Warnings Problems of Kia Motor Sorento

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.

See all problems of the 2021 Kia Motor Sorento 🔎.

My electrical system failed. While on park I was unable to shut of the vehicle using the engine start stop button. After waiting for the vehicle to automatically turn off. The vehicle started trying to restart itself. The negative battery post had to be removed for the vehicle to stop. The entire safety system failed and all warning lights are still displayed on the dash. The backup camera and radio display went completely blank and was unavailable.

I get an error message on all the forward collision and lane departure system. A mechanic has looked at this and they cannot determine the issue. They say maybe the front cameras are acting up but the car has never been in a accident that would impact the cameras. In addition the drivers mirror will not reset from the reverse setting to drive mode. When driving it needs to be manually adjusted each time in order to see.

See all problems of the 2019 Kia Motor Sorento 🔎.

Upon starting my vehicle after going to the grocery store, the abs, esc, check forward collision-avoidance assist system, and auto hold warning lights illuminated. The cruise control was then inadvertently deactivated. When vehicle is started the check forward collision error comes on. After a few months when entering the freeway and accelerating I received an error regarding unknown engine issue. Took vehicle to kia dealership and was who diagnosed that the hydraulic electronic control unit (hecu) needed to be replaced. Manufacturer being notified, vehicle not repaired at dealer due to cost.

The forward collision system warning system the warning that it's not working stays on for a couple of days then goes off but then it comes back on. My other problem is the pearl white paint is peeling off the hood and roof of my Sorento. Kia said not their problem because it has 80,000 miles. I have read thousands of complaints about this problem. There seems to be a problem with the paint they are using.

Master warning, forward collision avoidance assist, lane keeping assist, and high beam assist warning lights on. Message boards mention similar problems and there have been front and rear camera recalls for telluride and other models of kia, but not for Sorento. Similar problem occurred a few months ago when car died while going at highway speeds. This resolved after cleaning radar cover, cameras and sensors, but are not resolving current problem. Lane assist and departure are not working. We have not taken it to dealer yet. Our 2019 Sorento has not been included in recalls for this specific problem.

Driver attn warning randomly goes off frequently for no reason, this malfunction involves the front camera causing this frequent warning for no reason. This faulty issue gives the driver the sense that it should be ignored as it goes off for no reason, this makes this safety system null and void. It is equivalent to the blind spot warning going off so that the driver ignores it over time leading to them pulling in front of a car in there blind spot. The dealer and manufacturer know about this issue but refuse to do anything to fix it, the dealer says it's in the software of the car and they can't change it and kia refers me back to the dealer, it's a frustrating run around for the customer. No it has not been inspected by insurance or police. The driver attention warning feature with a coffee cup began flashing a warning as soon as we pulled it off the lot.

Vehicle has lka fca and hba error lights on. Dealer inspection found active dtc c180508 lkas can-signal error. C160649 ecu software error. Can line inspection found incorrect can-signal from multifunction camera.

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).

See all problems of the 2023 Kia Motor Sorento 🔎.

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. ".

Days prior to routine scheduled maintenance, several warning lights came on. There was a display of front collision warning. Service department could not replicate the warning lights. Days later, the warning and lights came on more frequently. Took car into dealership and they confirmed a problem. Service department replaced: br001 hecu 26238 c and 58910-c9600 hydraulic unit assy. As I understand this motor is the main component in having the anti-lock braking system functioning normally. The service department told me to keep the receipt, since it wasn't under warranty, in the event there was a product recall. My concern: even though there were warning lights the warning wasn't significant enough to indicate that there was a potential safety hazard with a malfunctioning brake system. I submit this in the event there are other incidents of this nature that could possibly warrant a recall.

When accelerating to pull out of driveway and enter traffic, while struggles to find correct gear causing tires to spin and loud clunking noise. Forward collision detects objects that are not there causing vehicle emergency breaking to engage.

See all problems of the 2022 Kia Motor Sorento 🔎.

Check forwarded collision was on and it has disabled my traction control and abs light was on kia had me make an appointment 3 weeks out. Was leaving for work and it was rainy I was doing 30 in a 40 and I tried stopping to slow down because there was a car in front of me stopped at a yeld so I tired to stop harder but back of car stating sliding our so I had to quickly make a move to get to the lane next to me and there is no one over there and I went over a curb and resulting in totalling my car.

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.

Forward safety system error on dashboard. Forward safety system not working.

Failures with power train around 12,000 miles. Code p1c2d03. Engine jumps gears and may require full transmission replacement. Upon research, there are at least nine other separate complaints of the same issue under 12,000 miles. Car was brought in a month earlier to have the front camera replaced due to a latent defect in the sensor causing forward assist to erroneously lock the brakes while driving. As an aerospace/automotive quality engineer, I am appalled that there isn't a major recall on this vehicle for powertrain failures under 12,000 miles. . Read more...

