2017 Kia Sorento Problems & Owner Complaints

Engine 381 2 crash 17 fire 3 injury

“I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT ON A CITY STREET AND STRUCK HEAD ON BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DAMAGE IS SHOWN BELOW IN THE UPLOADED IMAGE. MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.”
NHTSA complaint #11243358, 2019 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“On May 18,2021 my Kia Sorento SXL AWD V6 caught on fire for unknown reason. I was driving with windows open sunroof open and cruise set. Not a single warning light or any weird sounds at all. A car pulled up yelling at me that my car was on fire to pull over off the interstate. I saw nor smelled any smoke anywhere but then I saw a cop had someone pulled over so I figured it would be safe since I was an alone female and it was car of males yelling at me to pull over. As soon as I got out and walked to the front of the car there was still no smoke but flames and what I assumed was plastic drippi…”
NHTSA complaint #11418407, 2021 · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“Going down the interstate on 2/7/26, 56 miles from home and my Kia lost power, no lights or warning, loud bang from the engine, smoke rolling out of the back and engine is completely dead. 149,000 miles. Called several tow truck companies, and each asked make and year of vehicle, and immediately after, "Did your engine go? Kia has that problem." Me and my sister were left stranded on the side of the interstate in the extreme cold. Luckily, 2 gentleman stopped to see if we were okay because they had seen fire under the vehicle. Purchased the extended lifetime warranty and Kia will not honor it.…”
NHTSA complaint #11716788, 2026 · fire

Exterior Lighting 125 1 crash

“WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT THE HEADLIGHTS WILL TURN OFF AND ON USUALLY LAST 10 TO 15 SECONDS, DOES THIS AT ALL SPEEDS AND AND ALL ROADS. WILL CAUSE YOU TO LOOSE SIGHT OF ROAD ON NON LIT ROADS. THIS HAS HAPPENED ABOUT 10 TIMES IN THE LAST FEW MONTHS”
NHTSA complaint #11297150, 2020 · crash

“My high beams and low beams are starting to shut off randomly while driving. They are burning out weekly and having to be replaced. 1 of my tail lights is doing the same exact thing. I replace it. It works for a couple weeks and then goes out. When the headlights shut off my dash shows that i am trying to turn my headlights from auto to another setting, which is not the case. It has happened at night multiple times and that poses a danger because i cant see the road and people cant see my car. I have not had it looked at yet. I do see multiple complaints online for multiple different kia mode…”
NHTSA complaint #11754259, 2026

“The car gets stuck and will not shift out of park. I've had to use the manual override. And when the ambulance came to my house, I could not move my car out of the way fast enough and this delayed emergency response team. I thought it was a one time fluke, but it started happening again this week (4/1/26) Every time I use the car. This cannot be safe.”
NHTSA complaint #11729485, 2026

Unknown Or Other 102 1 crash 11 fire 1 injury

“On May 18,2021 my Kia Sorento SXL AWD V6 caught on fire for unknown reason. I was driving with windows open sunroof open and cruise set. Not a single warning light or any weird sounds at all. A car pulled up yelling at me that my car was on fire to pull over off the interstate. I saw nor smelled any smoke anywhere but then I saw a cop had someone pulled over so I figured it would be safe since I was an alone female and it was car of males yelling at me to pull over. As soon as I got out and walked to the front of the car there was still no smoke but flames and what I assumed was plastic drippi…”
NHTSA complaint #11418407, 2021 · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“On [XXX] at [XXX] my vehicle caught fire while it was driving on [XXX] in New Jersey. The vehicle had approximately 120,000 miles at the time. The fire appeared to start under the vehicle on the driver side. Prior to the fire, there was no issues or lights on the dash and nothing appeared while driving. The fire resulted in my whole car being totaled and towed away to a yard. I am concerned this fire may have been caused by a mechanical or electrical defect and poses a serious safety risk. I am requesting that this incident be reviewed and investigated for potential safety defects or recall.…”
NHTSA complaint #11721696, 2026 · fire

“I am unsure what component system failed or malfunctioned. The car is in the toe place. It's a total loss burned from front to back my safety was put at risk by no indication of any lights coming on my dashboard. By the time I stopped the whole front into my car was on fire. It burned from from 2 back within 8 minutes. It has not been inspected by insurance. The police were there when the fire was put out along with the fire department. There were no warning lights or lamps of any indication of a problem. I was driving down the road and I seemed small but I had no lights on my dashboard. Ind…”
NHTSA complaint #11661880, 2025 · fire

