Transfer Case Problems of Kia Motor Sorento

We were driving on a road at about 35 miles an hour when there was a loud bang from the rear end almost sounded as if a tire head blown upon bringing it back and doing tests and checks we found at the rear transfer case or differential was to blame. Upon further research on the internet we found that there has been many complaints about the rear differential or transfer case occurring on many of the same vehicles.

See all problems of the 2011 Kia Motor Sorento 🔎.

While passing, sudden loss of all power. The check engine light came on. From that point on, very low power. When I got home, there was a fairly loud engine knock and oil coming from tail pipe. Took car to independent shop who diagnosed the issue as rod knock. Had the car towed to kia dealer who then said it needed a new engine. Only 82,000 miles on vehicle. Kia covered the parts and labor to replace. When the shop dropped the engine, they noticed the drive splines on both the awd transfer case and transmission were both rusted and all teeth sheared off on the fwd side of the spines. Rwd still intact. Kia would not cover neither would the extended warranty company because of the rust. That is a sealed unit with multiple rubber gaskets. How could it possibly have rusted? this is a major design flaw as there should been adequate heavy lubricant as well as sealing to prevent these parts from rusting. New transmission required $1800, and new transfer case would have been another $2500. Chose slightly used unit for $1000. It took almost 8 weeks to resolve. Now car is leaking oil on to exhaust. Back to dealer it goes. . .

See all problems of the 2016 Kia Motor Sorento 🔎.

We purchased our sorrento used (approx 65k miles)about 3 years ago. Since then, we've had to replace the gas tank ($1500) among other things. This year has been absurd: had to replace the radiator, water pump, computer system (2 months, $4700), brakes ($750) and 2 batteries. 2-3 months ago, we noticed a clunking/chunking sound that grew steadily worse. It sounded as if the 4wd was engaging and disengaging every 3 seconds and felt very unsafe at high speeds. I took it to kia of cobb county and was just given a quote Friday for a new transfer case, drive shaft, "rear end chunk" (all the service rep could tell me) and 4 new tires. Quote for this work ($9767). The transfer case alone was around $5700. This vehicle now has 112k miles and is less than 10 years old. The blue book value is (was) around $5-6000 and we're told it'll take $10,000 to fix it? I called kia's corporate office to ask if this was to be expected at kia. I was told that our vehicle was not under warranty. I said, " I'm just asking if there's anyone at kia headquarters who believes in their product and wants to protect the kia name and you just keep apologizing. " the rep responded, "I'm sorry, sir. " we've found multiple complaints online from kia owners reporting similar issues (chunking, transfer case, etc). When does this become. A recall issue? a safety issue?.

See all problems of the 2004 Kia Motor Sorento 🔎.

After 10 days and 500 miles of use this new vehicle was exhibiting signs of transmission problems. We noticed loss of power, shaking on takeoff and significant noise coming from the power train while driving; this affected the drivability and safety of the vehicle. We took it in to the dealership and they informed me of the fact they had to replace the transmission and transfer case because it was faulty. For some reason they did not put a new one in the car but rather a re-manufactured one. (a real mystery if you ask me) they said it was industry standard. But it sounds to me like they are hiding something. I hope someone looks into this because while we are glad nothing serious happened. It was scary for us since we have 4 children at all times in the car.

See all problems of the 2013 Kia Motor Sorento 🔎.

The contact owns a 2013 kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving 35 mph, the vehicle began to stall without warning. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer for diagnosis where it was advised that the transmission and transfer case needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 480.

Reversed car from my driveway. Felt as if I had crashed into something (heard loud grinding sound). Put the car into drive and came to stop. Upon pressing the brakes, felt as if the abs had engaged and gripped all four wheels. Heard loud grinding sound and car jolted (as brakes were pressed). I had my five year old and three old sons with me; they screamed from the jolt. I slowly released the breaks and applied the breaks again, and same thing occurred only with less force. Turned off the car and called for towing. Also, a howling whining noise is heard inside the car. The dealership had it for two weeks, and under the guidance of the field engineer they replaced the transfer case. The howling/whining noise continues. The dealership really tried to resolve the issue. The manager herself test drove the car and also heard the whining/howling sound. I did contact the manufacturer, but frankly felt disappointed. I had asked if anyone has called in with similar complaints and was not given an answer. I feel unsafe and very anxious about driving the car. They dealership stated the breaks were fine, and that no error code was detected. I was not given a definitive answer as to what caused the breaks to behave this way or what is the howling noise that is occurring. This is the third major issue we had with this car. I have an awd vehicle and the current recall only covers the 2wd issue (that also has this howling sound). I have read numerous other complaints in which other 2011 awd Sorentos are having similar issues. Please investigate; someone could be seriously hurt or worse.

