NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Unknown Or Other complaints
110 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Aug 16, 2021
Unknown Or OtherCrashInjury
I was driving along the road on a light traffic day, I approaching an intersection when the traffic light turned red, I tried engaging brakes and they would not engage. As I approached the intersection I became fearful of colliding with multiple vehicles and due to brakes failing I encroached the intersection when I was T-boned …
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I was driving along the road on a light traffic day, I approaching an intersection when the traffic light turned red, I tried engaging brakes and they would not engage. As I approached the intersection I became fearful of colliding with multiple vehicles and due to brakes failing I encroached the intersection when I was T-boned by another driver. I see various complaints of brakes and the lack of stopping power for this particular vehicle. I advise anyone else to avoid purchasing this vehicle if you value yours and your families safety.
NHTSA ODI #11429351
Mileage unknown · Jul 15, 2021
Unknown Or Other
I was driving at 65 mph on the freeway. The weather was clear and the road is clear and there was no traffic. While I was driving, I heard a loud explosion and heard wind right after. I pulled at the first exit to check what had happened and saw the sunroof was shattered with a large hole about 12 inches in diameter in the glas…
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I was driving at 65 mph on the freeway. The weather was clear and the road is clear and there was no traffic. While I was driving, I heard a loud explosion and heard wind right after. I pulled at the first exit to check what had happened and saw the sunroof was shattered with a large hole about 12 inches in diameter in the glass. The interior sunroof shade was closed the entire time I was driving. Very little glass entered the car cabin and the interior sunroof shade currently shows no signs of holes or damage. Upon initial inspection, there appears to be little glass in between the sunroof shade and sunroof. It appears the vibration of the vehicle caused the sunroof to shatter in an upward motion. In addition, please note that no items were being carried on the oem roofrack. The car windows were also closed when this happened. I have 2 babies that were sleeping in the backseat when this occurred.
NHTSA ODI #11424892
11,070 miles · Mar 4, 2020
Unknown Or Other
CARPETING. GAP IN THE CARPETING AT THE THIRD ROW. THE SEPARATION OF THE CARPET WAS NOT SOMETHING WE KNEW ABOUT BECAUSE IT WAS HIDDEN BY DEALER PREP. IT WAS DISCOVERED THE FIRST TIME WE USED THE 3RD ROW FOR OUR GRAND CHILDREN AND WERE ALSO INSTALLING BETTER FLOOR MATS.
NHTSA ODI #11316124
11,000 miles · Jan 13, 2020
Unknown Or Other
FRIDAY ON AN OPEN STREET (NO BRIDGE OR ANY OTHER EXTERNAL FORCE KNOWN) MY SUNROOF BASICALLY IMPLODED COVERING MY PASSENGER DRIVER AND MYSELF IN 1000 OF GLASS PIECES. I WAS LUCKY THERE WERE NO SUBSEQUENT INJURIES SINCE I SLOWED DOWN AND HIT THE BREAK AND NOONE CRASHED INTO MY CAR
NHTSA ODI #11299111
18,200 miles · Dec 10, 2019
Electrical SystemExterior LightingUnknown Or Other
WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, RADIO ON AND ONLY CONNECTED VIA BLUETOOTH. THE RADIO SCREEN WAS FLICKERING AND THEN SHUT DOWN AS IF I MANUALLY TURNED OFF . AS THIS HAPPENED THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS AND MY HEADLIGHTS SHUT OFF. I HAD TO SAFELY PULL OVER AND BY THE TIME THAT I DID, I COULDN'T RECORD IT FOR EVIDENCE AS IT REBOOTED ITSELF. I …
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WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, RADIO ON AND ONLY CONNECTED VIA BLUETOOTH. THE RADIO SCREEN WAS FLICKERING AND THEN SHUT DOWN AS IF I MANUALLY TURNED OFF . AS THIS HAPPENED THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS AND MY HEADLIGHTS SHUT OFF. I HAD TO SAFELY PULL OVER AND BY THE TIME THAT I DID, I COULDN'T RECORD IT FOR EVIDENCE AS IT REBOOTED ITSELF. I CALLED RIGHT AWAY AND HAD TO WAIT 2 DAYS FOR APPT. THIS IS THE 3RD TIME AND RICK CASE KIA IN SUNRISE FL KEEPS GIVING ME THE RUN AROUND. MY BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR IS FINE. I HONESTLY THINK THEY STOP CARING AND JUST GIVE ME EXCUSES AND TELL ME THEY HAVE TO WAIT FOR MFG DECISION ON MY ISSUE. MY ISSUE SEEMS TO HAPPEN WHEN I AM DRIVING AND CANNOT BE ON MY PHONE RECORDING AS THEY WANT SOME KIND OF VIDEO AS PROOF . SO DISGUSTED WITH THEIR SERVICE AND WISHED I WOULDNT HAVE GONE WITH A KIA.
