The brakes failed; they felt spongy, as if my foot were pressing directly against the road. The car accelerated and I headed toward a wall; the sensors didn't stop the vehicle. It came to a halt against the wall after the impact. I was on my way to the repair shop for a scheduled appointment due to electrical problems.
2023 Kia Sorento
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Fewer warning signs than most model years
Owner complaints for the 2023 Kia Sorento are lower than the model-year median of 242.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Sorento years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 12 of 119 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Electrical System. Review the 37 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine. Review the 30 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Power Train. Review the 20 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Service Brakes complaints
11 reportsVehicle exhibits repeated brake pulsation and vibration under normal braking conditions, affecting braking performance consistency. The issue began at approximately 10,000 miles and has progressively worsened. The vehicle currently has approximately 30,000 miles. The pulsation is felt through the steering wheel and brake pedal d…
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Vehicle exhibits repeated brake pulsation and vibration under normal braking conditions, affecting braking performance consistency. The issue began at approximately 10,000 miles and has progressively worsened. The vehicle currently has approximately 30,000 miles. The pulsation is felt through the steering wheel and brake pedal during moderate braking from highway speeds and occurs consistently across multiple driving conditions. The condition is significantly more pronounced when using the vehicle’s adaptive cruise control system. During normal operation, the adaptive cruise repeatedly applies the brakes automatically, and this consistently produces increased vibration and uneven braking response. This indicates the issue occurs during normal vehicle operation rather than abnormal use. The repeated pulsation creates inconsistent brake feel and may affect stopping performance, particularly during repeated or sustained braking events. This raises concern regarding braking reliability and stopping consistency, especially in traffic conditions where adaptive cruise control is actively managing following distance. The condition has steadily worsened over time and is present during routine driving. It is not limited to high-speed or heavy braking scenarios. A manufacturer Technical Service Bulletin (TSB CHA126V) exists for this vehicle model addressing front brake disc judder. The symptoms described in the bulletin match the condition experienced in this vehicle. Given the early onset, progressive nature of the issue, and the involvement of system-controlled braking (adaptive cruise), this condition appears to be related to component performance or design rather than normal wear. Kia response .. Dear [XXX] , Thank you for contacting Kia Customer Care. We do not see that bulletin related to this VIN, as such, any repairs recommended would be the responsibility of the vehicle’s owner. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I purchased this car with approximately 22,000 miles on it. I have had to have OEM rotor resurface / replacement at the dealership approximately almost every oil change or about every 6,000 miles for about 30k miles (2 replacements, 3 resurface in an 18 month period). They sent out a Kia engineer last time it happened.
UNKNOWN However multiple times the front end of the vehicle starts shaking when I try to break up especially on the highway. The dealership claimed to have repaired it once and shortly after it happened again. When I took it in they first looked and said the parts was ordered but nothing was done then came back and said oh ye…
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UNKNOWN However multiple times the front end of the vehicle starts shaking when I try to break up especially on the highway. The dealership claimed to have repaired it once and shortly after it happened again. When I took it in they first looked and said the parts was ordered but nothing was done then came back and said oh yes it was done then refused to fix it without a charge so I had to pay to repair it since I feared that the brake would give out if I drive it. The other issue was the check engine light just popped up check engine while driving on the highway, when I take it in they are stating that I may have left the gas tank open which is absolutely false. They cleared it but could not or neglect to explain why it was on. All these incidents occur while on highways never in the general local areas.
Brakes and rotors needed changed at 23930, not normal
The car is accelerating without anyone pressing down on the gas, not accelerating when our foot is on the gas, jerking unexplainably and the emergency brake warning is coming on when it has not been employed.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? I was driving and the car completely shut down- I could not use my brakes or accelerate. I had to pull along the road in ongoing traffic to coast to a stop. I lost all control. How was your safety or the safety of others put at ri…
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What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? I was driving and the car completely shut down- I could not use my brakes or accelerate. I had to pull along the road in ongoing traffic to coast to a stop. I lost all control. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I was in traffic and the cars behind me had to slow down immediately, I could not speed up or even brake to come to a stop. Others around me as well as myself were in danger. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? They reviewed and said they scanned it and did a drive test and could not find the cause. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes, It was seen at the Kia dealer I bought it from. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? As soon as the vehicle lost power there was a warning sign on the dash that showed "limit" with a half circle emblem.
