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 2024-2025 Sorento, 2025 Sorento Hybrid, and 2025 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. A software error in the Body Domain Control Unit (BDC) may cause a loss of low beam headlights and taillights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 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 nhtsa.gov.
Mfg Campaign: SC331
Recall Date: Jan 13, 2025
Kia America, Inc.
Safety Issue:
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2024 Sorento vehicles. The motor driven power steering (MDPS) wiring harness may be incorrectly assembled, which can result in a loss of power steering assist.
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: SC309
Recall Date: Apr 23, 2024
Consumer Complaints
32 ComplaintsKia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
STRUCTURE:BODY
Potential Consequences:
Reason is unknown, was driving down road and car yanked to the right cause family to wreck in to a guard rail, no lights appeared before wreck, it was not raining and was not speeding. Clear sunny day. Police report has been made and has made several attempts to contact KIA, car has been in body shop since July. Wreck has happened in July. Car is still at body shop KIA told body shop there was no time line on getting any parts to repair, they do not know if it will be this year.
Corrective Action:
Reason is unknown, was driving down road and car yanked to the right cause family to wreck in to a guard rail, no lights appeared before wreck, it was not raining and was not speeding. Clear sunny day. Police report has been made and has made several attempts to contact KIA, car has been in body shop since July. Wreck has happened in July. Car is still at body shop KIA told body shop there was no time line on getting any parts to repair, they do not know if it will be this year.
Additional Notes:
Reason is unknown, was driving down road and car yanked to the right cause family to wreck in to a guard rail, no lights appeared before wreck, it was not raining and was not speeding. Clear sunny day. Police report has been made and has made several attempts to contact KIA, car has been in body shop since July. Wreck has happened in July. Car is still at body shop KIA told body shop there was no time line on getting any parts to repair, they do not know if it will be this year.
Mfg Campaign: 11621683
Recall Date: Oct 24, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
Reason is unknown, was driving down road and car yanked to the right cause family to wreck in to a guard rail, no lights appeared before wreck, it was not raining and was not speeding. Clear sunny day. Police report has been made and has made several attempts to contact KIA, car has been in body shop since July. Wreck has happened in July. Car is still at body shop KIA told body shop there was no time line on getting any parts to repair, they do not know if it will be this year.
Corrective Action:
Reason is unknown, was driving down road and car yanked to the right cause family to wreck in to a guard rail, no lights appeared before wreck, it was not raining and was not speeding. Clear sunny day. Police report has been made and has made several attempts to contact KIA, car has been in body shop since July. Wreck has happened in July. Car is still at body shop KIA told body shop there was no time line on getting any parts to repair, they do not know if it will be this year.
Additional Notes:
Reason is unknown, was driving down road and car yanked to the right cause family to wreck in to a guard rail, no lights appeared before wreck, it was not raining and was not speeding. Clear sunny day. Police report has been made and has made several attempts to contact KIA, car has been in body shop since July. Wreck has happened in July. Car is still at body shop KIA told body shop there was no time line on getting any parts to repair, they do not know if it will be this year.
Mfg Campaign: 11621683
Recall Date: Oct 24, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
WHEELS
Potential Consequences:
Reason is unknown, was driving down road and car yanked to the right cause family to wreck in to a guard rail, no lights appeared before wreck, it was not raining and was not speeding. Clear sunny day. Police report has been made and has made several attempts to contact KIA, car has been in body shop since July. Wreck has happened in July. Car is still at body shop KIA told body shop there was no time line on getting any parts to repair, they do not know if it will be this year.
Corrective Action:
Reason is unknown, was driving down road and car yanked to the right cause family to wreck in to a guard rail, no lights appeared before wreck, it was not raining and was not speeding. Clear sunny day. Police report has been made and has made several attempts to contact KIA, car has been in body shop since July. Wreck has happened in July. Car is still at body shop KIA told body shop there was no time line on getting any parts to repair, they do not know if it will be this year.
Additional Notes:
Reason is unknown, was driving down road and car yanked to the right cause family to wreck in to a guard rail, no lights appeared before wreck, it was not raining and was not speeding. Clear sunny day. Police report has been made and has made several attempts to contact KIA, car has been in body shop since July. Wreck has happened in July. Car is still at body shop KIA told body shop there was no time line on getting any parts to repair, they do not know if it will be this year.
