Power Train Problems of Kia Motor Sorento - part 1

The contact owns a 2012 kia Sorento. While the contact's son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the traction control and abs warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle stalled and went into limp mode. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact used a portable diagnostic machine and retrieved dtc: c1613,c1205, c1206, c1207, c1208, c1210 and c1211. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 204,000.

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2022 kia Sorento under 86,000 miles is jerks intermittently but no codes are being shown. Currently at the dealership and tech suspects transmission, which has been reported by numerous consumers of this issue but the recall was only applied to certain kia Sorentos and it should be broader.

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2022 kia Sorento lx started off with rpm acceleration randomly. It progress and started happening multiple times during a ride. Took it to jake sweeney kia dealership, they were not able to pick up on any codes. They said they tried a flight recording and couldn’t record data, but not even 15 minutes off the lot the symptoms proceeded. Now the vehicle is trying to shift gears while in drive. I’ve provided videos and the dealership responded back and said, “after speaking with my manager about this situation I can't really do too much until it becomes a constant issue. I know that isn't what you want to hear but at this time without a check engine light or it happening all the time there isn't much I can accomplish for you. ” not only is this a safety hazard for myself and my child this is negligence on kia and jake sweeney kia florence.

The contact owns a 2019 kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving 65 mph and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The contact pulled over to the right side of the road and waited for several minutes before the vehicle started working as intended. The check engine warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced, and that the transmission fluid was burnt. The contact had experienced the failure on several occasions. The transmission was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified on the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 71,682.

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My car started to act crazy not wanting to move when in traffic.

Transmission caught between gears at speeds below 25mph. Engine revs without acceleration: drivers report pressing the accelerator, and the engine's rpms increase, but the vehicle does not speed up as expected. Driver returned the vehicle to dealership and reported the incident. Dealership reported, malfunction could not be replicated. No indicator or warning lights present. The same incident occurred the following day for second time. Both incidents occurred around [xxx]. On [xxx] at low operating speeds. Sudden loss of power places you and those around you in harm's way when traveling at/below posted speed limits. Other drivers around you don't know that your car is unable to move. This is a safety hazard. Clearly the transmission is failing in malfunctioning. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Dad, driving back with daughter, noticed a brief and unusual delay between shifts, but was able to make it home fine. A few minutes later, mom left for picking up son after school. On the way there, she noticed sluggish acceleration, louder engine sounds/effort on acceleration and mild slopes, and there was a lag in acceleration response. After powering off the vehicle and sit in idle to recharge battery, restarted trip home and was unable to get acceleration response up the hills, doing only 20 mph. Engine was struggling and not getting any acceleration response. No check engine lights were generated as usual. Dad called service manager at kia temecula and he said to call kia roadside assistance to come tow the car to them. He also said that likely we'll be out of pocket to do any car rentals until they have a car to loan to us.

Kia Sorento has a well documented engine failure. The issue starts with the vehicle consuming engine oil. Subsequently the connecting rod bearings fail resulting in severe engine failure. This happens even with regular oil change maintenance. I experienced that with this vehicle. Kia was contacted but said this vehicle's VIN did not fall under the list of affected vehicles in their class action lawsuit.

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Nhtsa complaint – kia Sorento vehicle: 2025 kia Sorento component/system: engine, fuel/propulsion system, power train date of incident: [xxx] location: [xxx] , southbound description of the problem: while driving my 2025 kia Sorento southbound on [xxx] , the accelerator did not respond properly both on a flat road and while going uphill. The engine failed to provide adequate power, creating a serious safety risk on the highway. The vehicle is currently at the dealer for inspection, which will take place on Monday. However, I am extremely frustrated that I have not been provided a loaner or rental vehicle, even though I need transportation immediately. Additionally, as a u. S. Citizen, I feel I am being treated unfairly and receiving discriminatory service compared to others in similar situations. No warning lights or messages appeared before the incident. The dealer has not confirmed or fixed the issue yet. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. I am reporting this issue to document the safety risk, service denial, and potential discrimination, and to seek proper investigation. Inspection availability: unknown – vehicle can be inspected upon request. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

On [xxx], while driving home at highway speeds, I attempted to accelerate and the vehicle bucked and sputtered violently. The check engine light came on, and my obd scanner showed multiple misfires in cylinder 1. I have also experienced suspected transmission slipping from a full stop and during highway driving—rpms will spike (up to ~5,500) with little or no increase in speed, sometimes after releasing the accelerator. These issues have occurred multiple times prior to [xxx]. On [xxx], while traveling 80–85 mph, I released the accelerator and the rpms again spiked to ~5,500 while the vehicle rapidly lost speed and barely moved. Starting mileage at first occurrence is unknown, but kia should have this documented from a prior service visit. The condition is ongoing and worsening, creating a serious safety risk by causing loss of acceleration and unpredictable power surges while in traffic. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact owns a 2021 kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving 25 mph, there was an abnormal clunk coming from the transmission while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, turned off, and restarted the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The transmission was replaced; however, the failure reoccurred and became worse. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 22v760000 (power train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 66,658.

