general problems of the 2017 Kia Motor Sorento - part 1

I am submitting a safety complaint regarding a **2017 kia Sorento sxl** equipped with a **3. 3l lambda v6 engine**, which experienced **sudden and catastrophic engine failure** at approximately *,000 miles**. Prior to failure, the vehicle exhibited **progressively worsening engine knocking and vibration**, indicating internal engine damage. Despite these warning signs, the failure occurred **abruptly while driving at highway speed**, resulting in a **sudden loss of power**. This incident created an **immediate safety hazard**, as I was traveling in active traffic and was forced to quickly maneuver to avoid surrounding vehicles. The unexpected loss of propulsion significantly increased the risk of a collision. The nature of the failure appears to be consistent with **internal engine component failure (such as connecting rod bearing failure)**, which is not typical for a properly maintained modern engine at this mileage. Importantly, my vehicle was manufactured in **November 2016**, placing it within an early production period for this engine. There is evidence from technical service information and consumer reports suggesting a **pattern of premature internal engine failures** in this engine family, particularly involving * bearing wear leading to catastrophic failure**. This raises concern that the issue may represent a **systemic defect** rather than normal wear and tear. I am concerned that other vehicles with this engine may experience similar failures **without sufficient warning**, potentially resulting in dangerous driving situations, especially at highway speeds. I am requesting that NHTSA: • review this incident as a **potential safety-related defect** • evaluate whether similar complaints exist involving the **3. 3l kia lambda v6 engine** • determine if an **investigation or recall** is warranted I am able to provide supporting documentation, including maintenance records, diagnostic findings, and repair estimates upon request.

On [xxx] at [xxx] my vehicle caught fire while it was driving on [xxx] in new jersey. The vehicle had approximately 120,000 miles at the time. The fire appeared to start under the vehicle on the driver side. Prior to the fire, there was no issues or lights on the dash and nothing appeared while driving. The fire resulted in my whole car being totaled and towed away to a yard. I am concerned this fire may have been caused by a mechanical or electrical defect and poses a serious safety risk. I am requesting that this incident be reviewed and investigated for potential safety defects or recall. Name : [xxx] phone: [xxx] email: [xxx] address : [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

At night when I am driving, the headlight goes off. The light switch does not work on some settings. I never know when or where this dangerous situation is going to happen. Therefore, I try to avoid driving at night, as much as possible. This problem was addressed to kia more than a year ago. They keep saying that they don't see a problem.

1. The snow white paint is lifting and peeling in all areas of the vehicle. 2. The engine, despite proper care and maintenance, is seizing occasionally upon starting the vehicle. 3. Auto braking system and lane departure turns off at random.

I came to this website because it was suggested to me to look for a recall. While there is an active recall with my car, the interesting part to me is the fact that the issues I'm having with my car match a recall for the same model as mine, just a different spec. To me that seems odd, I'd have the same type issues. . . I was wondering how to get this examined.

Oil consumption.

Abs module. Could catch on fire at any time it has been confirmed with the dealership and another auto independent service shop. It has been inspected by kia sunset dealership in an automotive independent service shop. That found brake fluid in the harness going to the a b s module shorting out and melting connections creating miscommunication with other modules. That when. Found there was a recall on this. Tge warning lights was abs module, engine light. Tire pressure light. My speedometer didn't work. My odometer didn't work. And air conditioner didn't work, getting the car out of park. And the airbag light came on. Some lights came in June. I had to pay for the part up front to get it fixed. It going into the shop soon to fix the abs module.

Panoramic sunroof sunshade has detached on one side and is hanging down, affecting visibility.

