stop the emergency automatic braking system will not be engaged.
Mfg Campaign: 11668489
Recall Date: Jun 22, 2025
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
GDI engine carbon buildup causing very high gas consumption and damage . Should carbon buildup break free it will cause engine falure resulting in engine seizure while at speed. Loss if property and life imment. Only soulition is disassembly to remove buildup. Another failure is corrosion on shift cable causing gear falure.
Corrective Action:
GDI engine carbon buildup causing very high gas consumption and damage . Should carbon buildup break free it will cause engine falure resulting in engine seizure while at speed. Loss if property and life imment. Only soulition is disassembly to remove buildup. Another failure is corrosion on shift cable causing gear falure.
Additional Notes:
GDI engine carbon buildup causing very high gas consumption and damage . Should carbon buildup break free it will cause engine falure resulting in engine seizure while at speed. Loss if property and life imment. Only soulition is disassembly to remove buildup. Another failure is corrosion on shift cable causing gear falure.
Mfg Campaign: 11665687
Recall Date: Jun 9, 2025
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
POWER TRAIN
Potential Consequences:
GDI engine carbon buildup causing very high gas consumption and damage . Should carbon buildup break free it will cause engine falure resulting in engine seizure while at speed. Loss if property and life imment. Only soulition is disassembly to remove buildup. Another failure is corrosion on shift cable causing gear falure.
Corrective Action:
GDI engine carbon buildup causing very high gas consumption and damage . Should carbon buildup break free it will cause engine falure resulting in engine seizure while at speed. Loss if property and life imment. Only soulition is disassembly to remove buildup. Another failure is corrosion on shift cable causing gear falure.
Additional Notes:
GDI engine carbon buildup causing very high gas consumption and damage . Should carbon buildup break free it will cause engine falure resulting in engine seizure while at speed. Loss if property and life imment. Only soulition is disassembly to remove buildup. Another failure is corrosion on shift cable causing gear falure.
Mfg Campaign: 11665687
Recall Date: Jun 9, 2025
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
STEERING
Potential Consequences:
The steering started to fail and would be hard to steer while driving.I then looked further online and found that a recall was issued for the steering column and how dangerous it was to continue driving the vehicle for the cross as stated in the recall could seperate and one could lose steering and cause a crash so we; my wife and I managed to get the car safely to the dealer for further diagnostic only to find out that although a recall was issued for the steering problem. Our vin was not included and we had to pay for the repair.
Corrective Action:
The steering started to fail and would be hard to steer while driving.I then looked further online and found that a recall was issued for the steering column and how dangerous it was to continue driving the vehicle for the cross as stated in the recall could seperate and one could lose steering and cause a crash so we; my wife and I managed to get the car safely to the dealer for further diagnostic only to find out that although a recall was issued for the steering problem. Our vin was not included and we had to pay for the repair.
Additional Notes:
The steering started to fail and would be hard to steer while driving.I then looked further online and found that a recall was issued for the steering column and how dangerous it was to continue driving the vehicle for the cross as stated in the recall could seperate and one could lose steering and cause a crash so we; my wife and I managed to get the car safely to the dealer for further diagnostic only to find out that although a recall was issued for the steering problem. Our vin was not included and we had to pay for the repair.
Mfg Campaign: 11665245
Recall Date: Jun 6, 2025
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
STEERING
Potential Consequences:
Sometimes this condition hardly noticable and other times very stiff then move steering wheel slightly and full assist. Seems more prevalent after driving 1/2 hour or more on expressway steering becomes stiff and ratchety. This causes steering to stick whenever driving at highway then driver is putting more effort to overcome stuck wheel. When breaks loose vehicle goes to far in that direction then sticks again causing to stick again and over corrects other direction. This goes from annoying and uncomfortable to just plain dangerous depending on conditions speed weather and proximity to other vehicles or obstacles.