Steering 95

“My 2017 Sorento has sticky/notchy steering. When trying to move the steering wheel, it initially sticks and requires extra force to get it to provide a steering input. Once it gets past the initial resistance, it jerks the car in the direction you are trying to go which required compensation in the other direction. Upon correction, it jerks the car in the opposite direction causing a continual need to correct the steering wheel to keep the car straight and causing the car to not be able to maintain perfectly straight travel. On large sweeping corners, this problem is even more pronounced and…”
NHTSA complaint #11753754, 2026

“My airbag light is on after picking it up from a KIA dealership service and they are refusing to correct the issue that was caused by the dealership. I escalated the issue to KIA America and filled a formal case#25916418 on 2/26/2026. On 3/4/206 Tori at Kia Customer service informed me that it will not be covered because the dealership claims its a pre-existing issue. The dealership has failed to provide proof that that is true. Attached are: -The dealership’s diagnostic report -All text communications with the service advisor -Also have Video documentation of misaligned steering wheel I was…”
NHTSA complaint #11722010, 2026

“My name is [XXX] I am a [XXX] widow, and I am also a 100% Disabled (Combat Wounded, Purple Heart receipient) Marine Corps veteran. I purchased my 2017 Kia Sorento brand new from Lion County Kia in State College Pennsylvania. After a couple of years, I noticed while driving on several random trips, that my Kia's steering felt like it had stopped working, and I had to fight to keep my Kia centered in my lane. I took it to Lion County Kia, and complained about this issue, while my Kia was still under warranty. The Lion Country Kia Service Tech. claimed that they could not find the issue wi…”
NHTSA complaint #11710103, 2025

Electrical System 93 5 fire

“The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while seated inside the vehicle with three other occupants and the engine turned off, there was black smoke quickly coming from underneath the hood. The contact and the passengers exited the vehicle. The contact stated that a fire had started in the engine bay on the passenger’s side of the vehicle and another vehicle was damaged in the fire. The fire was extinguished by the Fire Department. The contact stated that a Police report was filed. The contact believed that the vehicle was destroyed, but the insurance company had not yet de…”
NHTSA complaint #11753979, 2026 · fire

“I am unsure what component system failed or malfunctioned. The car is in the toe place. It's a total loss burned from front to back my safety was put at risk by no indication of any lights coming on my dashboard. By the time I stopped the whole front into my car was on fire. It burned from from 2 back within 8 minutes. It has not been inspected by insurance. The police were there when the fire was put out along with the fire department. There were no warning lights or lamps of any indication of a problem. I was driving down the road and I seemed small but I had no lights on my dashboard. Ind…”
NHTSA complaint #11661880, 2025 · fire

“I WAS LEAVING MY COUSINS APARTMENT COMPLEX WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED. I ATTEMPTED TO TRY TO START THE VEHICLE AGAIN BUT IT WOULD NOT TURN OVER. ALL THE LIGHTS IN THE VEHICLE WERE ON AND THE RADIO WAS STILL PLAYING SO IT DID NOT APPEAR TO BE THE BATTERY. I ATTEMPTED TO TRY AND START THE VEHICLE AGAIN AND NOTICED GRAY SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I THEN BEGAN TO SMELL SOMETHING BURNING, SO I EXITED THE VEHICLE AND POPPED THE HOOD. I THEN NOTICED A FIRE COMING FROM THE ENGINE BEHIND THE AIR FILTER COMPONET. ABOUT 10 SECONDS LATER I HEARD A POP AND TOOK OFF RUNNING TO A SAFER LOCATION AND CALL…”
NHTSA complaint #11446409, 2022 · fire