I am unsure what component system failed or malfunctioned. The car is in the toe place. It's a total loss burned from front to back my safety was put at risk by no indication of any lights coming on my dashboard. By the time I stopped the whole front into my car was on fire. It burned from from 2 back within 8 minutes. It has not been inspected by insurance. The police were there when the fire was put out along with the fire department. There were no warning lights or lamps of any indication of a problem. I was driving down the road and I seemed small but I had no lights on my dashboard. Indicating anything was wrong? so I drove as soon as I started to slow down at the stoplight. Flames started coming out of the driver's side of the hook. But I turned the corner and stopped the car and the whole front end. By the time I stopped was on fire. I contacted the fire department and within 8 minutes. The car was a total loss.

I am writing to bring to your attention a concerning issue regarding the instrument panel of the 2016-2020 kia Sorento. My car - 2017 kia Sorento. In approx. 2021, I noticed a small 2 cm crack resembling a razor blade cut on my instrument panel (part number: 84710-c5000wk, also 84710-c6000wk and 84710-c6001wk). At the time, I did not find this defect alarming as it was minor and located far from the airbag area. However, over time, the situation has deteriorated significantly. The small crack has now developed into three substantial cracks measuring between 6 to 8 inches, with some of them encroaching upon the airbag area. I am increasingly concerned that these cracks may impact the airbag deployment mechanism and potentially result in fragments from the panel flying out during a collision, an issue that has been documented in other vehicle brands in the past. After conducting some research, I found that this problem appears to be common among the kia Sorento models manufactured between 2016 and 2020. Numerous sources online indicate that these dashboard cracks pose a safety hazard. I have made attempts to address this issue directly with kia. However, I was informed that the initial inspection fee is $150, and the estimated cost for part replacement and installation is approximately $3,959. This amount is quite significant. I urge your organization to investigate this matter further and consider providing a remedy for affected customers. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

The car is a 2017 kia Sorento with approximately 73,000 miles. We have always had the oil changed at the kia dealership. A month after the last time I had it changed (1/2025) we were going on a trip so my dad checked the oil. There was no oil in it. Since then we have been having to put oil in it about once a month or so because it runs out. It is not leaking anywhere and no oil light comes on when it does run out. The oil is disappearing. The oil is burning internally. I am having difficulties with the dealership in addressing the oil consumption issue, even when it's a known problem. This last time I spoke with robert at kia ramada in shelby nc. They want me to pay for them to look at it and then said they would write up a report to see if corporate would cover it. I feel like since this is a known issue I shouldn’t have to pay for them to look at or diagnose it. He said it would not be covered unless the engine locked up. Well if I keep driving it and don’t keep putting oil in it, it will lock up. I’d rather you fix the issue than have to put in a whole new motor. Please get in touch with me ASAP so I know what further actions that I will need to take to resolve this matter.

I am writing to formally express my concern regarding the paint on my 2017 kia, which has begun peeling and coming off prematurely. I have raised this issue multiple times with my local kia dealership and inquired about possible warranty coverage or repair options, as paint deterioration of this nature should not be occurring. I have also become aware of numerous similar complaints from other kia owners experiencing the same issue with white paint, which suggests this may be a broader quality concern. Unfortunately, despite repeated discussions, the dealership has consistently dismissed my concerns and advised that the paint warranty has expired, without offering any alternative solutions or escalation options. I specifically asked the dealership whether they could contact kia directly to request an exception or goodwill repair due to the nature of the issue, but I was told this would not be done. I am reaching out to you directly in hopes that this matter can be reviewed at a higher level. I would appreciate the opportunity to evaluate this concern and advise whether assistance, repair, or an exception can be made. My intention is to resolve this matter amicably, and I wanted to bring it to your attention before pursuing a formal complaint. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your response. Sincerely, [xxx] sent from my iphone information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Coolant system not functioning properly replace thermostat and worked a day then back to overheating. Engine overheating with new oil and filter also shakes badly car does not shut of when ignition is pressed the first time have start the car then shut it off again.

The inhibitor switch won’t let me take my car out of park.