Corrective Action:
Sometimes this condition hardly noticable and other times very stiff then move steering wheel slightly and full assist. Seems more prevalent after driving 1/2 hour or more on expressway steering becomes stiff and ratchety. This causes steering to stick whenever driving at highway then driver is putting more effort to overcome stuck wheel. When breaks loose vehicle goes to far in that direction then sticks again causing to stick again and over corrects other direction. This goes from annoying and uncomfortable to just plain dangerous depending on conditions speed weather and proximity to other vehicles or obstacles.
Additional Notes:
Sometimes this condition hardly noticable and other times very stiff then move steering wheel slightly and full assist. Seems more prevalent after driving 1/2 hour or more on expressway steering becomes stiff and ratchety. This causes steering to stick whenever driving at highway then driver is putting more effort to overcome stuck wheel. When breaks loose vehicle goes to far in that direction then sticks again causing to stick again and over corrects other direction. This goes from annoying and uncomfortable to just plain dangerous depending on conditions speed weather and proximity to other vehicles or obstacles.
Mfg Campaign: 11664737
Recall Date: Jun 3, 2025
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
Engine burns and eats up lots of engine oil. Engine oil is always low.
Corrective Action:
Engine burns and eats up lots of engine oil. Engine oil is always low.
Additional Notes:
Engine burns and eats up lots of engine oil. Engine oil is always low.
Mfg Campaign: 11660816
Recall Date: May 14, 2025
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
STRUCTURE:BODY
Potential Consequences:
2018 Kia Sorento. Snow White Pearl paint started delaminating at about 45,000 miles. Now it has 51,000 miles and I have multiple spots where it is delaminating on the hood, front bumper, and fender. Also, where the paint is delaminating I am also starting to see small chips on the paint below since the clear coat is gone. I cant believe my car paint is having issues and it only has 51,000 miles on it. It has been stored in a garage for the life of the car.
Corrective Action:
2018 Kia Sorento. Snow White Pearl paint started delaminating at about 45,000 miles. Now it has 51,000 miles and I have multiple spots where it is delaminating on the hood, front bumper, and fender. Also, where the paint is delaminating I am also starting to see small chips on the paint below since the clear coat is gone. I cant believe my car paint is having issues and it only has 51,000 miles on it. It has been stored in a garage for the life of the car.
Additional Notes:
2018 Kia Sorento. Snow White Pearl paint started delaminating at about 45,000 miles. Now it has 51,000 miles and I have multiple spots where it is delaminating on the hood, front bumper, and fender. Also, where the paint is delaminating I am also starting to see small chips on the paint below since the clear coat is gone. I cant believe my car paint is having issues and it only has 51,000 miles on it. It has been stored in a garage for the life of the car.
Mfg Campaign: 11657908
Recall Date: Apr 30, 2025
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to an unknown dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
Corrective Action:
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to an unknown dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
Additional Notes:
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to an unknown dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
Mfg Campaign: 11652546
Recall Date: Apr 3, 2025
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
In January 2024 I started getting power steering issues and multiple warning lights related to the electrical systems. I took my vehicle to Car Pros Kia for inspection and repair on 2/1/2024. They took it for a test drive at which time it caught fire.
Corrective Action:
In January 2024 I started getting power steering issues and multiple warning lights related to the electrical systems. I took my vehicle to Car Pros Kia for inspection and repair on 2/1/2024. They took it for a test drive at which time it caught fire.
Additional Notes:
In January 2024 I started getting power steering issues and multiple warning lights related to the electrical systems. I took my vehicle to Car Pros Kia for inspection and repair on 2/1/2024. They took it for a test drive at which time it caught fire.
Mfg Campaign: 11647007
Recall Date: Mar 7, 2025
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
In January 2024 I started getting power steering issues and multiple warning lights related to the electrical systems. I took my vehicle to Car Pros Kia for inspection and repair on 2/1/2024. They took it for a test drive at which time it caught fire.
