Service Brakes Problems of Kia Motor Sorento - part 1

Kia Motor Sorento owners have reported 499 problems related to service brakes (under the service brakes category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Kia Motor Sorento based on all problems reported for the Sorento.

1 Service Brakes problem of the 2012 Kia Motor Sorento

Failure Date: 01/26/2026

The contact owns a 2012 kia Sorento. The contact received notifications of NHTSA campaign numbers: 20v750000 (engine) and 23v652000 (service brakes, hydraulic); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact stated that while driving into a parking spot, the vehicle suddenly lost power and stalled. The contact later replaced the battery, but the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that, due to the vehicle not having the sensor changed before the failure, the engine could not be replaced. The dealer informed the contact tha,t due to the mileage, the vehicle would not be covered and would not qualify for the extended warranty coverage for the engine replacement. The failure mileage was approximately 250,000.

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2 Service Brakes problem of the 2024 Kia Motor Sorento

Failure Date: 01/17/2026

1. **component or system failure:** - the malfunction occurred in the **automatic braking system** while the vehicle was in **snow mode**. The brakes engaged and locked the wheels, resulting in a loss of traction. - this system is available for inspection upon request to assess the failure, where the car was towed to. 2. **safety risk:** - the automatic brakes locking the wheels put the driver at risk by causing the vehicle to slide uncontrollably. - the situation was further exacerbated by the fact that the vehicle collided with a tree, indicating a significant safety concern. 3. **reproduction of the problem:** - it is unclear if the issue has been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center, but given the nature of the malfunction, it would be advisable to have it inspected by a professional to verify the problem. 4. **inspection by authorities:** -the vehicle was inspected by police and the towing coming stating the car was a total loss because of the damages . 5. **warnings or symptoms:** - there were no indications of a problem prior to the failure, such as warning lamps or messages. The incident occurred suddenly when the brakes engaged, leading to the vehicle losing traction and ultimately colliding with a tree. - the failure of the airbags to deploy on the passenger side is also a critical point that needs further investigation. ### key takeaways - the automatic braking system malfunctioned in snow mode, leading to a loss of traction and a collision. - safety was jeopardized due to the vehicle's sliding and the failure of the airbags to deploy. - further inspection by qualified professionals is necessary to confirm and address the issues.

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3 Service Brakes problem of the 2013 Kia Motor Sorento

Failure Date: 01/12/2026

The contact owns a 2013 kia Sorento. While the contact's granddaughter was attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that a special device was previously installed in the vehicle because of a legal matter. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who installed the device, and the vehicle was inspected. The contact was informed that the device did not cause the failure. In addition, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The contact was advised to contact the dealer for assistance. The contact had received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v652000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 215,000.

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4 Service Brakes problem of the 2013 Kia Motor Sorento

Failure Date: 01/03/2026

Car stalled several times including as I was turning through an intersection. I took my car to kia ganley if boardman 7870 market street bdmn two, youngstown, ohio 44512. I met w/gerry who I explained the concerns with car stalling reminding him it had been almost 2 years since the jnick sensor issue was detected. So why am I expected to keep driving a dangerous vehicle without the repair needed??!!!! also asked about light assembly replacement delay (per recall) since I'm replacing the turn signal & brake bulbs 5-6 times a year while awaiting a replacement. Assembly.

5 Service Brakes problem of the 2025 Kia Motor Sorento

Failure Date: 12/08/2025

Road debris under normal driving conditions caused a puncture of the inverter radiator resulting in a total loss of coolant in the inverter and battery system. Inspection of the system at a kia dealer confirmed the problem. The first sign of concern was an error displayed on the driver screen stating, "check drive motor cooling system". There is no mention of this error in the owner's manual for the vehicle, though I did find several online discussions surrounding similar issues and warnings. I was driving on the highway at the time, and outside temperature was just under 40 degrees f. The car continued to drive normally for roughly 15 miles while utilizing the gas engine on the highway but eventually began struggling to accelerate or brake when switching to the electrical system after moving to residential streets. There is not a means of turning off the hybrid system. I received further warnings for several various driver assist functions becoming unavailable and the car became difficult to steer. I parked in a parking lot until the car could be towed for evaluation.