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The engine light came on and then two hours later the entire system started flashing and the engine started stalling. The car would not accelerate and had to be taken to kia. This is the second time this has occurred. The first time, the engine froze and I could not accelerate on the highway. I barely got to the side and had to get towed to kia. Please, please investigate this vehicle and the power train.

While driving my 2022 kia Sorento on the interstate a sudden check engine light illuminated and the car totally stalled out with a severe decrease in power causing me to almost be rear ended by interstate traffic before I could get off the road safely. After taking the vehicle to the dealership for diagnostics I was informed there was a p1c2d03 trouble code which is associated with the 8 speed dual clutch transmission indicating an internal fault in the electric oil pump of the tcu. Upon further investigation we find out this code was associated with a safety recall that went out for this particular kia model and transmission. The original owner took this car in to have the recall repaired back in 2023 without the fault code showing or any issue presenting from the vehicle. They were simply taking it in to clear the recall they were sent. While it was at the dealership they flashed the system like they were supposed to do according to the campaign instruction and sent them on their way. Fast forward to now and I am getting this same fault that the recall was sent out for but I have the code which according to the campaign instructions kia was supposed to replace the transmission due to a mfg defect. Kia is refusing to replace the transmission now saying the recall can not be reopened and since I am the second owner and my warranty is expired I will have to pay over $5,000 for a replacement.

Power train incident - • transmission holding gears, jerking between shifts, gear shifted into s mode on its own and stuck there, unresponsive acceleration, locked up steering/inability to turn the steering wheel and total loss of drive power. • happened while merging onto a highway in one of two split lanes for highway access. A merging semi truck in the other merging lane almost ran into me because I could not give it gas. Me and a local police officer who saw me broke down and stopped to provide additional cover, were nearly hit several (6) times from other vehicles and semi trucks due to malfunctions happening. • diagnosed by kia dealership and was told there was a major electrical failure which caused the electrical oil pump to fail and need a new transmission. Although my VIN doesn’t list recalls, similar issue to the recall on my same year/make/model under NHTSA campaign number 21v519. • warning lamps/messages shown in photos attached. __________________________________ forward collision warning incident - • front forward safety system light appeared on dash, then moments later a warning appeared and the vehicle braked on its own detecting a vehicle in front of me when there was not another vehicle in front of me within vision!! • happened while driving in a 55mph zone, a vehicle was driving behind me when this occurred and that vehicle almost slammed into the back end of mine causing a crash. • problem not yet inspected on vehicle due to blown transmission from above incident and inability to start/move the vehicle.

The contact owns a 2016 kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 15 mph, she attempted to park the vehicle in her driveway. As the contact tapped on the brake pedal, the vehicle independently accelerated as the contact slammed on the brake pedal and steered the vehicle out of the way of her home. The contact ran over a gutter and a bird feeder before applying the emergency brake, which stopped the vehicle. The contact was uncertain if any warning lights had appeared on the instrument panel prior to the failure. The contact was not injured, the air bags did not deploy, and a police report was not filed. The next day, the contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer. The contact was informed that rust was discovered on the vehicle's brake rotors; however, they had yet to determine the cause of the failure. The contact stated that the engine had been replaced almost a month prior to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.

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On [xxx], the check engine light came on solid. My car is just 2 years old, only has 22k miles, and is currently under warranty, as it is a leased vehicle. According to auto zone, it was a "speed sensor". On 7/25/25, I was able to get an appointment with garvey kia of queensbury, NY and the fault code is the "input turbine shaft speed sensor b circuit range for performance". The service technician told me that it is not able to be accessed, as it is internal, and it is not serviceable. My safety and the safety of others were at risk because the car would go "limp" when accelerating, there was harsh and delayed shifting, erratic rpm readings, and no power when accelerating. This inability to accelerate causes problems in traffic and when trying to get through intersections or out of side streets when acceleration is imperative. Yes, the car has been inspected by the kia dealership. This same exact thing happened on [xxx], in which destination kia of albany had by car for over 4 weeks to replace the transmission. At that time, the car had under 10k miles and was not even a year old. At that time, they put a refurbished transmission into the car. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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Car suffered catastrophic internal engine failure due to rod bearings. Began having problems with engine stuttering then knocking July 2025. Car was taken to local mechanic stated that the engine failed. Followed up with local kia dealer and they verified that the engine had indeed failed. Car is in my possession and available for inspection. My safety and the safety of other drivers was compromised in that all engine systems failed rendering me incapable of driving vehicle and needing to push the car manually. Dealer has reproduced and confirmed the engine failure. Car inspected by dealership only. No warning lights came on. The only lights that have ever come on in my vehicle are the low tire pressure sensor and the scheduled maintenance light. Neither of these sensors came on during these events.