Fuel/Propulsion System 39 2 fire 1 injury

“On May 18,2021 my Kia Sorento SXL AWD V6 caught on fire for unknown reason. I was driving with windows open sunroof open and cruise set. Not a single warning light or any weird sounds at all. A car pulled up yelling at me that my car was on fire to pull over off the interstate. I saw nor smelled any smoke anywhere but then I saw a cop had someone pulled over so I figured it would be safe since I was an alone female and it was car of males yelling at me to pull over. As soon as I got out and walked to the front of the car there was still no smoke but flames and what I assumed was plastic drippi…”
NHTSA complaint #11418407, 2021 · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“I WAS LEAVING MY COUSINS APARTMENT COMPLEX WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED. I ATTEMPTED TO TRY TO START THE VEHICLE AGAIN BUT IT WOULD NOT TURN OVER. ALL THE LIGHTS IN THE VEHICLE WERE ON AND THE RADIO WAS STILL PLAYING SO IT DID NOT APPEAR TO BE THE BATTERY. I ATTEMPTED TO TRY AND START THE VEHICLE AGAIN AND NOTICED GRAY SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I THEN BEGAN TO SMELL SOMETHING BURNING, SO I EXITED THE VEHICLE AND POPPED THE HOOD. I THEN NOTICED A FIRE COMING FROM THE ENGINE BEHIND THE AIR FILTER COMPONET. ABOUT 10 SECONDS LATER I HEARD A POP AND TOOK OFF RUNNING TO A SAFER LOCATION AND CALL…”
NHTSA complaint #11446409, 2022 · fire

“Fuel injectors become unseated randomly causing gas to be sprayed inside engine compartment. Issue can be seen upon request. This issue could cause a fire/explosion as fuel sprays out. The issue was repaired once by an Independent shop, then the issue reoccurred and has now reoccurred again. The issue fails randomly and fully with the symptom being the vehicle not wanting to start.”
NHTSA complaint #11754172, 2026

Power Train 37 1 crash 1 fire 1 injury

“VEHICLE WAS PARKED, AND RUNNING, ON SLOPED DRIVEWAY. MY WIFE, WHO HAD EXITED THE CAR, RETURNED TO TURN THE CAR OFF. SHE OPENED THE DOOR AND TURNED THE CAR OFF. THE CAR THEN BEGAN ROLLING DOWN THE DRIVEWAY. THE CAR DOOR WAS STILL OPEN AND MY WIFE ENDED UP RUNNING BACKWARDS WITH THE CAR, WHICH WENT INTO A STREET AND HIT A CURB. THE DOOR HIT MY MY WIFE IN THE HEAD CAUSING HER TO FALL. SHE SUSTAINED ROAD RASH ABRASIONS ON HER HIP AND SHOULDER. SHE HAS NO RECOLLECTION OF THE INCIDENT. SHE SPENT A NIGHT IN THE HOSPITAL AND HAD TO UNDERGO A CT SCAN, BRAIN MRI, EEG AND HIP XRAY. ALL THOSE TURNED OU…”
NHTSA complaint #11056570, 2017 · 1 injury(ies)

“AFTER 650 MILES: MERGING ONTO A HIGHWAY: ENGINE RATTLED. ENGINE DIED. WE COASTED TO THE SHOULDER. WE STOPPED. I PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK. SMOKE WAS COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. LOOKING UNDERNEATH, WE SAW THE CAR WAS ON FIRE. INITIALLY THE FIRE WAS UNDER THE ENGINE. WE GOT AWAY FROM THE CAR AND CALLED 911. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND PUT IT OUT. BY THIS POINT IT BURNED THE FRONT 2/3 OF THE CAR. THE CAR GOT TOWED TO AN AUTOMOTIVE TOWING PLACE.”
NHTSA complaint #11003183, 2017 · fire

“THIS KIA SORENTO MAKES A VERY HIGH OVER-REVVING NOISE WHILE DRIVING UP THE STREET. THE KIA OFTEN SEEMS TO TRY TO FIND THE GEAR IT NEEDS TO BE IN WHILE DRIVING AND MAKES A LOUD ENGINE NOISE WHEN GOING UP HILL OR DRIVING MORE THAN 20 MPH. THIS KIA ALSO MAKES A INTERNAL CLICKING NOISE WHEN MAKING RIGHT TURNS, WHICH IS OFTEN WORSE WHEN TURNING ON AN INCLINE. THE ENGINE HAS A LOUD RATTLE NOISE WHEN STARTED AND THE CAR IS OFTEN HARD TO START, MEANING WHEN I TURN THE IGNITION KEY, THE CAR MAY START 50 PERCENT OF THE TIME ON THE FIRST START.”
NHTSA complaint #11034181, 2017 · crash