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6 Service Brakes problem of the 2013 Kia Motor Sorento

Failure Date: 11/14/2025

The contact owns a 2013 kia Sorento. The contact stated that the abs warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the abs had failed, and the brakes needed to be repaired. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 23v652000 (service brakes, hydraulic); and the recall repair was completed; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was informed of the persistent failure; however, the vehicle had not been taken to the dealer for another diagnostic test or repair. The manufacturer was informed of the failure, and a case was opened. The manufacturer referred the contact to the dealer for additional assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.

7 Service Brakes problem of the 2009 Kia Motor Sorento

Failure Date: 11/01/2025

The contact owns a 2009 kia Sorento. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine, esc, and abs warning lights were illuminated. Upon speaking with other independent mechanics, the contact was informed that the failure was likely linked to moisture that might have entered the abs module. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA campaign number: 20v088000 (electrical system, service brakes, hydraulic); which the contact associated with the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was already serviced under recall prior to owning the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

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8 Service Brakes problem of the 2013 Kia Motor Sorento

Failure Date: 10/30/2025

The contact owns a 2013 kia Sorento. The contact received notifications of NHTSA campaign numbers: 17v224000 (engine and engine cooling) and 23v652000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The contact stated that while his daughter was driving 45 mph, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. In addition, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact's daughter stated that the engine had seized, and the vehicle had stalled. The contact's daughter was unable to coast to the side of the road. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The following day, the vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that since the first recall repair had not been completed, the manufacturer denied the recall repairs. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The contact received a bill from the dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact's daughter stated that before the engine failed, every time the vehicle was started, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. However, after several minutes, the abnormal sound disappeared. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

9 Service Brakes problem of the 2011 Kia Motor Sorento

Failure Date: 10/20/2025

The contact owns a 2011 kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v652000 (service brakes, hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure.

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10 Service Brakes problem of the 2025 Kia Motor Sorento

Failure Date: 09/19/2025

While operating the vehicle and utilizing the cruise control, the electronic stability control (esc) and the antilock braking system (abs) warning lights turn on. These lights will remain on until the vehicle is turned off and a new drive begins. They only activate during the use of cruise control and at times it has caused the brake pedal to become extremely tough to press. This is a concern if maintaining cruise control and an emergency braking situation arises, the brake may not engage it is designed to do and cause a vehicle accident.

11 Service Brakes problem of the 2022 Kia Motor Sorento

Failure Date: 09/05/2025

Everytime I put my car in cruise control for 1-2 minutes after I take the cruise control off the breakers are gone and them come back.

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12 Service Brakes problem of the 2012 Kia Motor Sorento

Failure Date: 09/03/2025

The contact owns a 2012 kia Sorento. The contact stated the vehicle was serviced at the local dealer for the NHTSA campaign number: 23v652000(service brakes, hydraulic) regarding a safety fire hazard. Days later, while the vehicle was idling, smoke was suddenly present coming from under the hood. The contact opened the hood of the vehicle and discovered flames and smoke coming from the fuse box located in the front of the engine bay. The contact, who was a local fire investigator, retrieved a fire extinguisher and extinguished the flames. The fire department was called to the scene, and a fire report was filed. The vehicle was later towed to the home, and the manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the incident. The manufacturer sent an investigator to the home to examine the vehicle. The investigator determined that the fire had originated at the front of the engine compartment, but did not determine the cause of the fire. No injuries were reported. The contact was concerned that the fire was related to the recall service previously performed. The failure mileage was 212,000.

13 Service Brakes problem of the 2011 Kia Motor Sorento

Failure Date: 08/20/2025

There are eight recalls on my car I do not trust dealerships I do not trust mechanics I work on my own car I have very bad experience with mechanics I would rather return my car to the dealership I want to sell my car do the dealership eight different recalls is too much.

14 Service Brakes problem of the 2012 Kia Motor Sorento

Failure Date: 08/11/2025

Parking lights stay on, change brake light switch but the hole that the switch goes in is not aligned with the brake stopper to turn off the stop brakes, therefore it remains on. Battery needs to be unplugged to keep from draining. The mechanism to stop the lights from remaining on is somehow shifted to no longer turn off the brake lights.