Mfg Campaign: 11621683
Recall Date: Oct 24, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
While utilizing cruise control on the PA Turnpike, the check engine light flashed on and the Sorento began to lose speed. The cruise control was attempting to compensate and pushing at 100% power, however the speed continued to decrease. We turned off cruise control and still were unable to increase speed. We were at 100% acceleration but lose 1 MPH every ~10 seconds or so. We pulled over and kept the vehicle running. Opened the hood and saw the engine shaking violently. We turned the car off - waited ~30 seconds and turned it back on. The vehicle operated fine afterwards and since. Dealers are unable to diagnose in a timely manner and are booking 1-3 months out - even further if you need a loaner vehicle.
Corrective Action:
While utilizing cruise control on the PA Turnpike, the check engine light flashed on and the Sorento began to lose speed. The cruise control was attempting to compensate and pushing at 100% power, however the speed continued to decrease. We turned off cruise control and still were unable to increase speed. We were at 100% acceleration but lose 1 MPH every ~10 seconds or so. We pulled over and kept the vehicle running. Opened the hood and saw the engine shaking violently. We turned the car off - waited ~30 seconds and turned it back on. The vehicle operated fine afterwards and since. Dealers are unable to diagnose in a timely manner and are booking 1-3 months out - even further if you need a loaner vehicle.
Additional Notes:
While utilizing cruise control on the PA Turnpike, the check engine light flashed on and the Sorento began to lose speed. The cruise control was attempting to compensate and pushing at 100% power, however the speed continued to decrease. We turned off cruise control and still were unable to increase speed. We were at 100% acceleration but lose 1 MPH every ~10 seconds or so. We pulled over and kept the vehicle running. Opened the hood and saw the engine shaking violently. We turned the car off - waited ~30 seconds and turned it back on. The vehicle operated fine afterwards and since. Dealers are unable to diagnose in a timely manner and are booking 1-3 months out - even further if you need a loaner vehicle.
Mfg Campaign: 11612757
Recall Date: Sep 5, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
While utilizing cruise control on the PA Turnpike, the check engine light flashed on and the Sorento began to lose speed. The cruise control was attempting to compensate and pushing at 100% power, however the speed continued to decrease. We turned off cruise control and still were unable to increase speed. We were at 100% acceleration but lose 1 MPH every ~10 seconds or so. We pulled over and kept the vehicle running. Opened the hood and saw the engine shaking violently. We turned the car off - waited ~30 seconds and turned it back on. The vehicle operated fine afterwards and since. Dealers are unable to diagnose in a timely manner and are booking 1-3 months out - even further if you need a loaner vehicle.
Corrective Action:
While utilizing cruise control on the PA Turnpike, the check engine light flashed on and the Sorento began to lose speed. The cruise control was attempting to compensate and pushing at 100% power, however the speed continued to decrease. We turned off cruise control and still were unable to increase speed. We were at 100% acceleration but lose 1 MPH every ~10 seconds or so. We pulled over and kept the vehicle running. Opened the hood and saw the engine shaking violently. We turned the car off - waited ~30 seconds and turned it back on. The vehicle operated fine afterwards and since. Dealers are unable to diagnose in a timely manner and are booking 1-3 months out - even further if you need a loaner vehicle.
Additional Notes:
While utilizing cruise control on the PA Turnpike, the check engine light flashed on and the Sorento began to lose speed. The cruise control was attempting to compensate and pushing at 100% power, however the speed continued to decrease. We turned off cruise control and still were unable to increase speed. We were at 100% acceleration but lose 1 MPH every ~10 seconds or so. We pulled over and kept the vehicle running. Opened the hood and saw the engine shaking violently. We turned the car off - waited ~30 seconds and turned it back on. The vehicle operated fine afterwards and since. Dealers are unable to diagnose in a timely manner and are booking 1-3 months out - even further if you need a loaner vehicle.
Mfg Campaign: 11612757
Recall Date: Sep 5, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
SEATS
Potential Consequences:
The rear passenger seat has a major safety issue. The back will pop forward and then the entire seat moves forward pushing the passenger into the back of the passenger seat. I have brought this to the dealership two times now and it is still an issue that they now refuse to repair. I have video but can't load it here.