NHTSA ODI #11288150
Mileage unknown · Oct 17, 2019
Unknown Or Other
2019 KIA SORENTO, PURCHASED ON 8/11/19 THAT HAS HAD AN ISSUE WITH VIBRATION SINCE DAY ONE.. ONE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT IT WAS FLAT SPOTTED TIRES AND THAT I WOULD NEED TO TAKE IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED. DEALERSHIP WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED SAID IT WAS HIGH RADIAL FORCE ON TWO TIRES AND REPLACED THOSE TWO. VIB…
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2019 KIA SORENTO, PURCHASED ON 8/11/19 THAT HAS HAD AN ISSUE WITH VIBRATION SINCE DAY ONE.. ONE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT IT WAS FLAT SPOTTED TIRES AND THAT I WOULD NEED TO TAKE IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED. DEALERSHIP WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED SAID IT WAS HIGH RADIAL FORCE ON TWO TIRES AND REPLACED THOSE TWO. VIBRATION WAS STILL THERE AND I TOOK IT BACK AGAIN AND WAS TOLD THAT THE TIRES WERE JUST CRAPPY(BRAND) AND THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO ABOUT IT, BUT I COULD REPLACE THEM. I CONTACTED KIA CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND THEY AGREED TO GIVE $750 TOWARD A NEW SET OF TIRES, WHICH I HAD PUT ON AND AM STILL WAITING ON MY $750. YOU GUESSED IT, THE PROBLEM WITH VIBRATION IS STILL THERE AT LOW AND HIGH SPEEDS. IN FACT, I HAVE VIDEO OF MY WATER BOTTLE SHAKING IN MY CUP HOLDER WITH THE VEHICLE PARKED. ALSO THERE IS A MAJOR ISSUE WITH HESITATION WITH THIS NEW 8 SPEED TRANSMISSION. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT I WOULD JUST HAVE TO GO SOMEWHERE ELSE FOR ANOTHER OPINION. WORST EXPERIENCE THAT I HAVE EVER HAD WITH A BRAND NEW VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI #11269111
Mileage unknown · Oct 12, 2019
EngineUnknown Or Other
OUR NEW 2019 KIA SORENTO EX V6 ENGINE AND NEW 8 SPEED TRANSMISSION SURGING AND HESITATION REALLY BAD, ESPECIALLY IN LOWER RPMS. WE HAVE HAD IT INTO SERVICE 5 TIME NOW BUT NOTHING HAS WORKED TO FIX THE ISSUE. WHEN PULLING OUT ONTO THE HIGHWAY IT WILL HESITATE AND SURGE, THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS! THE NEW 8 SPEED TRANSMISSION SHIFTS …
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OUR NEW 2019 KIA SORENTO EX V6 ENGINE AND NEW 8 SPEED TRANSMISSION SURGING AND HESITATION REALLY BAD, ESPECIALLY IN LOWER RPMS. WE HAVE HAD IT INTO SERVICE 5 TIME NOW BUT NOTHING HAS WORKED TO FIX THE ISSUE. WHEN PULLING OUT ONTO THE HIGHWAY IT WILL HESITATE AND SURGE, THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS! THE NEW 8 SPEED TRANSMISSION SHIFTS WAY TO SOON, SO IT DOES NOT KEEP THE RPMS UP LONG ENOUGH TO GET THE CAR GOING SUFFICIENTLY THEREFORE CAUSES SURGING.
