Warnings problems of the 2023 Kia Motor Sorento

Check engine light on. Rear defrost doesn't work. Auto stop/start not working. Cruise control not working. Vehicle shuts off sometimes at stand still and have to put in neutral or park and push start button. Engine looses power while driving. Check rear cross traffic, check tire pressure monitoring system, check lane departure warning system, check speed limit system, check lane keeping assist, check forward safety system lights are cycling on the front screen and warning ?? signs pinging. Vehicle has been inspected 3 times at a local kia dealership. 1st in 4/2025, 2nd 6/2025 3rd time 10/2025. Module was replaced and 2 days later same issue so vehicle will be going back a 4th time. No warnings before issues started. Sometimes it does it for hours and sometimes it's back to normal.

When attempting to start the car, the engine will not start and every alert system and dashboard light turns on. The car is undriveable when it does this. It takes 5-10 minutes of turning the car on and off before it stops and is drivable again. It does not happen every time and seems to be random. This has happened 5 times. An additional 6th time this same issue happened while I was driving - all of the dashboard lights went on, and every alert / warning turned on (forward collision, lane warning, etc). The steering wheel also became stiff and extremely difficult to turn. I have been attempting to work with 2 different kia service departments and their corporate escalations department without luck. They are unable to replicate the issue and are planning to give the car back to us. After seeing so many similar or same issues reported on various forums I am filing a NHTSA claim. (one forum example here: [xxx] ) information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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. ".

Vehicle gear slipping acceleration loss with difficulty in proper control of the vehicle. Vehicle has a consistent noise that comes from the accelerator as if something was loose and vibrating. The wheels don’t seem to be moving at the same time and feels like the cars slightly moves side to side as if something in the structure of the vehicle has como off loose with sounds/ rattle coming from the passenger side and back. The vehicle has have wheels aligned and checked more than 6 times with continuous problems and no real solution from the dealers. The dealer has stated everything is fine and to go back if a light sensor turns on. They have said every excuse possible, from telling me that I don’t know to drive the vehicle to having the cops called on me to be removed from the premises . To the dealership telling me they will not check the vehicle. I have gone to 5 different dealership and they refuse to acknowledge my concern with the vehicle. I went ahead and place the vehicle on a lemon law and settled with kia stating they would validate the warranty. The problem is the dealership have told me that they have to do lots of paperwork and they have to replicate the problem, but have me drive the vehicle instead of them . They stated they only drive the vehicle for about five minutes. The service advisor at time have requested authorization from me inorder for them to drive the car. When asked for a mechanic to do the testing, ive been told they are may no be available and are working on other vehicles. I have stated the vehicle starts presenting the problem after it has been driven for a while. Again the dealership dismisses all of my claims. The vehicle doesn’t feel safe to drive and I fear a collision may happen putting my life and others at risk.

My blind spot and forward collision warnings kept going off with any vehicles in front me or in my blind spot. I was on the road by myself and they constantly would go off over and over and nothing covering the sensors.

Dear NHTSA, I am writing to report a serious safety issue with my 2023 kia Sorento, purchased in February 2023 from ken garff kia avondale. In July 2023, I began experiencing alarming issues, including flashing lights, dashboard error messages, and malfunctions, despite the vehicle being unused for several days with no visible damage. The air conditioning system malfunctioned, blowing hot air even when turned off. Upon inspection at the dealership, I was told the front sensor was damaged, with a repair estimate of $1700. However, no visible damage was evident, and I believe this issue should be warranty-covered due to its electronic nature. The dealership noted that 35 others faced similar problems, raising concerns of a manufacturing issue. Despite persistent efforts and a replacement part installed nearly two weeks later, the problem persists. I've incurred nearly $500 in rental car expenses, as the situation remains unresolved, even with involvement from kia corporate engineers. My aim in reporting this issue is to ensure consumer safety and seek a prompt resolution, as I continue to make $1k monthly payments for an unused Sorento. I respectfully request your assistance and prompt investigation into this matter. Sincerely, damion bunz.