The forward collision warning system went off and instantly brought my vehicle to a stop in the middle of the interstate and traffic, causing me to be rear-ended. I was at least one car length if not more behind the person ahead of me.

See all problems of the 2020 Kia Motor Sorento 🔎.

Made a right turn wasn't going over 20mph wheel locked system went dead hit a parked car and my car flipped don't know why.

When vehicle is started and put in drive, you go about 5-10 feet and the forward collision avoidance assist, warning lights come on dash. Bright orange triangle with a exclamation mark,& 2 orange cars crashing symbol,& middle display says forward collision avoidance assist(fca)system disabled. Radad blocked. And the warning lights remain on. I have taken to kia east in louisville, they say my vehicle is fine, no problems. My advisor even told me that they popped off the plastic bumper and removed the radar and cleaned it. (I was told that if they did that the radar would have to be recalibrated--and it was not). When I left the dealership the warning lights came on and I took it back in and they still tell me they worked on it and its fine. Called kia consumer, they tell me to video and get it back in the shop that if its throwing codes there is no problem. I told her I don't feel comfortable trying to drive and video my dash board, but did have a passenger help with this task. Lights come on every time you start it and proceed forward. I also reported how sluggish on take off and how it does not want to speed up and almost get hit if you pullout in traffic and then how it lunges forward and the accelerates very hard. I feel this is a very unsafe vehicle and they are giving me the run around kia consumer telling me to take it to other kia dealerships for service that are miles away from me. The documentation from the dealership just says can't duplicate and no real written explanation of what was done to my vehicle. It took 3 months to get my vehicle even checked at the dealership. I even took my vehicle to a local body shop to make sure it had not been hit and it had not. Please help me get this taken care of.

While driving at highway speed the vehicle lost power and all warning lights on the dash came on. Fortunately the traffic was light and I was able to get off the highway. It was early Sunday morning but if I had been in heavy traffic or construction it could have been much worse. The vehicle died and wouldn't start again. The vehicle repeated this 3 other times. It went to three separate dealerships for repair but none could find a problem. They saw all the codes for past problems but nothing was current so couldn't be diagnosed. Twice it wouldn't start in the morning. Once it died while idling. The dealership said the solution was to wait a few hours to see if it would reset. Kia was incapable of fixing the problem or even helping with my expenses. The car was only a few weeks old.

Whenever I am stopped at a stoplight and in the close vicinity of a vehicle powered by electricity (specifically Tesla) or dual powered vehicles, the front warning lights start acting up. First going to (green) warning, then to (yellow) warning, and sometimes all the way to (red) warning. This happens even when the stopped vehicle is in the lane next to me and is parallel to me. The whole time all vehicles are stopped and waiting for the traffic to start moving. In my opinion this is very dangerous. Hopefully this is not affecting any of the other computer functions. This has been going on for at least 5 months.

I was on a straight road no cars around the collision sensor went off and slowed me down. Another time it kept slowing the passenger side wheel down as the traction control was going off it did this 2 separate times. Got down the road some and it did it 2 more times but with the driver side. Last week I pulled into my drive way and was in park when it started telling me traffic was coming from the left, like I was about to back into something, I can't remember if I had shut it off at this time due to someone had fell out of the 3rd row when her foot was caught in the seat belt trying to exit the car. I called my nearest kia dealer and was told they were so far behind and since I did not buy my vehicle from them it would be last. I asked if an accident was to happen who would be responsible and he couldn't answer me.

Multifunction front camera unit part number 95740-c6560. Warning lights come on every day. They continue to alert while driving causing issues with attention to the road. The high beams will not work unless the lights are set to on instead of auto. Vehicle was taken to a kia dealership, and they diagnosed a complete failure on the part. This part operates several of the safety functions of the vehicle. There have been several people who have had this issue.

Cut off in middle of the interstate start smoking.

See all problems of the 2015 Kia Motor Sorento 🔎.

On February 17, 2021 a vehicle pulled out in front of me on a highway causing me to slam the brakes so hard to avoid hitting the vehicle. After the vehicle proceeded across the road when I tried to continue forward my Sorento had very little power no matter how much I tried to give the vehicle gas. As I drove Sorento home it had very little power. I could barley get vehicle to go the 5 plus miles to my house traveling at least than 25 miles per hour. Possibly less than that and as I tried to drive up the hill to my house I barely got there. The vehicle did not have power to go up hill. Afterwards the vehicle would not start and stay on. . I had it towed to kia dealership where is has been for a week.

See all problems of the 2017 Kia Motor Sorento 🔎.

The contact owns a 2021 kia Sorento. The contact stated that upon parking his vehicle in a parking lot, the forward collision avoidance warning activated without another vehicle being in the vicinity. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that the forward collision avoidance sensor had detached from the front driver's side bumper and rested on the bumper by the connecting wires. The contact then took the vehicle to courtesy kia of brandon (9205 e adamo dr, tampa, FL 33619) where they confirmed the failure and informed him that a new bumper had to be ordered to fix the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and was unable to provide any assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 500.