NHTSA ODI #11268049
300 miles · Feb 14, 2019
Unknown Or Other
I WAS DRIVING IN A NORMAL FREEWAY, BEAUTIFUL DAY, SUDDENLY FOR NOT REASON MY FRON WINDSHIELD GOT A CRACK, OUT OF THE BLUE, VERY SCARY. I DID CALL KIA RIGHT THE WAY, I TOLD THEM I WAS DRIVING FROM LA TO SAN FRANCISCO ON THE FREEWAY 5, ON VACATION FOR 4 DAYS, WHAT HAPPEN, I WAS AFRAID THE CRACK CONTINUE EXPANDING, THEY TOLD ME TO …
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I WAS DRIVING IN A NORMAL FREEWAY, BEAUTIFUL DAY, SUDDENLY FOR NOT REASON MY FRON WINDSHIELD GOT A CRACK, OUT OF THE BLUE, VERY SCARY. I DID CALL KIA RIGHT THE WAY, I TOLD THEM I WAS DRIVING FROM LA TO SAN FRANCISCO ON THE FREEWAY 5, ON VACATION FOR 4 DAYS, WHAT HAPPEN, I WAS AFRAID THE CRACK CONTINUE EXPANDING, THEY TOLD ME TO TAKE THE CAR TO A DEALER & THEY WILL TAKE CARE OF IT - WHEN I CAME BACK AFTER MY VACATION WITH THE KIDS, WE CALLED WENT TO DEALER KIA IN GLENDALE, THEY SAID WAS A ROCK!! WON'T COVER IT, I CALLED MANUFACTURER AGAIN, THEY SAID DON'T WORRY GO AGAIN TO DEALER THEY WILL HELP YOU OUT, NOBODY IS HELPING US, CAR IS NOT SAFE, WE HAD BEEN MISTREATED, VERBALLY ABUSE 7 NOBODY IS DOING ANYTHING TO HELP US OUT. CAR WAS BRAND NEW, LESS THAN 30 DAYS, DEFECTIVE, YOU CAN TRUST THIS CAR, IT IS A RIP OFF!! VERY UPSTED & DEAPOINTED WITH KIA, 1ST AND LAST TIME. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING FOR OVER 30 YEARS, NEVER HAD A SITUATION LIKE THIS WITH ANY CAR
NHTSA ODI #11180092
5,000 miles · Jan 4, 2019
Unknown Or Other
BLIND SPOT WARNING QUITS AFTER EXTENDED DRIVING IN HEAVY RAIN. WHICH I UNDERSTAND BUT IT WILL NOT WORK FOR A WEEK OR SO AFTER. DEALER WORKED ON IT TWICE ALREADY. KIA TEC SAYS THIS IS NORMAL. FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THIS IS NORMAL IF, IT JUST STOPPED WORKING DURING THE RAIN IS ONE THING, BUT NOT TO WORK FOR A WEEK AFTER IS NOT RI…
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BLIND SPOT WARNING QUITS AFTER EXTENDED DRIVING IN HEAVY RAIN. WHICH I UNDERSTAND BUT IT WILL NOT WORK FOR A WEEK OR SO AFTER. DEALER WORKED ON IT TWICE ALREADY. KIA TEC SAYS THIS IS NORMAL. FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THIS IS NORMAL IF, IT JUST STOPPED WORKING DURING THE RAIN IS ONE THING, BUT NOT TO WORK FOR A WEEK AFTER IS NOT RIGHT. BOUGHT THIS CAR BECAUSE OF THIS SAFETY FEATURE AND PAID GOOD MONEY FOR IT. THE DEALER AGREES WITH ME AND ALSO SAYS ITS NOT RIGHT ,BUT KIA DOES NOT WANT TO BACK UP THIS WARRANTY. KIA HAS A 9 OR 10 POINT BULLETIN ON WHEN THIS FEATURE WILL NOT WORK BUT WILL NOT TELL YOU BEFORE YOU BUY THE CAR. THE DEALER AGREED WITH ME KIA HAS A MOISTURE PROBLEM, BUT WON'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT.
NHTSA ODI #11165785
Mileage unknown · Oct 26, 2018
Unknown Or Other
IN ANY DARK AREA WHEN USING LOW BEAMS ARE USED A SHADE COMES DOWN ACROSS FRONT WINDSHIELD AND YOU CAN NOT SEE OUT IN MOTION AND STATIONARY DARK CITY STREETS , BACK RDS.ANY WHERE IT IS PITCH DARK.
NHTSA ODI #11142824
Official recalls
2Sep 15, 2023
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2019 Sorento vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, water may leak into the rearview camera, which can cause the rearview camera image not to appear on the display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rearview camera and add additional water proofing to the camera harness, or replace the camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 8, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC282.
Sep 19, 2022
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect the vehicle, and, as necessary, replace the fuse and/or tow hitch harness module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC249.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1DP22003 · Loss Of Motive Power
Opened Sep 12, 2022 · Closed Dec 12, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing. There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.