Engine problem. I've had to replace spark plugs and have to add oil almost every week. This was done about 3 months ago. Today check engine light came back on and it's the same problem stalling and shaking as if it's going to dye in me . . I bought my car brand new I've been the only owner. . It's only got 80,000 miles . . I know that you guys have life time warranty on your engines . What do I need to do to have it repaired under warranty?.

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.

The headlight setting randomly changes from “auto” to “off” without any operator input. This happens roughly every fourth drive.

Shifter isn't releasing from park. They state the body control module (bcm) I been reading on this and it goes out with higher mileage kia Sorento SUV. This is a safety hazard.

I have a 2017 kia Sorento and I have been having problems with the turbo, in the 7 years I have had it they have replaced the turbo twice and now this would be the third time. Every job done has been at the kia agency I bought it which means this is definitely a manufactured problem. At the dealership the three times I have taken it they have told me the turbo fell off and it damaged other things, including the engine. My safety was at risk because my car broke down in the middle of driving it started to slow down and would not go up hills which could have caused an accident. The problem has been confirmed with the dealership service center all 3 times and they offered to replace it at no cost the first two times and now they are requesting I pay for it. The vehicle has not been inspected by the police or insurance, all 3 times I have taken it for service has been at the kia dealership where I bought it from. There was no warnings no lights nothing, it just started doing a weird sound like it was being forced too much and it started slowing down.

The paint I'd peeling off the hood.

Vehicle drastic stalling problem. It would often stall and dramatically reduce speed. Experienced 3 times driving on highway reduced fro 60mph to 20mph without breaking and engine light come on while vehicle has heavy shaking and consistent stalling. First time I was told it was knock sensor and got it replaced. Second time I was told it was coil and spark plug and had it replaced. Third time same thing as second time I was told coil/oil consumption burning issue and to get it checked at dealer. Dealer said cylinder failed compression test and need new engine. Vehicle only 94550 miles. I have always felt the vehicle stalling and I thought it was normal since I have mentioned to dealer service on occasion if it is normal to require oil change before the recommended oil change date/millage on the dash. The answer I got was it's just an estimate and it's normal. Recently I have been searching online and there are forums with complaint from other 2017 kia Sorento owners of similar issues. There seem to have been class action settlement on 3. 5 lt engine Sorento about consumption issue. My concern is if this is a difect, I dont want to risk driving on a highway and I have sudden reduction in speed without breaking indication for other drivers to react. Fortunately I work at night and it was not much vehicles on the road. Vehicle is currently at the dealer debating warranty coverage and testing for cause. I will upload the repairs and findings when complete. God forbids I get new engine and I deal with the same issue on the wrong time of the day. Dates of occurense june2, sept. 23 of 2023, and March 29, 2024. In kia dealer shop since 04/05/2024.

This is a 2017 vehicle, and the paint is peeling off of various areas of the vehicle.

No warning labels came up. Heard loud noises and took to the dealership. They said I need a whole new engine.

On January 26th, 2024, the 2017 kia Sorento was parked outside in an uncovered parking lot (in the rain) for about 8 hours with the ignition off when suddenly the tow hitch harness caught fire and I saw the smoke coming from the car. The fire department was called and we were able to put the fire out with a fire extinguisher before they arrived. Once they arrived, I notified the fire department of the open recall and they were able to pull the fuse to reduce the risk of future fires. I had been into the dealership since the recall was announced and had numerous services performed, but they did not remove the fuse at that time. I had also called a local kia dealership in December about having the recall remedied, but they were unable to fit me in until mid February. After the fire was extinguished and the fuse had been pulled, I had the vehicle towed to the nearest kia dealership and contacted them. Since then, the dealership has indicated they cannot work with me and I must work through corporate kia, but they have not been forthcoming about fixing the recalled issue, repairing the fire damage, or returning my car for nearly 60 days now. I have been back and forth with both email and phone calls with kia and still haven't even received a date I can expect my car back or information about a loaner/rental car.