CURRENT MILEAGE 6,776 miles -Purchased the vehicle and on two occasions the AEB Emergency brake system came on twice without any cars around- Also, twice the engine shutdown light came on and acceleration has stopped on me and the vehicle stalled, which is dangerous if Im on the parkway or road where I cant pull over like a brid…
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CURRENT MILEAGE 6,776 miles -Purchased the vehicle and on two occasions the AEB Emergency brake system came on twice without any cars around- Also, twice the engine shutdown light came on and acceleration has stopped on me and the vehicle stalled, which is dangerous if Im on the parkway or road where I cant pull over like a bridge. NICE LOOKING CAR BUT DONT BE FOOLED- A 🔴RECALL NEEDS TO BE SENT TO PROTECT OTHERS FROM A CRASH IMMEDIATELY.
On 3 different occasion when parking in my driveway (on a hill) my car rolled while in park. On the first occasion I almost ran over my wife who was taking our young daughter out of her car seat. Fortunately I was still in the drivers seat and able to press my foot on the brake. On the next two occasions there was nobody aroun…
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On 3 different occasion when parking in my driveway (on a hill) my car rolled while in park. On the first occasion I almost ran over my wife who was taking our young daughter out of her car seat. Fortunately I was still in the drivers seat and able to press my foot on the brake. On the next two occasions there was nobody around and the car rolled into the street. I have contacted Kia repeatedly to fix this issue and they have done nothing. The dealership says there is nothing wrong and is now refusing to answer calls from myself and Kia. Kia is saying it's up to the dealership to fix. This is incredibly dangerous for people who are not aware there is an issue. The dealer accused me of not activating the parking brake. As I explained to them the car would have rolled me over before I could walk away - so that is impossible. I can't replicate this every time. I have been able to replicate it one other time but did not get it on video. This makes the situation that much more dangerous especially with little kids. I now park every time with my emergency brake engaged.
On [XXX] while driving and in the process of changing lanes, as I accelerated on the brakes, my Vehicle gave a sudden jerk, at first I figured it was due to the road being wet, but on [XXX] while driving to NYC on [XXX] as we all know we all have to keep up the speed, once again during accelerating my vehicle repeated the same s…
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On [XXX] while driving and in the process of changing lanes, as I accelerated on the brakes, my Vehicle gave a sudden jerk, at first I figured it was due to the road being wet, but on [XXX] while driving to NYC on [XXX] as we all know we all have to keep up the speed, once again during accelerating my vehicle repeated the same sudden jerk and continue for most of my ride, I brought into KIA on [XXX] with the end result being they did not find this issue, as well as my ongoing issue of my engine light that has been coming on and off for about 5 months now. I do believe my vehicle is having some kind of issue with the transmission and gears are not kicking in during the acceleration process may I add this is on the highway. My vehicle is a 2023 which I purchased in Aug of 2023 and have been in the dealership for shaking during braking engine light on and now gear delay with no resolution to all issues, I will be contacting the Manufactured as my next step in the horrible processes. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Official recalls
325V649000 · Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers; Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System:fan/motor
Sep 25, 2025
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Sorento vehicles. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) blower motor wiring harness may be inadequate, which can result in a fire.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the wiring harness and blower motor resistor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2026. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC351. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 9, 2025.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System:fan/motor
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Sorento vehicles. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) blower motor wiring harness may be inadequate, which can result in a fire.
Consequence: A fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the wiring harness and blower motor resistor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2026. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC351. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 9, 2025.
Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Sorento vehicles. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) blower motor wiring harness may be inadequate, which can result in a fire.
Consequence: A fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the wiring harness and blower motor resistor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2026. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC351. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 9, 2025.
23V610000 · Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera
Aug 31, 2023
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Sorento, Sorento Hybrid, and Sorento Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) vehicles. The mounting clips for the rearview camera may break, which can cause the rearview camera image not to appear properly 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 properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera housing, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC280.
23V579000 · Equipment:other:labels
Aug 15, 2023
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Sorento vehicles. The air bag warning labels on the driver and front passenger sun visors may detach. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A detached air bag warning label will not warn occupants about the risks of air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the driver and front passenger sun visors, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 10, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC277.
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
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
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