Corrective Action:
The rear passenger seat has a major safety issue. The back will pop forward and then the entire seat moves forward pushing the passenger into the back of the passenger seat. I have brought this to the dealership two times now and it is still an issue that they now refuse to repair. I have video but can't load it here.
Additional Notes:
The rear passenger seat has a major safety issue. The back will pop forward and then the entire seat moves forward pushing the passenger into the back of the passenger seat. I have brought this to the dealership two times now and it is still an issue that they now refuse to repair. I have video but can't load it here.
Mfg Campaign: 11602826
Recall Date: Jul 16, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
Kia has failed to provide proper protection for their radiator on their Sorento and Telluride models. There are many many many reports online of these radiators sustaining damage which should not have occurred, and Kia refuses to cover any of these repairs under any type of warranty. In my example, my brand new 2024 Sorento with 1,300 miles overheated and dumped all of its coolant due to what the Kia dealership claimed was a puncture in the radiator. The vehicle was never driven off road, and had never been hit by anything. If Kia has a guard in place to prevent this from happening, the guard is insufficient and should be a concern. Kia refused to cover this issue under their warranty.
Corrective Action:
Kia has failed to provide proper protection for their radiator on their Sorento and Telluride models. There are many many many reports online of these radiators sustaining damage which should not have occurred, and Kia refuses to cover any of these repairs under any type of warranty. In my example, my brand new 2024 Sorento with 1,300 miles overheated and dumped all of its coolant due to what the Kia dealership claimed was a puncture in the radiator. The vehicle was never driven off road, and had never been hit by anything. If Kia has a guard in place to prevent this from happening, the guard is insufficient and should be a concern. Kia refused to cover this issue under their warranty.
Additional Notes:
Kia has failed to provide proper protection for their radiator on their Sorento and Telluride models. There are many many many reports online of these radiators sustaining damage which should not have occurred, and Kia refuses to cover any of these repairs under any type of warranty. In my example, my brand new 2024 Sorento with 1,300 miles overheated and dumped all of its coolant due to what the Kia dealership claimed was a puncture in the radiator. The vehicle was never driven off road, and had never been hit by anything. If Kia has a guard in place to prevent this from happening, the guard is insufficient and should be a concern. Kia refused to cover this issue under their warranty.
Mfg Campaign: 11595462
Recall Date: Jun 20, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
SERVICE BRAKES
Potential Consequences:
All dashboard lights turned on and were orange during two separate instances. During both instances I went to brake and nothing happened. Eventually the brake finally engaged. On one of the instances the brakes took ~5 seconds to re-engage while coming to a traffic light stop. There were two pedestrians that I almost hit before they re-engaged.
Corrective Action:
All dashboard lights turned on and were orange during two separate instances. During both instances I went to brake and nothing happened. Eventually the brake finally engaged. On one of the instances the brakes took ~5 seconds to re-engage while coming to a traffic light stop. There were two pedestrians that I almost hit before they re-engaged.
Additional Notes:
All dashboard lights turned on and were orange during two separate instances. During both instances I went to brake and nothing happened. Eventually the brake finally engaged. On one of the instances the brakes took ~5 seconds to re-engage while coming to a traffic light stop. There were two pedestrians that I almost hit before they re-engaged.
Mfg Campaign: 11582040
Recall Date: Apr 9, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
POWER TRAIN
Potential Consequences:
All dashboard lights turned on and were orange during two separate instances. During both instances I went to brake and nothing happened. Eventually the brake finally engaged. On one of the instances the brakes took ~5 seconds to re-engage while coming to a traffic light stop. There were two pedestrians that I almost hit before they re-engaged.
Corrective Action:
All dashboard lights turned on and were orange during two separate instances. During both instances I went to brake and nothing happened. Eventually the brake finally engaged. On one of the instances the brakes took ~5 seconds to re-engage while coming to a traffic light stop. There were two pedestrians that I almost hit before they re-engaged.
Additional Notes:
All dashboard lights turned on and were orange during two separate instances. During both instances I went to brake and nothing happened. Eventually the brake finally engaged. On one of the instances the brakes took ~5 seconds to re-engage while coming to a traffic light stop. There were two pedestrians that I almost hit before they re-engaged.
