Adaptive Cruise Control problems of the 2023 Kia Motor Sorento

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).

All safety features disabled, srs light turns on, vehicle shuts off when driving, guage cluster is inop doesn’t show speed.

6/22/24-initial start of dashboard light "miscommunication"-codes could not be duplicated at evans kia dealership 7/11/24-miscommunication occurs again-codes pulled for diagnostics 7/22/24-car brought in for scheduled appointment to dealership to "fix" communication errors: I was told "there was an issue with the system not updating but I should be good to go now" 2/17/25-communication errors reappear on dash-car taken back to dealership; tech line case opened; dashboard cluster replaced; car given back to customer 3/20/25-lemon law case filed: determined past mileage window-given $3000 settlement for my trouble 6/23/25-miscommunication reappears on dash: car taken back to dealership; tech line case opened; replaced steering column assembly-car given back to customer customer files complaint with kia customer affairs 6/30/25-miscommunication reappears on dash: car taken back to dealership; numerous codes read from diagnostic-tech line case opened-front windshield camera is ready "overheating"-tech line advises for the the camera to be replaced; car not given back to customer and tech authorized to test drive 7/07/25-customer informed miscommunication reappeared on dash; tech line contacted and additional repairs pending their advice 7/15/25-field tech scheduled to come to evans kia dealership 7/24/25 "the safety of both myself and my children has been repeatedly compromised. No representative within kia's organization has been able to provide assurance that, when all dashboard warning lights illuminate, the vehicle will not experience a complete malfunction. As a result, I no longer feel safe operating the vehicle. In July 2025, I formally requested that kia corporate initiate a buyback of the vehicle, rather than returning it to me following another attempted repair. ".

I have only had the kia Sorento for a few months and bought it brand new. While driving normally, one of the collision warning indicators came on while switching lanes and then nearly every alarm in the car cycled continuously. These audible and visual alarms were highly distracting to drive with and it is surprising the software allows this to happen and that there’s no sensor override or silencer button. Even when the car is turned off and back on again the alarms continue. I took the car into the dealer and it sat there for two weeks waiting for kias central maintenance group to give them some guidance on what to do. They suspected a short somewhere and checked the main controller wires and one of the pins was a bit loose. After adjusting the pin they drove the car a few times and returned the car to me after it had been there for 3 weeks total. Within two days of driving it the same alarms came back. I will be taking back to the dealer again, hopefully this problem is only on my vehicle, but these Smart cars should really have a way for drivers to easily disable all the sensor based features in case this happens so at least the car can still be driven to get maintenance without increased risk of an accident. If I had been on a long road trip or in a rural area it could’ve been hours on the road driving with alarms blaring constantly and highly distracting.