Corrective Action:
In January 2024 I started getting power steering issues and multiple warning lights related to the electrical systems. I took my vehicle to Car Pros Kia for inspection and repair on 2/1/2024. They took it for a test drive at which time it caught fire.
Additional Notes:
In January 2024 I started getting power steering issues and multiple warning lights related to the electrical systems. I took my vehicle to Car Pros Kia for inspection and repair on 2/1/2024. They took it for a test drive at which time it caught fire.
Mfg Campaign: 11647007
Recall Date: Mar 7, 2025
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
STEERING
Potential Consequences:
In January 2024 I started getting power steering issues and multiple warning lights related to the electrical systems. I took my vehicle to Car Pros Kia for inspection and repair on 2/1/2024. They took it for a test drive at which time it caught fire.
Corrective Action:
In January 2024 I started getting power steering issues and multiple warning lights related to the electrical systems. I took my vehicle to Car Pros Kia for inspection and repair on 2/1/2024. They took it for a test drive at which time it caught fire.
Additional Notes:
In January 2024 I started getting power steering issues and multiple warning lights related to the electrical systems. I took my vehicle to Car Pros Kia for inspection and repair on 2/1/2024. They took it for a test drive at which time it caught fire.
Mfg Campaign: 11647007
Recall Date: Mar 7, 2025
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Potential Consequences:
I was driving my daughter to school and heard 2 popping noises under the car. The car started smoking as I was driving. I pulled into the parking lot and the car wouldn’t stop. I pressed the break multiple times before it eventually stopped. The car was completely smoking from the hood and then caught fire as I got me and my children out of it. The fire department came and successfully put the fire out after about 30 minutes of continuous flames. It was a total loss
Corrective Action:
I was driving my daughter to school and heard 2 popping noises under the car. The car started smoking as I was driving. I pulled into the parking lot and the car wouldn’t stop. I pressed the break multiple times before it eventually stopped. The car was completely smoking from the hood and then caught fire as I got me and my children out of it. The fire department came and successfully put the fire out after about 30 minutes of continuous flames. It was a total loss
Additional Notes:
I was driving my daughter to school and heard 2 popping noises under the car. The car started smoking as I was driving. I pulled into the parking lot and the car wouldn’t stop. I pressed the break multiple times before it eventually stopped. The car was completely smoking from the hood and then caught fire as I got me and my children out of it. The fire department came and successfully put the fire out after about 30 minutes of continuous flames. It was a total loss
Mfg Campaign: 11646704
Recall Date: Mar 6, 2025
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle remained at the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Corrective Action:
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle remained at the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Additional Notes:
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle remained at the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Mfg Campaign: 11644577
Recall Date: Feb 24, 2025
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
Was driving car it lost power, pulled over and had tow truck bring car to dealership. Dealership states a new engine is needed due to a malfunction in the engine block, however warranty is out on car just by 9,000 miles and car is still financed! Maintenance has been kept up on car. Kia wants $10,000 to replace engine.
Corrective Action:
Was driving car it lost power, pulled over and had tow truck bring car to dealership. Dealership states a new engine is needed due to a malfunction in the engine block, however warranty is out on car just by 9,000 miles and car is still financed! Maintenance has been kept up on car. Kia wants $10,000 to replace engine.
Additional Notes:
Was driving car it lost power, pulled over and had tow truck bring car to dealership. Dealership states a new engine is needed due to a malfunction in the engine block, however warranty is out on car just by 9,000 miles and car is still financed! Maintenance has been kept up on car. Kia wants $10,000 to replace engine.
Mfg Campaign: 11643019
Recall Date: Feb 16, 2025
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine before the vehicle lost motive power, with the check engine and oil warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
Corrective Action:
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine before the vehicle lost motive power, with the check engine and oil warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
Additional Notes:
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine before the vehicle lost motive power, with the check engine and oil warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
Mfg Campaign: 11642782
Recall Date: Feb 14, 2025
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