This has happened 3 times, out of no where my car goes into "limp mode" and this last time I was pulling out and it wouldn't go and my kids were in the car. This is uncalled for and this needs to be addressed.

None of the above. The paint is continuously chipping on the hood and top of the car. When I’m driving, sometimes I see others with the same car as me and their paint is also chipping really bad. It’s only on the kia Sorento from what I can tell. It makes the car look horrible and it’s very expensive to repaint a car. There has to be some kind of warranty they need to issue. I have a 2017 kia Sorento. It started maybe a year or so ago, and it’s getting continuously worse at a very fast pace. It looks horrible. You can already see where the next chunks want to come off. Even when washing the car the paint comes off. When you pay $30,000 for a car, the last thing you want is for all the paint to come off and there is nothing you can do about it. This is not normal!.

On 12/31/23 my vehicle caught on fire while in my driveway and ignition was off. The fire started in the rear/at the hatch. Fire department was called and extinguished. Arson investigator was called to the scene and found no fowl play. I did receive multiple recall letters for the tow hitch, which could catch fire due to corossion/electrical issues, but was told by a local dealership that I brought the vehicle to, my vehicle was not involved. Based on events, I disagree.

The motor and chemical smell.

The vehicle headlights intermittently turn off while driving the vehicle.

I have a 2017 kia Sorento I purchased this vehicle September 2021. Since purchasing this truck I have had problems with oil consumption. The engine constantly burn oil. I have taken to king kia in gaithersburg MD . Where I'm now being told it keep failing the oil consumption test. And that a combustion cleaning need to perform. As I researched this issued I was shock to see that this is an on going problem and the number of complaints with kia. Kia need to be held responsible for these problems not the consumers. This should be a recall.

There is an issue with the oil plug. Constantly leaking oil. I have spoken to several other individuals who have the same problem. The oil leaks can cause a completely empty oil compartment resulting in a blown motor. Walmart super center brought it to my attention. Also, the kia dealership was notified that the oil was leaking at the time of service but did not seem concerned. The oil light will briefly come on when going down a hill. No flashing lights or visual indicators unless you see the brief oil light. There is also rattling in the engine area that gets worse as the oil gets lower. Very annoying but the biggest concern is the leaking oil.

Hi. While closing my trunk it appeared that the latch and trunk closed. As I took off to drive I realized my trunk door was opening and at the same time the warning light came on. I was driving maybe 30 mph. While pulling over to stop, I went over a pot hole which caused the car to jump up a little. During that time my trunk flew open and the things in my trunk fell out onto the street. There were cars behind me which had to swerve to stop from hitting/ running over my things. My husband had to put the items on the floor in my second row and sit in the trunk and hold it closed until we got home. A catastrophe and I'm glad no accidents happened because of this but there could have been one. Apparently there's a problem with the trunks latching system that's very common and should be recalled. This just happened 2 days ago and I haven't had my appointment yet. They're not available until July 2023. I may need to get rope and tie the trunk closed until my appointment. Thank you.

First issue: computer fails to throw codes for issues like low oil or engine overheating because of a cracked radiator that was bone dry when the mechanic looked at it. At the time of the incident with the cracked radiator, mechanic checked fuses and system but could not find any issues. However, they agreed that check engine light should have come on. But it did not. Second issue: oil some how magically disappears out of the engine, and because of this, I'm now stuck, with a worthless car that I'm going to have to abandon about 900 miles from my home because it'll cost too much to replace an engine. Even the mechanic that looked at it said it wasn't worth spending the money on replacing the engine. Think about the level of absurdity because that's a big amount of labor for them and they recommended against spending money on the Sorento. . I'm now car less and fucked because of kia's shitty defects. . I'm sorry for the profanity but I'm lost. . I'm lost.

The contact owns a 2017 kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 22v703000 (trailer hitches) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the rear taillights failed to operate as designed. The failure mileage was 117,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

My kia caught fire when it was parked in my driveway not running.