Engine And Engine Cooling 25 3 fire

“The contact owned a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed an abnormal fuel odor, and there was white smoke coming from underneath the hood. The contact was able to safely pull into a driveway, and the contact noticed flames coming out of the hood. The contact stated that the fire caused property damage to the driveway, including debris and burn marks. The entire vehicle was engulfed in fire and deemed destroyed. The fire department extinguished the fire. A fire department incident report was filed. The police arrived at the sce…”
NHTSA complaint #11742388, 2026 · fire

“The contact owned a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate as needed. No warning light was illuminated. The contact's husband noticed a cloud of smoke in the rearview mirror, but the contact stated that the smoke was coming from the engine compartment. The contact's husband pulled over, and she, her husband, and daughter all exited the vehicle safely. Before the vehicle was engulfed in flames, the contact checked underneath the hood and discovered a piece of plastic on fire. The contact dialed 911, an…”
NHTSA complaint #11729428, 2026 · fire

“The contact owned a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 35-45 MPH on the highway that suddenly there was smoke and flames coming from underneath the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The fire department came to extinguish the fire. The police department was present and filed a report. There were no injuries. There were no other vehicles involved. The vehicle was towed and the vehicle was deemed a total loss. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000”
NHTSA complaint #11464260, 2022 · fire

Service Brakes 23 3 crash 2 injury

“MY DAD 74 YEARS OLD HAD AN ACCIDENT LAST MONTH WHILE HE WAS DRIVING THIS CAR ON I90 HIGHWAY.HE TOLD ME THAT A CAR HIT FROM BEHIND OF HIM WHILE HE WAS SLOWING DOWN DUE TO TRAFFIC AND HIS FOOT WAS ON BREAK PEDAL TO SLOW DOWN. WHEN HE GOT HIT FROM BEHIND, HE PUSHED BREAK HARD SO HE WOULDN'T HIT A CAR IN FROM OF HIM BUT BREAK PEDAL AND GAS PEDAL PUSHED TOGETHER AND HE COULD NOT STOP ON TIME AND HIT A CAR IN FRONT OF HIM. I HAVE CONFIRMED LATER WITH KIA DEALER IF THE LOCATION OF BREAK PEDAL AND GAS PEDAL LOCATION WAS CORRECT AND THEY TOLD ME IT CAN NOT BE ADJUST SO IT CAN PREVENT THOSE TWO PEDALS P…”
NHTSA complaint #11316628, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“ON MAY 9, 2018 I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE WHEN FOR NO REASON AT ALL THE AEB SYSTEM ALARM SOUNDED AND LOCKED UP ALL 4 WHEELS. THE ROADS WERE WET AND IT WAS RAINING LIGHTLY. I WAS TRAVELING APROX 40MPH AND WAS NOT BRAKING AT THE TIME. WHEN THIS HAPPENED I COULD NOT GET THEM TO RELEASE. I TRIED ACCELERATING WHICH ONLY REVVED THE ENGINE. I ALSO TRIED TAPPING THE BRAKES WHICH DID NOTHING. THIS RESULTED IN SOMEONE REAR ENDING ME. WHEN THE VEHICLE REAR ENDED ME THAT IS WHEN THE BRAKES RELEASED.I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED IT FROM. SINCE THEN THE DEALERSHIP HAS INSPECTED I…”
NHTSA complaint #11101439, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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 .”
NHTSA complaint #11666860, 2025 · crash

Vehicle Speed Control 21 1 crash

“THE VEHICLE DID NOT FUNCTION WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AT 60 MPH. THE ENGINE RPM'S DROPPPED FROM 4,000 TO 1,000 AND THE ACCELERATOR AND TRANSMISSION WAS NOT RESPONDING. THE VEHICLE TOOK MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS TO BE OPERATED NORMALLY. THE DEALER COULD NOT REPLICATE THE CONDITION UPON A TEST DRIVE BY THEIR TECNICIAN. THIS FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. NOTE: ACCORDING TO THE NHTSA, THIS IS THE EXACT SAME THING THAT HAS HAPPENED AND BEEN REPORTED BY OWNERS OF KIA OPTIMAS. THE DEALER ORDERED A HOSE ASSEMBLY AIR INTAKE PART TO BE INSTALLED UPON ARRIVAL UNDER SA303 PROCEDURE BUT DE…”
NHTSA complaint #11080096, 2018 · crash