On June 5, 2025, I was driving my 2025 kia Sorento. I proceeded to get onto the highway from an on ramp. At that moment, the engine stalled. The car would not accelerate. I could not go faster than 20-25 mph. This was a huge safety risk to me, to my passengers, and to others on the highway. Eventually I exited the highway and drove home very slowly, since the car would not accelerate beyond 20-25 mph. I was pressing the gas pedal as far down as it would go. I even tried turning off the car and restarting it. The check engine light was on. The car was towed to a kia dealer. The kia mechanics noted that the fault log in the car's computer system noted that the stalling/failure to accelerate event did occur, but that they were unable to reproduce it, even after several attempts driving it around in various conditions. The kia mechanics told me there was nothing they could do or fix, since they were unable to reproduce the stalling event. Then just yesterday, on July 6, 2025, the Sorento stalled again while it was being driven on the highway. I am having it towed tomorrow to the same kia dealership to have the same mechanics look at it again. At this point, this is an extreme safety issue for anyone driving the car, in the car while it is being driven, or on the highway when the car is on the highway. Imagine if the car stalls again and another car behind us traveling at a high speed slams into us. We could potentially suffer mortal or grave physical injury.

See attached document for complaint.

Vehicle hesitation, transmission slippage at low speeds for up shifting and hard shifting. Pulled out of a parking lot onto a main road from stop and my vehicle would not upshift and sounded like I was in neutral and would not accelerate. I had a vehicle behind me that almost rear ended me, I pulled over and had to put the vehicle in park. Once restarted, it would shift again.

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When accelerating, like when turning from a driveway onto a main road, or from a stop on an incline, there is a significant delay in acceleration, as if the transmission is not moving to a higher gear, or like a turbo lag. This vehicle does not have a turbo but the effect seems similar. This could potentially cause an accident when the driver expects the car to behave as it normally would on a flat straight surface.

Purchased this vehicle in June 17 2025 from a used car dealer, as I was driving from time to time, I noticed that the vehecle would hesatate, and at times would stall, I had the spark plugs and coild replaced along with a new high pressure fuel pump, it still hesatates when pulling out into traffic, from a stop, this places the vehicle in a very dangerous position in that it can be broadsided, or another form of collision with on comming traffic, I looked on line on various sites and there are quite a number of kias with this issue, some contacted the mfg and were told that it is withing the 8 speed transmission, something about the servers inside it, this appears to be an issue with several year models, and the mfg does not repair or replace the defective part, so I am quite sure they are awar of it, I am not aware of any loss of life for this priblem, I have also seen that by placing the selective system out of eco, economy or comfort mode into ( sport ) mode that it does not do it as often, but at time does, this mode also has a determental effect on millage. I am sure that many kis Sorento owners have the same issue and shoudl be fixed under a nationwide recall, ASAP before anyone is hurt or killed like stalling out when pulling out into highway traffic.

I have had nothing but issues with my kia since I purchased it may 30th, 2023. It's continually stalling, completely looses power, sometimes won't operate at all. My kia is very unsafe and completely unreliable. I had to have it towed to the dealership before my first payment was even due. My kia has has to be taken to the dealership a total of 5 times and still nothing has been resolved, other than oil change, diagnostic testing, spark plugs replacement, "fuel system service", hecu fuse installed. As of today's date (June 19th, 2025) I still owe close to $12,000 on it. This is utterly ridiculous and needs to be resolved ASAP. It has been continual issues from may 30th, 2023 through current date (June 19th, 2025). In 15 months I have only been able to drive it 4,876 miles. That's how unreliable it is. I need help getting these issues resolved ASAP.

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Put vehicle in park while waiting at a gas station. It won't come out of park. Managed to get it to the pump, and used a screwdriver to bypass the shift lock control, and was able to drive home. With the bypass enabled, it puts my family at risk while driving. The car can shift without the brake being applied. I looked this problem up and it is extremely common with kia Sorento (the bcm fails, and it's not an affordable fix).