15 Service Brakes problem of the 2014 Kia Motor Sorento

Failure Date: 08/06/2025

The contact owns a 2014 kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the contact stated there was condensation coming out of the exhaust pipes. The contact was stopped by another driver and was informed that the condensation coming out of the exhaust smelled like a bakery. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not inspected. The contact was informed that a diagnostic test was needed and was provided with the cost of the diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA campaign number: 17v224000 (engine and engine cooling) and NHTSA campaign number: 21v331000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that a diagnostic test needed to be performed and that there was a cost for the diagnostic test. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

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16 Service Brakes problem of the 2023 Kia Motor Sorento

Failure Date: 07/15/2025

Brakes and rotors needed changed at 23930, not normal.

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17 Service Brakes problem of the 2022 Kia Motor Sorento

Failure Date: 07/11/2025

A coin slid underneath parking brake lever while driving on the freeway. The car came to sudden stop and would not move until I removed coin from under the lever. It could have caused a major accident.

18 Service Brakes problem of the 2023 Kia Motor Sorento

Failure Date: 06/21/2025

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.

19 Service Brakes problem of the 2014 Kia Motor Sorento

Failure Date: 06/19/2025

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.

20 Service Brakes problem of the 2024 Kia Motor Sorento

Failure Date: 06/02/2025

On two separate occasions, my 2024 kia Sorento has activated its automatic emergency braking system, as if anticipating a potential forward collision on an empty florida highway. The dashboard lights illuminate precisely before the forward collision warning and emergency braking lights activate and commence engaging. Since then, I have noticed a loose sensation in the steering wheel and a diminished braking response. Also screen on dash will randomly shut down and will not allow me to check my vehicle systems or to kia connect.

21 Service Brakes problem of the 2017 Kia Motor Sorento

Failure Date: 05/16/2025

While traveling about 30 miles per hour a car in front stopped. When I applied the brakes the abs locked up and caused my car to skid in to car in front. I had plenty of room to stop but as the policy report shows there was kid marks and car did not stop .

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22 Service Brakes problem of the 2015 Kia Motor Sorento

Failure Date: 04/10/2025

The entire car failed as it caught fire. I wasn't able to break or put the car into park and it rolled to a stop while smoke was coming through the vents. Because of this, my passenger and I exited the vehicle and crossed the expressway while a highway patroller was directing traffic away from the car. Within 2 minutes the car was engulfed in flames. The car is not available for inspection as it was towed away and disposed of. The safety of myself and the passenger were at risk because the entire car broke out in flames and soon exploded. If we stayed in the car for any longer than we did, we would have died. Unkown. I do not believe that the vehicle has been inspected. The warning lights all turned on at exactly the same time, about 3-5 seconds before the car completely stopped.

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23 Service Brakes problem of the 2016 Kia Motor Sorento

Failure Date: 03/30/2025

My cars shift lock release keeps getting stuck. I replaced the shift solenoid but that didn't work. I see there was a recall for 2016 kia Sorentos for this issue but my VIN was not included in the recall. Can you direct on where I can go from here please! thank you.

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24 Service Brakes problem of the 2011 Kia Motor Sorento

Failure Date: 03/27/2025

The abs, down hill light, and swaying light came on. As I was pulling into a parking space slowly with my foot on the brakes, the car sped forward knocking over a post and shrubs.

25 Service Brakes problem of the 2014 Kia Motor Sorento

Failure Date: 03/26/2025

The contact owns a 2014 kia Sorento. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, there was a ticking sound coming from the vehicle. Later, on the same day, while pulling into a friend’s driveway, the engine began making a knocking sound. The contact decided to drive to the residence nearby, and the engine started knocking again, eventually causing the engine to fail and the vehicle to lose motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the rods had failed due to excessive rust, causing the rods to knock. The dealer stated that the engine needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not yet fully inspected or diagnosed. The contact informed the dealer that the VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 23v652000 (service brakes, hydraulic) and asked that the recall repair be completed; however, the dealer had not confirmed completion of the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was 147,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

26 Service Brakes problem of the 2014 Kia Motor Sorento

Failure Date: 03/14/2025

All of it. Car randomly shuts off and lose power steering. No. Dealership has inspected. All the lights in the dash light up, screen says battery discharge warning, car shuts off and lose power steering while driving down the road.

27 Service Brakes problem of the 2022 Kia Motor Sorento

Failure Date: 02/17/2025

My vehicle has a breaking issue. When breaking the breaks either hard break or get sticky and grab, release, and grab. This is scary. Sometimes you are slowing down on a 55mph road and suddenly you hard break even though you weren’t slamming down on the breaks! I have almost been rear ended multiple times. The problem has been reproduced by myself, a few friends, and family members. However, the dealership says it is normal. I know it’s not! I’ve had this vehicle for 42000 miles! this has not been checked by the police. This started after the dealership replaced my tires.