“I am reporting a serious engine defect in my 2017 Kia Sorento. The has failed and presents an ongoing safety concern. The issue is while driving on the interstate, the vehicle began shaking violently, started making a knocking noise and the check engine illuminated. The RPMs also began spiking so I slowed down and got off at the next exit. Now every time I start the vehicle it continues to shake, knock and cannot accelerate properly -- the RPMs climb as high as 5000 with very little power. This is a clear safety hazard and makes the vehicle unsafe to operate on public roads.”
NHTSA complaint #11701210, 2025

“This is the third time I’m having to take my SUV to the Kia dealership because my check engine light begins flashing and then my car has a hard time accelerating when it gets to certain speeds. It shakes but will not go over 68 mph although it is covered under a warranty, it is very frustrating. Having to keep take my car to get fixed. There should be a more permanent solution.”
NHTSA complaint #11650975, 2025

Structure 17 2 crash 1 fire 4 injury

“I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT ON A CITY STREET AND STRUCK HEAD ON BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DAMAGE IS SHOWN BELOW IN THE UPLOADED IMAGE. MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.”
NHTSA complaint #11243358, 2019 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“I was t boned while driving aprox 25 30 non of my air bags deployed and to bolts holding the door had the head shear off while bolts were still stuck in door frame”
NHTSA complaint #11568787, 2024 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“AUTOMATIC REAR LIFTGATE CLOSED ON MY HAND AND DID NOT RELEASE. SENSORS DID NOT ACTIVATE. CAR WAS PARKED ON A DESERTED RESIDENTIAL STREET, ENGINE WAS NOT RUNNING.I COULD NOT REACH HATCH TO OPEN THE DOOR. FORTUNATELY, I HAD SOMEONE WITH ME. I HAD TO SEEK MEDICAL SERVICES AND PHYSICAL THERAPY. HAND INJURY WILL RESULT IN LIFELONG DISCOMFORT. KIA WAS NOTIFIED AS WAS MY AUTO INSURANCE COMPANY. I WAS ADVISED TO GET A SAFETY CHECK AT THE DEALERSHIP, BUT BECAUSE OF THE PANDEMIC I AM ISOLATING AND AVOIDING EXPOSURES.”
NHTSA complaint #11403353, 2020 · 1 injury(ies)

Air Bags 12 5 crash 9 injury

“The contact owned a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 20 MPH, another vehicle t-boned into the driver’s side between the front and rear drivers' side doors. The contact mentioned that the other driver failed to stop at the red light which caused the collision. The air bags in the vehicle failed to deploy correctly. The contact sustained knee, back, and shoulder injuries. The contact's wife sustained a concussion and the daughter sustained bruises on the shoulders caused by the seat belt. Medical attention was required. The vehicle was towed and deemed des…”
NHTSA complaint #11591073, 2024 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“The contact owned a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving into an intersection at a speed of approximately 10 MPH a second vehicle crashed into the front end of the vehicle. During the crash, the front was severely damaged and the vehicle was destroyed but no air bags were deployed. The contact sustained a head injury and was examined at the local hospital. The driver of the second vehicle also sustained an undisclosed injury. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. The cause of the failure was not determined. the local dealer and manufacturer w…”
NHTSA complaint #11534087, 2023 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT ON A CITY STREET AND STRUCK HEAD ON BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DAMAGE IS SHOWN BELOW IN THE UPLOADED IMAGE. MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.”
NHTSA complaint #11243358, 2019 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

Forward Collision Avoidance 10

“adaptive cruise control warning lites. In the beginning it started sending warnings after it was on for a while. Now the warning is when I start the car. this has been fixed once under warranty but it is no longer working again. the warning lites for the aeb system is also on. Also I have pearl white sorento and the paint is peeling off the hood.”
NHTSA complaint #11731829, 2026

“1. The Snow White Paint is lifting and peeling in all areas of the vehicle. 2. The engine, despite proper care and maintenance, is seizing occasionally upon starting the vehicle. 3. Auto Braking System and Lane Departure turns off at random”
NHTSA complaint #11708907, 2025