While traveling to va from TX, [xxx] and on [xxx] the vehicle hesitated to accelerate multiple times. Some were from a complete stop, and other times it occurred when accelerating to merge on the highway. On [xxx], I pulled out of a driveway onto a very busy road and upon increasing pressure on the gas, the vehicle shook (similar to the behavior of a manual when letting up off the clutch and not applying even pressure to the gas. Due to the vehicle's hesitation, I as almost hit by a large truck traveling on my exact path. This was the sole instance that warranted a call to kia corporate, as I feel the issue is a significant safety concern. I placed the vehicle in service 11-12 Jun and the attached receipt highlights that the dealer was unable to replicate the issue. As of 16 Jun, the vehicle is still exhibiting the same issue intermittently, along with the break pedal popping when ascending or descending on a hill/ramp. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Thermal module went out, causing car to not accelerate when pressing on the gas pedal. Mileage at 76,000.

Gdi engine carbon buildup causing very high gas consumption and damage . Should carbon buildup break free it will cause engine falure resulting in engine seizure while at speed. Loss if property and life imment. Only soulition is disassembly to remove buildup. Another failure is corrosion on shift cable causing gear falure.

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Transmission loses power. Does not go foward after being in park. Have to turn off car and start it again making weird noise never heard before when it starts and when you turn it off. Has happened several times while driving.

Have had an issue of losing power while on an interstate traveling back from work twice now. After the second time I reported to my local dealership. While driving home, my vehicle lost power and was extremely slow and unresponsive. Check engine light came on but when checked under the diagnostics of the entertainment system, showed no issues present. Light turn off but still was having issues with responsiveness. When arriving home connected my personal odb scanner tool to the vehicle and showed 1 code p0301cylinder 1 misfire. Had take. Pics of the code and of my obd tool and cleared the code. Car started functioning correctly again. But still took to dealership for analysis. Dealership could not find any issues or codes, probably cause I cleared the code which allowed the vehicle to run normally again.

Transmission problems match those outlined in sc250. The dealership says our car wasn't included but our manufacturing date/model are a match. I've reported a problem with the dealership previously but they dismissed it.

I am writing to file a formal complaint regarding recall 22v-760 (sc250) affecting my 2021 kia Sorento. This recall was marked “complete” by kia, even though no actual repair or remedy was performed on my vehicle. I am now facing a complete transmission failure and have been quoted $7,100 to repair a defect kia already acknowledged and promised to fix. The reality is, the defect was always present, it just hadn’t reached full failure yet. The recall being closed does not mean the issue was resolved, and this approach leaves thousands of kia owners like myself unprotected. In may 2023, I brought my vehicle to daphne kia in alabama for a radiator leak. During that visit, they noted the transmission recall was open but stated that no defect was found. As a result, they marked the recall as “complete” without conducting any meaningful repair or replacement. No transmission work was done, despite known problems reported nationwide. In may 2025, my Sorento began showing the exact symptoms described in the recall: surging rpms, transmission hesitation, jerking, and drifting in and out of gear. At times, the vehicle would slow dramatically or jolt in the middle of traffic and lose drive! extremely dangerous situation for me in traffic with complete loss of acceleration. I had to take time off to bring the vehicle to step one automotive kia in fort walton beach, florida, on June 30, 2025 the soonest my schedule allowed. At that appt, I was told the transmission had failed and would cost over $7,000 to replace. I also am paying for a rental vehicle while my car is still with kia for resolution as of now. Recall coverage did nothing to protect me when the defect eventually surfaced. Kia has publicly stated that:“if your vehicle is affected by a recall, kia will repair the vehicle free. ” they have a legal obligation under the national traffic and motor vehicle safety act to correct safety related defects. They are not meeting that. Kia consumer relations contacted as well.

Vehicle lost power and transmission failed. Vehicle only has 36,000 miles. Dealer is denying recall from manufacturer.

The contact owns a 2025 kia Sorento. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 50 mph, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, the contact's husband coasted the vehicle off to the shoulder of the highway. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure persisted. The contact called the dealer and made an appointment to have the vehicle serviced. The contact drove the vehicle without failure. The dealer performed a diagnostic test, but no fault was found with vehicle. The contact was instructed to pick up the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the dealer. The failure mileage was 213.

This has to do with your investigation into the oil pan caps cracking. I had my vehicle serviced 6 months ago and kia of york PA required me to pay for replacement. Over $150 to correct this issue that seems to be a defect.

I started the car and it started having a hard time shifting around 13 and 30 miles an hour. And had a lack of power. No lights were on. Took it home and shut it off. The next day started the car and it told me to put it in park and the check engine light came on. I had no acceleration when in drive. Checked for powertrain recalls for my 2021 kia Sorento sx awd and 0 recalls came up for my VIN #. It’s definitely a transmission powertrain issue.