Mfg Campaign: 11582040
Recall Date: Apr 9, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Potential Consequences:
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The car suddenly shutoff How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I was doing a U-TURN when the vehicle turned off. It took about a minute for the car to turn on and I was left in the middle of the road. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Not yet. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Not Yet Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? None
Corrective Action:
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The car suddenly shutoff How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I was doing a U-TURN when the vehicle turned off. It took about a minute for the car to turn on and I was left in the middle of the road. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Not yet. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Not Yet Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? None
Additional Notes:
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The car suddenly shutoff How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I was doing a U-TURN when the vehicle turned off. It took about a minute for the car to turn on and I was left in the middle of the road. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Not yet. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Not Yet Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? None
Mfg Campaign: 11576628
Recall Date: Mar 11, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
SERVICE BRAKES
Potential Consequences:
We purchased the car around Thanksgiving of last year (2023). A month and a half after purchase, we noticed all the warning lights coming on all at once. When we reported the incident and safety concern with the Kia dealership, they claimed it would be okay and we had nothing to worry about until our service appointment in Mid-March. Today, my wife was driving with my mom in the car and the brakes completely failed while they were driving on a major highway. Fortunately they were able to pull the car into an embankment before going down a large hill into the valley. We had the vehicle towed back to the Kia dealership where they’re running tests and diagnostics to identify the issue. We’ve also opened a case with customer affairs at Kia of America.
Corrective Action:
We purchased the car around Thanksgiving of last year (2023). A month and a half after purchase, we noticed all the warning lights coming on all at once. When we reported the incident and safety concern with the Kia dealership, they claimed it would be okay and we had nothing to worry about until our service appointment in Mid-March. Today, my wife was driving with my mom in the car and the brakes completely failed while they were driving on a major highway. Fortunately they were able to pull the car into an embankment before going down a large hill into the valley. We had the vehicle towed back to the Kia dealership where they’re running tests and diagnostics to identify the issue. We’ve also opened a case with customer affairs at Kia of America.
Additional Notes:
We purchased the car around Thanksgiving of last year (2023). A month and a half after purchase, we noticed all the warning lights coming on all at once. When we reported the incident and safety concern with the Kia dealership, they claimed it would be okay and we had nothing to worry about until our service appointment in Mid-March. Today, my wife was driving with my mom in the car and the brakes completely failed while they were driving on a major highway. Fortunately they were able to pull the car into an embankment before going down a large hill into the valley. We had the vehicle towed back to the Kia dealership where they’re running tests and diagnostics to identify the issue. We’ve also opened a case with customer affairs at Kia of America.
Mfg Campaign: 11573528
Recall Date: Feb 23, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
We purchased the car around Thanksgiving of last year (2023). A month and a half after purchase, we noticed all the warning lights coming on all at once. When we reported the incident and safety concern with the Kia dealership, they claimed it would be okay and we had nothing to worry about until our service appointment in Mid-March. Today, my wife was driving with my mom in the car and the brakes completely failed while they were driving on a major highway. Fortunately they were able to pull the car into an embankment before going down a large hill into the valley. We had the vehicle towed back to the Kia dealership where they’re running tests and diagnostics to identify the issue. We’ve also opened a case with customer affairs at Kia of America.
Corrective Action:
We purchased the car around Thanksgiving of last year (2023). A month and a half after purchase, we noticed all the warning lights coming on all at once. When we reported the incident and safety concern with the Kia dealership, they claimed it would be okay and we had nothing to worry about until our service appointment in Mid-March. Today, my wife was driving with my mom in the car and the brakes completely failed while they were driving on a major highway. Fortunately they were able to pull the car into an embankment before going down a large hill into the valley. We had the vehicle towed back to the Kia dealership where they’re running tests and diagnostics to identify the issue. We’ve also opened a case with customer affairs at Kia of America.
Additional Notes:
We purchased the car around Thanksgiving of last year (2023). A month and a half after purchase, we noticed all the warning lights coming on all at once. When we reported the incident and safety concern with the Kia dealership, they claimed it would be okay and we had nothing to worry about until our service appointment in Mid-March. Today, my wife was driving with my mom in the car and the brakes completely failed while they were driving on a major highway. Fortunately they were able to pull the car into an embankment before going down a large hill into the valley. We had the vehicle towed back to the Kia dealership where they’re running tests and diagnostics to identify the issue. We’ve also opened a case with customer affairs at Kia of America.
Mfg Campaign: 11573528
Recall Date: Feb 23, 2024
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Valencia, CA • 36 yrs
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