“I am reporting a serious engine defect in my 2017 Kia Sorento. The has failed and presents an ongoing safety concern. The issue is while driving on the interstate, the vehicle began shaking violently, started making a knocking noise and the check engine illuminated. The RPMs also began spiking so I slowed down and got off at the next exit. Now every time I start the vehicle it continues to shake, knock and cannot accelerate properly -- the RPMs climb as high as 5000 with very little power. This is a clear safety hazard and makes the vehicle unsafe to operate on public roads.”
NHTSA complaint #11701210, 2025

Fuel System 10 2 fire

“The contact owned a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed an abnormal fuel odor, and there was white smoke coming from underneath the hood. The contact was able to safely pull into a driveway, and the contact noticed flames coming out of the hood. The contact stated that the fire caused property damage to the driveway, including debris and burn marks. The entire vehicle was engulfed in fire and deemed destroyed. The fire department extinguished the fire. A fire department incident report was filed. The police arrived at the sce…”
NHTSA complaint #11742388, 2026 · fire

“2017 KIA SORENTO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS MASSIVE FUEL LEAK ENGINE FIRE. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE LEAKED TWO GALLONS OF FUEL ONTO THE ENGINE COVER. THE VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED ALONG WITH SOME PERSONAL ITEMS. *JS”
NHTSA complaint #11361814, 2020 · fire

“The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at an independent mechanic for a scheduled oil change, the contact was informed that the fuel pump was leaking on top of the fuel tank, and the fuel tank was leaking from the bottom. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact was informed that the fuel tank and the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11701495, 2025

Seat Belts 7 1 injury

“LR SEAT BELT BAYONET FAILED TO RETURN TO FLAT, WHEN PASSENGER ENTERED CAR, DURING TURNING AND TWISTING GETTING IN, HEAD STRUCK BAYONET CAUSING CONCUSSION.”
NHTSA complaint #11039263, 2017 · 1 injury(ies)

“Werner KIA sold pre-owned vehicle with driver side seatbelt defect, very loose. It was acknowledged by dealer, on paperwork, stated they repaired/replaced it, only to see it was NOT repaired/replaced due to cost. To date, seatbelt still loose, may not work in crash situation. Werner KIA 2755 W. Tennessee St. Tall, FL.”
NHTSA complaint #11582222, 2022

“Passenger seat belt not on warning no longer works when car is running or not running. Passenger can forget to put on seatbelt and no reminder chime. Problem is continuous. No warning lamps. Has been inspected but not repaired. Headlights come on and go off intermittently. Headlights come on when vehicle is off and not running Draining the battery down. Hard to duplicate. Has not been duplicated or repaired as it's intermittent without warning.”
NHTSA complaint #11471982, 2022

Trailer Hitches 5

“The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V703000 (Trailer Hitches) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the rear taillights failed to operate as designed. The failure mileage was 117,000. Parts distribution disconnect.”
NHTSA complaint #11518250, 2023

“2017 KIA SORENTO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO NHTSA SAFETY RECALL 22V-703. THE CONSUMER REQUESTING TO KNOW WHEN WILL KIA PROVIDE A REMEDY FOR THE RECALL ISSUE.”
NHTSA complaint #11503324, 2023

“The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V703000 (Trailer Hitches) 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 local dealer was notified of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”
NHTSA complaint #11514491, 2022

Visibility 5

“The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, there was a loud booming sound coming from the vehicle. After stopping to inspect the vehicle, it was discovered that the front panel glass sunroof had shattered inward. The contact stated that there was no impact with the vehicle to cause the failure. The vehicle was later repaired at the local auto body repair shop. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 41,000. The VIN was not available.”
NHTSA complaint #11702478, 2025

“The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while the vehicle was started and running, the air conditioner failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that the front passenger’s seat was moldy, and the sunroof had seized. Additionally, the sunroof headliner fell while changing lanes. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed; however, the result was not provided. The windshield washer, the sunroof assembly, the reservoir pump, and the front axle seal assembly were replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notifi…”
NHTSA complaint #11691079, 2025

“The front half of the panoramic sunroof “exploded” while driving on freeway. Partly cloudy cool day nothing to cause a big circle of glass to blow up. We had the inner lining closed at the time so the shattered glass did not hit us. No warning whatsoever. Did call ins. co. but did not file a report as nobody injured and unknown cause.I do have 2 pictures of it.”
NHTSA complaint #11505809, 2023