I purchased my car on may 8, 2012. Approximately 2 months later, I began having trouble with a loud thumping noise in the front end when accelerating. This thumping was most noticeable at lower speeds. I took the car back to the dealer on Saturday, July 21, 2012. I called on Tuesday, July 24, 2012 and was told that they are still testing my vehicle to determine what was wrong. I finally heard from the dealer on Thursday, July 26, 2012, and was told that my new car required a new transmission, that it was on order and my car would be ready by Wednesday, August 1, 2012. My vehicle was ready for pick up on Saturday, August 4, 2012. The car was running fine. I had a regular maintenance check at 5,477 miles, oil and filter change, etc. , on Saturday, September 29, 2012. On Monday, March 4 2013, I again began to hear the thumping noise, not loud, but it became louder as the week progressed. I took my car back to the dealer on Saturday, March 9, 2013, informed my service advisor that the thumping noise was back, and that the lumbar was not working on the driver¿s seat. I was informed that I had to leave my car, so that the technician can look at it on the following Monday. I received a call on Tuesday, March 12, 2013 and was told that my car would need a transfer case, which had to be ordered and that my car would be ready in one week. I received a from the dealer on Wednesday, March 20, 2013 informing me that my car was ready to be picked up, and that they could find nothing wrong with the lumbar support, as the technician tested it and could find nothing wrong, and that the routine maintenance due at the time was also performed however, there is still an issue with the lumbar in the driver's seat, the motor works, but the lumbar bar does not expand or contract for support.

My sister purchased this vehicle new and has had nothing but problems with it and problems with dealership/kia honoring their 10 year/100,000 mile warranty. She purchased this vehicle believing she would be driving a quality vehicle (advertising 10 year/100,000 mile warranty she assumed it must be of high quality because who would offer that kind of warranty if it was junk. . . . Wrong!) she has had nothing but stress, financial expense, lost work time, and a battle of her life trying to seek consumer justice. . . Dealership, Kia Motors, lemon law requires a part to fail four times, attorney generals office, conciliation court, writing to ruukivina, oberstar, and most recently amy klobuchar. . . All failed. No one has said that they will investigate kia and protect the consumers from this fraudulent automobile manufacturer. Why? the problems she has had with her vehicle consist of rust on the tailgate and rear doors just a few months after purchasing, all kinds of electrical problems from headlights and tail lights burning out numerous times, the digital dash for radio and heater going black, the heater not work, a relay switch for fan failed, foam between windshield and frame coming out tapping on the window, a problem with the coolant reservoir, the rear driveshaft failed, the transmission had to be replaced and most recently the transfer case. Safety issues and concerns would be with tail lights and headlights burning out prematurely and frequently and the crankshaft bolt broke causing to loose all ability to steer the vehicle. There are probably other problems she has had with the vehicle but I do not recall at this time.

The vehicle has a hesitation on acceleration. It vibrates while on the expressway. The check engine light comes on intermittently while traveling at high speeds. Most recently, the transfer case seized up and the front wheels locked up while I was turning and I almost crashed. It is now in the shop getting the transfer case replaced and I'm told there are even more problems with the transmission. Please advise me on what to do so the company can possibly buy this vehicle back from me.

I am complaining to let you know of a defect in my 2004 kia sorrento v. I. N. [xxx] and a potential highway disaster if the wheels locked up on this vehicle while I'm driving on the highway it will probably cause a major pile-up and lead to a lot of deaths if they don't fix this when I put the vehicle in four wheel drive it is like trying to drive with the emergency brake on I brought it in for service they said that is the way it's supposed to be and I'm not supposed to use the four wheel drive anyway unless it's absolutely needed this was the service manager at kia of lynnfield mass. Phone #781-596-0800 on the 25th of June 2004 I am bringing it in again on July 22nd 2004 but expect the same thing I further went on to question him about using the four wheel drive and he told me I'm not supposed to use it to in rain or snow or for any other reason unless I'm stuck and need it to get out of whatever the problem is so if this vehicle turns up in a disaster you know what happened and where to start your investigation I'm also going to follow up with the mass. Lemon law thank you for listening. Updated 07/25/2012 information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).