28 Service Brakes problem of the 2014 Kia Motor Sorento

Failure Date: 02/12/2025

The contact owns a 2014 kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 30 mph, the vehicle stalled with the check engine and the abs warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted; however, the failure recurred. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 148,000.

29 Service Brakes problem of the 2012 Kia Motor Sorento

Failure Date: 02/10/2025

The downhill break control (dbc) and the traction control system is is engaged and eliminated in the dash. It causes smoke or steam to come from under the hood after it is driven. This is the second time this issue has happened. I spent over $3,000 and six months getting this fixed last time. If there is not a recall on these things it should be recalled and fixed without me having to pay for it again. I believe it should have been covered the first time it happened.

30 Service Brakes problem of the 2012 Kia Motor Sorento

Failure Date: 02/08/2025

The contact owns a 2012 kia Sorento. The contact stated that upon parking the vehicle at his home, an abnormal burning odor began to emit from the vehicle's vents. Upon inspection of the vehicle, the contact discovered that the engine had caught fire and did not engulf beyond the vehicle's firewall. The contact used his home's water hose and sprayed the engine for approximately 25-30 minutes until the fire was fully extinguished. The police and fire departments were not notified of the failure and no injuries were reported. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA campaign number: 23v652000 (service brakes, hydraulics) which was linked to the failure. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

31 Service Brakes problem of the 2022 Kia Motor Sorento

Failure Date: 01/24/2025

Several times over the past 12 months, the car has applied emergency braking when a car approaches me from behind in the lane to my left. The dealer was not able to replicate the problem but I have captured it twice on my dash cam. I was only able to intentionally replicate the problem once on my own but it has happened 15-20 times. If I do not press the accelerator, the car will come to a stop without me pushing the brake. When the emergency brake is applied, the warning sound is heard in the car and the dash lights up with the emergency braking icon and emphasizes the left rear of the vehicle. I have been to the dealer twice for this issue. The first time they told me it was due to a faulty camera mount under recall. It was replaced but the issue continued. The second time they told me they decreased the sensitivity of some sensor. The issue continued.

32 Service Brakes problem of the 2016 Kia Motor Sorento

Failure Date: 01/14/2025

My grandchildren and I were on our way to the dentist, I stopped at a store, put the vehicle in park while waiting on my grandson to come out of the store. Then I proceeded to try to put the gear shift in drive but it was stuck in park. I could not remove the gear shift out of park. I was scared and so was my grandchildren.

33 Service Brakes problem of the 2011 Kia Motor Sorento

Failure Date: 12/31/2024

The contact owned a 2011 kia Sorento. The contact stated that, upon reaching her destination and turning the vehicle off, she smelled smoke in the interior of the vehicle. She then observed flames jutting up from underneath the driver's side seat, prompting her to immediately evacuate. Within minutes, the vehicle was completely engulfed in flames following what the contact described as an explosion. Local emergency services arrived and were able to extinguish the flames, later determining that the fire was caused by faulty vehicle components without human intervention. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed a total loss by the contact's insurance provider. A fire report was filed. A police report was not filed, but injuries were reported. The contact suffered various minor burns to her hands but did not seek medical attention, choosing instead to attend to her injuries herself at home. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 23v652000 (service brakes, hydraulic); the VIN was included, and parts were available. However, the contact stated that previous attempts to schedule the vehicle for repair had failed due to parts availability and a months-long waiting list. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and a third-party engineer was sent to examine the vehicle, but a final report had yet to be provided to the contact. The failure mileage was 223,000.

34 Service Brakes problem of the 2023 Kia Motor Sorento

Failure Date: 12/05/2024

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.

35 Service Brakes problem of the 2024 Kia Motor Sorento

Failure Date: 12/02/2024

No less than 6 times in approximately 8000 miles the vehicle has lost all electrical power while driving and then regained power. All interior electric components are lost, power steering, headlights, everything. Twice it has completely stalled out when this has happened. I cannot recreate the issue on-demand. On occasion, the vehicle will not hold a hill. It will drift backwards when taking your foot off the brake. Again, this is not reproducible and is completely random.



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Fuel Economy of Sorento Vehicles
Sorento Defect Investigations