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 4

“1 WEEK AFTER PURCHASING MY 2017 KIA SORENTO FE AWD FROM ROCHESTER TOM KADLEC KIA IN AUGUST 2019, I WENT TO USE MY CRUISE CONTROL AND IT WOULDN'T SET. "CRUISE" CAME ON, BUT COULD NOT BE SET TO MY SPEED. ISSUE HAPPENED AROUND 1-2 TIMES A WEEK ON 45 MILE COMMUTE ON HIGHWAY. LATER ON ABOUT A MONTH LATER, I SET MY CRUISE CONTROL AND ONCE SET, THE SPEED BEGAN TO CLIMB. STARTING AT 65, AND GOING UP TO 70 BEFORE I HAD TO USE MY BRAKES TO TURN CRUISE CONTROL OFF AS THE BUTTONS DIDN'T WORK. ON DEC 16TH, MY CAR SHOWED A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT THEN STALLED AFTER PUTTING IT INTO DRIVE FROM REVERSE. I TURNED…”
NHTSA complaint #11291425, 2019

“ON 3/24/2019, OUR 2017 KIA SORRENTO WITH 30K MILES ON COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN ON THE FREEWAY. ALL LIGHTS WENT ON AND OFF, THE CAR SHOOK FROM SIDE TO SIDE AND THE CAR SHUT DOWN WE LOST STEERING AND POWER BRAKES WHILE WE WERE GOING 70MPH ON THE FREEWAY. LUCKILY WE WERE ABLE TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY. THIS HAPPENED 2 MORE TIMES AND THEN WE HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE. THIS COULD HAVE EASILY CAUSED A LIFE THREATENING CAR ACCIDENT AND WE NO LONGER FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS KIA. NOW THE SERVICE DEALER IS NOT ABLE TO REPLICATE THIS INCIDENT WHICH HAS HAPPENED TO OTHERS WE ARE READ…”
NHTSA complaint #11191588, 2019

“I WAS DRIVING MY CAR GOING 50MPH OR 60MPH AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR SLOWED DOWN WHILE I HAD MY FEET ON THE GAS PEDAL ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOOR CAUSING ME TO HAVE TO PULL OVER IMMEDIATELY WHEN IN TRAFFIC. I CUT THE CAR OFF AND LET IT SIT FOR A COUPLE OF MINS AND WHEN I CUT IT BACK ON IT SOUNDED LIKE THE CAR WAS IDILED TO HIGH. I TRIED TO DRIVER AGAIN ONLY FOR THE CAR TO JERK AND SEEMED LIKE IT WAS DRIVING ITSELF ONLY TO SLOW DOWN AGAIN TO ONLY 10MPH WITH MY FEET ALL THE WAY DOWN ON THE GAS PEDAL.”
NHTSA complaint #11156992, 2018

Visibility/Wiper 4

“Panoramic sunroof sunshade has detached on one side and is hanging down, affecting visibility.”
NHTSA complaint #11697787, 2025

“2nd rear section (non-movable portion) of Panoramic glass shattered while driving. No road debris is possible due to roof rack being on car which would prevent road debris or falling material. It simply shattered like temperature differential shatter.”
NHTSA complaint #11496238, 2022

“While driving with the headlights in the "Auto" position, when a turn blinker is used the headlights will randomly turn off for about 10-15 seconds. Not much of an issue during the daytime but certainly a major safety concern at night. This problem can be replicated during the daytime by watch the dash lights switch from "Auto" to "Off" on the driver's dash. Moving the switch from the Auto to On has no effect on the lights. This problem occurs about 30% of the time when using the turn signal.”
NHTSA complaint #11422794, 2021

Seats 3 1 injury

“THE FRONT SEAT HEAD RESTS PUSH THE HEAD WAY TOO FAR FORWARD AND ACTUALLY HURT MY NECK/SHOULDERS WHEN DRIVING. MANUAL SAYS SOME MODELS HAVE FORE-AFT ADJUSTABLE HEADREST. UNFORTUNATELY MINE DO NOT, AS I FOUND OUT WELL AFTER I PURCHASED THE SUV. DID SEE SAME ITEM IN ONLINE DISCUSSIONS. MY FIX AS SUGGESTED IN ONLINE FORUM, WAS TO TURN THE HEADREST AROUND BACKWARDS. AT LEAST THAT PREVENTED FROM THE EXTREME HEAD FORWARD POSITION, BUT ALSO HAD TO STRAP AN ADDITIONAL CUSHION SO THAT IT WAS NOT TOO FAR BACK, AS WHEN YOU TURN BACKWARDS IT GOES EXTREMELY FAR BACK. THIS IS A KNOWN ONLINE ISSUE AND KIA SHO…”
NHTSA complaint #11230405, 2017 · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while the vehicle was started and running, the air conditioner failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that the front passenger’s seat was moldy, and the sunroof had seized. Additionally, the sunroof headliner fell while changing lanes. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed; however, the result was not provided. The windshield washer, the sunroof assembly, the reservoir pump, and the front axle seal assembly were replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notifi…”
NHTSA complaint #11691079, 2025

“WHEN YOUR IN THE PASSER SEAT AND THE SEATBELT NOT HOOK UP IT DOESN'T ALARM TO LET YOU KNOW YOUR SEATBELT NOT FASTEN. ALL THERE OTHER VEHICLES DO.”
NHTSA complaint #10969106, 2017

Firerelated 2 2 fire

“The contact owned a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate as needed. No warning light was illuminated. The contact's husband noticed a cloud of smoke in the rearview mirror, but the contact stated that the smoke was coming from the engine compartment. The contact's husband pulled over, and she, her husband, and daughter all exited the vehicle safely. Before the vehicle was engulfed in flames, the contact checked underneath the hood and discovered a piece of plastic on fire. The contact dialed 911, an…”
NHTSA complaint #11729428, 2026 · fire

“On 12/31/23 my vehicle caught on fire while in my driveway and ignition was off. The fire started in the rear/at the hatch. Fire Department was called and extinguished. Arson investigator was called to the scene and found no fowl play. I did receive multiple recall letters for the tow hitch, which could catch fire due to corossion/electrical issues, but was told by a local dealership that I brought the vehicle to, my vehicle was not involved. Based on events, I disagree.”
NHTSA complaint #11565771, 2023 · fire

Suspension 2 1 crash

“THIS KIA SORENTO MAKES A VERY HIGH OVER-REVVING NOISE WHILE DRIVING UP THE STREET. THE KIA OFTEN SEEMS TO TRY TO FIND THE GEAR IT NEEDS TO BE IN WHILE DRIVING AND MAKES A LOUD ENGINE NOISE WHEN GOING UP HILL OR DRIVING MORE THAN 20 MPH. THIS KIA ALSO MAKES A INTERNAL CLICKING NOISE WHEN MAKING RIGHT TURNS, WHICH IS OFTEN WORSE WHEN TURNING ON AN INCLINE. THE ENGINE HAS A LOUD RATTLE NOISE WHEN STARTED AND THE CAR IS OFTEN HARD TO START, MEANING WHEN I TURN THE IGNITION KEY, THE CAR MAY START 50 PERCENT OF THE TIME ON THE FIRST START.”
NHTSA complaint #11034181, 2017 · crash

“I purchased 2017 Kia Sorento in 2020. I have to put 2 quarts of oil in it once a week. I noticed it around 2022. I get the oil changed on the regular. The engine is starting to rattle, and my oil light does not indicate when the oil is low. So, I have to check it constantly. The under-carriage rattles excessively. I've taken the suv to dealership and they are telling me that they cannot find anything wrong with it. I am at a loss. Plus, I am still paying a note on the suv.”
NHTSA complaint #11581073, 2022

Interior Lighting 1

“The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the interior lights and headlights turned off and turned back on without driver's input. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 104,082.”
NHTSA complaint #11610792, 2024

Lane Departure 1

“Automatic Emergency Braking Passenger Side Air Bag Smart Cruise Control System Backup Camera Forward Collision Warning Lane Departure Warning System Head lights blinked on occasion and others all stopped working at the same time which makes the vehicle unsafe to drive. Took it into the dealer and they replaced the SOP Module due to code B10055, ACU communication error tested and found module not communicating with vehicle. To replace this part it costs me 925.50 After replacing this part they ran another coding and found that the ODS mat has internal short causing failure of variant codi…”
NHTSA complaint #11567426, 2024

Tires 1

Wheels 1